Senior College Info Night

Mills High School Counseling Department

October 1st, 2020 Interpretation Available

➢ Welcome, Vikings & Families! Tonight’s presentation will be interpreted in Spanish and Cantonese. ➢ ¡Bienvenidos, Vikingos/as y familias! La presentación de esta noche se interpretará en español y cantonés. ➢ 歡迎,維京人同家庭! 今晚嘅演講將用西班牙語同粵 語進行解讀。

Select “Interpretation” icon at the bottom of your screen. Webinar Housekeeping

➢ Welcome Vikings & Families! This presentation is being recorded and will be posted to our Mills College & Career Counseling website ➢ Have questions? Click on Q&A on the toolbar at the bottom of your screen.

➢ All attendees are muted Counseling Department

Rachel Mack (A-FR) Lisa Laux (FUN–LEE) Kalani Vasquez (LEI-NG) Vicky Reyes (sub for Alex Stillman) (NGO-Z)

Jose Gomez - Assistant Principal Sandy Murtagh - College & Career Advisor Nina Woolsey - Career Coordinator Mary O’Reilly - Counseling Intern Poll #1

I am most interested in learning about...

Tonight’s Agenda

○ College Application Overview

○ SAT/ACT Updates

○ Private College Applications

○ Naviance Overview

○ Paying for College ○ Kahoot! game

○ Resources For Students at Mills

○ Parents’ Role in the College Process College Application Overview Poll #2

How comfortable do you feel with the college application process? (Select all that apply) Building a Realistic College List

○ Apply Broadly ● 3 Reach – 3 Target – 3 Likely

○ Do NOT apply to only Reach Schools ● 8 Reach – 2 Target – 0 Likely

○ Don’t rule out any colleges based on cost yet! (Wait to see how much Financial Aid they offer you). Comparison of College Application Requirements (Fall 2020 only)

Online FAFSA ACT or SAT Personal Rec Official Application Financial scores Statements Letters Transcript Aid

Community Colleges X X

Will not CSU’s X X use

Test-optional UC’s X X or X Test-blind**

Private X X Most test- X X X Colleges optional

* Requirements vary for out-of-state public colleges. ** UC Berkeley, UC Irvine & UC Santa Cruz will be test-blind. Other UC’s are to be determined pending ongoing lawsuit. Application Filing Periods

➢ CSU Application Period ○ October 1st – December 4th ○ calstate.edu/apply

➢ UC Application Filing Period ○ November 1st – November 30th ○ admission.universityofcalifornia.edu

➢ Private College Application Period ○ November – February ○ commonapp.org

➢ Community College Application Period ○ Priority Enrollment: February - March ○ www.cccapply.org/

Recommended College Application Timeline

SEPTEMBER ❏ Finalize college list ❏ Work on college application essays ❏ Request letter of recommendation* ❏ Complete letter of recommendation survey* OCTOBER ❏ Submit FAFSA/Cal Dream ACT financial aid application ❏ Request Official transcripts* ❏ Refine College applications ❏ Continue to monitor deadlines NOVEMBER ❏ Submit CSS Profile Financial Aid application* DECEMBER ❏ Last chance to take the ACT/SAT?

* Items with asterisks required by private colleges only. Deadlines for early applications may be sooner. CSU Updates

◻ CSU’s will not use ACT/SAT scores to determine eligibility ◻ Students with a 2.50 GPA or higher in 10th & 11th grade A-G courses will automatically meet the minimum eligibility requirements for admission ◻ Mills students with a 2.50 or higher GPA will likely be admitted to SF State, Cal State East Bay, and other CSU’s that admit students who meet minimum criteria CSU Updates

◻ Students with between a 2.00 to 2.49 GPA may be evaluated on supplemental factors such as: ◻ The number of courses exceeding the minimum A-G requirements ◻ Household income ◻ Extracurricular activities ◻ Each CSU campus will communicate their unique criteria - Visit the Cal State Apply Website for details Student Athletes

Students interested in playing collegiate sports must: 1. Complete registration at www.eligibilitycenter.org 2. Send ACT/SAT test scores to NCAA Eligibility Center (Code 9999) 3. Send official transcripts to NCAA Eligibility Center

Let your counselor know if you plan to play college sports! SAT & ACT Updates SAT & ACT

➢ Most seniors do not need to take the SAT or ACT ➢ This fall, most colleges have made the SAT/ACT optional, or they are test-blind (will

not even consider) ○ The California State University System (CSU): Will not consider SAT/ACT scores ○ The University of California (UC): Due to a recent lawsuit, UC’s will most likely be “test blind” this fall, meaning they cannot consider the SAT or ACT for admissions nor scholarships What's the difference between test-optional and test-blind??

