College Admissions Primer

The Advanced Placement Program® : 

The Advanced Placement Program® Presented by: Mark Cruthers email: rousseau1789@yahoo.com Web: homeschool-teachers.com in Association with: authorGEN - WiZiQ using authorPOINT software http://www.wiziq.com/tour/what_is_wiziq.aspx http://www.authorgen.com/authorpoint/index.htm http://www.authorstream.com/ EIE Academy Martin and Carolyn Forte Phone: 626-821-0025 www.eieacademy.com EIE ACADEMY

This information comes from the College Board Website: 

This information comes from the College Board Website For further information go to:

Home-Schooled Students: 

Home-Schooled Students A Primer on College

Help Your Child Take the Right Steps, Now: 

Help Your Child Take the Right Steps, Now Decisions your child makes as early as 8th grade can have a huge effect on his college career. They might affect how soon your child will go to college, what type of college he attends, and even whether he will go to college at all. As a result, there can be a lot of pressure on students to do the necessary work to get into the college of their choice. As a parent, your support will be crucial through this time to help your child to make decisions that will lead to the college and career path that's most suitable for him. Below are some things that your child will need to do to get ready for his college planning—and some ways for you to help.

1. Get Involved: 

1. Get Involved Getting ready for college isn't all work. Your child should find something he really likes doing, then dive into it. He will develop skills and be more appealing to colleges. Colleges like to have a diverse and motivated student body. Involvement in activities indicates your child has shown a commitment and taken on responsibility.

2. Do the Work: 

2. Do the Work If your child expects to go to college later, he should expect to study and work hard now, and throughout his four years of high school.

3. Take Challenging Courses: 

3. Take Challenging Courses Colleges look at your child's grades, but also at how difficult his courses are. They want to see that he has challenged himself. Plus, if your child pursues advanced courses, such as AP®, he may be able to get college credit.

4. Get Help: 

4. Get Help Is your child having trouble in a class? Many schools have peer tutors, students in upper grades who'll help him for free. Your child should talk to his teachers or counselors and let them know he wants extra help.

5. Read: 

5. Read Your child should read at least 30 minutes every day, beyond study and homework. It's best for him to read what interests him—magazines and novels. Your child's strength in reading will be essential when he takes the PSAT/NMSQT® and SAT® tests.

6. Don't Delay: 

6. Don't Delay Students take the PSAT/NMSQT in the junior year (or even in the sophomore year). So your child should take the most challenging schedule he can before high school. He should talk to his counselor to make sure he is taking the solid math and other courses that will get him ready.

7. Get the College-Bound Facts: 

7. Get the College-Bound Facts How will your child know all the right moves to get into college? He should ask someone who's done it. Your child should get to know his counselors. He may also want to ask a career planner at a local college, or a trusted teacher. Doing Web research can also be helpful.

8. Family Support: 

8. Family Support If you haven't been to college yourself, you may think you can't help your child. That's not true. You can talk to his counselors and help him stay on the right path. Your support will be important as he begins to make important decisions about his future.

9. Mentors: 

9. Mentors Even though you are supportive of your child's ambitions, the encouragement of other adults who can lend their enthusiasm will help make sure your child succeeds. He might look to a counselor, a teacher, or someone else he trusts to help him develop his interests in a particular area.

10. Confront Personal Roadblocks: 

10. Confront Personal Roadblocks High school can be a stressful time for students. If your child has a problem that's really getting in the way of schoolwork, try to sort it out together. Keep an open mind and a listening ear at the ready. Your child's counselor may also be able to help with advice, or simply to point your child to resources at school or in the community that can help.

College Prep GlossaryCollege Admissions from A to Z: 

College Prep Glossary College Admissions from A to Z What in the world is a FAFSA? What's the difference between EA and ED? If you're asking yourself these questions, your child is probably in the middle of the college admissions process. From AP® to ROTC, it probably seems to you that the college admissions folks have a language all their own. So, if you're wondering whether the NMSQT is a test or a furry animal, this glossary is for you.

Slide16: 

Accreditation Official recognition that a college, university, or trade school has met the standards of a regional or national association. Advanced Placement Program® (AP®) Gives motivated high school students the opportunity to take college-level courses in a high school setting. Thousands of colleges worldwide award credit or advanced placement to students with a qualifying grade on AP Exams. AP Exams are graded 1 to 5, with 5 as the highest. Read about AP. American College Test (ACT) The ACT is a college entrance exam administered by the American College Testing Corporation that measures educational development in English, mathematics, social studies, and the natural sciences. Scores are reported as 1 to 36, with 36 as the highest. Most colleges accept scores from either the ACT or SAT®. Articulation An agreement between a two-year and four-year college within the same state that allows a two-year college student automatic admission to a four-year college if she completes required courses. Arts and Sciences A college course of study that includes the humanities, social sciences, natural sciences, mathematics, foreign languages, and fine arts. Associate's Degree Awarded by a college or university after satisfactory completion of a two-year program of study. Award Letter A document issued to a student financial aid recipient that indicates the type, amount, and disbursement dates of the funds awarded for various financial aid programs.

