Mashpee Middle High School Annual College Fair

Hundreds of colleges & universities are here to chat with you!

Fall Fair Schedule to be announced - check out the "College Fair" tab on www.neacac.org

• FUTURE READY MASSACHUSETTS

  Future Ready Massachusetts is a public communication campaign designed to promote awareness and understanding of what it takes for all students to be "college and career ready."  To be Future Ready means a student has the knowldege, skills and experiences needed to complete further education and training that will provide access to the career of their choice.

  Three key messages:

  START NOW:  It's never too early or too late to start planning for your future. Sometimes knowing the options is all it takes.  As early as middle school students should have a college and career plan and success in ninth grade is critical.  Get all the supports your student needs to pass all their classes in ninth grade and have a plan for the rest of high school.

  AIM HIGH:  Students who challenge themselves through a rigorous course of study are usually the ones who go the farthest. Taking challenging courses in high school is the single best predictor of how well students will do in college.  Encourage students to take advanced placement, dual enrollment and online courses.

  LOOK BEYOND: (outside the classroom) for learning opportunities that support career pathway development.  Good grades and "book smarts" are not enough.  Students need our help to identify jobs, internships and volunteer opportunities that interest them so they can plan for a career and gain experience for their life.  These opportunities will help build workplace and interpersonal skills while identifying and supporting their career path.  

  CAREER DEVELOPMENT EDUCATION GUIDANCE

  MA Department of Education

  http://www.doe.mass.edu/connect/cde.html

  MASSCORE

  http://www.doe.mass.edu/ccr/mascore

The Mashpee community is very generous in providing many local scholarships to our graduating seniors. All of the local, regional, and national scholarships are listed on Naviance. The application for most of the local scholarships is also on Naviance. The deadline for the local scholarships is in the month of March.

Log on to Naviance. Click on the COLLEGE tab; Scroll down to Scholarships.

1. Review list of all scholarships to determine your eligibility.
2. Fill out the local and community scholarship application and print.
3. Write an essay (of at least 300 words) describing YOU: your passions, your goals, any hardships you’ve had to overcome AND why you feel that you deserve scholarship assistance. This essay must be typed, with your name and signature at the bottom.
4. Then, make an appointment with Mrs. Maureen Goldsmith (mgoldsmith@mpspk12.org) to go over your list of scholarships, and create packets for each of the scholarship committees. (Please note: some may require recommendation letters or additional essay)

* Mashpee Local & Community Scholarship Deadline MARCH 

* Please be aware that there are various deadline dates for Regional and National Scholarships.

• fastweb.com
• niche.com

Check out the Financial Aid Page of the Colleges and Universities you are applying to for additional scholarship opportunities.

Some employers also distribute scholarships. Be sure to ask your employer and your families employer for possible scholarship opportunities.

FREE APPLICATION FOR FEDERAL STUDENT AID (FAFSA)

Before filling out the FAFSA, be sure to:

• Apply for a FSA USER ID!  
  • Go here to apply for a FSA User ID to sign your FAFSA electronically and speed up the application process.  If you are a dependent student for financial aid purposes (under 24, not married, no children), your parent will also need to apply for a PIN.
•  Gather Documents!  YOU MUST HAVE:
  • Your social security number and your parents’ social security numbers, if you are providing parent information.  You will also need       your parents’ dates of birth.  If your parents are divorced, separated, or widowed, you will need the month and date of the divorce/separation/death.
  • Your driver’s license number, if you have one.
  • Your alien registration number, if you are not a U.S. Citizen.
  • A Federal tax information or tax returns that are from 2 years prior, including W-2’s for yourself, for your spouse, if you are married, and for your parent, if you are providing parent information.
  • Records of untaxed income from 2 years prior (such as child support and retirement contributions).  Information on savings and investment for yourself (and your parents, if you are providing parents information).  This includes the balance of all checking and savings accounts.
  • Current market value of all real estate property including multiple family houses NOT the student’s, spouses, or parent’s primary residence.

Remember you can START applying as of October do not delay….