Test-Optional Test-Blind “Test optional” means If a university is that students can test-blind, they do choose whether or not not factor test to submit SAT, ACT, scores into and other test scores admissions decisions for consideration. even if students submit scores. A Note About Comprehensive Review

➢ Historically, colleges have always relied upon multiple factors to determine admission, with test scores just being one aspect ➢ Most colleges have reassured students that the absence of test scores should NOT harm their application ➢ For example, the UC’s have long used a “holistic review” process that incorporates 14 factors SAT & ACT

“So should students try to take the SAT?” ➢ If a student is applying to private or out-of-state public colleges, check the college’s freshman admissions website for their latest SAT/ACT policy ➢ We recommend ONLY signing up if: a) You’re applying to target/reach colleges that will accept your scores, and b) Your scores would likely boost your application ACT & SAT – Sending Scores

“I’ve taken (or plan to take) the SAT/ACT. Should I send my scores?”

○ Test-blind colleges (such as CSU’s): Do not send scores ○ Test-optional colleges: Send if it could strengthen your application ○ Test-required colleges: Order score reports by the application deadline (through College Board or ACT Student website) Poll #3

My student has done their research on whether or not they need to submit their ACT/SAT scores: Private College Applications

Private College Application Process

Private colleges require: ▸ Common App online application ▸ ACT/SAT score reports (if required) ▸ Personal statement ▸ Supplemental essays ▸ Letter(s) of Recommendation ▸ Official transcripts sent from school (both initial and mid-year) Types of Admissions Deadlines

○ Rolling – Colleges make decisions about the applicant as information is received ○ Early Decision – BINDING – Students who are accepted must attend that college ○ Early Action – NON-BINDING – Students who are accepted do not have to attend ○ Regular Decision - Regular application deadline Over 700 private colleges, one application. ➢ www.commonapp.org ➢ Submit the Family Education Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA) waiver ➢ Sync Naviance account to Common App -- REQUIRED for colleges to receive necessary documents from Mills Need step-by-step instructions? PLEASE refer to the Mills “Applying to Private Colleges” document! (Mills College and Career Counseling website) Alternative Private College Applications

Coalition App ● Some colleges use the Coalition App, which is an acceptable alternative to the Common App Free “Priority” Applications ● Some colleges offer a free alternative to the Common App that allows students to apply directly to the university (e.g. Univ. of the Pacific, Univ. of Portland) ● Please use the Common Application anyway… you can still apply for free, but counselors are better able to process your paperwork through Naviance Poll #4

My student has asked their teachers and/or counselor for letters of recommendation. Letters of Recommendation

How many rec letters do students need? ○ Most private colleges require 1 to 2 teacher letters of recommendation ○ Students may request letters from a MAXIMUM of 2 teachers ○ Some colleges also require a counselor rec letter - Check each college’s admissions website ○ The UC’s & CSU’s do not accept letters of rec! Exception: A small percentage of applicants to UC Berkeley and Davis will be invited to submit 2 optional letters of recommendation. After applying, students should check their emails regularly to see if a college is requesting letters. Letters of Recommendation

When should students request letters? ➢ Counselors and teachers needs 6 weeks to write a quality letter of recommendation. Ask early!! ☺ ○ September 25th: Deadline to request letters for Early applications ○ November 6th: Deadline for Regular decision applications ○ How to Get a Great Letter of Recommendation Article Letters of Recommendation

How should students request letters? ○ Teacher rec letters: 1) Email the teacher(s) 2) Use Naviance to submit requests to each teacher ○ Counselor rec letters: 1) Email your counselor 2) Complete the Letter of Rec Survey (REQUIRED!) 3) Schedule an appointment to discuss colleges using the counselor's scheduling link Parent Input Form

Please complete the Parent Input Form (Mills College and Career Counseling→Letters of Recommendation→Parent Input Form) to help us present your student in the best light. Parent Input Form for College Recommendation Letters Transcript Requests