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Bachelor's Degree Awarded by a four-year college or university after satisfactory completion of a program of study. Campus-Based Aid Financial assistance for students and their families administered by a college. Funds, regardless of their source, are awarded to students by the college's financial aid office, and not by a state, federal, or private agency. Candidates Reply Date Agreement (CRDA) Allows a student to defer attendance decisions at participating colleges until May 1. This agreement gives students time to get responses from most of the colleges they have applied to before making a decision on one. College Board A national nonprofit membership association whose mission is to prepare, inspire, and connect students to college and opportunity. The College Board administers the PSAT/NMSQT®, SAT Reasoning Test™, SAT Subject Tests™, Advanced Placement Program® (AP®), CLEP®, College Scholarship Service® (CSS®), and CSS/Financial Aid PROFILE®. College-Level Examination Program® (CLEP®) A credit-by-examination program that helps students of all ages earn college degrees faster by getting credit for what they already know. By receiving a satisfactory score, a student can earn from 3 to 12 college credits toward a college degree for each CLEP she takes, depending on the exam subject. Read about CLEP.

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College Scholarship Service® (CSS®) A service of the College Board that assists postsecondary institutions, state scholarship programs, and other organizations in the equitable distribution of student financial aid funds by measuring a family's financial strength and analyzing its ability to contribute to college costs. Common Application A standard application form accepted by about 300 selective colleges in lieu of their own form. Available in high school guidance offices and online. Go to www.commonapp.org. Consortium A group of colleges or universities that offer joint programs that allow students to share facilities and course offerings at member campuses. Consortiums are generally made up of neighboring schools. Cooperative Work-Study Education A full-time paid employment related to a student's field of study. The student alternates between work and full-time study. As a result, the bachelor's program usually takes five years to complete. CSS/Financial Aid PROFILE® A financial aid form produced by the College Board required for students seeking aid at approximately 10 percent of the nation's four-year colleges (including the most highly selective institutions).

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Deferral When a student's application for early decision or early action is postponed, and will be considered with the regular applicant pool. Deferred Admission Allows an accepted student to postpone admission for one year. Demonstrated Need The difference between the family contribution as established on the Expected Family Contribution (EFC) and the total cost of attending college. Early Action (EA) A program that gives special consideration to a student who applies for admission by a specified date, usually in early fall. Students are not obligated to enroll if admitted (also known as early notification). Read about early action. Early Decision (ED) A program that gives special consideration to a student who applies for admission by a specified date, usually in early fall. Students are obligated to enroll if admitted, and to withdraw applications from other institutions. Read about early decision.

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Educational Testing Service (ETS) A nonprofit organization that develops college entrance tests, including the SAT and SAT Subject Tests, for the College Board. Expected Family Contribution (EFC) The amount a family can reasonably be expected to pay for one year of college. Read about your EFC. 529 Savings Plans A state-operated investment plan that gives families a federal tax-free way to save money for college. Officially known as qualified tuition programs (QTPs). Read about 529 savings plans. 4-1-4 System An academic calendar consisting of two semesters made up of four months each, with a short winter term of one month in between. Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) The need analysis form produced by the U.S. Department of Education that is required for students seeking aid by nearly all colleges and universities. Read about the FAFSA. Complete the FAFSA online at www.fafsa.ed.gov.

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Grade Point Average (GPA) Indicates a student's overall scholastic performance. It is computed by assigning a point value to each grade. Greek System Fraternities and sororities on campus, whose names originate from letters in the Greek alphabet. Humanities Courses focusing on human culture, including philosophy, foreign language, religion, and literature. Independent Study Allows a student to earn credit through self-designed coursework, which is usually planned and evaluated by a faculty member. Legacy An applicant whose parents or grandparents are graduates of the college or university to which she is applying. Liberal Arts A course of study that includes humanities, social science, natural sciences, mathematics, foreign languages, and fine arts.

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Major Area of concentration in a particular field of study. Usually students specialize in their majors during their junior and senior years at college. National Merit Scholarship Program A scholarship program based mostly on scores from the PSAT/NMSQT. Each year, National Merit students receive scholarships ranging from several hundred dollars to full costs of attendance. Read about the PSAT/NMSQT. Need-Blind Admissions A policy in which colleges make admissions decisions without taking into account an applicant's financial circumstances. Schools that subscribe to this policy do not necessarily offer aid to meet the full need of an accepted applicant. Open Admissions Schools that take any high school graduate until all the openings are filled. Almost all two-year colleges have an open admissions policy. Preferential Packaging A policy in which the most desirable applicants get the best financial aid packages. PROFILE A financial aid form produced by the College Board required for students seeking aid at approximately 10 percent of the nation's four-year colleges (including the most highly selective institutions). Go to PROFILE Online. PSAT/NMSQT® The Preliminary SAT®/National Merit Scholarship Qualifying Test is a standardized test that provides firsthand practice for the SAT and SAT Subject Tests. It also gives students a chance to qualify for National Merit Scholarship Corporation's (NMSC) scholarship programs. Read about the PSAT/NMSQT.