1.  When you are ready to begin select “filling out the FAFSA” and follow the on-screen instructions.
2.  If you have questions or need help click the “live help” link.  Send and receive real-time answers to questions by email, or call 1-800-4 FED-AID to speak to a customer service representative.
3.  Enter the school code for all the colleges to which you are applying.
4.  Review your answers carefully.
5.  At the end of the application, you can apply for a pin at that time, if you do not have one.
6.  Have your parents sign with a FSA User ID or print, sign and mail in a paper signature page.
7.  Submit your FAFSA by using the “Submit My FAFSA Now” button.
8.  Print the confirmation page for your records.

• College Planning Timetable

  MMHS School Counselors encourage early awareness and planning.  Through a systemic approach school counselors work with students and families to help guide them through the college planning and admissions process.  It is never too early to start planning for your future.

  Freshman Year

  •      Become familiar with Power School and Naviance 
  •      Keep track of your grades using Power School 
  •     Use Naviance to start looking up information about college and scholarships 
  •     Set academic goals for each school term – Create your four-year plan.
  •      Take demanding classes and make sure to get good grades
  •      Meet with your school counselor
  •      Participate in extra-curricular activities

  Sophomore Year

  •     Meet with your school counselor 
  •     Prepare to take the PSATS in October 
  •      Practice taking timed tests
  •      Register with the College Board to start the career and college exploration
  •      Make a list of schools you would like to explore 
  •     Go on as many college tours as possible  
  •     Schedule interviews and meetings with admission reps
  •     Participate in volunteer work and extracurricular activities
  •      Participate in summer educational programs

  Junior Year 

  •     Take the PSAT in October
  •      Use College Board and Naviance for researching different schools
  •     Meet with your school counselor to discuss future plans (invite parents).   
  •     Visit college campuses; take tours and schedule interview appointments.
  •     Keep a calendar of all the different test dates
  •     Continued academic improvement help make your application stand out. 
  •     Register for ACT, SAT, & SAT subject tests  spring SAT  (March, May or June)
  •     Sign up for your senior classes; take challenging courses.
  •     Focus on updating your resume to help  fill out applications during senior year.
  •     Study and take your AP courses seriously; qualifying scores = college credit.
  •      Ask your 2-3 teachers to write you a letter of recommendation for the fall.
  •      Start writing your college essay rough draft and have your teacher(s) edit it.
  •      Take summer college courses through Dual Enrollment or participate in a summer college program.

   Senior Year

  •    Start the college application process very early in the fall
  •     Retake the SAT in October; arrange to have test scores sent to colleges.
  •     Keep track of all  applications, financial aid & scholarship deadlines on a calendar.
  •    Prove to schools you are ready and organized by applying Early Action
  •    If you apply Early Action/Early Decision, most deadlines are Nov 1^st or 15^TH
  •    Meet with college admissions representatives who visit the Guidance Office
  •     Meet your school counselor early in the year to discuss your future
  •    Talk to your counselor about college, scholarships, and financial aid
  •    Student Athletes need to file the NCAA application for Division I or II schools.
  •    Complete your college application essay and have a teacher proof read it
  •    Send your SAT or ACT scores in online
  •     Have all apps completed no later than December 1^st
  •     Have your parents complete the FAFSA after January 1^st.
  •     Complete the CSS Profile if you are applying to any private colleges
  •     Apply for as many scholarships you are eligible for; Adhere to deadlines.
  •    Stay focused on your academics.
  •    Study hard for finals and AP exams.
  •    Attend open houses for top schools you want to attend 
  •    National Decision Day is May 1^st – send your acceptance & a deposit
  •     Arrange for Guidance to send final transcript to your college.
  •     Graduate, celebrate and begin your future!

The web links provided below provides quick access to the most important websites used for college and career information. 

ACT Information

ACT Test dates are annual from September through June. Please check the website below for actual dates and locations. 

