COLLEGE AND CAREER

READINESS

HANDBOOK

INTRODUCTION

The Guidance and Counseling Department of the Goose Creek Consolidated Independent School District has compiled helpful resources and information regarding post-secondary options. This guide provides a starting point for all GCCISD h i g h s c h o o l students. The beginning step for all students is a self-assessment outlined at the beginning of the guide.

Many of the GCCISD graduates plan to enter a four-year college. A great deal of detailed information exists in the handbook, including what colleges look for, how to find college information, admissions testing, financial aid, admission requirements, and costs at selected four-year universities, military academies and ROTC opportunities. Juniors and seniors considering four-year universities should pay close attention to the college timelines included.

An increasing number of GCCISD graduates choose to attend a community college either to obtain a certificate or associate degree or to complete course work before transferring to a four-year school. These students will find information on local community colleges, potential career fields, and a community college checklist.

Students planning to enter the work force immediately after graduation can refer to information regarding resume preparation, job leads, and interview tips. Information regarding opportunities for the high school graduate in the military is addressed, including benefits, basic training, and relevant phone numbers. Some graduates choose to obtain additional training through a trade or technical school. For these students, potential career fields, public technical colleges, and a post high school checklist are available.

Spend time reading this handbook and sharing the information with your family as you make your post-graduation plans.

OPTIONS AFTER HIGH SCHOOL

WHICH IS BEST FOR YOU?

College and Universities Colleges and universities offer various courses of study. You can earn a bachelor’s degree in your area of interest and increase your opportunities in finding employment in your chosen field. You may decide that you wish to pursue post-graduate work beyond a four year degree for either a master’s degree or a professional/doctoral degree or a Ph.D. Check websites and catalogues for admission requirements, transfer policies and cost

factors.

Community and Junior Colleges Community and junior colleges offer many courses that are academic, technical, and career-

oriented for credit and non-credit. You can earn an associate’s degree if you complete a program of study at a community college.

Many classes taken at a community or junior college will transfer to a four-year college.

Check websites or contact the office of admissions directly for admission requirement, transfer policies, and cost factors.

Technical Training

Receiving additional training after high school at technical schools or other educational settings will increase your opportunities when seeking employment. Additional job skills will increase entry-level salaries, improve working conditions, and allow for more advancements and promotions. Articulated and Dual Credit courses may be taken in high school. These courses may award college credit or hours toward a post-secondary certificate or program of study at a Community College. Many of these courses are offered at your high school campus.

Career Decision

• careers that are in high demand

• exploring and researching required training and further education

• stability and growth of career field

Technical Training School Selection

• reputation • location • credentials and accreditation • success of job placement • duration of school program • tuition and cost of program

Schools • in state or out of state • allied health schools • business schools • fashion design schools • computer/technology schools • community colleges • art institutes

A Military Career Joining the military enables you to do several things at once. You can serve your country, earn a salary, and receive training whether you make the armed services your life time career or not. You can also earn a college degree while in a military program or receive financial help from the government after you leave the service.

Remember to talk with your counselor about J.R.O.T.C opportunities that are offered at your high school campus.

If military service is your best option after graduation, contact recruiters or talk with one that visits your campus. Remember, not all armed services offer the same opportunities; you will need to find out what each offers and what your obligation is in return.

Immediate Workforce Entry

You can prepare to enter the workforce by researching job opportunities and careers in the immediate and long-range future by:

• taking an interest and/ or an aptitude survey • checking the internet for job postings • checking the College and Career for information • obtaining work experience

part time jobs after school co-op programs internships apprenticeships summer employment

PUTTING THE PIECES TOGETHER

Before you decide what you plan to do after graduating from high school, you should know what you want out of a career and what you want for your future.

Know Yourself: These questions you should answer for yourself

⇒ What are the most important things in my life?

⇒ What do I enjoy doing that may lead to job satisfaction?

⇒ What special talents and skills do I enjoy using and developing?

⇒ Where do I perform comfortably and to my fullest potential?

⇒ Do I prefer working with people, data, or things? Is there a combination of those three that I prefer? What experiences do I have that I would like to build on?

⇒ What are my strengths and abilities now?

⇒ What level of responsibility and salary do I want?

Know Your Choices: these questions you may choose to answer with the help of a counselor, teacher, or family member

⇒ What careers are available to me and meet my interests and values?

⇒ What training/education is required for my career choice?

⇒ What is recommended for advancement in this career field?

⇒ What does the job market predict for the years following my graduation?

⇒ Who, in this field, can show me the day to day operations and/or answer a few questions?

⇒ What steps should I take to be on track with the training required?

⇒ What is a plan of action to reach my career goal?

Know the facts. You will eventually have to work and support yourself.

As you make your plans for the future, continuing your education with either a certificate, a two-year or a four-year college degree is recommended because…

⇒ More than 50% of jobs today require some college education.

⇒ 80% of the jobs projected to grow the fastest over the next decade require some education after high school.

⇒ A college graduate makes twice as much as a student who only has a high school diploma.

⇒ A college education provides more career opportunities.

Planning for Your Future

Explore Careers • Start thinking about your career goals. It is okay if you don't know exactly what

kind of job you want after you graduate. • Take some time. Head in a general direction that fits your interests. You can

adjust your route later on.

• Explore your skills and interests. • Research occupations that fit your personality and abilities.

• List the steps you need to take to accomplish your goals.

After you determine a goal and the steps you need to get to it, spend some time mapping out a plan for the educational path that will get you to your career destination. Take challenging courses in high school, and then find the best college or university to meet your career goals.

Check out the following information, which will help you develop your career goals and post-secondary plans; discuss this with your counselor:

• Check out the recommended courses/ Texas Graduation Programs.

• Learn more about the courses you should take in high school to prepare you for college. • Check out the websites on career planning.

• Update your personal graduation plan. • Check your credits (request a copy of your transcript).

Plan for College Get ready for college, starting today. Even if you decide not to attend college, employers and the branches of military service want students who are “college ready”.

• Work hard—the courses and exams you take, and what you do outside your classes can make a difference in your life for years to come.

• Do your homework. Know what courses you need to complete to graduate from high school and get accepted to your college of choice. For instance, you might need extra math, English, or foreign language study.

• Participate in extra-curricular activities. Consider courses that require time outside the classroom (like debate, band, and drama). Join clubs. Get involved in your community.

• Grades do matter. But, the difficulty of the courses you take can also help a college or university decide whether to admit you. Colleges might prefer students with average grades in tougher courses than students who opt for "an easy A."

• Be aware of your class ranking. More and more colleges and universities are considering class rank when admitting students. Texas public universities automatically admit students who graduate in the top 10 percent of their class. (Exception – University of Texas, see page 19 for details.)

• Take necessary exams. Find out what standardized tests you really need to take and when they are required.

• Take college credit courses if you are able to. Some high school classes are designed to offer credit for college courses based on how well you do on a test at the end of the course. Advanced Placement, International Baccalaureate, and dual credit courses are good examples. If you do well, you can save time and money while learning. Talk to your high school counselor about whether you have that option.

Tips for Success What should I do now to prepare for my future?

Choose your friends wisely. You may consider yourself to be a positive person,

but if you hang out with others who may not have such a positive attitude, you

may be seen in the same light. Choose friends that will be a positive influence.

Work diligently in school. Pick courses that challenge you. Challenge

yourself and you will be rewarded.

Do well in all your

courses. Work to the best

of your ability even if you

dislike the course. You

will need that

knowledge someday.

Learn how to learn.

That is the real value of

school.

Love reading. It is

probably the most

valuable skill you will

learn in school.

Be a lifelong learner.

Have a vision of a

successful life and set

goals.

Find a career that will help you become an independent person who contributes to society.

Choose a school that will help you achieve your goals. It may be better for you

to go to a technical school or earn a certificate.

7

MAKE YOUR SENIOR YEAR COUNT

Seniors have worked hard for three years, taking tests, completing projects, and preparing for college admission. When senior year rolls around, some students just want to get through college applications and relax before they head off to the college of their choice. Also known as senioritis, taking it easy the senior year may seem like a nice break, but is likely to do more harm than good. According to recent reports, incomplete high school preparation can contribute to academic problems in college. “As many as half of all college students do not have adequate academic preparation, and are required to take remedial courses.” “More than one quarter of the freshmen at 4-year colleges and nearly half of those at 2-year colleges do not even make it to their sophomore year.” Not only does senioritis jeopardize your chances for success later on in college, it can also affect your grades – and college admission officers pay close attention to your performance senior year.

Senior-Year Grades and College Admission Many students mistakenly believe that prepping for college ends after the eleventh grade. However, the senior year – the entire senior year – is actually of particular interest to colleges.

Applying Many college applications (including the Common Application) require you to list your senior courses, including information about course levels and credit hours. It will be very obvious to the admission officers if you’ve decided to “take the year off.” Many colleges also include as part of the application a form called the mid-year grade report. Your counselor completes this form with first-semester grades and sends it to the colleges to which you’ve applied. It then becomes a crucial part of the application folder.

If You Are Accepted Many college acceptance letters include warnings to students such as “Your admission is contingent on your continued successful performance.” This means colleges reserve the right to deny you admission should your senior year grades drop. Mary Lee Hoganson, College Counselor for Homewood-Flossmor Community High School, Flossmor, Illinois writes: “It is not at all rare for a college to withdraw an offer of admission when grades drop significantly over the course of the senior year. (I have a folder full of copies of these letters.)”

How to Make the Most of Your Senior Year Senior year is your opportunity to strengthen your skills and broaden your experiences, in school and out, to prepare for all of the challenges ahead. A successful senior year can help launch you on the path to a successful future.

Maintain a Challenging Course Load You should take the most rigorous courses available, and be sure to continue taking college-track subjects. Consider AP® and dual credit courses, which can also earn you credit at many colleges.

Stay Active and Involved Your continued involvement in activities, sports, volunteer work, etc. will help you stay active and focused throughout your final year. A great internship or career-focused job opportunity can help motivate you to start considering your career options. Meaningful and significant experiences will help prepare you to make informed decisions about your education and career goals.

Try Out College Early If you’re interested in pursuing a subject further, and have excelled in your high school classes so far, consider taking a class at a local college. This challenge can help you avoid sliding into an academic slump, and stimulate your interest in the possibilities of college. Another option in many areas is “middle college” or “early college” high schools. These schools, normally located on community and four-year college campuses, allow students to spend their last two years taking classes in both college and high school. Early exposure to college classes introduces you to the rigor of college work while easing your transition from high school.

Sources: National Commission on the High School Senior Year, The Lost Opportunity of Senior Year; Finding a Better Way – Summary of Findings, 2001. Barth, P., Haycock, K., Huang, S. and Richardson, A., Youth at the Crossroads; Facing High School and Beyond. Washington, DC: The Education Trust, 2000.

8

FINDING THE COLLEGE THAT FITS YOU Choosing a college or university is an important and complicated decision. There are many considerations in the selection of a college or university. The intention of this section is to make you aware of the, factors that contribute to the process, but the important thing is to find a place where you are both comfortable and stimulated toward doing your best. Several factors you should consider about a school's atmosphere and suitability are listed below. Not all of the factors listed are important to each student, so you should weigh them according to individual priorities. Using the resources we have provided, you can decide which colleges meet your criteria. (See the College Choice worksheet in the Appendix).