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Quarter System Divides the nine-month academic calendar into three equal parts of approximately 12 weeks each. Summer sessions, if any, are usually the same length. Registrar College official who registers students and collects fees. The registrar may also be responsible for keeping permanent records, maintaining student files, and forwarding copies of students' transcripts to employers and schools. Reserve Officers' Training Corps (ROTC) Combines military education with college study leading to the bachelor's degree. For students who commit themselves to future service in the Army, Navy, Air Force, Marines, or Coast Guard, there is usually an offer of financial aid. Not all schools offer ROTC. Residency Requirements Length of time stipulated by colleges or universities that students must spend on campus taking courses. The term also refers to time families or students must reside in a state before being considered eligible for state aid. Rolling Admissions Admissions procedure by which the college considers each student's application as soon as all the required credentials have been received (e.g., school record, test scores). The college usually notifies applicants of its decision without delay.

Slide24: 

SAT® (SAT Reasoning Test™) A 3 hour and 45 minute exam that measures the critical thinking skills needed for academic success in college.  It measures skills in three areas: critical reading, mathematics, and writing. Read about the SAT. SAT Subject Tests™ One hour, primarily multiple-choice tests that measure achievement in specific subject areas. Read about SAT Subject Tests. Semester System Divides the academic year into two equal segments of approximately 18 weeks each. Summer sessions are shorter, but require more intensive study. Student Aid Report (SAR) The form sent to families in response to submission of the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) indicating the Expected Family Contribution (EFC). Student Search Service® (SSS®) A free information service for students who take the PSAT/NMSQT, SAT, or AP Exams. By participating in Student Search Service, students let colleges, universities, and scholarship programs know they are interested in hearing from them. Read about Student Search Service.

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Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL) An exam required by almost all U.S. colleges and universities for students whose principal language is not English. The test is made up of three multiple choice sections: listening comprehension, structure and written expression, and reading comprehension. 3-2 Program A program offering students three years of study in a liberal arts field followed by two years of professional or specialized study (e.g., engineering, teaching, nursing, business administration). The student is awarded two degrees upon successful completion of the program. Transcript Official record of a student's coursework at a school or college. A high school transcript is generally required as part of the college application process. Trimesters An academic calendar that is divided into three equal terms or semesters. Tuition Tax Credits Allow you to subtract, on a dollar-for-dollar basis, the amount of the credit from your total federal income tax bill. Read about Tuition Tax Credits. Undergraduate A college student earning a bachelor's degree. Waitlist A list of applicants who may be considered for acceptance if there is still space after admitted students have decided whether or not they'll attend. Work-Study A federally funded program in which students take campus jobs as part of their financial aid package. To participate in a work-study program, students must complete the FAFSA. Yield Percentage of accepted applicants who enroll at a college.

Your Child's Unique Approach to the Process: 

Your Child's Unique Approach to the Process Each college evaluates home-schooled applicants differently. Some colleges admit many home schoolers. Others have yet to admit one. Either way, your child needs to take extra admissions steps.

Learn College Prep Course Material: 

Learn College Prep Course Material There are certain "gatekeeper" courses like Advanced Placement (AP) that college admissions officers expect all applicants to have completed. Just like traditional students, home-schooled students need to take these college preparatory classes or otherwise learn the course material.

Stay on Top of Dates and Deadlines: 

Stay on Top of Dates and Deadlines Without regular announcements from a guidance office: It's up to your child to keep track of critical dates and deadlines relating to things like: College admissions, SAT® registration deadlines, or AP® Exams

Get Recommendations: 

Get Recommendations Many college applicants ask for letters of recommendation from a teacher. This presents a challenge for your child, since you are most likely serving as her teacher. Some colleges do allow parents to write recommendations, but college admissions officers may consider these recommendations biased. Your child may want to ask an unrelated adult who knows her well to write at least one letter. It's important that your child builds relationships with trusted adults, so make sure she is involved in activities outside the home. A recommendation could come from a coach of a sports team, a leader of a club, or an employer—as long as the person has known your child for a significant period of time and can speak in detail about her character and abilities.

Watch for Home-Schooler Friendly Colleges: 

Watch for Home-Schooler Friendly Colleges Some colleges are friendlier towards home-schooled applicants than others. Several colleges evaluate home-schooled applicants using typical application requirements, such as admission test scores and personal essays. Other colleges require more application materials, such as several SAT Subject Tests™. Before your child selects colleges, she may want to check to see if they have a home-school admissions policy, or if they've admitted home schoolers in the past. An easy way to learn this information is to call admissions offices directly and ask. You want to be sure your child's application will be reviewed, before starting the application process. You can also find application requirements for home-schooled students using our online College Search.

Go on a College Interview: 

Go on a College Interview College interviews allow your child to present her application directly to admissions officers. By meeting face to face, an admissions officer can get a more accurate impression of your child. If administered by the college, interviews can be conducted during a campus visit.

Each Home Schooler's Situation Is Different: 

Each Home Schooler's Situation Is Different For example, some students are associated with a particular home-based school program and others work with their local public school. The above tips speak generally about the college admissions process for most home-schooled students. If you or your child have any questions, contact your local high school's counselor or call the admissions office of the college to which she is applying.

