Counselor's Corner

Ms. Beckmann-Jones (BCMHS Counselor)

From The Counselor's Office:

College Information

The Internet works in two ways:

1. providing you information about yourself regarding colleges and then getting a list of colleges that match your requests; or
2. accessing formation on specific colleges and then determining whether they meet your needs.

Some sample sites:

• Explore California Colleges and your interests - http://www.californiacolleges.edu
• Information about SAT I & II and PSAT - http://www.collegeboard.com
• Online college search, financial aid & scholarships - http://www.collegeview.com/collegesearch/ 
• Provides online videos, recourses and articles about how to get to college. - http://www.uctv.tv/collegebound/
• This home page provides a number of interactive services in its college section, including a “College Personality Quiz". - http://www.usnews.com/usnews/edu/eduhome.htm 
• Free college and scholarship search - http://www.fastweb.com
• Guide to the California State University campuses - http://www.csumentor.org/

Website to find the best college for you:

Turn to www.usnews.com/usnews/home.htm to find all of America’s Best Colleges as well as handy tools' that help you figure out which college is the best fit for you, and what you need to get in. Start with the college Personality Quiz. Answer 80 questions about yourself and discover what type of college would suit you. Then head to College Search. Using parameter such as cost, location, and student diversity, it gives you college names with links to information about school's admissions, policies, campus, etc.

SAT & College Entrance

• SAT Dates and Times --- can be found at the website, http://www.collegeboard.com

• ACT Dates and Times --- can be found at the website, http://www.act.org.

Students graduating in June and interested in attending a four year college need to sign up to take the SAT, if you have not already done so (Contact Ms. Beckmann (BCHS Counselor) for a registration packet). It is also time to start applying to your favorite colleges. The following are important steps in planning your college career:

STEP 1

• Review your career plan and decide which type of school is right for you.

• Narrow your school choices to three. Request admissions information and school catalogs.

• Obtain registration materials and test dates for the SAT and/or ACT.

• Ask employers, teachers or counselors for letters of recommendation for college applications.

• Work on your admissions essay.

STEP 2

• Pick up a Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) from your counselor.

• Submit your FAFSA starting January 1st. You can complete the form online at www.fafsa.ed.gov (keep a copy of your form)

• Parents: Prepare your tax forms as early as possible. You will need them to finalize the FAFSA.

• Take SAT and/or ACT

• Mark your calendar with registration, admissions and financial assistance deadlines and fees.

STEP 3

• Begin completing admissions applications

• Visit your top school choices. Make appointments with faculty, staff and students.

• Research and apply for other funding and scholarships.

• Finalize your admissions applications (Many can be done online).

• Rank you preferred schools.

STEP 4

• Look for you student Aid Report in the mail. This form contains your financial aid information.

• Submit tax forms to financial aid office, if requested.

• If you have not received your SAR within four weeks after submitted, contact the Federal Student Aid Information Center at l-8OO-4FEDAID (1-800-433-3243).

STEP 5

• Watch the mail for school acceptance.

• Compare the packages based on the various costs.

• Make your final school decision and mail any deposits required.

• Accept financial aid.

• Notify the schools you will not be attending.

Financial Aid

Worried about how you will pay for college?

Pick up free booklets from the counselor that will help you with your college plans. Ask for the career and college planning guides called “Choosing Your Future” or the workbook “Fund your Future” and guide on grants, loans and other college financial aid programs.

IMPORTANT FINANCIAL AID OPPORTUNITIES

Applications for Financial Aid are available in the counseling office or online. Seniors can start submitting applications starting January 1, 2004. The FAFSA and the Cal Grant Forms were due by March 2, 2004. However, for more information and future dates/deadlines, visit the FAFSA website at http://www.fafsa.ed.gov. Online application helps prevent errors that might delay your financial aid. Log onto the internet to http://www.fafsa.ed.gov and click of the “Getting Started” button and follow the prompts.  Applications are also available from the counselor.  CAL GRANT - Cal Grant can help pay for college, and you don’t have to pay it back. To apply for a Cal Grant, you must submit a FAFSA application. Applications are also available from the counselor.

In addition to the federal deadlines for filling out a FAFSA, you may also use the FAFSA to apply for aid from other sources, such as your state or school. The deadlines for states or schools may differ from the federal deadlines and you may be required to complete additional forms.

Federal Student Financial Aid Deadlines
State Student Financial Aid Deadlines
School Student Financial Aid Deadlines

FAFSA ALERT Deadlines:
Submit 2003-2004 FAFSA on the Web Applications by midnight Central Daylight time, June 30, 2004.
Submit 2004-2005 FAFSA on the Web Applications by midnight Central Daylight time, June 30, 2005.

All seniors who are planning to attend a 2-year or 4-year college should seriously consider applying for aid or grant money through FAFSA. BCMHS students must take the SAT or ACT to qualify for federal loans and state grants.