COLLEGE SELECTION: ACADEMIC CONSIDERATIONS

Academic considerations should be the primary factors in college selection, yet we know that a balance of all requirements - academic, social, personal - is needed. Without an understanding of the academic atmosphere, a subjective decision is difficult. We urge you to read carefully these academic considerations and weigh

their relative importance to you. Will you be more comfortable at a community college or a four-year college? Do you know your degree direction? Does the college offer a solid program in your interest

area? What is the extensiveness of course and program offerings? How soon can you get into

courses in your degree plan? Does the college offer an alternative program that interests you? What are the admission standards? (most competitive, less competitive) What specific high

school subjects, grade point average, and entrance tests are required? What scholarship programs are available? What are faculty and class sizes? Is class format lecture or discussion? What is the ratio of

students to professor? Is the faculty qualified, friendly and concerned? Are labs required? Is the school fully accredited? Are credits transferable to other schools you might consider for transfer? Are the

credits applicable to your degree plan? What are your personal study habits? Do they fit with the school attitude/environment? What are its colleges and graduate professional schools? Are there advanced placements (Credit by exam, CLEP, AP or Summer school credits)? Are there special academic programs available? (i.e., accelerated programs, honors) What internship opportunities are available? Is there a study abroad program? How is the academic year divided? (semester, quarter) How big is the college? What is the size of the freshman class? What is the attrition rate of

the freshman class? What is the diversity of students and faculty? (scholastic, geographic, graduates vs.

undergraduates) What is the ethnic breakdown and male/female ratio of the student population?

What percent of graduates, who apply, are admitted to professional schools? Is there a job placement service for graduates? What kind of technology is available for students? What are the application deadlines? How much does the institution cost per year? (tuition, fees, housing and food, books and

supplies, transportation, etc.) Is financial aid available? 9

COLLEGE SELECTION: PERSONAL CONSIDERATIONS

The following information attempts to focus on some of those non-academic considerations in choosing a college. Read them carefully and be fair to yourself in appraising those that apply to you.

What is the extensiveness of campus facilities for personal, social and academic needs? Area of the country in which school is located and proximity to home (travel to and from

home). Will travel costs present a problem? Geographic considerations of climate and clothing needs, and whether the school is located

in an urban, suburban or rural area. How does the cost of living vary in the cities or communities under consideration? (Dallas vs. Sherman; Houston vs. Austin) What is the local community like? Are you comfortable in this environment?

What is the size of the school? Small? Medium? Large? Dorm availability or general living options. Are there dorms and what type - apartments,

special freshman housing? What are the regulations concerning each? What is dorm life like? Is it coeducational? What is the deadline to apply?

Are there restrictions on off-campus housing for freshmen? Are there different types of meal plans available and what are the dining services like? (i.e.,

how's the food?) What is housing proximity to library, student union, and other campus activity centers? What are expenses - tuition, travel, room and board, miscellaneous? Family traditions. Are they tied to a particular college, university or religion? Is that

important to you? What is the degree of personal discipline, independence and aggressiveness required of

a student? Is the school co-educational or exclusively male/female? What are the ratios? What transportation is available? Are automobiles allowed for freshmen? Do you have

a car? What are available transportation services? (shuttle, bus service, mass transit) What extracurricular activities are available? (Athletics, fraternities, sororities, band, social

groups, debate clubs, union activities, student government, etc.) Is this important to you? What religious organizations are active and what provisions are there for religious services? Is military training or ROTC offered? Are fraternities or sororities national or local? Can you transfer affiliation to another

university? What are their room and board requirements and facilities? Are there time requirements of this affiliation and will they affect your scholastic plans?

Living quarters. What do you have to furnish? Is there an adequate study facility? How are roommates selected? Are conditions to your standard or need? What are facility rules and curfews?

Are cultural activities available to suit your interests? (lectures, concerts, plays, etc.) What is the school's reputation? (Academic, social, or a good balance) Have you talked to graduates or undergraduates of the college? What are the

impressions given? What percent graduate from college? Are there counselors available for personal issues? What is the participation of the student body in policy-making? Is it important to you? Is part-time work available and how is it arranged? (Refer to the "Financial Aid" section) How important are existing friendships with peers going to other colleges? Will they

influence your decision?

10

Where Do I Find Information about Colleges? Choosing a college is an exciting decision, you have 4,599 options. Explore those options and take time to find a college that will put you on a path to success. Colleges vary greatly in programs and degrees offered, costs, and admissions

requirements. Examine these factors carefully. A “College Admissions Check List” is available in the Appendix. Reference Materials – Your High School College and Career Center and the school library or local library have several college reference books, catalogs and handbooks. Visit the college campus’ website for information on college costs, housing, admissions procedures, entrance tests required, major programs of study, and much more. Some references available are: • The College Handbook

• Book of Majors

• Barron’s Profiles of American Colleges

• Comparative Guide to American Colleges

• College Costs and Financial Aid Handbook

• College/University Catalogs:

The college catalog in effect for the year you enter a university is your contract for graduation. Keep it and refer to it frequently. It is the best single source of information about a college. You may want to request a catalog from colleges you are seriously considering or download one from the college’s website.

Internet Resources – The Internet has a wealth of current and up-to-date information. Almost anything you want to know about colleges can be found online. Some helpful sites are: • Big Future – https://bigfuture.collegeboard.or

• Naviance – www.connection.naviance.com/

• Every Chance Every Texan– www.window.state.tx.us/scholars/

• College View - www.collegeview.com/

• University and College Accountability Network - www.ucan-network.org/

• Virtual Campus Tours - www.ecampustours.com/

• College Navigator – U.S. Dept. of Education – www.nces.ed.gov/collegenavigator/

• Peterson’s Guide – www.petersons.com

• Know How to Go- www.knowhow2go.org

College Visits One of the best ways to decide if a college is right for you, is to visit the campus in person. If you plan in advance, you can receive a campus tour, talk to faculty, staff and students, sit in on a class, and maybe even stay in a dorm. Juniors and Seniors are allowed two college visits (see your counselor for more information).

11

b i g f u t u r e . o r g / c o l l e g e - s e a r c h

c o l l e g e b o a r d . o r g / s c o r e c a r d

12

Campus Visit Tips Before the visit

• Call the college’s admission office • Verify the times of campus tours and/or information sessions (these may be separate events) • Inquire about an appropriate arrival time to campus (time may be needed to complete forms

before tours or appointments) • Schedule an appointment with an admissions representative • Ask if an interview is a required part of the application process • Schedule an appointment with other campus personnel (coaches, faculty, financial aid officers, etc.) • If classes are in session:

• Arrange to attend a class • Inquire about staying overnight in a residence hall • Arrange to eat in the dining hall

• Prepare • Arrange to take a copy of your transcript and resume. While not required, these documents may

prove to be helpful in conversations. During the visit

• Take the tour • Observe the condition of all buildings/facilities: Are buildings in good condition? How “wired” are the • residence halls for computer use? Are appropriate safety measures in place? • Ask questions: What do students do on the weekends? What are the most popular campus activities? • What is the average class size in English, science, social sciences, etc.? What would be the one thing

that the tour guide would change about the college? • Keep a sharp eye: Do the students seem friendly? Does it seem to be an academically “pressured”

atmosphere or academically “laid-back?” What topics are advertised on student bulletin boards? • Visit with an admission counselor

• Admission counselors are a great source of information for you regarding an institution's programs and the application process. Frequently, a specific admissions representative may be assigned to your high school and is familiar with your educational environment. Enjoy your opportunity to visit with this per- son and be sure to ask for a business card for your files.

• Attend a class • Pay attention to class size, student-professor interaction, and student interaction. If possible,

secure a class syllabus to review academic scope of course and class expectations. • Visit key student areas

• Talk to students other than the tour guide. Ask them what their most favorite and least favorite aspect of the college is and why. Are there a large number of bikes on campus? Is there public transportation? Are there community service-based organizations?

• Meet with an academic advisor/faculty member • If you have a specific program in mind, be sure to visit with someone in that area. Ask about

available study opportunities, internships, and career placement. Ask what percentage of classes is taught by teaching assistants.

Adventures In Education (AIE) is a nonprofit, public benefit program developed by TG that helps students plan and complete their journey through higher education. Visit the Web site at www.AIE.org. © 2006 Texas Guaranteed Student Loan Corporation

13

Campus Visit Tips (Continued)

• Stop by the financial aid office • Pick up information about the college’s financial aid process. Ask for any scholarship materials.

Make notes about important deadlines.

• Visit a residence hall • If your tour did not include a stop at a residence hall be sure to ask to see a room. Check out se-

curity features of dorm life. Ask about meal plans and food options. Inquire about roommate pairing procedures. Make a note of any housing deadlines.

After the visit • Make notes. • Be sure to record the name, title, phone number, and e-mail address of campus staff and /or

personnel with whom you talked. • Write down your impressions about the aspects of the college that you liked and make notes

about your possible concerns. • Thank-you notes • If a staff member was particularly helpful during your visit, you may want to send a note of

thanks to that person. • Make sure you remain in contact with the school. • Talk to your high school counselor about your visit. He/she can provide a neutral and informative

perspective on your experience. Additional thoughts

• Don’t let the weather influence your evaluation of a college. Sunny days and rainy days can both be misleading.

• Tour guides Be cautious that you do not frame your opinion of a college based on how well you liked the tour guide. It is important to visit with many students to get a realistic impression of the student body personality and diversity.

Taken from: Adventures In Education (AIE) is a nonprofit, public benefit program developed by TG that helps students plan and complete their journey through higher education. Visit the Web site at www.AIE.org. © 2006 Texas Guaranteed Student Loan Corporation

www.AIE.org/Handouts

14

College Visit 101 101 Questions Students and Parents Should Ask During

a College Visit

The Nuts and Bolts Seek answers from a variety of students and college officials in order to get a

well rounded view of the college. Try to visit when classes are in session and sit in on a class Pick the brain of a current student - take advantage of it! Ask questions about things that are most important to you_ Try to ask the same questions at each school you visit so that you have a point

of comparison between the schools. Take the grand tour and interact with your guide. Ask him or her questions

about student life and his or her personal experiences (It is important to get a first-hand student perspective) on things.

Bring a camera(still or video) Bring a copy of your transcript and test scores

Top Questions for Tour Guides (and other students):

1. Why did you choose this college? 2. What other schools did you consider? 3. What do you like most about this school? 4. What do you wish you could change? 5. What do you know now that you wish you had known as a prospective

student? 6. How accessible are professors outside of class time? 7. Do the professors hold office hours? Do they communicate with students

primarily via phone or email? 8. How is academic advising organized here? 9. How often do students collaborate with professors on research and other

academic projects? 10. Do graduate students/assistants or professors conduct lecture and or labs, for

freshman level courses 11. How large are introductory level classes? 12. Are there study support groups or tutoring programs available? Do they cost

extra? 13. Is there an honors college or are there special honors programs? 14. What are some special programs available to students, such as study abroad or

pre-professional programs? 15. How many hours do you spend in class each week? How many hours studying? 16. How do students register for classes? Is it difficult to enroll in courses you

need? 17. What is your favorite class that you’ve taken so far? What made it great?

15

18. What are some of the most popular classes on campus? 19. Where do you study? Do students use the library or are there other quiet

spaces on campus? 20. What are the library hours? Are the librarians accessible to help with research,

etc.? 21. Does a student need to have a personal computer? 22. How accessible are computer labs? 23. Is wireless access available in dorms and academic buildings? 24. How safe is the campus? 25. How safe is the surrounding area?