2006-07 College CostsKeep Rising Prices in Perspective: 

2006-07 College Costs Keep Rising Prices in Perspective Here's the bad news: there's no escaping the fact that college costs are rising. According to recently released reports from the College Board, most students and their families can expect to pay, on average, from $90 to $1,238 more than last year for this year's tuition and fees, depending on the type of college. Believe it or not though, there is good news. There is more financial aid available than ever before—over $134 billion. And, despite all of these college cost increases, a college education remains an affordable choice for most families.

Sticker Price vs. Affordability : 

Sticker Price vs. Affordability Although some of the college price tags you hear about can be quite daunting—$30,000 or more for yearly tuition and fees—most colleges are more affordable than you might think. For example, did you know that about 65 percent of students at four-year schools pay less than $9,000 for tuition and fees? After grants are taken into consideration, the net price the average undergraduate pays for a college education is significantly lower than the published tuition and fees. And remember, financial aid will further reduce the amount your family will actually pay.

Where the Scholarships AreHow to Develop a Scholarship Strategy: 

Where the Scholarships Are How to Develop a Scholarship Strategy Although most student aid comes in the form of federal education loans and grants from colleges, scholarships—with their lure of free money—get a huge amount of attention from students and their parents. If you and your child decide to invest your time in a search for scholarships, it's important to have an organized system to find, apply for, and win scholarship money.

Start With a Personal Inventory : 

Start With a Personal Inventory Most of the information your child will need to fill out a scholarship search questionnaire will be easy to come up with—year in school, citizenship, state of residence, religion, ethnic background, disability, military status, employer, membership organizations, and so forth. Beyond those questions, your child should give some thought to academic, extracurricular, and career plans. Your child should ask: Do I want to participate in a competition? If so, what are my talents and interests? What subject do I plan to major in? What career do I plan to pursue? Do I want to apply for all types of aid or only scholarships? Answers to these questions will help determine scholarship eligibility. Your child should take time to brainstorm thoroughly—the more personal characteristics your child discovers, the more scholarships she could potentially apply for.

Research Local Scholarships First : 

Research Local Scholarships First In general, the smaller the area a scholarship covers, the better your child's chances of winning. Your child should start at the high school counselor's office. Counselors will know about scholarships for students graduating from the local high school. They may also be aware of scholarships for residents of your town, county, and state. Your child's next stop should be the college aid section of your local public library or bookstore. Look at a range of books about financial aid, including scholarship guides such as the College Board's Scholarship Handbook, available in the online store. Then, it's time to start looking at large national scholarships such as Reserve Officer Training Corps (ROTC), National Merit, Gates Millennium, Siemens, Coca-Cola, and Robert Byrd.

Check Membership Organizations and Employers : 

Check Membership Organizations and Employers Here's an area where you, as a parent, can really help out. Think of all of the organizations you have an affiliation with—religious, community service, fraternal, military, union, and professional—and find out if any of them sponsor scholarships for children of members. Don't forget your employer. Many large companies offer scholarships or tuition reimbursement programs for dependent children of employees. Check with your human resources department to see if your company offers such programs. Employers of students such as fast food chains, department stores, and supermarkets often provide scholarships. Awards related to student employment can come from unexpected sources. For example, there are a number of scholarships for golf caddies.

Use a Free Scholarship Search Service : 

Use a Free Scholarship Search Service A scholarship search company collects information on hundreds of awards and compares your child's student characteristics with scholarship restrictions. Based on answers to a questionnaire, your child will receive a list of possible scholarships. It is up to your child to decide which ones to try for. You should never have to pay for scholarship information. If you are asked to pay a fee for "exclusive" scholarship leads, there's a good chance the scholarship service is really a scholarship scam.

Here are some free scholarship search services:: 

Here are some free scholarship search services: Scholarship Search FastWeb Scholarship Research Network Express Wiredscholar

Research Institutional Scholarships : 

Research Institutional Scholarships Since a great deal of scholarship money is disbursed by colleges, it makes sense to research what kinds of scholarships are available at your child's favorite colleges. Investigate college websites, catalogs, and financial aid offices for this information. Institutional awards can be offered on a university-wide basis, or within a particular college or major. Eligibility for such awards can be based on merit, financial need, intended major, ethnicity, or a variety of other factors. Here are some questions your child might want to ask about these awards: Are scholarships awarded automatically if a student matches certain criteria (such as GPA or SAT score)? What is the application procedure? What materials are required? Is the award renewable? What are the requirements to maintain the award?

Research Institutional Scholarships : 

Research Institutional Scholarships Since a great deal of scholarship money is disbursed by colleges, it makes sense to research what kinds of scholarships are available at your child's favorite colleges. Investigate college websites, catalogs, and financial aid offices for this information. Institutional awards can be offered on a university-wide basis, or within a particular college or major. Eligibility for such awards can be based on merit, financial need, intended major, ethnicity, or a variety of other factors. Here are some questions your child might want to ask about these awards: Are scholarships awarded automatically if a student matches certain criteria (such as GPA or SAT score)? What is the application procedure? What materials are required? Is the award renewable? What are the requirements to maintain the award?

