Sunday, October 7, 2012

Boca High PTSA 1st Annual College Fair

Attention all Boca High students and parents:

The PTSA, in conjunction with the  College and Career Center, are presenting their 1st Annual College Fair to take place in our cafeteria on Tuesday, October 16th from 6:00 pm to 8:00 pm.  We will be hosting over 35 college and universities as well as some private vendors for test prep, tutoring etc.   This event is open to the public so feel free to bring friends and family.

BOCA HIGH INAUGURAL PTSA COLLEGE FAIR
TUESDAY, OCTOBER 16TH
6:00 PM TO 8:00 PM
BOCA HIGH CAFETERIA

ALL ARE WELCOME!!!!

University of North Florida On the Spot Admissions

Students interested in University of North Florida are encouraged to attend the following event:

Send in your application, your fee, your transcript and test score to UNF as usual and then make an appointment on October 29, 2012 to go to the Deerfield Hilton to get an admission decision on the spot.  Students will either be accepted or get feedback on what they will need to do to get accepted in the next few months.  The entire UNF admissions dept. will be here to meet you face to face and talk about your prospects of attending.

DETAILS:  Monday, October 29th     9:00 am to 1:00 pm
                    Deerfield Beach Hilton
                    100 Fairway Drive
                    Deerfield Beach, FL  33441

Reservations can be made at www.unf.edu/visitorcenter or call 904.620.1183

Yale, Penn State, Carnegie Mellon in our area

Students and their parents will have the opportunity to meet with representative of the following universities during evening presentations at the following locations:

YALE:  Tuesday, October 16, 2012   7:00 pm
             Belen Jesuit Prep School
            500 SW 127th Avenue
            Miami, FL  33184
Registration for event :  apps.admissions.yale.edu/events


PENN STATE:    Tuesday, October 30, 2012   7:00-9:00 pm
                             Delray Beach Marriott
                             10 North Ocean Blvd
                             Delray Beach, FL
Registration for event:  admissions.psu.edu/infoprograms

CARNEGIE MELLON:   Thursday, October 18, 2012     7:30 pm
                                         Renaissance Boca Raton
                                         2000 NW 19th Street
                                         Boca Raton, FL  33431
Registration atL  m.cmu.edu/site/admission/page.counselors


Saturday, September 8, 2012

APPLICATION, RESUME AND ESSAY REVIEW

Seniors,

The College and Career Center, Mrs. Kessler and Ms. Gross, are standing by to help you with this application process for college.  If you have applications, resumes, or essays you would like us to review, please either email info to us or bring in to us in Building 2 during the school day.

You can email to us your screen names and passwords for your applications and we will check them over before you submit them.

EMAIL:         helene.kessler@palmbeachschools.org
                    stefanie.gross@palmbeachschools.org

SENDING TRANSCRIPTS TO COLLEGES

Seniors,

Transcripts must be sent to each college to which you are applying.  Forms are available in the College and Career Center or in the Records Office in Student Services.  Even if you bring us a request form from the college online application system, you must still fill out the Boca High form.  Making sure that you have sent an official transcript is YOUR responsibility and following up with the college to make sure it was received is YOUR responsibility too.

If you are applying to any Florida Public Colleges, the transcript will be sent electronically.  This will cost $1 per college.  No envelopes are needed.

If you applying to any colleges on the Common Application, you will only need to order one transcript no matter how many colleges you are applying to using the Common Application system.  This transcript will cost $3 and will be scanned to the Common App and sent to all of your colleges from there.  Again, no envelopes are needed.

Any other college will require a paper transcript.  Each one will cost $3 and must be sent by mail to the receiving college.  Please bring an addressed envelope 9x12 with three stamps when you order your transcript.  DO NOT add a return address as we will stamp the school address there.

Any questions, come to the College and Career Center.

PSAT for JUNIORS

Juniors,

The PSAT will be held here at Boca High, on Wednesday, October 17th, a school day.  You must register to take this very important test.  The PSAT is used for practice and diagnosis for the SAT, college scholarships, college recruitment, and the National Merit/National Hispanic/National Achievement Awards/

COST:    $15  (fee waivers available to students on Free and/or Reduced Lunch Program)

REGISTRATION DATES:  Registration will take place during Open House, September 11th, and in the Cafeteria during lunch on September 12th and 14th, September 18,19,20,and 21.

Registration in person on those dates requires cash or check made payable to Boca Raton High School.

Parents may also register students using the pay online system with a credit card.  See details of this process on www.bobcatnews.com


More Information on Florida College Deadlines

FGCU:  Though FGCU is on a rolling admissions process, there are a few deadlines you should note.