Residential life: 26. Is on-campus housing required for first-year students, all students (do most

students live on campus)? Is it guaranteed? 27. Do all first year students live together, or are they combined with upper-class

students? 28. What are the housing options? (dorms, apartments, suites, co-ed, single sex,

themed housing, etc.) 29. How are roommate assignments made? Can one request a specific roommate? 30. How is conflict handled between roommates? 31. What is the university’s alcohol policy? Are there “substance free” housing

options? 32. What are dorms like? Are there community restrooms? Lounges? Kitchens? 33. What about room amenities like carpet and air conditioning and wifi? 34. Are students allowed to live off-campus? Is it difficult to find a place to live? 35. What is the meal plan like? (21 meals/week? 20 meals/week? 14

meals/week?) 36. How is the food? Is it the same in every dining hall, or are there options? 37. Are students allowed to have cars (what about first year students)? How is

parking handled? 38. Is there bus or van service? What are the operating hours for these services? Extracurricular Activities and Student Life: 39. Are there any special student traditions (academic, athletic, social, etc.)? 40. What do you do on a typical weeknight on campus? How about a weekend

night? 41. Do students stay on campus for the weekend? 42. What kinds of student groups are you (tour guide) involved in? 43. What are some of the most popular organizations on campus? How easy is it to

get involved? 44. Are there any groups associated with academic departments, like drama

troupes or science clubs? Can first-year students get involved? 45. What are the opportunities for performance and study of music and drama?

Are there productions open to first year students or non-majors? 46. What musical opportunities are there for non-music majors? Are there any

costs? 16

47. Are there opportunities for students in the campus media? Who runs the newspaper/ TV station/ radio station?

48. What kinds of programmed events take place on campus? 49. How are student activities funded? Is there a student activity fee? What is

covered by the student activity fee (athletic events, concerts, etc.)? 50. Do students work while they are at school? Are on-campus jobs available? 51. What are some of your college’s big campus events (Homecoming, Family

Weekend, Alumni, etc.)? 52. Is there Greek life on campus? What percentage of students are involved in a

fraternity or sorority? 53. How active and noticeable is Greek life on campus? Do they throw parties, host

events, do community service? 54. Do the fraternities and sororities have houses? If not, do they have meeting

and social facilities available? 55. Are there places to visit off campus? Is it easy to leave campus (even without a

car)? 56. How many students participate in varsity athletics? Does the school

participate in NCAA Division I, II, or III or NAIA? 57. What sports does the university offer at the varsity level or at the

club/intramural level? 58. How many students get involved in intramurals? Are there any exercise classes

offered? 59. What type of gym facilities are available and what type of access do non-

athletes have to these facilities? 60. How does the athletic department view the relationship between athletics and

academics? 61. Where are the most popular student “hangouts”? (Visit one of these places to

see what it’s like!)

Questions for Professors: Ask professors questions about academic life, requirements, and advising. Also include questions about things like academic expectations, specific departmental requirements, or more in depth questions about a particular academic program.

62. What do you expect of your students? 63. What are the typical course requirements: how many exams, research papers,

and presentations in a semester class? 64. Do you offer opportunities for students to engage in research? Do you often

mentor students? 65. Who teaches introductory courses – graduate students or professors? 66. How do you make yourself accessible to your students? 67. If tutoring is needed, what arrangements are made for the student? 68. How many students do you advise at one time? 69. What is the student/teacher ratio? 70. What is the average class size? 71. How easy is it for a student to switch majors? 17

72. Do students often collaborate on class projects in or outside of class? 73. What services are provided to students with short term and long term

disabilities?

Questions for Admissions Counselors: Take an unofficial copy of your high school transcript of your courses, grades and SAT and/or ACT scores

74. What is the school known for, and what kind of students typically attend? 75. How diverse is the school and why do students select this college? 76. What is distinctive about this college? 77. How would you describe the academic profile of a typical student who attends

this college? 78. What is the process used to evaluate a student’s application? How important

are the admissions test scores in the final decision? 79. How are essays and letters of recommendation considered in admissions? 80. Do you recalculate a student’s grade point average (GPA)? 81. If I apply for financial aid, does that reduce my chance of being admitted to this

college? 82. What are the graduation requirements? Are there any general requirements

that first-year students take? What about a first-year seminar? 83. Are there opportunities for study abroad or college exchange programs? 84. How easy is it to obtain a part-time job on campus? 85. Are their special retention programs for freshman? 86. Is there a student center or lab for tutorials and other academic related issues?

What are the hours? Who works in the labs or centers? 87. What is the percentage of students who graduate in 4 years? in 5 years? 88. After graduation, what is the career placement rate and/or graduate school

acceptance percentage? (ask about specific fields or graduate programs important to you)

89. What kinds of things are your most recent alumni doing? 90. How does the college accept and apply AP, IB and dual credits? 91. Does the college have a career center? How many students does it serve each

year? 92. What resources are available for student and graduates seeking jobs?

— Resume assistance? — Cover letter workshops? — Mock interviews? — Alumni network? — Job fairs? — Research library for careers?

Questions for Financial Aid Officers: If you know your current Expected Family Contribution (EFC) under the federal formula, give it to the Financial Aid Officer to get specific. 93. Do you offer Academic Scholarships? If so, what are the scholarship award

levels and the criteria for each level? 94. Are students automatically considered for scholarships or is there a separate

application process? 95. Do you offer other non-need-based scholarships? How do you apply for them?

18

96. For need-based Financial Aid, do you require any additional financial information beyond what's on the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA)? If so, do you use the College Scholarship Service (CSS) Profile? Your own institutional form?

97. What, if any, changes do you make to the Federal Methodology for need-based financial aid? Do you look at home equity? Retirement accounts? Cash values built up in life insurance policies? What else?

98. What is the average unmet demonstrated financial need if the college doesn't meet 100% of need?

99. What is the average academic scholarship amount? What is the average need-based grant?

100. What is the average amount of student loan in a first-year student financial aid award?

101. Do you count Parent Loan for Undergraduate Study (PLUS) loan money in meeting need?

OTHER HELPFUL HINTS IN CONISIDERING YOUR “COLLEGE FIT”

1) All college acceptances are conditional upon your successful completion of the

second semester of your senior year (you must provide a final transcript which includes your graduation date). Keep your grades up!

2) The published "average SAT or ACT scores" are just that -- AVERAGES. If you

feel your academic record is solid, do not let fear or rejection prevent you from applying to the school of your choice. Go for it!

3) Thoughtlessly applying to schools just to see if you will be accepted when you have

no intention of attending is unfair because it eliminates opportunities for serious candidates.

4) You are strongly encouraged to take BOTH the SAT and ACT test.

5) If you are not satisfied with your SAT or ACT score, discuss options with your

counselors.

6) As soon as you know you will not be accepting an offer of enrollment, notify the college and thank them for considering you. All such letters are placed in a file-- you never know when you might transfer.

7) Investigate the possibility of attending community colleges as a preliminary step to

your educational goals. Keep in mind; low grades (D's and below) normally do not transfer from one college to another.

8) If you intend to seek sorority or fraternity affiliation, know in advance the cost and

how much time you will be expected to devote to non-academic requirements.

9) Before going off to college, consider the following: a) Medical insurance - Are you still covered on family policy? If you are a part-

time student are you covered? 19

b) Should you take your car to school; if so, is your insurance in effect? c) Should items of value be stolen from your dorm, are you covered on personal

property insurance?

10) Remember, do your college application work yourself and take pride in your accomplishment. Be sure to follow up on transcripts being sent, extracurricular activities records, test scores, teacher and counselor recommendations, and any other documents that need to be submitted, on your behalf.

11) Credits are counted by semester hours. Most English, math and history courses are

three-semester-hour courses. Students taking a three-semester-hour course meet in class for one hour, three times a week for one semester. Many science courses are four-semester-hour courses because one day a week is spent in a two-hour lab.

12) You are considered a full time student if you take 12 or more hours. Most freshmen

take five courses and physical education (16 hours). Most undergraduate degrees require at least 120 semester hours. Completion of an undergraduate degree typically takes four years, if a student carries an average of 15 semester hours per semester.

20

Narrowing Down Your College Choices Survey your needs:

• Academic Fit - is it hard enough, too hard, too easy- compare your SAT, ACT, GPA to their averages • Professors’ reputations and amount of contact w/ professors • % of classes taught by professors (not Teaching Assistants) • Desired major/course of study available • Location - size of the town and climate • Extracurricular activities available • Campus visit-did you like what you saw? • Cost and financial aid available • Housing-could you LIVE there 4 years? • Size/enrollment & layout of campus

Develop a list of schools that meet your needs/interests; get information on admissions, cost, etc. (Some forms are attached to help you with this process).

Learn the admission requirements and cost for each ·school that meets your needs/interests include:

• 1-2 DREAM schools, • 1-2 REACH schools, • 1-2 SURE THING schools.

Always have a backup plan in the event your first choice school does not accept you.

GO VISIT the schools you are seriously interested in before your senior year begins. Begin visiting colleges in the 9th grade-NO EXCUSES! Narrow your list and apply to:

• 1-2 DREAM schools, • 1-2 REACH schools, • 1-2 SURE THING schools

Don’t apply to a college you would not

be happy to attend if offered admission and

NEVER apply to only 1 school!

21

College Comparison Worksheet College Name

Location -distance from home -Enrollment -Physical size of campus

Environment -Type of school (2 yr, 4yr) -School setting (urban or rural -location/ size of nearest city -co-ed, male, female, -religious affiliation

Admission -deadline -tests required, including writing test. -average test scores, GPA, rank -notification

Academics -your major offered -special requirements -accreditation -student/faculty ratio -typical class size

College Expenses -tuition, room, and board - estimated total budget - application fee, deposits

Financial Aid -deadline -Required forms -% receiving aid -scholarships

Housing -residence hall requirements -food plan

Facilities -Academic -recreational -other

Activities -clubs, organizations -Greek life -athletics, intramurals -other

Campus Visits -when/ special opportunities

COLLEGE ADMISSIONS PROCESS

ADMISSION REQUIREMENTS OVERVIEW

The best preparation for attending ANY college or university is planning ahead. Reviewing admissions standards can help you select the courses you need to meet your educational goals. By learning as much

as possible in high school, you will give yourself the best chance for success after high school. You can begin laying the groundwork by taking a college-preparatory curriculum, such as the “Distinguished Level of Achievement” or “Distinguished Achievement Program” (see Appendix for Distinguished Level of Achievement and Distinguished Achievement program requirements) as your foundation and adding additional rigorous courses, as your schedule permits. Although these courses may be more challenging than other courses, they will put you well on your way to success.

The basic admissions requirements at some Texas four-year universities are listed on p. 8-11. Most universities offer special programs that permit promising students t o enroll even if they do not meet all of the admissions requirements. Check with the admissions office at your school of interest to find out about other, more specific requirements. Also check out www.thecb.state.tx.us for direct links to colleges.

Texas Meningitis Vaccination Law: As of Jan. 1, 2012, incoming Texas college students and students returning after an absence of at least one fall or spring semester who are under 30 years of age must submit documentation of immunization against

WHICH COLLEGE ADMISSION PROCESS BEST SUITS YOU?

Definition Application

Type Commitment Restriction

Regular Decision

Students submit an application by a specified date and receive a decision in a clearly stated period of time.

Non- restrictive

Non-binding Not restricted from applying to other institutions.