How to Apply for a ScholarshipThe Money Is There, but You Have to Ask for It: 

How to Apply for a Scholarship The Money Is There, but You Have to Ask for It There's a lot of advice out there about the best way to apply for scholarships—how your child should "package" himself in his essay, which extracurricular activities to emphasize, and what color paper to use for his resume. The truth is, much of this advice can vary widely, depending on the author—and what works for one applicant may not necessarily work for another. Your child will discover that most of the scholarship secrets simply boil down to using common sense and following directions carefully.

1. Start Researching Scholarships Early : 

1. Start Researching Scholarships Early The more time your child can put into a scholarship search, the more options there'll be.  Your child will need time to research scholarships, request information and application materials, and complete applications—plus, some scholarships have deadlines early in the fall of the senior year.

2. Read Eligibility Requirements Carefully : 

2. Read Eligibility Requirements Carefully If your child has a question about eligibility for a particular scholarship, contact the scholarship sponsors immediately.

3. Organize All Scholarship Materials : 

3. Organize All Scholarship Materials Your child should create a separate file for each scholarship and file by application date. Keep a calendar of application deadlines and follow-up appointments. Many scholarships require your child to provide some combination of the following: Transcript Standardized test scores Financial aid forms, such as the FAFSA or PROFILE Parent's financial information, including tax returns One or more essays One or more letters of recommendation Proof of eligibility (e.g. membership credentials) Your child may also need to prepare for a personal interview. For students competing for talent-based scholarships, an audition, performance, or portfolio may be required.

Must Look College Scholarships: 

Must Look College Scholarships Pell Grants Cal Grants (California Residents) Institutional Grants The University the Student was accepted to.

4- 10: 

4- 10 4. Proofread Applications Carefully Your child can use the computer's spelling and grammar check features to scan for any careless mistakes, however, it's also a good idea to ask others—you, a teacher, or a friend—to read the essays and share thoughts and ideas. 5. Don't Leave Items Blank Blank items will slow down the processing of your child's application. Your child should contact scholarship sponsors with questions on how to fill out any part of the application. 6. Follow Instructions to the Letter Make sure your child does not go over the length limit for the essay. Another application don't: sending supporting materials that are not requested in the application. 7. Make Sure the Application is Legible Type or print application forms and essays. 8. Make Copies of Everything If application materials are lost, having copies on hand will make it much easier to resend the application quickly. 9. Double-Check the Application If your child is reusing material (such as a cover letter or essay) from another scholarship application, be especially careful he hasn't left in any incorrect names or blank fields. He should not forget to sign and date his application. 10. Get Your Applications in Early Missing deadlines means missing out. Consider using certified mail and/or return receipt.

Scholarships Might Affect the Financial Aid Package : 

Scholarships Might Affect the Financial Aid Package Private scholarships can actually reduce parts of your child's financial aid package. How? Colleges must consider outside scholarships as a student's financial resource, available to pay for education costs. If a college financial aid office meets your child's full financial need, government regulations specify that any scholarship money won lowers the need figure on a dollar-for-dollar basis. What should matter to you and your child is which types of aid are reduced or eliminated—self-help aid (loans or work-study) or need-based grants. Colleges, following federal regulations, can adjust aid packages in a variety of ways—some will subtract the value of unmet need first, others will reduce self-help aid before reducing grants, still others will use scholarship funds only to replace grant money. Some colleges even give the option of using scholarships to reduce the expected family contribution. It's a good idea to contact the financial aid office of colleges that interest your child and inquire about their policies regarding outside scholarships.

Your Family's Financing OptionsWhen the Family Share is More Than You Can Afford: 

Your Family's Financing Options When the Family Share is More Than You Can Afford There are a variety of financing options available for families who are concerned about their ability to meet their family share of costs. These alternative sources of aid, most often in the form of loans, can help families cover financial aid gaps, or unmet need in a financial aid package.

Student Loans: 

Student Loans If your child meets certain criteria, he could qualify to borrow an additional student loan such as an unsubsidized Stafford loan or a private education loan. Note: these loans tend to be more expensive than need-based loans.

Federal Unsubsidized Loans: 

Federal Unsubsidized Loans Students who don't demonstrate need, or need to borrow more than the subsidized loan amount, can borrow unsubsidized Stafford loans. Unlike subsidized loans, your child is responsible for paying interest on the loan while in school. The College Board offers unsubsidized Federal Stafford Loans through its Education Loan Program.

Private Student Loans: 

Private Student Loans There are a number of privately-funded (non-government) loans available to students to help meet the family share. These loans are also known as alternative loans or supplemental loans. Learn more about private loans.

Parent Loans: 

Parent Loans Parents can also take on loans to help cover the expected family contribution. Certain rules—such as demonstrating good credit—will apply, depending on the loan. Parent loan options include Federal PLUS loans and private loans.