Register online at www.actstudent.org

CEEB CODE 221 323 (CEEB code is issued by the Educational Testing Service (ETS)/mostly used in college entrance exams such as SAT & ACT)

Description of the ACT

The ACT (No Writing) consists of four multiple-choice tests: English, Mathematics, Reading, and Science. The ACT Plus Writing includes the four multiple-choice tests and a Writing Test.

SAT Information

SAT Test dates are annual from October through August. Please check the website below for actual dates and locations.  

Register online for the SAT at CollegeBoard.org. 

CEEB CODE 221 323 (CEEB code is issued by the Educational Testing Service (ETS)/mostly used in college entrance exams such as SAT & ACT)

• Choose your test date and test center.
• Upload your ID photo
• Get immediate registration information.

College Admissions Requirements for Subject Tests is the most comprehensive and up-to-date list online, but no list can replace the nuances of a school's specific policy. 

Please visit the school's website or call the admissions office for the most accurate information.

MHS College Application Process

• MASHPEE HIGH SCHOOL COLLEGE APPLICATION PROCEDURE 

  SENIORS:  Please be advised of the following:

  Requests for official transcript(s) and/or recommendation(s) must be made by using Naviance.  All seniors are responsible for completing and submitting college applications online by the designated deadline.  Please inform your counselor when you plan to submit an application electronically.  It is highly recommended that you keep copies of all completed applications.

  The School Counseling Office will only release official transcripts and recommendations to a college admissions office, not the student. The student must fill out and submit a Transcript Request on Naviance and inform Mrs. Goldmsith, the school counseling administrative assistant.

  Please notify the school counseling office of acceptances, rejections, wait-list notifications and of any merit or other scholarships as soon as possible.

  Please be careful to adhere to all deadlines provided by each institution.

  Ensure that you register for the necessary SAT and /or ACT tests.  Students are responsible for registering on-line in a timely fashion to avoid late fees and test locations off-Cape.

  Please make certain that you provide The College Board with the Mashpee High School CEEB Code 221 323.

Research Colleges

Check out these sites to research colleges:

Naviance Family Connection lets the guidance department share information with you and your child about up-coming meetings and events, local scholarship opportunities, and other Web resources for college and career information. Naviance  also offers college and career searches, personality and career interest inventories, etc. Contact Guidance Office if you have misplaced your log-in information.

Starting Point for Students and Parents. Research Colleges, get tips on how to negotiate the college process and much more with the help of the College Board.

The New England Board of Higher Education Tuition Break for New England Residents. The annual catalog lists more than 700 undergraduate and graduate degree programs offered through the RSP Tuition Break and explains eligibility for residents of all six New England states - Connecticut, Maine, Massachusetts, New Hampshire, Rhode Island and Vermont.

College and University Home Pages - Alphabetical Listing

Download a copy of the Common Application - a general application form used by over 400
independent colleges that is available on-line.

Check out the list of colleges that are “Test Optional” by going to www.fairtest.org

Get valuable information and tips for college search, applications and testing by subscribing to www.InLikeMe.com , The College Admissions & Student Aid Resource Hub.

The NCAA Clearinghouse website. It will provide you with information about initial-eligibility
at NCAA Division I and II member colleges and universities. 

Peterson's Education Center: Comprehensive guide to Colleges and Universities, Studying Abroad, Graduate Study, Summer Programs, Continuing Education, Testing and Assessment, and much more.

Do your college search using CollegeView® College Search. Offers hundreds of virtual tours,
financial aid and scholarship information, college search with profiles of over 3,800 colleges and
universities, college-related books and articles.

U.S. NEWS: Find your private, state, or community college. Plus compare colleges,
take the college personality quiz, or use the parent's guide.

Princeton Review personalized online search, selection and application tool. Test Preparation.

Fastweb's College Directory, including online applications, can get you there quickly, easily. Find your dream school and how to pay for it.

New England Board of Higher Education's Tuition Break Catalog. A comprehensive regional catalog of undergraduate degree programs at New England public colleges and universities available with an out-of-state tuition break to eligible residents of CT, ME, MA, NH, RI and VT.