○ Request official transcripts for private colleges through Naviance (we will give instructions at Private College workshop) ○ Private colleges require mid-year transcripts, which will be automatically sent ○ The college your student chooses to attend will require a final, official transcript in June Demonstrated Interest

➢ Some private colleges track “demonstrated interest,” or how much interest a student shows in the college prior to applying ➢ Students should make multiple contacts with colleges they will apply to: ➢ Email or call Admissions Office with questions ➢ Join their Social Media page ➢ Visit the campus ➢ Request an interview if offered ➢ If the admissions office offers a virtual SMUHSD visit, be sure to attend! Naviance Overview

Log into your student’s account to see... ○ Career Interest Survey ○ College Visits ○ College Lists ○ Scattergrams ○ SuperMatch College Search Poll # 5

My student is applying to: (Select all that apply) Community College Benefits of Community College

○ Community College students get PRIORITY for transfer to UC/CSU System ○ Transfer Guarantee Pathways ● Transfer Admission Guarantee (TAG) – UC/CSU/Private Colleges ● AS-T or AA-T (Transfer) Pathway - CSU ○ Lower tuition and living costs (save $$) Community College

○ Registration workshop at Mills in February 2021 ○ Apply for Priority Enrollment Program! (PEP) ○ Apply for financial aid by March 2nd Gap Year?

○ Thinking of taking a break after graduating from Mills? ● Be Productive!!! ■ Look into Internships ■ Volunteering Opportunities ■ Community Outreach Project ■ Jobs ○ Some colleges may allow you to defer your admission ○ Gap-year should be focused on self-discovery and growth

Article

Per Year Estimated College Costs

Community CSU UC Private/ College Independent Registration Fees ~$1,600 ~$5,800~$7,000 ~$14,000 $30,000 to & Tuition $55,000 Books and $1,900 $1,900 $1,900 $1,900 Supplies Room and Board $5,000 - $9,500 - $12,500 - $9,500 $12,500 $16,000 $16,000 -$16,000 (on campus (on campus) (on campus) housing) Transportation $1,500 $1,500 $1,500 $1,500 Personal $1,500 $1,500 $1,500 $1,500 Expenses Approx. Total $11,500 $20,200-$21,400- $29,000- $45,000- (Sticker Price) -$19,000 $26,700$27,900 $36,000 $75,000

Financial Aid

▸ Financial Aid is money for college ▹ Grants & Scholarships = Free $$ ▹ Need-based: Determined by family income ▹ Merit-based: Determined by student’s accomplishments (e.g. GPA, community service, etc.) ▹ Self-Help ▹ Loans ▹ Work study Applying for Financial Aid

Completing the FAFSA (Free Application for Federal Student Aid) is the first step in securing money for college.

Apply: fafsa.ed.gov FAFSA Tips

○ Begin applying October 1st

○ Create separate FSA ID’s (usernames) for parent & student, and save your login info! ○ Use the IRS Retrieval Tool in the FAFSA application to import your 2018 IRS tax return info Applying for Financial Aid

○ The CSS Profile is a financial aid application required by many private colleges ● Apply online ● Participating Institutions ○ Some also require copy of income tax returns ○ NOTE: Financial aid application deadlines are often earlier for private colleges! (As early as November) ○ Check each college’s financial aid website for requirements & deadlines Financial Aid for Undocumented Students

Undocumented students MAY be eligible for financial aid at California public colleges!

○ To apply online, visit the California Dream Act website: dream.csac.ca.gov ○ For more info, visit e4fc.org (Educators for Fair Consideration) ○ Please see your school counselor for help – All conversations are confidential Fee Waivers

○ Qualifying students may request free or reduced fees for: ● ACT/SAT registration ● College application fees ● NCAA registration (for student athletes) ● CSS Profile ○ Sign up for Free/Reduced Lunch on the SMUHSD website if you might quality for fee waivers ○ For more info, see Mrs. Murtagh or your counselor Please Get Out Your Cell Phones...