Federal PLUS Loans: 

Federal PLUS Loans This is the most popular loan for the parents of dependent undergraduate students. You can borrow up to the full cost of education, minus any financial aid. Learn more about PLUS Loans.

Private Education Loans for Parents: 

Private Education Loans for Parents There are a number of private (non-government) education loans for parents. Many of these loans are available from banks.

Home Equity Loans: 

Home Equity Loans If you are a homeowner, it's likely that you can borrow against your home. You may be eligible to borrow as much as your equity, which is the difference between the market value of your house and how much you owe on your mortgage. This money can be used to pay for education costs. The rate is comparable to other borrowing options. An advantage of a home equity loan is that the interest you pay may be deductible on your federal tax return. A disadvantage is that you may have to pay a fee for this type of loan.

IRA Withdrawals: 

IRA Withdrawals An IRA is a savings account designed to put aside money for retirement. The main options are the Traditional IRA and the Roth IRA. Under either plan, you can be charged a 10 percent fee if you withdraw money before you reach age 59 1/2. If the money is used to pay for college expenses, the 10 percent fee is waived. However, you may be required to pay federal and state income tax on your withdrawals.

Tuition Tax Credits: 

Tuition Tax Credits A tax credit is an amount of money you can subtract from your federal tax bill. It is a dollar-for-dollar reduction of the amount you owe. If you have family members in college, and your income doesn't exceed certain limits, you may apply for a credit of up to $1,500 per year. For more information, go to Tuition Tax Credits.

PSAT NMSQT: 

PSAT NMSQT If you are a home-schooled student, contact a principal or counselor at a local public or independent high school to make arrangements to take the PSAT/NMSQT at their school. Be sure to do so well in advance of the mid-October test dates, preferably during the previous June. If you're a home-schooled student, your PSAT/NMSQT score report is sent directly to your home address. On the test day, when completing the basic information on the answer sheet, be sure to enter your state's home school code in the "school code" section. The test supervisor will provide this for you.

Home-Schooled Students & the SAT® : 

Home-Schooled Students & the SAT® Most SAT information is the same for home-schooled students as it is for traditional students. Here's a brief overview. SAT Reasoning Test™ The SAT is a 3 hour and 45 minute test that measures the critical thinking, mathematical reasoning, and writing skills that students need to do college-level work. SAT scores can help colleges better understand how your child compares with other college-bound students. The test's three sections are divided into nine subsections, including a 25-minute essay, which are timed separately.

SAT Subject Tests™ : 

SAT Subject Tests™ Home-schooled students should consider taking one or more Subject Tests. These are one-hour, primarily multiple-choice tests in specific subjects, such as Writing. By taking Subject Tests, your child can demonstrate her academic strengths to colleges. Plus, some colleges require home-schoolers to take one or more Subject Tests for admission or placement. You and your child can learn the admission requirements of colleges with our online

Taking the Tests: 

Taking the Tests How to Register Students can register for SAT tests on their own. Unlike the PSAT/NMSQT®, your child does not need to go through a local high school. You and your child can find out how to register with our online student guide on SAT Registration. Registration Bulletin To register by mail or fax, you need to get a free Registration Bulletin. Pick up a Bulletin from the local high school guidance office or contact the SAT Program to have one mailed to you. It includes a registration form, instructions on how to complete the form, and various necessary code numbers. All students enter a school code on the registration form. A universal home school code is listed in the Registration Bulletin and on the online registration form. Where to Take the Tests The SAT® Program tests are administered on specific dates at test centers across the country, many of which are high schools. When registering, choose three test centers (in order of preference) where your child would like to test. Scores and Score Reporting Score reports are mailed about three weeks after the test to the address provided on the Registration Form and to requested colleges and scholarship programs. Four score reports are included with the Basic Registration/Reporting Fee, when requested by the test date. Additional reports can be sent to colleges and scholarship programs for a fee. Home-schooled students have the same services available to them as traditional students. Your child can receive Scores by Phone, send additional score reports, or see some test questions and answers.

Advanced Placement (AP): 

Advanced Placement (AP) The New Home School Frontier

College Credit and Validation: 

College Credit and Validation The new frontier that home schoolers must enter is that of taking Advanced Placement (AP) Exams. Outside of the ACT and SAT, the AP Exam is one of the only standards that is accepted by post secondary institutions as an indicator of academic success and graduation. According to the College Board website: (http://www.collegeboard.com/prod_downloads/prof/advance-placement-qa.pdf) ninety percent of colleges and universities in the United States, as well as institutions in 38 other countries, have an AP granting policy in regards to admissions, college credit and scholarship consideration.

Save money: 

Save money If you earn a qualifying grade on an AP Exam, you can receive credit for the equivalent course at thousands of colleges and universities: “I took AP throughout high school because it was the most interesting and well-taught program offered. When I reached college, I realized that I had accumulated a year’s worth of credits. I graduated from Michigan’s undergraduate business school a full year early, saving $30,000 and a year’s time.” —Nikki Baker, University of Michigan

AP and College Success™: 

AP and College Success™ Students who take AP courses and exams are much more likely than their peers to complete a bachelor’s degree in four years or less. Source: Camara, Wayne (2003). College Persistence, Graduation, and Remediation. College Board Research Notes (RN-19). New York, NY: College Board.

