“I already ran a spell-check on my computer.” Words can be spelled correctly but used incorrectly. Ask a counselor, teacher or family member to proof read the application to catch any errors or poor phrasing.

“One copy is enough.” Print out any online forms and keep copies of all paperwork.

“I can send my application

as soon as I’m finished.” Before you seal the envelope

or click “Send” on your computer, double- and triple-check that you have included

all necessary materials.

Follow-up in two weeks to verify that all mailed

materials have been received.

“I assume this is right.” If you’re confused by a question or any part of the application, ask someone. A quick call to

the admissions office can save you from making an embarrassing error

You must go to the Guidance Office and see Mrs. Manchola to request copies of your

Transcripts to be sent to those Colleges you applied to.

Athletic Scholarship Search Strategy

1. Create an Athletic Resume detailing information which you can get from your coach. Records, times, awards are all very helpful to a college coach to get an idea as to your level

of play and competitiveness. Some colleges have their own forms on their website to make

it easy for you.

2. Go on the internet and search out division I, II and III colleges that you would like to attend. Check out the team that interests you. Their record, where do their players come from and how many are seniors will be graduating. Many teams have Bio or their players

- check and see how they compare to you. Here is a direct link to the NCAA website:

Sport/College Search

3. Compose a brief e-mail to the coach and tell him/her a

little about you and your interests. Attach your Athletic Resume to your e-mail and ask the coach to look at it. Tell the coach in the e-mail that if your scholastic and athletic abilities interest him/her, that you would be happy to send a video tape or any information that may be needed. If you clear it with your coach, you may also note that your coach at SMSH would be happy to talk with him/her.......It's a good idea to copy your coach on all your e-mails so they know what colleges you are contacting and what you are saying.

4. What usually happens is that the college coach will e-mail you and give you an idea of how interested he/she may be in you playing for their team. If you offer a video tape, he/she may request that you send it. He/she may also call your home and talk to you about his/her program. Learn all you can about their college and ask intelligent questions.

5. I also recommend that you talk with your coach here at SMSH about student/coach contact rules. This is serious business and you must follow NCAA guidelines.

SMSH’s College Bound

SENIORS, It is very important that you understand that things have changed when it comes to being accepted to any of the Florida state universities. The economy, and budget cuts in public education has had a devastating impact on the enrollment numbers at our state universities. It will be harder this year and it will be up to you to meet this challenge. Less admission slots mean higher standards for those students seeking a seat in next year’s freshmen class.

With fewer seats at our universities, our community colleges will be attempting to enroll those students who are not awarded a seat at a university. Private colleges will also be looking to attract more students to their campuses.

My word to you is to keep an open mind and realize that things are different now. To succeed, you need to focus more on keeping your grades up and continue your SAT/ACT testing until you achieve your target score. Last year a growing percentage of seniors made successful scores by taking these tests more than two or three times.

Explore the CAP Office

Everyone (I hope) knows that I have an open door policy. That means that if the door is open – “come on in” you are welcome anytime with a pass or during your lunch.– I want to help – whenever and wherever I can.

Let me tell you what is in the CAP Office for your use:

We have 4 computers at your disposal for college research, filling out application, and searching for scholarships. Any college materials in my office are there for you to peruse and use.

Register on-line for the SAT/ACT, search for colleges, do college applications and after January 1, you can use the computer to fill out your financial aid form (FAFSA).

I want all SMSH students to feel free to visit the CAP Office and use the resources that are available to you. These resources are for you and are there to help you with one of the most difficult and exciting decisions of your life.

If you have any questions about college searches, testing and or any scholarship..... Please e-mail to me at: JArguelles1@dadeschools.net Sophomores and Freshmen wishing to receive this bulletin and other college related notifications must e-mail me with their request.

YOUR COLLEGE SEARCH:
SENIORS, TIME TO BEGIN YOUR COLLEGE SEARCHES.... If you haven’t already!!!!!