Rolling Admission

Institutions review applications as they are submitted and render admission decisions throughout the admission cycle.

Non- restrictive

Non-binding Not restricted from applying to other institutions.

Early Action Students apply early and receive a decision well in advance of the institution’s regular response date.

Non- restrictive

Non-binding Not restricted from applying to other institutions and have longer to confirm enrollment.

Early Decision

Students make a commitment to a first- choice institution where, if admitted they definitely will enroll. The application and decision deadline typically occur early in the fall semester.

Restrictive Binding Must be responsible for determining and following institution guidelines and restrictions.

Restrictive Early Action

Students apply to an institution of preference and receive a decision early. They may be restricted from applying to other institutions. If offered enrollment, they have to respond by a specified date.

Restrictive Non-binding Must be responsible for determining and following institution guidelines and restrictions.

WHAT DO COLLEGES LOOK FOR?

• Academic Record: One of the most important credentials in the applicant’s folder is the Academic Achievement Record, particularly the courses taken during the junior year and senior year. In many cases you can increase your college admissions probabilities by making a strong effort to improve during this time, thereby indicating you are “on the way up.” Your Academic Achievement Record should include a high school curriculum that challenges you. Academically strong students should include Dual Credit, Pre-AP and Advanced Placement courses in their schedule. Grades are also important and should represent strong effort and show an upward trend over the years. However, slightly lower grades in a rigorous program are preferred to all A's in less challenging coursework.

• College Entrance Examination Scores: SAT/ACT college entrance

examinations are important even though not all colleges require them. Scores on standardized tests (SAT, ACT) should be consistent with high school performance. Schools pay close attention to your SAT/ACT test scores because, they constitute a reliable predictor of academic achievement, when considered with grades and academic class rank. These tests can be taken more than once, but be sure to check if the institution looks at the highest score received or the composite score. Community colleges do not require the SAT/ACT for admissions.

• Essays: Some colleges require an essay or personal statement as part of the application.

The essay can help colleges assess your critical thinking and writing abilities, special interests or experiences as well as values, attitudes, and life experiences. The application may designate a specific topic or allow you to choose what you want to write about. If an essay is optional, we strongly encourage you to write one. A well-written essay should provide insight into your unique personality, values, and goals; it should be thoughtful and highly personal. The essay should demonstrate careful and well-constructed writing. Always have someone edit and proofread the essay before it is submitted.

• Extra-curricular Activities: Extra-curricular activities both in high school and in the

community play an important role in the admissions process. Increasingly, colleges look for students who will make a significant contribution to the college community, and look for volunteering and commitment that demonstrates both passion and persistence. Colleges often seek out that extra dimension – that “thing” that makes you special.

• Recommendations: For some colleges, recommendations are a required part of an

applicant’s file. Letters of recommendation from teachers and guidance counselors should offer insight beyond the resume and provide evidence of integrity, show patterns of growth, highlight special skill, and positive character traits. Students should request recommendations from teachers who respect their work in an academic discipline. Colleges may also ask for supplementary or personal recommendations from someone outside of the school setting. These recommendations should be completed by adults who have had significant direct contact with you. Letters from scout leaders or supervisors in long-term work or volunteer activities are valuable; however, recommendations from casual acquaintances or family friends, even if they're well known, are rarely given as much weight.

• Interviews. An admission interview may be required or suggested as part of the application process. The interview is a time for colleges/universities to have a conversation and determine if the school is a “good fit” for potential students. Although interviews can be nerve-wracking, preparation and planning can make the overall process much smoother and less stressful.

Taken from National Association for College Admission Counseling: www.nacacnet.org

TOP TEN PERCENT RULE AND MODIFICATIONS TO TEXAS’

AUTOMATIC ADMISSION LAW

Top Ten Percent Rule - Top students are eligible for automatic admission to any public university in Texas under admissions policies. Under TEC 51.803(a-2), students who are in the top 10 percent of their graduating class are eligible for automatic admission to any public university in Texas. To be eligible for automatic admission, a student must:

o Graduate in the top 10 percent of his or her class at a public or private high school in Texas, or graduate in the top 10 percent of his or her class from a high school operated by the U.S. Department of Defense and be a Texas resident or eligible to pay resident tuition;

o Graduate on the recommended or distinguished program;

o Enroll in college no more than two years after graduating from high school; and

o Submit an application to a Texas public university for admission before the institution's application deadline (check with the university regarding specific deadlines).

o Students admitted through this route may still be required to provide SAT or ACT scores, although these scores are not used for admissions purposes. Students must also take the THEA test, unless exempted from the test requirement. Check with the admissions office regarding THEA, SAT, and ACT requirements.

After a student is admitted, the university may review the student's high school records to determine if the student is prepared for college-level work. A student who needs additional preparation may be required to take a developmental, enrichment, or orientation course during the semester prior to the first semester of college.

Admission to a university does not guarantee acceptance into a particular college or department. Remember that you may not be admitted even if you are eligible if you do not meet the admissions deadline.

Modifications to Texas’ Automatic Admission Law – SB 175, passed by the 81st

Legislature in the spring of 2009, modifies TEC 51.802 for The University of Texas at Austin. Under the new law:

• The University is to automatically admit enough students to fill 75% of available

Texas resident spaces. • Each fall by September 15th The University will notify Texas school officials of the

class rank that current high school juniors need to attain by the end of their junior year in order to be automatically admitted two years out of high school.

• SB 175 went into effect with the 2011 summer/fall class and will remain in effect at least through the 2015-2016 academic year.

For updated information, see UT website (www.utexas.edu).

High School Admission Requirements – Public Universities – Texas Education Code (TEC) 51.803-51.809 (State of Texas Uniform Admission Policy) requires that all students meet one of the following college readiness standards in order to be eligible to be considered for admission at a Texas four-year public institution:

• Successfully complete the recommended or advanced/distinguished high school program or complete the portion of the program that was available to them; or

• Satisfy the College Readiness Benchmarks on the SAT/ ACT assessment:

o SAT: 1500 out of 2400 (Verbal + Math + Writing) or

o ACT: 18 English, 22 Reading, 22 Mathematics and 23 Science; or

• Successfully complete a curriculum that is equivalent in content and rigor to the recommended or advanced/distinguished high school program at a high school that is exempt from offering such programs.

Exemptions from the Policy To claim an exemption from the Policy, students must submit one of the two Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board exemption forms completed by the high school counselor or other school official in addition to all other required credentials for admission by the university’s published deadline. The exemption forms can are located on the college/university’s website.

The admissions offices of specific schools will be able to give you the most current and accurate information about being admitted to their university.

What tests do I need to take for college

admissions? Be sure to contact the college or university you are considering attending to find out what testing is required. Here are a few common tests:

1. SAT (www.sat.collegeboard.com) Three and one-half hour examination Primarily multiple choice Measures verbal, mathematical, and writing abilities Score range per category: 200– 800 See registration and test dates

2. SAT: Subject Tests (www.sat.collegeboard.com) May take up to 3 SAT Subject Tests on a single test date Primarily multiple choice Cannot take SAT Subject Tests and SAT on the same date Score range per subject test: 200– 800 Check with university/college for requirements

3. ACT (www.act.org) Four 35-50 minute examinations Primarily multiple choice Measures verbal, mathematical, science, social studies, and writing abilities Score range per section is 9 to 36 with an overall composite score average of 36 Strongly recommend taking optional writing section.

4. Texas Success Initiative Assessment (TSIA) Required by all Texas state supported colleges and universities to show college readiness; Students may be exempted by scores on specified alternative tests listed below:

ACT: Composite of 23 with minimum of 19 on English and/or math test. SAT: Combined verbal and math score of 1070; minimum of 500 on verbal or math test EOC: English 3 and Algebra 2 minimum score of level 2

5. Advanced Placement (AP) (www.collegeboard.com) May award credit for entry level college courses Measures knowledge of a particular subject

6. College Level Examination Program(CLEP)

The College-Level Examination Program (CLEP) is another opportunity for incoming college students to earn college credit for what they have already learned. Many colleges and universities award credit for satisfactory scores on one or more CLEP exams. As with AP exams, you should check with the college or university you plan to attend, to determine whether credit is granted for CLEP exams. For dates, fees, and test centers, go to: http://clep.collegeboard.org/.

Test Prep Visit the Test Prep site: http://www.number2.com/ Khan Academy free test prep: https://www.khanacademy.org

COLLEGE ADMISSIONS TESTING

Check for test prep classes on your campus College and Career Readiness Standards The Texas Success Initiative Assessment (TSI) measures your strengths and weaknesses in mathematics and statistics, reading and writing, and is an indicator of how ready you are to handle college-level courses. The results of the assessment, in conjunction with your academic background, goals and interests, are used by academic advisers and counselors to place you in the appropriate courses that match your skill level. The goal is to help you become ready for college-level course work. If your TSI mathematics, reading or writing test score is lower than the college-readiness cut-score for that subject, you may be placed in either a developmental course or an intervention to improve your skills and prepare for success in college-level courses. In addition to other factors, your placement is determined through the results you get in the TSI Diagnostic Test, which measures how well you know the subjects. Your college or university may use additional factors such as your high school grade point average/class ranking, other test scores and courses from your high school or college transcripts. College-Readiness TSI Cut-Scores: Mathematics Reading Writing score ranging from 350 to 390 in score ranging from 351 to 390 in score of 5 in essay section or score of 4 in the the multiple-choice section the multiple score section essay section with a score range of 363 to 390 in the multiple choice section

Qualifying Tests for TSI exemption: Exit Level TAKS STAAR/EOC SAT ACT PSAT PLAN 2200 ELA and 3+ on essay Level 2 on English 3 500 Critical Reading 19 English 50 Critical Reading 19 English 2200 Math Level 2 on Algebra 2 500 Math 19 Math 50 Math 19 Math Combined score 1070 23 Composite Combined score 107 23 Composite Texas Success Initiative Assessment (TSI) for High School students wishing to enroll in dual credit: High school juniors and seniors, who wish to enroll in either dual credit or concurrent enrollment courses, must meet TSI standards, demonstrating basic college readiness in reading, writing and mathematics. For post-secondary colleges and universities in Texas, assessments such as TAKS, EOC, SAT, ACT, PSAT, and PLAN may be used to qualify for exemption from TSI testing. More Information about the qualifying tests for TSI exemption: PSAT/NMSQT-Preliminary SAT/National Merit Scholarship Qualifying Test(used for dual enrollment only, scores cannot be used for TSI exemption after high school graduation) College readiness for PSAT/NMSQT is a minimum of 50 on the critical reading and/or 50 on the Math test relevant to the courses the student wishes to take. The combined score of 107 is for Critical Reading and math only, it not the posted combined score of all three sections. These scores cannot be used for TSI exemption into colleges and universities after high school graduation.

o Freshman, sophomores and juniors are eligible to take this test, which is offered in October o Only juniors are eligible for National Merit Scholarship consideration o Each section is scored on a scale of 20-80 o The PSAT/NMSQT is great practice for the SAT o Registration for this test is handled by the school o Information and test prep materials are available online

PLAN-Pre-ACT Test(used for dual enrollment only, scores cannot be used for TSI exemption after high school graduation) College readiness for PLAN is a minimum score of 19 on the English section and a minimum of 19 on the Math section, relevant to the course the student wishes to take; with a composite score of 23. These scores cannot be used for TSI exemption into colleges and universities after high school graduation.

o Test is typically given to students in the fall of their sophomore year o The test is comprised of four sections: English, math, reading and science o Each section is scored on a scale of 1-32 o Registration for this test is handled by the school

The SAT-College Entrance Test TSI exemption for SAT is a composite score of 1070 with a minimum of 500 on both the Critical Reading and Math sections. The composite score does not include the writing section.

o The SAT is one of two entrance exams commonly accepted by four year colleges and universities o The SAT is typically taken in the spring of the junior year and anytime during the senior year, can be taken multiple times o The SAT measures critical thinking skills and includes three sections: critical reading, mathematics and writing o Each section is scored on a scale of 200-800 o The SAT is administered 7 times during each year o Students register online at www.collegeboard.com. Fee waivers are available for eligible students(see your counselor) o Information and test prep materials are available online

The ACT-College Entrance Test TSI exemption for ACT is a composite score of 23 with a minimum of 19 on both English and Mathematics.

o The ACT is one of two college entrance exams commonly accepted by four year colleges and universities. o The ACT is typically taken in the spring of the junior year and anytime during the senior year, can be taken multiple times o The ACT assesses general educational development and covers four skill areas: English, mathematics, reading and science. o The ACT is administered 6 times each year o Students can register at www.act.org. Fee waivers are available for eligible students(see your counselor) o Information and test prep materials are available online

Tips for Taking a Standardized Test

• Get plenty of sleep the night before the test.