On another note concerning graduation: 

On another note concerning graduation Statistically across the nation four year universities have approximately a 50% drop out rate. This means that one in two students will not graduate at all. Statistics show that students who have successfully passed two AP exams have a greater than 80% potential of graduation (regardless of the time frame, even if it’s beyond four years).

Compete with the nation’s top students: 

Compete with the nation’s top students Nationally, only 15% of the student population takes an AP course with New York and a couple of other states as high as 20%. Of these top public school students only 20% achieve a 4 or 5 (AP exam scores), and only 60% pass with a 3 or better. Home School students will compete with these top public school students by taking and successfully passing AP exams.

Many colleges “compete” for the nation’s top students: 

Many colleges “compete” for the nation’s top students Education is a market place It rewards those who compete With Higher level instruction Scholarship help Opportunity Like-minded students who practice excellence

Distinction: 

Distinction While Community College plays a role in the home schooler’s pursuit of college course work, it alone is not the best option. Community College does not distinguish the home schooler from college bound students who will matriculate to their local community college in droves. AP allows the home school student to gain national recognition and compete for the best universities in the country with the rest of the nation's top students. Effectually, only 12% of the nation's high school population will pass one AP exam with a 3 or better; by your student passing just one AP exam they join this elite group of academically prepared students in the country. The higher the score and the number of AP exams taken will continue to elevate the student into the higher echelons of the country's best students. Some of our students have achieved the status of ‘AP Scholar with Honor’ and more are on their way to achieving this very important level of achievement.

What is the best way to score well?: 

What is the best way to score well? While it is true that a student can take the AP Exam without any formal training or classroom preparation, it is to the student’s advantage to take an AP course in the area in which he or she will be tested. The true design of the AP program is for the student to take the AP course, which replicates the rigor of a first year university course. Upon completion of that course, he or she will take the exam. Utilizing this option most effectively prepares the student for college level courses. For public school students this is not too much of a problem since 68% of all high schools in the country offer some AP courses. For the home school student it is a bit more problematic since AP is not readily available. Up to now the primary source of study for a home school student was either self-study or participation in an online course similar to what the University of Pennsylvania offers. While these are viable options they are not the most strategic.

Take the Challenge: 

Take the Challenge This is the time for the home school community to take the challenge and provide a more equal playing field for their students. Excellence In Education (EIE) in Monrovia, California has proven that effective AP courses can be taught at the home school level. Four years ago EIE partnered with Mark Cruthers and developed a very successful AP program. To date we have offered AP courses in: European History, U.S. History, Government, and Psychology. Our pass rate is excellent at 100%, with 80% testing at a 4 or 5 (out of a possible 5) and the remainder passing with a score of 3. This success level is exceptional, especially when you consider that nationally, only 15% of the student population takes an AP course.

Home Schoolers across the country have already proven . . .: 

Home Schoolers across the country have already proven . . . They can do Advanced Placement course work given enough support !

Why the Nation’s Top Students Take Advanced Placement Courses ? : 

Why the Nation’s Top Students Take Advanced Placement Courses ? And further reasons why home schoolers should as well !

Benefits of the AP® Program – The Effect on Students: 

Benefits of the AP® Program – The Effect on Students Better prepared academically. More likely to choose challenging majors. Likely to complete more college-level work. Likely to perform significantly better than students who did not take AP courses. More likely to exercise leadership. More likely to graduate with a double major. Twice as likely to go into advanced study. Willingham & Morris, 1986; UT Study 1988 Students who complete AP courses are:

Responsibilities of AP® Students: 

Responsibilities of AP® Students A willingness to actively engage with sophisticated concepts A willingness to be judged by rigorous, college-level standards A willingness to complete longer and more complex nightly assignments A willingness to complete the AP Examination in May

Slide78: 

Advanced Placement Program® (AP®) courses give you a head start on college. Taking the end-of-course AP Exam sends a powerful message to colleges and universities that a student is ready for them, and can enable students to gain admission, college credit, and placement into advanced courses.

AP® Examinations: 

AP® Examinations Administered in May Approximately three hours long Composed of multiple-choice and free-response questions Free-response questions graded by college professors and AP teachers in June AP Examination grades range from 1 to 5

AP® ExaminationsInterpretation of Grades: 

AP® Examinations Interpretation of Grades 5 — Extremely Well Qualified 4 — Well Qualified 3 — Qualified 2 — Possibly Qualified 1 — No Recommendation

Did you know . . .: 

Did you know . . . If you earn a high school diploma, you’re likely to earn $7,000 more annually than students who don’t complete high school. But if you earn a bachelor’s degree in college, you’re likely to earn $22,000 more annually. Source: U.S. Department of Education, 2000

Prepare Now to Succeed in College: 

Prepare Now to Succeed in College A 1999 U.S. Department of Education study found that the strongest predictor of college graduation is something students do before they ever go to college: Participate in rigorous, college-level courses in high school—and AP courses in particular. Clifford Adelman, Answers in the Tool Box: Academic Intensity, Attendance Patterns, and Bachelor’s Degree Attainment (1999), U.S. Department of Education.