Now that school has started - guess what!!! It's time to spend some time in some preparation for that next big step in life - COLLEGE. There is no better time than now to begin your college search. USE THE INTERNET, I believe it's one of the best tools out there in the daunting task of finding the best college for you. Depending on if you want to go out of state or stay in sunny Florida, here are just a few things you should look for in weeding out the number of choices available to you.

1.      LOCATION: how about snow - big cities - rural farmland - beaches - mountains - staying close to home - getting as far away as possible - different people - different cultures - plenty of activities or plenty of study time - fading into the crowd or standing out with the few - close personal attention or being left to sink or swim. Each college or university has their own personality. By doing your own investigation, you may find out what college environment best suits YOU. YOUR own personal success is often determined by how comfortable and happy you are in your new environment.

2.      ADMISSION REQUIREMENTS: know your deadline dates!!!!! know if either early action or early decision are offered - letters of recommendation and essays - know what their mid-range GPA and SAT/ACT scores are - determine if you match the qualifications a college is looking for and your chances of getting accepted!!!!! Know what type of application is preferred by the admissions department - know what financial aid forms are required.

3.      COSTS:   Get an idea of what tuition, room/board, books etc will cost you and your family. This is a great time to learn about financial aid and how it works ------ most importantly, talk this over with your parents, know what they can afford then do some soul searching to determine what you will have to do to make up any shortages. Investigate what you may qualify for in financial aid. Check out what institutional aid is available - know what GPA and SAT/ACT scores are required to qualify for an institutional scholarship. All institutions are different and many offer great awards to worthy students. NOW is the time to do your research.

4. TESTING: If your SAT or ACT scores are a few points off the mark, NOW is the time to plan to retake these tests. Remember state university minimums: SAT >>> 440 Math / 440 Critical Reading >>> ACT >>> 17 English / 18 Reading / 19 Math - please retake if you have failed to meet state minimums. Now when you register for the SAT, or ACT, please go ahead and put down the 4 colleges you want your scores sent to (it’s FREE). A lot of time will be wasted if you fail to do so.

- PLAN out your strategy prior to the date that your COLLEGE APPLICATION is due.

- ONE HINT: many colleges will hold your application for additional test scores or

Your grades at the end of the first semester. CONTINUE MAKING GOOD GRADES AND CONTINUE TESTING.

4. ACADEMICS: This should be simple - right!!!!! Always allow yourself some flexibility. Just know that most small or liberal arts colleges may offer a limited number of programs and majors. That's fine if you are sure you know what you want to study. Not so good if you want to study Sports Medicine and they don't offer it!!! Universities (universal) usually offer a wide variety of programs and majors. If you are like most college students, you may end up changing your major several times. Universities may offer the flexibility that a fickle mind needs.

When you have developed a list of colleges, please plan a visit. Call ahead to arrange a tour. Pay attention to the atmosphere of the college as well as the students who attend there. Visit a class if possible; ask about institutional scholarships as well as financial aid. Most importantly, get a feel as to how you as a person will fit into the college culture and if it will meet your scholastic as well as career goals. GOOD LUCK!!!!!!!!!

What ever you do, please consider the tremendous impact that a careful college choice will have on you and your future. If you are not sure where to begin, try some of the websites for college searches that I have listed @ On the Web.

NOW IS THE TIME.... IF YOU HAVE ANY QUESTIONS....PLEASE

E-MAIL ME AT: Jarguelles1@dadeschools.net

Early Decision versus Early Action:

First of all, is it important to realize that the traditional definition of Early Decision vs. Early Action is being redefined. The definitions below are the traditional definitions. My best recommendation is that you clearly understand the definition of these terms for the colleges that you are planning to apply to.

Early Decision (binding admission)

Pro: Great option if you believe your choice is the one and only and that you would be unhappy any other place. Admission people love Early Decision because it commits a greater number of students to their incoming freshman class. Your chances of being accepted ED is much higher than Early Decision and Regular Admissions. Notification usually comes within a month or so after the deadline. Remember that if you apply ED at one college, you cannot apply ED at another. For other colleges I recommend that you apply EA, or regular.