                                MERIT SCHOLARSHIP deadline is November 15th, 2012

                                PRIORITY DEADLINE:  February 15th, 2013

                                FINAL DEADLINE:  May 1, 2013

          Basic Requirements:  2.5 minimum unweighted GPA
                             Minimum College Ready Test scores on either ACT or SAT



UNF:   Though UNF is also on a rolling admissions process, there are a few deadlines you should note:

              MERIT SCHOLARSHIP Deadline:  November 16, 2012  Meeting this  
               deadline will qualify you for Merit scholarships.  Go online to 
               fill out the scholarship application for additional scholarships


FIU:      Although FIU is also on a rolling basis,  PRIORITY DEADLINE is December 3, 2012.
                   If you apply by this date, you will be in the first group of admitted students.

University of Chicago Information Session

Meet with representatives of University of Chicago on Wednesday, September 12th at 7:00 pm.

                   St Thomas Aquinas High School
                   2801 SW 12th Street
                   Ft. Lauderdale, FL  33312

Register for this session at prospects.uchicago.edu/register

The reps will also be coming to Boca High.  Sign up in the College and Career Center.

Discover Duke

Admissions personnel will be presenting information about Duke University on Monday, October 15th, at 7:00 pm in Boca Raton.  You may register for this event at admiss.ugrad.duke.edu/discover-duke/

                    Monday, October 15, 2012      7:00 PM
                    Boca Raton Renaissance Hotel
                    2000 NW 19th Street
                    Boca Raton, FL  33431

If you cannot make this meeting, there will be a second one in Miami on October 23rd at 7:00 PM

                    Miami Courtyard Coconut Grove
                    2649 South Bayshore Drive
                     Miami, FL  33133

Brown University

Representatives from Brown University will be in Miami on Thursday, September 13th, at 7:00 pm to meet with students and parents interested in Brown.

                              Newman Alumni Center
                              6200 San Amaro
                              Coral Gables, FL  33146

You can register to attend or get more information at www.brown,edu/brownnearyou    

The presenter at this meeting will be Mercedes Domenech, Associate Director of Admissions and Associate Dean of Medicine,

Sunday, August 26, 2012

NEW SAT and ACT Picture Requirements

This year, when students register for the SAT or ACT, they will be required to upload a photo for security reasons.  You will not be fully registered for testing until you do so.  Please follow the guidelines provided on the testing website to avoid complications on the day you test.

Also new this year, you will need to have picture identification with you on testing day.  Previously, a teacher could identlify you but this is no longer true.  No identification= no testing. 

Thursday, August 23, 2012

Washington University in St. Louis

Interested students can attend a presentation for Wash U on Wednesday, August 29th,2012, from 7:00 to 8:00 pm at the Renaissance Fort Lauderdale in Plantation.  No reservation is needed to attend.

Florida college deadlines

Seniors

You should be aware of some of the following deadlines:

FSU has two deadlines for admissions, October 15 and January 15.  If you are planning to apply to FSU, please try to make the first deadline.  It will more difficult to gain admission  in the second group because in the last few years, the qualifications have gone up after the first group is accepted.

In order to be considered in the first group, you must submit your completed application, pay the fee, send the transcript, and have sent ACT or. SAT scores to FSU from the testing companies. This score does not have to be the final score as you can keep updating with new test scores as the year progresses.  But if no test score is received by October 15, you will be moved to the second admissions group.

UF only has one deadline---November 1.  If you apply after the deadline, you will only be considered if space is available (and it won't be).  Again application,fee,transcript, and test scores are due.  You may update scores through Dec only.

UM-- If you applying to University of Miami, there are three ways to apply.  Early Decision is binding,  If you get accepted you are obligated to attend.  Early Action means you apply early but do not have to attend.  This is usually the best choice.  Both of these have deadlines of Nov 1.  The third way to apply is Regular decision by January.

More deadlines in a future post.

College visits to Boca High

Seniors,

We have started scheduling college reps to visit Boca High and we will continue to add colleges throughout the fall.  Make sure to check the college visit page on this blog for weekly updates.

If you wish to attend any of these sessions, you must sign up in advance in the College and Career Center.

Friday, July 6, 2012

College Boot Camp Spots are Filling Up Fast

Rising Seniors:

Don't forget to register for the College Boot Camp at Boca High!!  Camp is Monday, Tuesday, Thursday and Friday, August 6-10th, from 9:30 am to 12:30 pm.  Wednesday evening, August 8th, from 6:30 to 8:30 pm, we will meet with students and parents as part of the camp. At this informative workshop. we will cover subjects such as college selection, resume preparation, essay writing and review, Common Application procedures. among many others.  Get a jump on your college applications by joining us at Camp.  Send a check for $195 to Score at the Top, 750 Park of Commerce Blvd, Suite 120, Boca Raton, FL 33487.  Please include your name, email and cell phone number with your registration. Registration in limited so don't delay.