• If you feel nervous before beginning, try to relax by taking a few deep breaths.

• Maintain confidence in your abilities and plan to do your best. Your attitude can

affect your performance.

• Listen carefully to all instructions and ask questions if you hear something

you don’t understand.

• Focus your attention entirely on your work.

• Position your answer sheet next to your test booklet so you can mark answers

quickly and accurately.

• Before answering each question, read it completely, as well as all the possible responses.

• When you are unsure of an answer, choose the one you think is the best and go

on to the next question.

• Pace yourself throughout the test by occasionally checking the time.

• If you complete the test before your time is up, reread the questions and check your answers.

ACT Test Dates in the U.S., U.S. Territories, and

About SAT®Program Tests The SAT®

The current SAT is more than just a test that measures what you learned in high school; it is an essential passport for your college admission journey. The SAT is what colleges want to showcase your skills and potential. Originally developed to increase access to college for all students, the SAT is the most widely used admission test among colleges and universities. It is offered at least seven times a year in the United States and U.S. territories, and six times a year internationally. Here is an overview of the content and timing of the SAT:

Content Number of Questions

Time

Reading

• Extended Reasoning • Literal Comprehension • Vocabulary in context • Sentence Completions

Total

36-40

4-6 4-6 19 67

70 minutes: • two 25-minute

subsections • one 20-minute

subsection

Mathematics

• Number and Operations • Algebra and Functions • Geometry and Measurement • Data Analysis, Statistics and

Probability Total

11-14 19-22 14-16

5-8

54

70 minutes: • two 25-minute

subsections • one 20-minute

subsection

Writing

• Essay • Improving Sentences • Identifying Sentence Errors • Improving Paragraphs

Total

1

25 18 6

50

60 minutes: • two 25-minute

subsections • one 10-minute

subsection

SAT Essay Scoring Guide

The following criteria are used to evaluate and score SAT essays. Each essay is read by two readers who grade the essay on a scale of 1– 6. The two scores are added together to obtain the actual score reported to the student. If the grade given by the two readers differs by more than 1 point a 3rd reader resolves the difference. Readers are trained to use the Scoring Guide in conjunction with anchor papers, which have been scored by consensus as representative examples. The Scoring Guide provides a consistent and coherent framework for differentiating between score points, without defining specific traits or types of essays that define each score point. Score of 6 –Demonstrates clear & consistent mastery, although it may have a few minor errors.

• Effectively and insightfully develops a point of view on the issue and demonstrates outstanding critical thinking, using clearly appropriate examples, reasons, and other evidence to support its position

• Well organized and clearly focused, demonstrating clear coherence and smooth progression of ideas • Exhibits skillful use of language, using a varied, accurate, and apt vocabulary. • Demonstrates meaningful variety in sentence structure and is free of most errors in grammar, usage, and mechanics

Score of 5 – Demonstrates reasonably consistent mastery, although it will have occasional errors or lapses in quality.

• Effectively develops a point of view on the issue and demonstrates strong critical thinking, generally using appropriate examples, reasons, and other evidence to support its position

• Well organized and focused, demonstrating coherence and progression of ideas • Exhibits facility in the use of language, using appropriate vocabulary. • Demonstrates variety in sentence structure, is generally free of most errors in grammar, usage, and mechanics

Score of 4 – Demonstrates adequate mastery, although it will have lapses in quality.

• develops a point of view on the issue and demonstrates competent critical thinking, using adequate examples, reasons, and other evidence to support its position

• generally organized and focused, demonstrating some coherence and progression of ideas • exhibits adequate but inconsistent facility in the use of language, using generally appropriate vocabulary • demonstrates some variety in sentence structure has some errors in grammar, usage, and mechanics

Score of 3 – Demonstrates developing mastery, & is marked by 1 or more of the following weaknesses:

• Develops a point of view on the issue, demonstrating some critical thinking, but may do so inconsistently or use inadequate examples, reasons, or other evidence to support its position

• Limited in its organization or focus, but may demonstrate some lapses in coherence or progression of ideas • Displays developing facility in the use of language, but sometimes uses weak vocabulary or inappropriate word choice • Lacks variety or demonstrates problems in sentence structure and contains an accumulation of errors in grammar, usage, and

mechanics Score of 2 – demonstrates little mastery, and is flawed by one or more of the following weaknesses:

• Develops a point of view on the issue that is vague or seriously limited, demonstrating weak critical thinking, providing inappropriate or insufficient examples, reasons, or other evidence to support it position

• Poorly organized and/or focused, or demonstrates serious problems with coherence or progression of ideas. • Displays very little facility in the use of language, using very limited vocabulary or incorrect word choice • Demonstrates frequent problems in sentence structure, contains errors in grammar, usage, and mechanics so serious that

meaning is somewhat obscured. Score of 1 – demonstrates very little or no mastery, and is severely flawed by one or more of the following weaknesses:

• Develops no viable point of view on the issue, or provides little or no evidence to support its position is disorganized or unfocused, resulting in a disjointed or incoherent essay,

• Displays fundamental errors in vocabulary and demonstrates severe flaws in sentence structure • Contains pervasive errors in grammar, usage, or mechanics that persistently interfere with meaning

Score of 0 – Essays not written on the essay assignment will receive a score of zero.Source:http://www.collegeboard.com/student/testing/psat/about/ontest/htm. Copyright © 2010. The College Board. Reproduced with permission.

ADVANCED PLACEMENT (AP) TESTING…….

Advanced Placement (AP) Scores College Credit Money Saved Listed are some examples of how AP exam scores become college hours and money saved. Students will be given the opportunity to receive credit through advanced placement scores. These examples reflect what some public colleges/universities award based on AP scores.

COLLEGE TEXAS A&M UT at Austin AP EXAM AP SCORE CREDIT AP SCORE CREDIT

CALCULUS AB 4 or 5 4 hrs. 5 4 hrs.

CALCULUS BC 3 4 hrs. 3 or 4 4 hrs.

CALCULUS BC 4 or 5 8 hrs. 5 8 hrs.

ENG LANG & COMP 3 3 hrs. 3, 4, 5 3 hrs.

ENG LANG & COMP 4 or 5 6 hrs. 3, 4, 5 3 hrs.

ENG LIT & COMP 3 3 hrs. 4 3 hrs.

ENG LIT & COMP 4 or 5 6 hrs. 5 3 hrs.

US HIS 4 or 5 6 hrs. 4 or 5 6 hrs.

WORLD HIS 4 3 hrs. 4 or 5 3 hrs.

COLLEGE Stephen F. Austin Univ. of Houston AP EXAM AP SCORE CREDIT AP SCORE CREDIT

CALCULUS AB 3, 4, or 5 4 hrs. 3,4,5 4 hrs.

CALCULUS BC 3, 4, or 5 8 hrs. 3,4,5 8 hrs.

ENG LANG & COMP 3 3 hrs. 3 3 hrs.

ENG LANG & COMP 4 or 5 6 hrs. 4,5 6 hrs.

ENG LIT & COMP 3 3 hrs. 3 3 hrs.

ENG LIT & COMP 4 or 5 6 hrs. 3 3 hrs.

US HIS 3 3 hrs.

US HIS 4 or 5 6 hrs. 4,5 6 hrs.

WORLD HIS 4 3 hrs.

Based on the credits received, students (and parents) save a considerable amount of money based on the cost of each course that they are no longer required to take. Check out each college/university website and review the site carefully; identifying the number of credits awarded for other AP exam results. Be sure to have the scores forwarded to the university that you will be attending.

If I took the SAT—what would my scores be on the ACT? If I took the ACT—what would my scores be on the SAT?

The ACT is the only test with College Readiness Benchmarks directly measuring College Readiness Standards™ that are based on actual college performance of students, and reflected by specific test scores. An ACT College Readiness Benchmark score is the minimum score needed on an ACT subject area test to indicate a 50 percent chance of obtaining a B or higher or about a 75 percent chance of obtaining a C or higher in the corresponding credit-bearing college courses. These scores were empirically derived based on the actual performance of students in college. ACT College Readiness Standards are subject- based knowledge skills statements that are informed by the ACT National Curriculum Survey®, directly measured by the ACT, and grouped by ACT score range. They may be found at www.act.org/standard/instruct/index.html.

COLLEGE ADMISSIONS APPLICATIONS

When seniors return to school in the fall, the Apply Texas application should be completed if the student is considering attending a Texas public university. Students are able to begin the application process on August 1 (before returning to school). Care should be taken to complete this application carefully as it can also serve as a scholarship application.

As you think about your application circulating among an admissions committee, consider the following: 1. Read every word of the directions before you begin.

2. Show your best work—something of which you can be proud. 3. Essays should be error-free, thoughtful, logical and organized. Do not overreach. Use comfortable

vocabulary. Be yourself. "The essay should say something the rest of the application doesn't say, or at least should elaborate on something the application suggests; a talent, an interest, thoughts on world or local problems, a personal accomplishment."

4. Do not write what you think the admissions office wants to read. The committee reading your application wants to know you – what you think and do. No matter how ordinary you feel, your application represents a different individual from all the others.

5. Use specific examples when describing your interests and achievements. Explain your involvement—why the things you chose to discuss are important to you. It is better to emphasize the degree of involvement in a few activities than a long list of superficial interests.

6. Why are you going to college? To learn? To learn what? Why? A college should be convinced that you truly want an education. Avoid simplistic answers and reasons. If you want to be an engineer, for example, cite some experience from your own life of deed and thought that led you to this current choice.

7. If humor is part of your style, feel free to use it. 8. Typing or printing is acceptable. In some cases you will be required to write an essay in your

own handwriting. Neatness and legibility are obviously essential.

9. Proofread. Spelling errors are unacceptable. 10. Photo copies (clear ones) are perfectly acceptable, but sign each one individually. Your name should be on each page or document submitted in addition to the applications.

11. Proofread again!

Tips on Writing a Personal Essay

You may be asked to write some essays as you complete college applications and scholarship applications. Here are some questions to ask yourself before you write:

• What's special, unique, distinctive, and/or impressive about you or your life story?