Con: Early Decision is not for everyone. I would not consider ED if there is going to be a great need for financial aid. One drawback comes when you receive your financial aid award letter and realize that you cannot afford to go to your first choice. It gets worse since you must withdraw all other applications. You may end up scrambling to apply to your secondary schools at a late date.

Early Action (non-binding)

Pro: I say...go for it!!! EA is for those students on the ball and eager to apply to their top choices. EA allows you to apply to any number of schools without being bound to any school that accepts you. EA notification usually comes a short time after ED notifications. As with ED applicants, you have a higher chance of acceptance if you go EA as compared to the regular deadline date.

Con: Can't think of any. Applicants who may not meet grade and test score levels may be deferred to a later date.

Financial Aid: Students applying ED or EA have a greater chance at higher levels of financial aid than those students who apply regular decision. "The early bird gets the worm". A word of wisdom here: Most Financial Aid people do not appreciate it if you try to negotiate a higher financial aid package by playing their institution off against another institutions offer. Be honest, sincere and truly desiring to attend their institution.

Get Noticed: 10 College Essay Tips

1. Don’t “recycle” essays. An essay that sounds like it has been used before will blend with everyone else’s.

2. Captivate your audience. Make your essay engaging and memorable. Include a quick, enticing intro; give a reason to finish reading it.

3. Be yourself. Choose a topic that is meaningful to you. Use your own voice. Show off a side of yourself that your application does not; don’t simply write what you think an admissions office wants to hear.

4. Accentuate the positive. When writing about a personal experience, emphasize how the experience changed you for the better.

5. Write in the active voice. Doing so will make for a clearer, more concise essay.

6. Don’t overextend. Your essay isn’t a term paper. Stay focused on your topic.

7. Ask people for input. Whether it’s a teacher, counselor, friend or parent, ask someone you respect for some candid feedback. Is it confusing? Boring?

8. Leave time for rewriting. Look for weak or dull spots and spelling and grammatical errors. Never let your first draft be your final draft.

9. Revise, reword. Improve on your first draft through various rewrites. Read the essay aloud to find awkward sentences or problems.

10. Pursue perfection. Have someone else look it over. Quadruple-check the spelling. Type your essay carefully

College Application Checklist

Seniors, each year several colleges and universities send me a report that gives me the disposition of all applications received at their institution. I am amazed at the number of applications that end up incomplete. Common mistakes are: no transcripts, waiting for SAT/ACT test scores, application fees not paid or residency statement is not correct or complete. Remember that when you do the Florida State university application on-line, that you must print off the last page and complete the residency verification part. When completed, mail this to the college along with your application fee and your essays and letters of recommendation. Finally, when you send anything to an admissions office, please always follow-up with them in two weeks to verify that they received your information.

Here are some general guidelines and suggestions that I hope will help you with the application process.

1. The General Application: Is all information accurate and legible? Don’t leave questions blank unless the application allows it. Most colleges now prefer that you apply on-line.

2. Academic Transcripts: See Mrs. Manchola for your transcripts. If we are able to send your transcripts electronically, there will be no charges. One dollar will be required if we must print and mail your transcripts.

3. Letters of Recommendation: Do you have the number of recommendations required? Also, check with the admissions office if they need to be sealed. Remember that not all colleges require letters!!

4. Work Samples/Portfolios: Include your name, contact information and the project title on every item. Send copies, not originals.

5. Application Essays: Make sure your name, social security number, date of birth, contact information and essay title are on each page. Be original and remember to change college names around if you are sending your essay to more than one college.

6. Reply Cards: Include these for your prospective college to mail back to you as receipt of delivery. They should be stamped and self-addressed.

7. SAT/ACT Scores: If you need to send test scores to additional schools, contact the testing company immediately. SAT: www.collegeboard.com ACT: www.act.org Scores are mailed about three weeks after your request. Due to timing issues, I strongly recommend that seniors indicate where they want scores sent when they register for a test. This will save precious time.