Thursday, June 14, 2012

Bright Futures

Transcripts for seniors will be uploaded to Bright Futures sometime this month.  In July, please check on the website www.floridastudentfinancialaid.org to see if your eligibility has been updated. You still have time to submit additional community service hours if they are still deficient.

Final Transcripts for Seniors

Final transcripts for seniors are being sent out this week.  Please check with your college in a week or two to make sure a final transcript was received by them.

College Boot Camp 2012

Juniors,

Don't forget to register for the College Boot Camp at Boca High!!  Camp is Monday, Tuesday, Thursday and Friday, August 6-10th, from 9:30 am to 12:30 pm.  Wednesday evening, August 8th, from 6:30 to 8:30 pm, we will meet with students and parents as part of the camp. At this informative workshop. we will cover subjects such as college selection, resume preparation, essay writing and review, Common Application procedures. among many others.  Get a jump on your college applications by joining us at Camp.  Send a check for $195 to Score at the Top, 750 Park of Commerce Blvd, Suite 120, Boca Raton, FL 33487.  Please include your name, email and cell phone number with your registration. Registration in limited so don't delay.

Sunday, May 20, 2012

Last Minute Answers for Seniors

1.  Your final transcript will be sent in early June to the college that you indicated on the form you filled out when you picked up your cap and gown.  If you did not fill out a form, you must do so in order for us to forward the last transcript to your college or university,  About late June, please check with your college to make sure the final transcript was received.  If they do not receive a final transcript, it could disrupt your registration process in the Fall.

2.  All AICE and AP score reports must be sent officially to the college that you are asking for credit.  None of these scores appear on your transcript and so  you must send them from the testing companies.  We have a form that you can use to send AICE reports and you can access AP reports online at College Board.

3.  Check your status on the Bright Futures website and check your demographics to make sure that you indicated the college that you will be attending on your initial application.  Both may be checked at the BF website at www.floridastudentfinancialaid.org  If you have received or are going to receive the AICE Diploma, that information is sent to BF very late in the summer.  You will initially qualify for the Bright Futures on the level that you earned and you will be upgraded to the full amount after AICE information is received by BF.

It has been a pleasure working with all of you this year!  Enjoy life after high school and keep in touch!!

I will be in the office until June 8th if you have any further questions.

Senior Post Graduation Survey

Seniors,

Please take a minute to fill out the post graduation survey on the School District's website.  It only takes 5 minutes to complete.  In order to complete, access the district site at www.palmbeachschools.org, go to the section for students, and click on the bar that says Pre-Graduation Survey.  You have until May 29th to complete. Thanks for your cooperation.

College Boot Camp for Rising Juniors

Score at the Top will be conducting our 8th annual College Boot Camp from August 6th to August 10th at Boca High.  The camp meets on Mon, Tues, Thurs and Fri from 9:30 am to 12:30 pm.  On Wednesday evening, August 8th, there will be a student/parent session at 6:30 pm.  Cost of this workshop is $195 and preregisration is essential.  Send check made payable to Score at the Top and send to their offices at:

Score at the Top College Camp
750 Park of Commerce Blvd., Suite 120
Boca Raton, FL  33487

Please include student's name. address, cell phone, and email address with your check.

Any questions, contact 561 241-1610 or 561 703-9833

Sunday, April 29, 2012

Deadline Day May 1st

Seniors,don't forget that May 1st is the National Deadline Day to commit to your college. If you miss this deadline, Your college can and will cancel your acceptance. Do not let this deadline pass you by!

Friday, April 20, 2012

Bright Futures

Seniors,
 You still have time to  fill out the Bright Futures application if you have not done so.  This application also serves as your Florida Financial Aid application so even if you are not eligible for the scholarship, you may be able to get some financial assistance from the state if you have an application on file.  Even students who are going out of state for college should fill out the application.  If you decide to come back to Florida in the next 4 years, it will be in effect and you will be still eligible to receive funding in Florida.  You do not need to have completed the FAFSA to fill out the Bright Futures application, but you will eventually need a completed FAFSA to receive the funding from Bright Futures in the Fall.  Access the application at
www.floridastudentfinancialaid.org    Complete instructions can be found on this blog to the right.