…...and go to this website kahoot.it Resources for Students

College Application Events Flyer

Bookmark this flyer with Zoom links for fall workshops:

Application Support Flyer

College Rep Visits

➢ This fall, college admissions reps are offering virtual visits for SMUHSD students ➢ Check out link: College Visit Schedule

➢ Sampling of Upcoming Visits: ○ 10/6 - UC Santa Cruz @ 10:15AM ○ 10/6 - Boston University @ 11:45AM ○ 10/7 - Sonoma State. @ 3:30PM ○ 10/16 - UC Berkeley @ 11:45AM ○ 11/5 - College of San Mateo @ 3:30PM “Campus Visits”/Virtual Campus Visits

○ Visiting campuses is part of the college process for many students! ● Embrace the virtual! ○ Determine if you see yourself being in that campus everyday ○ Important factors to consider: ● Location, Location, Location ● Student Activities/ Spirit ● School Size ● Graduation Rate ● Diversity of Campus ● The Surrounding City “Campus Visits”/Virtual Campus Visits

○ Ways to connect with the campus ● Take time to research the specific campus you’re interested ● Virtual campus tours ■ Go directly to the College Website ■ Princeton Review ■ Campus Tour ● Subscribe to their newsletter/mailing list

Santa Clara University Key Events for Families

SMUHSD 2020 College & Career Fair ● Will be held virtually on October 15 from 5:30 - 8:00 p.m ● Featuring: ■ College panels and breakout rooms featuring 90+ colleges/universities ■ All nine UC Campuses ■ Ten CSU campuses ■ Private colleges ■ Local Community Colleges More Key Events for Families

○ Financial Aid Info Night ● 5 Financial Aid Mistakes to Avoid ● Assistance completing the FAFSA ● Date & time to be determined Appointments with Counselors

● Students applying to 4-year colleges should schedule an appointment with their school counselor ● Schedule an appointment on the Mills School Counseling website ● Ms. Vicky Reyes is substituting for Mr. Stillman What if students still need help?

○ College Application Help Drop-In sessions: ○ 10/28 @ 2:00PM ○ 11/4 @ 2:00PM ○ 11/11 @ 2:00PM ○ 11/18 @ 2:00PM ○ 11/24 @ 2:00 PM ○ After all this….. if students still need help, contact your counselor or Ms. Murtagh Worried about missing important deadlines?

@millscounseling Mills Counseling Online Resources

➢ Check out our College & Career Counseling webpage

NEW: Canvas College Planning Course

1) Vikings 101 Student Center 2) Senior Canvas Site

Parents’ Role in the College Process How can parents support students?

○ Encourage your student to use Naviance career interest surveys to explore potential majors/pathways

○ Speak with your student about paying for college

○ Collaborate with your student on developing a well rounded college application list

○ Visit campuses “virtually” together ○ Help your student find scholarships

○ Optional: Once a week, check in with your student about their progress with applications (e.g. college essays, submitting scores, etc.) How can parents support students?

“Dear Matt,

On the night before you receive your first college response, we wanted to let you know that we could not be any prouder of you than we are today. Whether or not you get accepted does not determine how proud we are of everything you have accomplished and the wonderful person you have become. That will not change based on what admissions officers decide about your future. We will celebrate with joy wherever you get accepted — and the happier you are with those responses, the happier we will be. But your worth as a person, a student and our son is not diminished or influenced in the least by what these colleges have decided.

If it does not go your way, you’ll take a different route to get where you want. There is not a single college in this country that would not be lucky to have you, and you are capable of succeeding at any of them.

We love you as deep as the ocean, as high as the sky, all the way around the world and back again — and to wherever you are headed.

Mom and Dad”

*Excerpt from Where You Go is Not Who You’ll Become by Frank Bruni Final Thoughts

○ Senior year DOES COUNT ○ All acceptances are PROVISIONAL dependent upon final semester grades ○ After applying, students MUST notify colleges of changes in schedule or senior year D’s/F’s ○ Students should check their email and online portals at least once per week! ○ Got more questions? Things getting tough? Contact your counselor or Ms. Murtagh! THANKS FOR JOINING US!!

This presentation along with college resources will be posted on the Mills College & Career Counseling website

Due to time constraints, we were unable to cover the following slides that are typically included in this presentation.

Please review them and contact your counselor if you have questions!