8. Signatures: Before mailing, verify that all necessary forms have been signed.

9. Keep Copies: Create a file to hold copies of all documents in case you need to refer to them later.

COLLEGE FAIRS

Ft. Lauderdale NACAC College Fair – Thursday, October 16^th 5:00 - 8:30pm

Ft. Lauderdale/Broward City Conv. Center / Ft. Lauderdale, FL

This is an excellent fair for undecided seniors and other students who are eager to dig into the college search process. Approximately 150+ colleges and universities will be represented. Informative workshops on admissions, testing, scholarships and financial aid will also be given.

FLORIDA STATE UNIVERSITY: Summer Bridge Program

The Summer Bridge Program is now called the CARE Program (Center for Academic Retention and Enhancement). This program is for first-time-in-college students who may have been disadvantaged due to economic, educational, or cultural circumstances. Curricular guidelines are a minimum 2.5 GPA (looking only at the academic subjects) and either a 900 on the SAT or a 19 on the ACT. Student who know that it is not likely they will meet the normal freshman standards, and they do appear to be meeting CARE standards, should submit a CARE application along with their regular application to the university. The deadline for CARE applications is February 15th. Contact us: Center for Academic Retention and Enhancement, A5400 University Center, The Florida State University, Tallahassee, FL 32306-2450, Telephone: (850) 644-9699, Email: care@admin.fsu.edu

Seeking Out Athletic Scholarships

Juniors and Senior Athletes:

One goal I have for the class of 2009 is to increase the number of students receiving athletic scholarship money. There are plenty of students participating in sports at SMSH and I believe that there are plenty of scholarship opportunities out there for student athletes. I know that there are many very nice athletic awards available out there at the division I, and II and III colleges. While Div III colleges do not offer athletic scholarships, if they want you they will find a way. While everyone thinks of Division I, there are many Division II schools that have great athletic scholarships available to athletes from Florida.

For senior athletes, now is the time to begin doing your research into colleges that may have the need as well as the team that could very well use your athletic skills. DO NOT WAIT UNTIL THE END OF THE YEAR !!!!

You can not just sit back and expect your coach to come up with scholarship opportunities for you!!!!

For junior athletes, now is the time to make contact with coaches and begin to get a feel for what you need to do to land a great scholarship and education.

I strongly suggest that you take the time to talk with your SMSH coach and ask him/her, with your level of play, which NCAA division you might be best suited for.

Once you begin to communicate with coaches and colleges,

1. Keep all options open - do not talk about other colleges you are contacting - unless asked - be honest.

2. At the beginning don't play one school against the other - every college is your number 1 choice. Listen to the college coach and become interested in their program.

3. Apply to the college to show the coach your desire to attend and play for them once the coach is serious about scholarship money..

4. In January/February, apply for financial aid - keep in contact with the coach and let him/her know what will be needed as far as the affordability of you attending their college. Remember to keep your grades up. Many Division I and II coaches work with a limited budget. Your attractiveness to a coach improves if he can also mix in academic scholarship and financial aid money into your final package.

5. Hopefully by March/April you will have a good idea as to how much the college will be awarding you in Academic, Athletic and Need Based Grants, Loans and Work Study. You can make your final decision based on your overall feeling and affordability of the college.

6. I still recommend that you not play one school against another. If asked, mention how much another college is offering – but always do it in a respectable manner - don't burn bridges - stay friends - you never know when you will run into him/her again.

VISIT THE COLLEGE!!! SEE IF YOU WILL BE HAPPY THERE – feeling comfortable with the coach is very important.

A couple of final notes----->>>> remember you must register with the NCAA for eligibility - Read up on NCAA guidelines about player/coach contact guidelines. I can't say that I am an expert so I really recommend that you talk to your coaches if you have any questions.

Always feel welcomed to the CAP Office – I will always be happy to help and discuss any strategy or plans that you have.

The Best of luck to you,

Mrs. Arguelles