Visit with Reps from Duke, Georgetown, Harvard, Penn and Stanford

Juniors,

If you are interested in attending one of the above selective colleges, you may want to attend this information session with reps from all of the above colleges.  The night is interesting and informative and will let you know all about the application procedure.  The reps will be presenting two workshops:

Tuesday, May 8th at 7:30 pm at the Palm Beach Gardens Marriott

Thursday, May 10th at 7:30 pm at the Westin in Fort Lauderdale

You can get more information regarding these programs at www.exploringcollegeoptions.org 

Summer Programs

Juniors,

If you are thinking about attending a summer program, come into the College and Career Office and look through our Summer Program bin of information.  There are summer programs for all interests!

College Planning Night for Juniors

All Juniors and their parents are invited to our annual College Planning Night for Juniors on Tuesday evening, April 24th at 6:30 pm in the Theater.  Topics of discussion will include:  selecting a college, the application process, SAT and ACT testing, scholarships, financial aid, and many others.  Start preparing now for next year's college application season and get all of your questions answered.  Hope to see you there!

Sunday, March 11, 2012

Check Financial Aid Status Online for Additional Requirements

Most of the colleges will post your financial aid status online.  Be sure to check to see if your awards have been posted or especially if you need to submit more documentation--residency cards, passport copy, tax forms.  If you are asked to "verify" your information, this is extremely common.  You will print out the verification form from the college financial aid office website and fill it out.  Send in with signed copies of students and parents tax forms.  Delaying this documentation can delay and perhaps reduce your award.  So if asked, complete this verification immediately.

Last Day for Cap and Gown- March 16th

Seniors,

The last day that Herff Jones will be at school to take cap and gown orders is March 16th  After that, you will have to order online.  Please make sure to order during lunch on the 16th.

Monday, February 20, 2012

FAFSA and Bright Futures

You do NOT have to file your FAFSA before you fill out the Bright Futures application.  You will simply have to complete a FAFSA in order to get funding in the Fall from Bright Futures.  All seniors should be filling out the Bright Futures application now using the directions on this blog.  FAFSA can be filed later (but not MUCH later)  Priority funding from FAFSA is for financial aid filed before March 1st so don't delay.  File FAFSA with 2011 income estimates and correct it once your taxes are files.  Changes can be made later with no penalty. 

Students who will be attending the summer session at college must fill out TWO Fafsa forms:  one for 2012-2013 and one for 2011-2012 (using 2010 income tax forms)

Monday, January 23, 2012

Bright Futures Application is now available!

Since my last announcement regarding the BF, only 168 of you have filled out the application online.  The school district is preparing to upload all transcripts with first semester grades in the next few weeks.  Don't miss the first opportunity to lock in your scholarship! The application is easy and only takes about 10 minutes to complete.

http://www.floridastudentfinancialaid.org/   Instructions are to the right of this message.

FAFSA Follow up- IMPORTANT

Student and Parents,
A few days after you have submitted your FAFSA, be sure to go back online to check the status of your submitted application.  If your FAFSA has been processed, you are done for now.  If the FAFSA has not been processed, you have made an error (usually a signature is missing).  Make sure to correct it and check it again a few days later to see if it has been processed.  This is very important.  Many students think they have submitted properly but until you see that it has been processed, your colleges will not receive your information.

Mid Year Reports for Common Application

For those of you applying to colleges on the Common Application, a Mid Year Report is required by all Common App member colleges.  You will need to order one transcript for $3 which will be scanned and uploaded to all of your colleges.  This new transcript will report your grades from 1st semester.  Don't delay.  Order it now!

Sunday, January 15, 2012

College Visits in January

Seniors and Juniors,

Three colleges are visiting Boca High in January:

                             University of North Florida
                             Johnson and Wales University
                             SCAD- Savannah College of Art and Design

If you wish to attend any of these presentations, sign up ASAP in the College and Career Center.

Bright Futures and FAFSA

Students and Parents,

There is lots of confusion out there regarding the Bright Futures application and the FAFSA.  You should fill out the Bright Futures application now whether you are qualified for the scholarship or not.  Once you fill in the application, you do not have to do anything else (except make the qualifications!)  This application is also the financial aid application for the State of Florida.  You do NOT need to fill out the FAFSA first.

The FAFSA is the Federal financial aid application.  This should be filled out as soon as possible using estimated figures from 2011 tax information.  You can go back and correct it once tax return is finished without a penalty.  You must fill out a FAFSA this year in order to receive MONEY from your Bright Futures in September.  On the FAFSA by indicating which colleges you are applying to, each college will be able to know that you filed the form and are eligible to receive funding from Bright Futures.  Do not procrastinate on FAFSA.  Each college has a deadline for filing it.  Once the deadline passes, the colleges start handing out money to qualifiers.  If you are late, you will receive less money.

Websites:  www.floridastudentfinancialaid.org
                 www.fafsa.ed gov