• What details of your life (personal or family, history, people or events have shaped you or influenced your goals) might help the committee better understand you or help set you apart from other applicants?

• When did you become interested in this field and what have you learned about it (and about yourself) that has further stimulated your interest and reinforced your conviction that you are well suited to this field? What insights have you gained?

• How have you learned about this field—through classes, readings, seminars, work or other experiences, or conversations with people already in the field?

• If you have worked a lot during your high school years, what have you learned (leadership or time management skills, for example), and how has that work contributed to your growth?

• What are your career goals? • Are there any gaps or discrepancies in your academic record that you should explain (outstanding

grades but below average SAT or ACT scores, for instance, or a distinct upward pattern to your GPA if it was only average in the beginning)?

• Have you had to overcome any unusual obstacles or hardships (economic, familial, or physical) in your life?

• What personal characteristics (e.g., integrity. compassion. persistence) do you possess that would improve your prospects for success in college and/or your professional field? Provide examples to validate that you have these characteristics?

• What skills (e.g., leadership, communicative, analytical) do you possess? • What are the most compelling reasons you can give for the admissions committee to be interested

in you? After Brainstorming:

• The lead or opening paragraph is generally the most important. It is here that you grab the reader's attention or lose it. This paragraph becomes the framework for the rest of the statement.

• The middle section of your essay might detail your interest and experience in your particular field, as well as some of your knowledge of the field. Many students graduate with little or no knowledge of the nuts and bolts of the profession or field they hope to enter. Be as specific as you can in relating what you know about the field and use the language that professionals use in conveying this information. Refer to experiences (work, research, etc.), classes, conversations with people in the field, books you've read, seminars you've attended, or any other source of specific information about the career you want and why you're suited to it. Since you will have to select what you include in your statement, the choices you make are often an indication of your judgment.

• Be meticulous. Type and proofread your essay very carefully. Many admissions officers say that good written skills and command of correct use of language are important to them as they read these statements. Express yourself clearly and concisely. Adhere to stated word limits.

FAQ’s About College Applications Q: On-line or paper applications? A: Most colleges only use online applications, but if they still offer a paper application it will NOT hurt you to use paper if that is what you prefer. All public colleges in Texas only use the online application: www.applytexas.org.Which you complete online and submit to the school you want to apply to; after submission you will be asked if you want to submit an application to any other state school. The information will be saved and you will only need to change a few things to submit to other schools. You can save your application and print it out so that you or another adult can review it, so you can make corrections if necessary and submit when it is flawless! Remember, it is YOUR responsibility to ask the registrar to send an official transcript to every college you apply to and to have your SAT and/or ACT scores sent to every college you apply to. Some colleges will accept your test scores from your transcript and some will not-YOU need to ask each college.

Q: When do I complete and submit my college applications?

A: Most colleges will not accept applications until late August or September of your senior year. Set your goal for completing applications by Thanksgiving or earlier of your senior year. Some colleges have early application or Early Notification deadlines as early as November 15th. It is the student's responsibility to observe all deadlines for applications, application fees, resume, essays, etc. Some are included in this handbook. Many colleges have December deadlines for scholarship applications so to completing the Apply Texas application is necessary to be considered for university scholarships.

Q: Do I have to get letters of recommendation and should I waive my right to see them? A: Only use requested recommendations if they add new information or if the college requires them. Ask 11th or 12th grade teachers who can write knowledgeably about you. They will not be helpful if the writer only repeats information in your application or résumé. Some colleges offer you the option of being able to read your recommendations or waiving your right to see what was written. It is best to waive your right to see recommendations. State colleges do not have a form to complete, but private colleges usually do. It is your job to get the forms and give them your counselor and/or teacher. Parents should never, ever ask someone to write one for their son/daughter. Make sure you provide the person writing your letter of recommendation at least two weeks’ notice.

Q: If the college offers an optional interview should I do it?

A: YES, it could be the key that gives you the edge over another applicant.

Q: Can my parent fill out my college application?

A: No. This is YOUR responsibility...you are capable of completing the application.

Q: Does it cost money to apply to a college?

A: Many colleges require a non-refundable application fee ranging from $25 – $75. Check with your counselor about a possible waiver for the application fee.

Q: How long will it take a college to decide on my admission?

A: It varies from college to college, but most will notify you within 4-6 weeks. Many schools offer a binding Early Decision deadline that allows you to learn of your admission decision by December or January.

Q: How many colleges should I apply to? A: For some students, 4 may be sufficient. If you apply to very selective schools and your chances for admissions are slim you may need to apply to more schools. A good rule of thumb is to apply to 1–2 dream schools, 1–2 reach schools and 1–2 sure thing schools and NEVER apply to a school that you would not happily attend.

DEFINITIONS OF ADMISSIONS OPTIONS IN HIGHER EDUCATION

Which College Admission Process Best Suits You?

Information provided by the National Association for College Admission Counseling (NACAC).

Non-Restrictive Application Plans

Restrictive Application Plans

Regular Decision

Rolling Admissions

Early Action(EA)

Early Decision (ED) Restrictive Early Action (REA)

Definition: Students submit an application by a specified date and receive a decision in a clearly stated period of time. Commitment: Non-binding

Definition: Institutions review applications as they are submitted and render admissions decisions throughout the admissions cycle. Commitment: Non-binding

Definition: Students apply early and receive a decision well in advance of the institution's regular response date. Commitment Non-binding

Definition: Students make a commitment to a first choice institution where, if admitted they definitely will enroll. The application deadline and decision deadline occur early. Commitment: Binding

Definition: Students apply to an institution of preference and receive a decision early. They may be restricted from applying ED or EA or REA to other institutions. If offered enrollment, they have until May 1 to confirm. Commitment: Binding

Students are not restricted from applying to other institutions and have until May 1 to consider their options and confirm

enrollment.

Students are responsible for determining and following restrictions.

COLLEGE TIMELINE FOR SENIORS AUGUST/SEPTEMBER

• Plan to attend the GCCISD Senior Spirit Day and other college workshops during the fall semester.

• Meet with your counselor to review your academic records and make sure you are on track for graduation.

• Review high school coursework and activity plans. Consider graduating on the highest graduation program – the Distinguished Achievement Program. See your counselor for details.

• Remember, colleges are looking for the following: o Challenging coursework o Strong GPA o Involvement in extracurricular activities o Community Service

• Register with NCAA Clearinghouse if you are planning to play college sports. • Register for ACT or SAT or SAT Subject tests if necessary. (If you miss the first fall test dates, your next

opportunity may be too late to send scores to your college choices). Check Naviance Family Connection for test prep resources.

• Complete senior forms in Naviance (Student Brag Sheet; Parent Brag Sheet; Résumé) to be used for recommendations. If you need recommendations written for your applications, contact those teachers, counselors, or other individuals now.

• Narrow college choices to a few schools (at least 4). Your selection should include at least one “safety school (one that you feel will definitely accept you)”.

• If you are applying to any Texas Public Universities or Two-Year colleges, complete the “ApplyTexas” application at www.applytexas.org. A universal “Common Application” is also available for private colleges at www.commonapp.org.

• Apply for your FAFSA (free application for federal student aid) pin number, if you have not already done so. • Apply for all scholarships for which you qualify. Check Naviance Family Connection weekly for additional

scholarship opportunities. If your college or scholarship applications require essays, GET STARTED. Choose an English teacher to help you critique your work. Allow yourself ample time to do a good job. Use spelling and grammar software to check your essay.

• Check college websites for deadline dates for application for admissions, housing, financial aid, required entrance exams (SAT or ACT) and acceptable financial aid forms (FAFSA, TAFSA or CSS Profile).

• Develop a plan to begin processing college application forms. • If you are a candidate for early decision, file your application in time to meet that deadline. Be sure to check the

LAST acceptable test date for an early decision candidate. • Continue preparation for SAT or ACT or TSIA tests. • Schedule college tours. Check your school calendar for dates when you are not in school other than holidays.

Use these days. Call ahead to schedule an appointment. Observe GCCISD attendance policy. • Meet with college representatives when they visit your high school. • Maintain good grades and continue participating in school and community events.

OCTOBER • Continue processing application and recommendation forms to guidance counselors and teachers for

completion of their sections. (Teachers and counselors are asked to write numerous recommendations –allow at least three weeks for them to complete recommendations.) Follow your campus counseling office procedure. Continue working on your essay responses

• Arrange for transcripts and recommendations to be sent to colleges through Naviance Family Connection. • Meet application deadlines for early decision or early action (usually November 1), housing, scholarships, or

financial aid as stated by each college. CAUTION: these deadlines may vary by college or university. • Plan to take/retake the SAT or ACT, if necessary. • Find out the SAT Subject Tests requirements of your college choices. If required, register to take SAT subject

tests on a date when you will NOT be taking the SAT. You are not permitted to take the SAT and SAT Subject Tests on the same date.

• Continue to submit college application forms, even if you have submitted an early decision or early action application.

NOVEMBER • Continue to study hard because your first semester senior year grades are very important. Most colleges request

a copy of your 1st semester senior grades for admissions consideration. • Continue to complete college applications for admissions. Follow up on letters of recommendation. Request

transcripts as needed. Copy or print ALL forms before submitting them. If necessary, mail documents, to meet deadlines as stated by colleges and universities.

• Take/retake ACT, SAT or SAT Subject Tests, if necessary. • All recommendations that have deadlines through January 15 should be submitted to your counselor by

December 1. • Attend the GCCISD District College Night on November 10th, with your parents.

DECEMBER • Review your timeline to be sure you have completed each step in the college admissions process. Most

application(s) should be submitted before January 1st. • Request that SAT or ACT and AP scores be sent to all colleges to which you have applied. If you did not list them

when you registered for the tests, additional scores may be requested on the ACT and College Board websites. • Expect notification of Early Decision acceptance or deferral by December 15.

Take the SAT Subject Tests that are required by the colleges of your choice. (You should have signed up for these in October.)

• Ask your parents to begin gathering their financial information. The Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) or College Scholarship Service Profile must be filed January 1st or later (www.fafsa.gov).

JANUARY • Complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) at www.fafsa.gov. • Complete any unfinished college admissions materials • Research scholarships and complete applications; meet with your counselor. • If required, complete and return any mid-year reports to colleges which request them. • Request a mid-year transcript. • Review your seventh semester academic class rank and GPA. • Attend the GCCISD District Career Night on January 27th, with your parents.

FEBRUARY

• Keep your grades up . . . finish strong . . . remember that you will be accepted to college “Pending the successful completion of your 12th grade course work.”

• Check deadline dates for financial aid/scholarships and grants. Continue to apply for available scholarships. • Complete any unfinished college application materials

MARCH • Prepare for Register for AP testing. Check with your counselor, if you have questions about AP testing. • Continue to apply for available scholarships • Watch the mail or email for your Student Aid Report(SAR) and review the information to be sure it is correct • Write thank you notes to all those you completed letters of recommendation on your behalf • Make a last minute college visit, if needed

APRIL • Look for admissions notices from colleges. April 1st is the most popular date for colleges to notify students. • Carefully choose your college and notify that college of your acceptance by May 1st. Be sure to send regrets to

those colleges you will not attend, by May 1st. • If you are wait-listed and wish to be kept in consideration, be sure to advise the college in writing. • If all colleges send rejections, don’t panic! There are several alternatives. See your counselor to explore other

possibilities. • Review financial aid award letters with your parents and respond accordingly. • Finalize plans for housing, financial aid, and/or scholarships. • Make any required deposits to the institution you plan to attend. May 1st is the generally accepted deadline for

deposits for the fall term. Be sure to check with your college for their exact requirements. • Register for your college summer orientation programs

MAY • Make final choice of college or university, if you have not already done so. Complete all details concerning

college admissions. • Notify your counselor of your final college choice and whether you have been awarded any scholarships

(academic, athletic, artistic, dramatic, or musical— NOT LOANS.) • Complete Graduation Survey and request your final high school transcript, for the college you plan to attend. • Take AP test(s) as previously decided.