More than half of all students attending college in the United States receive some form of financial assistance. Financial Aid Safety Schools

Students should apply to at least ONE Financial Aid Safety School – a college your family is likely to afford. Examples:

○ UC or CSU, if price tag is within family’s budget

○ Private college where student is in the top tier of applicant pool

○ Out-of-state public colleges with WUE scholarship

○ Community College! ○ Tuition is only about $1,400 ○ Students who successfully transfer can earn the same Bachelor’s degree for half the cost... Top 5 Financial Aid Mistakes to Avoid

1) Failing to file the FAFSA ➢ Even if you think your family earns too much to qualify, you should still apply. Colleges also use the FAFSA to give out merit aid. Top 5 Financial Aid Mistakes to Avoid

1) Failing to file the FAFSA 2) Waiting to file the FAFSA ➢ Apply ASAP after October 1 ➢ Students who file during the first 3 months typically receive double the grants ➢ Students attending CSU/UC/community college must file by March 2nd ○ Missing deadline → missing out on $$! Top 5 Financial Aid Mistakes to Avoid

1) Failing to file the FAFSA 2) Waiting to file the FAFSA 3) Failing to apply for scholarships ➢ Scholarships = FREE MONEY! Every $1 in scholarships is $1 less to borrow ➢ Apply now - many deadlines are in the fall ➢ Scholarship resources: ○ millshigh.org → College & Career Counseling → Financial Aid → Scholarship lists ○ www.unigo.com/scholarships ○ www.fastweb.com Top 5 Financial Aid Mistakes to Avoid

1) Failing to file the FAFSA 2) Waiting to file the FAFSA 3) Failing to apply for scholarships 4) Borrowing too much ➢ U.S. student loan debt now totals $1.5 trillion, with over 4 million loans in default ➢ Total debt should not exceed expected annual income after graduation ➢ Beware of taking on too much loan debt! ➢ Recommended: Loan calculators ○ finaid.org/calculators/ Top 5 Financial Aid Mistakes to Avoid

1) Failing to file the FAFSA 2) Waiting to file the FAFSA 3) Failing to apply for scholarships 4) Borrowing too much 5) Borrowing private loans instead of federal student loans ➢ Always borrow federal loans first, since they are cheaper & have better repayment plans ➢ Be careful with private loans, esp. if they have variable interest rates NET PRICE CALCULATORS CLICK TO EDIT MASTER TEXT STYLES

Net Price Calculators

➢ NET PRICE is the amount a student pays AFTER subtracting scholarships & grants ➢ Net price = [Cost of Attendance – Gift Aid] ➢ Focus on the NET PRICE (what students actually pay), not the STICKER price Net Price Calculators

➢ All colleges must post Net Price Calculators on their websites, which provide an ESTIMATE of financial aid you’ll receive based on your income Why is this important? Knowing your net price: ● Gives you the best idea of what you’ll pay for a particular college ● Makes comparing colleges easier Note: Remember this is just an estimate... Net Price Calculator: SF State

Estimated net price for family of 4 earning $65,000 Student living at home Net Price Calculator: UC Santa Cruz

Estimated net price for family of 4 earning $65,000 Student living on campus Net Price Calculator: University of Chicago

Estimated net price for family of 4 earning $65,000 Student living on campus Video Average Net Price

○ Naviance also lists average net prices of colleges (what students actually pay) - broken down by household income ○ Example: Pomona College UC and CSU Programs

○ UC Blue and Gold Opportunity Plan ● Free tuition for families earning less than $80,000/year ○ CSU University Grants ● Families who meet income criteria may receive grants that cover CSU tuition & fees ○ Middle Class Scholarship ● UC/CSU tuition discounts for families making between $80,000 to $150,000 (10% to 40%) ○ UC/CSU/CC Equal Opportunity Program ● Low-income students may receive financial & admission assistance, as well as academic support after enrollment ● Additional application may be required Western Undergraduate Exchange (WUE)

➢ California students can attend public colleges in other western states at a reduced tuition level ➢ Scholarship application sometimes required

University of University of University of New California (UC) Nevada Tuition Mexico Tuition Tuition Without With Without With WUE WUE WUE WUE $13,900 $20,700 $9,700 $20,500 $7,900

➢ For info: www.wiche.edu/WUE Final Words on Financial Aid

○ Financial aid guide: www.finaid.org ○ Discuss finances together now, not in April

○ Avoid saying “We’ll only pay for a ‘good’ college…”

○ If the college does not offer enough financial aid, appeal to the Financial Aid office to request more. Financial Aid officers are available at each college and want to help you!