Who designs the AP courses and exams?: 

Who designs the AP courses and exams? AP committee members currently teach at dozens of the nation’s top colleges and universities, including: Dartmouth College • UCLA Hamilton College • University of Texas at Austin Michigan State University • University of Virginia Princeton University • Yale University Spelman College

Why should a student takethe AP Exam?: 

Why should a student take the AP Exam? Colleges and universities give credit for qualifying AP Exam grades, not AP course grades. “The confirmation that college-level learning took place is in the published results. The AP Exam grade is a national standard that I can understand and rely upon.” —Joellen L. Silberman, Dean of Enrollment Kalamazoo College

Increase your options: 

Increase your options College credit can allow you to move into upper-level college courses sooner, pursue a double major, and gain time to study and travel abroad: “As a freshman, I was able to skip general ed requirements and head straight into the higher-level classes I wanted to take. Taking AP Exams literally saved me semesters of time.” —Brent Wiese, University of Iowa

According to an AP Student…: 

According to an AP Student… Students who participate in AP are ultimately given the responsibility to reason, analyze, and understand for themselves. Such intellectual training inevitably helps them succeed in college, where these skills are essential. “AP has given me skills I need to succeed in college.” Dana Batista AP Calculus, AP Physics, AP Spanish The University of Texas at Arlington, Arlington, Texas

Why should I take the AP Exam even if I’m not looking to earn credit or placement?: 

Why should I take the AP Exam even if I’m not looking to earn credit or placement? Stand out in the admissions process Earn academic scholarships and awards Experience a college-level test Be a step ahead

Stand out in the admissions process: 

Stand out in the admissions process “One of the best standard predictors of academic success at Harvard is performance on Advanced Placement Examinations.” —William R. Fitzsimmons Dean of Admissions, Harvard University “AP Exams affirm the rigor of a student’s course work. Though admissions policies vary, if I were a student, I wouldn’t assume that the college of my dreams didn’t care about AP Exams in the admissions process.” —Bruce Walker, Director of Admissions University of Texas at Austin

Factors Influencing Admission Decisions–2001: 

NACAC Admission Trends Survey, 2001 Factors Influencing Admission Decisions–2001

Earn academic scholarshipsor awards: 

Earn academic scholarships or awards Some of the most competitive scholarship awards value AP Exam grades: “Having the AP Exam grade can make the difference when it comes down to awarding precious scholarship dollars.” —Edwina Harris Hamby, Dean of Admission Fisk University

Experience a college-level test: 

Experience a college-level test The intensity of college exams catches far too many freshmen by surprise: “Students who have prepared for and taken the AP Exams adapt more easily to taking college essay exams, and are especially skilled in including a thesis and a well-developed argument. They are also less intimidated by sophisticated, college-level multiple-choice questions that seek to test understanding over memorization.” —Robert Blackey, Professor of History CSU, San Bernardino

AP Equity Policy Statement:: 

AP Equity Policy Statement: “The College Board and the Advanced Placement Program encourage teachers, AP Coordinators, and school administrators to make equitable access a guiding principle for their AP programs. The College Board is committed to the principle that all students deserve an opportunity to participate in rigorous and academically challenging courses and programs.” (continued)

AP Equity Policy Statement:: 

AP Equity Policy Statement: “All students who are willing to accept the challenge of a rigorous academic curriculum should be considered for admission to AP courses. The Board encourages the elimination of barriers that restrict access to AP courses for students from ethnic, racial, and socioeconomic groups that have been traditionally underrepresented in the AP Program. Schools should make every effort to ensure that their AP classes reflect the diversity of their student population.”

AP courses offered by EIE:: 

AP courses offered by EIE: European History (alternate) US History (alternate) American Government and Politics (self study upon successful completing of an AP History class) English Literature (possible alternate) Psychology (possible alternate)

AP Credit and PlacementPolicy Information: 

AP Credit and Placement Policy Information Colleges and universities throughout the world offer credit and/or placement for qualifying Advanced Placement Exam scores. Information about AP credit and placement policies at many colleges and universities is now available on the College Board’s Web site: www.collegeboard.com/ap/creditpolicy

Equal footing with the Best: 

Equal footing with the Best While passing the AP does not guarantee success in being accepted by post secondary institutions, our students will definitely be on equal footing with any other student applying. Again it is important to remember that nationally only 15% of the top students elect to take the AP Exam, by taking the exam you place your student in this elite category.

Slide97: 

Presented by: Mark Cruthers email: rousseau1789@yahoo.com Web: homeschool-teachers.com in Association with: authorGEN - WiZiQ using authorPOINT software http://www.wiziq.com/tour/what_is_wiziq.aspx http://www.authorgen.com/authorpoint/index.htm http://www.authorstream.com/ EIE Academy Martin and Carolyn Forte Phone: 626-821-0025 www.eieacademy.com