JUNE • Attend graduation ceremonies and celebrate. HAVE A HAPPY GRADUATION! • When you receive your Advanced Placement Test scores, if you have not already requested that the scores be

sent to the college that you will be attending, request the through College Board. • Participate in the orientation program of the college you will attend. This will occur during the summer or just

prior to the fall term. • Consider taking College Level Examination Program (CLEP) exams when you get to college. • *Students with disabilities—please contact your college counselor at least 8 weeks prior to registration to discuss

accommodations

What Is Financial Aid? If you want to be considered for federal financial assistance, you must complete

the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA). The quickest way to do this is online at: http://www.fafsa.ed.gov if you are either a US citizen, permanent U.S. resident with an Alien Registration Card (I-551), a conditional permanent U.S. resident with visa type I-551C or an eligible non-citizen with an Arrival/Departure Record (I-94) showing one of the following: Refugee, Asylum granted, Parolee (for a minimum of one year), or Cuban-Haitian entrant. If none of these apply to you but you are classified as a Texas resident and therefore are eligible to pay the Texas in-state tuition rate, use the TASFA Application (If you are in doubt (whether you will be completing the FAFSA or the TASFA), check with your counselor.

The earliest that the FAFSA or TASFA can be filed is January 1st of the year you will be attending college.

For those considering private colleges, the FAFSA may not be the only form you will need to submit. Incoming freshman

may also need to complete the CSS Profile Application. Many private colleges require the Profile. You also complete the Profile much earlier than the FAFSA and many schools will provide a financial aid package earlier than would be possible if you wait to complete the FAFSA. Check with you college to see if you are required to complete the Profile which is generally available in the middle of October. You can register and apply online at: http://www.collegeboard.org

Colleges use the processed data to determine your eligibility for financial aid. Whether you complete the FAFSA or the

Profile, the Expected Family Contribution (EFC) arrived at by putting your household, demographic and financial data through a formula is the basis for determining your award.

The data you submit on the FAFSA goes to a place called CPS (Central Processing System) where it is compiled and then a

formula is applied. The formula the Department of Education uses to compute your EFC is called Federal Methodology. If you’d like to learn exactly how the data is treated you can request a copy (for free) of The EFC Formula Book by calling

1-800-4 FED-AID. Ask for The EFC Formula Book by academic year (ex. “I would like a copy of The EFC Formula Book for the current academic year.”)

The EFC is basically what the government is telling us how much you should be able to contribute toward education based

on your state of residence, household size, number in college and student and parent income and asset information. Next, the school you attend establishes a Cost of Attendance (COA). The COA is composed of tuition, room and board, fees and estimated expenses (books, supplies, personal).

The EFC and COA are used to determine your financial need. Financial need is calculated by subtracting the EFC from the

COA and is a guideline in determining how much need based financial aid you may receive. The equation looks like this:

COA - EFC = Financial Need

The aid office then uses the “need based” resources they have available to try to “meet” your financial need. A student files

the FAFSA and a few weeks later receives the Student Aid Report (SAR). A sample note is that the EFC on the SAR is “01400″. The school has a COA of $18,000. So, using the formula above we find the student’s need is $16,600.

Students “To Do List” When Applying for Financial Aid You must complete and submit the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) to apply for federal student aid—that’s government money for college or trade school. Financial aid offices use information from the FAFSA to determine whether you are eligible to receive federal grants, loans, or work-study funds. States and schools also use the information from the FAFSA to determine whether you qualify for additional aid. In fact, some schools won’t consider a student for the school’s merit scholarships until the student has submitted a FAFSA. So be sure to fill out a FAFSA even if you think you won’t qualify for federal aid. Check List for completing FAFSA:

• Get free information and help from your school counselor, the financial aid office at the college or career school you plan to attend, or the U.S. Department of Education at www.fafsa.ed.gov or 1-800-4-FED-AID (1-800-433-3243). Free help is available anytime during the application process. You should never have to pay for help.

• Get a personal identification number called a Federal Student Aid PIN at www.pin.ed.gov. Your PIN lets you “sign” your online FAFSA, access and make corrections to your application information, and more—so keep it safe!

• Collect the documents needed to apply, including income tax returns and W-2 forms (and other records of income). Tax return not completed at the time you apply? Estimate the tax information, apply, and finalize information later. The important thing is to meet the earliest deadline. Here are some items you might need:

◊ Your Social Security number and your parents’ Social Security numbers if you are providing parent information.

◊ Your Alien Registration Number if you are not a U.S. citizen.

◊ Federal tax information or tax returns, including W-2 information, for yourself, for your spouse if you are married, and for your parents if you are providing parent information, using income records for the year prior to the academic year for which you are applying.

◊ Information on savings, investments, and business assets for yourself (and for your parents if you are providing parent information).

• Apply online (the fastest and easiest way) by going to www.fafsa.ed.gov before the deadline!

• Review your Student Aid Report (SAR)—the result of your FAFSA. You will receive your SAR by e-mail or by m a i l . If necessary, make changes or corrections and submit your SAR for reprocessing. Your complete, correct SAR will contain your Expected Family Contribution (EFC)—the number used to determine your federal student aid eligibility. If you do not receive your SAR within three weeks of submitting your FAFSA, go to www.fafsa.ed.gov and select "Check Status of a Submitted FAFSA;” or you may call 1-800-4-FED-AID.

• Your school might request additional information from you. Be sure to respond by any deadlines, or you might not receive federal student aid.

• All applicants: Contact the financial aid office if you have any questions about the aid being offered.

• First-time applicants: Review award letters from schools to compare amounts and types of aid being offered. Decide which school to attend based on a combination of (a) how well the school suits your needs and (b) its affordability after all aid is taken into account.

• Keep in touch with the school you’ve chosen to find out when tuition and fees are due, whether your financial aid will cover those expenses completely, and how much (if any) extra financial aid will come directly to you once your tuition and fees are paid.

• Pay special attention to letters or e-mails from schools, and contact the financial aid office if you do not understand what the school is offering you.

• Follow all directions on the FAFSA and on any communications from your school.

Parents “To Do List” When Applying for Financial Aid

• Get your own Federal Student Aid PIN at www.pin.ed.gov. Your PIN will act as your electronic signature on your child’s online FAFSA.

• File taxes as early as possible, but don’t delay the FAFSA due to your taxes not being done. It’s okay to estimate your financial information on the FAFSA; you just need to finalize it later.

• Complete the “Students: To Do” list from the previous page with your child. If possible, file the FAFSA online— it’s much faster and easier, and your information is safe because it’s encrypted (i.e., we use a mathematical formula to scramble the data).

• Submit the FAFSA in time to meet school and state aid deadlines. Here are the ways you can complete the FAFSA:

• Examine the bill from the school your child chooses and make sure you understand all the fees and how they will be paid (e.g., through scholarships, student loans, etc.).

• Review the SAR (Student Aid Report with you child and check for the Expected Family Contribution (EFC). The EFC is an index used to determine the student’s eligibility for federal student aid. The schools listed on the FAFSA will receive this information and will send an offer to your student. Review these carefully and contact the finan- cial aid office if you have any questions.

• Become familiar with different federal and state financial aid opportunities:

◊ Exemptions

◊ State and Federal Grants and Scholarships

◊ Private/Corporate Grants and Scholarships

◊ Loans

◊ Loan Repayment Programs

◊ Tax Credits and Other Programs

◊ Waiver Programs

◊ Work Study Programs

◊ $1000 Tuition Rebate Program

• You and your family can choose from many different types of financial aid. Some are based on financial need, and some on academic performance. Others are tied to a student's or family's ability to borrow. Not all colleges and universities participate in all programs, but the more you know about financial aid, the better prepared you’ll be.

• Know your payment options: Most colleges and universities expect you to pay tuition and fees in full prior to the first day of class. But many offer a variety of payment options to help if you’re unable to pay by cash or check. These options include:

◊ Installment plans

◊ Emergency loans

◊ Credit card payment

TEXAS FINANCIAL AID PROGRAMS Besides federal student assistance, a student may qualify for some of the state financial aid programs. Programs include exemptions, grants, etc. Below is a list of some of the exemptions that students may qualify for. Note: Check www.collegeforalltexans.com

Exemptions: Exemptions are a type of financial assistance allowing some Texas residents to attend a public college or university in Texas without paying tuition or, in some cases, tuition and fees.

Listed below are the exemption programs available to Texas residents:

• Adopted Students Formerly in Foster or Other Residential Care • Blind/Deaf Student Exemption Program • Children of Disabled or Deceased Firemen, Peace Officers, Game Wardens, and Employees of Correctional

Institutions

• Combat Exemption for Children of Military Service Members • Concurrent Enrollment Waiver (Enrollment in Two Texas Community Colleges) • Early High School Graduation Scholarship • Educational Aide Exemption • Exemption for Highest Ranking High School Graduate • Exemption for Peace Officers Disabled in the Line of Duty • Exemption for Students Enrolled in Courses for Dual High School and College-Level Credit • Exemption for Students under Conservatorship of the Dept. of Family and Protective Services • Exemption for the Surviving Spouse and Dependent Children of Certain Deceased Public Servants

(Employees)

• Exemption from Irrelevant Fees • Exemption Program for Children of Professional Nursing Program Faculty and Staff • Exemption Program for Clinical Preceptors and Their Children • Exemptions for Texas Veterans (Hazelwood Exemption) • Fee Proration for Students Enrolled in Shorter than Average Terms • Firefighters Taking Fire Science Courses • Military: Children of U.S. Military who are Missing in Action or Prisoners of War (MIA/POWs) • Military: Exemptions for Texas Veterans (Hazelwood Exemption) • Military: Orphans of Texas Members of the U.S. Armed Forces or National Guard • Military: Texas National Guard Tuition Assistance Program • TANF Exemption Program • TAPS for Tuition Program • Tuition Reduction for Students Taking More than 15 Hours • Waiver of Out-of-District Fees for Certain Students Living Outside a Public Community/Junior College's

Taxing Distric

TEXAS FINANCIAL AID PROGRAMS

Note: Check www.collegeforalltexans.com State Grants and Scholarships

State Grants and Scholarships provide financial aid that does not have to be repaid. Some grants and scholarships require the student to maintain a certain grade point average (GPA) or take certain courses. Most grants are awarded on the basis of financial need.

This lists the State grant and scholarship programs available to students at Texas colleges and universities. Visit www.collegeforalltexans.com for additional information.

• Education and Training Vouchers for Youths Aging Out of Foster Care

• Engineering Scholarship Program

• Fifth Year Accounting Student Scholarship Program

• Kenneth H. Ashworth Fellowship Program

• Marine Corps Foundation Scholarship

• Professional Nursing Scholarships

• Robert C. Byrd Scholarship

• Texas Armed Services Scholarship Program

• Texas Educational Opportunity Grant Program (TEOG)

• TEXAS Grant (Additional information on following page)

• Texas Health Service Corps Program: Stipends for Resident Physicians

• Texas Public Educational Grant

• Top 10% Scholarship Program

• Tuition Equalization Grant Program

• Vocational Nursing Scholarship

TEXAS FINANCIAL AID PROGRAMS Texas Grant The Texas Legislature established the TEXAS (Towards Excellence, Access and Success) Grant to make sure that well prepared high school graduates with financial need could go to college. Who can apply? Students who for an initial award:

• Are Texas residents • Have not been convicted of a felony or crime involving a controlled

substance • Show financial need • Have an EFC less than or equal to 4000 • Register for the Selective Service or are exempt from this requirement

AND • Be a graduate of an accredited high school in Texas not earlier than the 1998-99 school year • Complete the Recommended High School Program or Distinguished Achievement Program in high school • Enroll in a non-profit public college or university in Texas within 16 months of graduation from a public or

accredited private high school in Texas and

• Have accumulated no more than 30 semester credit hours, excluding those earned for dual or concurrent courses or awarded for credit by examination (AP, IB or CLEP).

OR Have earned an associate degree from a public technical, state or community college in Texas and Enroll in any public university in Texas no more than 12 months after receiving their associate’s degree

The academic requirements for continuing in the program are:

• At the end of the first year, a student entering the program must be meeting the school's Satisfactory Academic Progress (SAP) requirements.

• At the end of the second year in the program or later years, all students must complete at least 75% of the hours attempted in the prior academic year, have an overall college grade point average (GPA) of at least 2.5 on a 4.0 scale and complete at least 24 semester credit hours per year.

Where may awards be used? A TEXAS Grant may be used to attend any public institution of higher education in Texas.

How much can be awarded? The award amount (including state and institutional funds) is equal to the student's tuition and required fees.

For 2012-2013, the state amount is approximately:

• $7,400 per year for public universities and state college students • $2,400 per year for public community college students • $4,400 per year for public technical college students

How can you apply? You apply for the TEXAS Grant when you complete and submit the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) or other application as required by your college's financial aid office. Funding is limited, so you need to submit your application as soon as possible after January 1 of your senior year. The financial aid office at each college and university will determine if TEXAS Grant is part of the aid package that is offered to you.

Your eligibility for this program is determined by the financial aid office at your college. Contact your college financial aid office for additional information on eligibility or availability of funds. Information from: www.collegeforalltexans.com

SCHOLARSHIPS

Some scholarships are based on merit, not financial need. For many colleges this must be done in addition to the application for admission. Students may be required to complete a financial needs analysis. If a college awards its own scholarship dollars to students eligible for state or federal funds, the student may not qualify for federal need-based funds. This allows the colleges to make the best use of their scholarship dollars and to serve the greatest number of students. Students should investigate any private sources of financial aid available to them. These may include:

Parents’ employers Businesses Parents’ fraternal or school organizations Churches and religious organizations Professional organizations Cultural groups Contests Foundations Department awards within the university Banks

Criteria which may determine scholarship recipients includes:

Grade point average Class rank ACT or SAT test scores Activities Leadership Difficulty of HS courses

Letters of recommendation Autobiographical statement Financial need

Essays Interviews

Scholarship information is available in the College and Career Center, as well as on the school/district websites. Many colleges and universities have computer search programs for scholarships and financial aid. Other helpful addresses are listed in the chart below:

FINANCIAL AID WEB SITES

Cash For Your Education Scholarship Search www.thesalliemaefund.org College Board Scholarship Search www.collegeboard.org College for All Texans www.collegeforalltexans.com Fastweb Scholarship Search www.fastweb.com Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) www.fafsa.ed.gov The Financial Aid Information Page www.finaid.org North Central Texas College Financial Aid Home http://www.nctc.edu/StudentServices/FinancialAid.aspx Peterson’s College Quest College Service www.collegequest.com Scholarship Experts Online Scholarship Search www.scholarshipexperts.com Texas Guaranteed Student Loan Corporation www.tgslc.org Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board www.thecb.state.tx.us U.S. Department of Education www.ed.gov or www.college.gov

Sample Financial Aid Offer Dear Future Student,

SAMPLE UNIVERSITY FINANCIAL AID AWARD LETTER

ID#: 00000000X

We are pleased to offer the following assistance for the upcoming academic year. Your awards are based on the information you reported on your Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA). Your eligibility for these awards may change if new information is received. SAMPLE University reserves the right to adjust your awards. Estimate expenses for one year of college: Budget item Average annual range Tuition and fees $15,600 Room and Board $ 5,500 Books and Supplies $ 800 Transportation $ 350 Miscellaneous (clothing, laundry, entertainment, and recreation) $ 1200 TOTAL $23,450

Awards

Fall

Spring Accept/Decline (A/D)

Total

Federal Pell Grant $1,150 $1,150 □ $2,300

Federal Perkins Loan $1,000 $1,750 □ $2,750 Texas Grant $1,000 $1,000 □ $2,000

Federal Work Study Program SAMPLE University

$2,000 $500

$2,000 □ $500 □

$4,000 $1,000

Scholarship Direct Loan Subsidized Federal PLUS Parent

$1,313 $3,200

$2,187 □ $3,200 □

$3,500 $6,400

Loan Other External Aid $750 $750 □ $1,500

Total: $10,913 $12,537 □ $23,450

Return corrections and required documents promptly. Retain this letter for your records.

• The college may still need additional information to complete your award. If you are selected for verification, the school will request your parents and your Federal Income Tax Returns and W-2 Wage Earnings Statements. You must provide this information. If you refuse, the college will not process your financial aid.

• If you plan on taking Stafford or Perkins loans, you will also need to complete

promissory notes for those loans. The college you attend will provide you with specific information on how to complete this part of the process.

• You will need to re-apply every year and provide further information when asked

to. Remember to carefully read everything the college sends you. If you have questions or simply don’t understand what is being asked of you contact someone in the financial aid office.

NCAA-Athletic Scholarship Preparation Timeline (Information from eligibility center website: eligibilitycenter.org)

If you believe you have talent in your sport of choice, take the actions outlined for each year of your high school career. Ask questions of coaches and NCAA officials at every stage of the game. Good luck! What is the NCAA? The NCAA, or National Collegiate Athletic Association, was established in 1906 and serves as the athletics governing body for more than 1,300 colleges, universities, conferences and organizations. The national office is in Indianapolis, but the member colleges and universities develop the rules and guidelines for athletics eligibility and athletics competition for each of the three NCAA divisions. The NCAA is committed to the student athlete and to governing competition in a fair, safe, inclusive and sportsmanlike manner. The NCAA membership includes: 331 active Division I members; 291 active Division II members; and 429 active Division III members.

High School Timelines:

Freshman Year Concentrate on following a solid high school curriculum. Talk to your coach or Athletic Director about your goals. Establish a schedule that allows time for academics and athletics.

Sophomore Year

Continue striving for academic success. Research NCAA academic requirements awww.eligibilitycenter.org. Make sure that you are "on target" for all core high school requirements. Stay active in your sport, even during the summer. Prepare an athletic resume that details your experience and achievements.

Complete it during the summer before your junior year. Identify colleges you would like to attend.

Junior Year

Continue to make your academic studies your top priority. Review the NCAA requirements to ensure they have not changed.

Send a letter of introduction to coaches of colleges that interest you at the start of your sport's season. Include your resume and your playing schedule. (If a schedule is not available, include it in a follow-up letter as soon as possible.)

Register with the National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA) Initial Eligibility Clearinghouse at 6201 College Blvd., Overland Park, Kansas 66211-2422 (phone: 913-339-1906).

Request that your ACT and/or SAT scores be sent to the NCAA Eligibility Clearinghouse.

Keep investigating other colleges and send out additional resumes. Prepare a videotape of yourself in action in case colleges request it. Send updates to colleges of interest as your season closes. Include your new

stats and any special recognition you may have earned. Make unofficial visits to schools that interest you, if possible. Try to watch some local college games in your sport, especially if one of the

schools that interest you is playing. Update your academic information with the Clearinghouse in July after your

junior year. If your top colleges have not panned out, send information to your second- and third-tier choices

Senior Year

Continue to do your best academically. Avoid "senioritis!" Review your core

course requirements with your high school counselor. Send your senior athletic schedule to colleges of interest as soon as it is

available. Keep college coaches posted on any changes or updates to your team

schedule. Send your resume to any school that expresses interest in you. Contact the NCAA to learn when your sport requires you to sign a Letter of

Intent to attend a particular college. Take advantage of any paid visits to colleges, if offered. Ask a lot of questions and weigh all the advantages and disadvantages of the

schools that interest you before making your decision. Congratulate yourself for doing your best whether or not you get a scholarship.

If you didn't get one, remember that many colleges allow students to "walk on" and try out for teams. If your high school academic record enables you to attend college, there's hope yet!

NCAA Eligibility Center: Certification Processing P.O. Box 7136 Indianapolis, IN 46207-7136 Web address: www.eligibilitycenter.org Phone: (toll free): 877/262-1492

Time to Compare the Offers

Estimated Expenses for One Year of College

Budget Item Average Annual Range Tuition and fees $2,300 – 19,000* Room and Board $5,000 –7,000* Books and Supplies $600 –1,500* Transportation $300 – 1,200* Miscellaneous (clothing, laundry, entertainment, and recreation) $1000 – 2,500* —————————————————————————————————————

TOTAL $9,200 – 31,200* *Some schools will be lower in costs, while other schools will have higher costs. These figures should be used as a guide only. Be sure to check with the institution (s) in which you are interested to determine specific costs.

Costs at Your College Choices

Budget item 1st choice 2nd choice 3rd choice 4th choice

Direct costs

Tuition and fees

Room and Board

Indirect costs

Books and supplies

Transportation (including car expenses)

Miscellaneous

TOTALS

*REMEMBER…CHECK WITH THE COLLEGE YOU PLAN TO ATTEND

COLLEGE ADMISSIONS CHECK-LIST

Use this convenient check-list to remind yourself of individual college admissions requirements and to record the progress of your application procedures.

College Name College Address or Web Address Catalog Requested Admission Application Deadline Application Fee Required Tests: Registration

Deadline Testing Date

Registration Deadline

Testing Date

Registration Deadline

Testing Date

Registration Deadline

Testing Date

PSAT/NMSQT SAT ACT TSIA

Course Requirements Fulfilled Personal Interview Required Interview Date Interview Questions Prepared Application Requested Applications Received References Required Names/Addresses of References

References Complete Application Completed On-Line

Transcript Sent College Reply Date Financial Aid Deadline FAFSA Completed Required Financial Forms

Income Tax Forms Private Colleges Additional

Information

Other Housing Deadline Housing Fee Housing Application Mailed

MINIMUM TEST SCORES ADMISSION REQUIREMENTS-Public Universities

Texas Public Four- Year Universities

Minimum SAT/ACT Scores by School Rank (top 10% automatically admitted with the exception of UT Austin.)

1st QUARTER 2nd QUARTER 3rd QUARTER 4th QUARTER

Midwestern State 990/21 **

990/21 **

1070/23 **

1110(CR&M)/24 **

Sam Houston State Automatic with test scores

960/20 1060/23 **

Stephen F. Austin 850/17 950/20 **

1100/24 **

**

Tarleton State Provide SAT/ACT

*

950/20 1030(CR&M)/22 **

1110(CR&M)/24 **

Texas A&M College Station

1300(CR&M)/30 **

Review **

Review **

Review **

Texas A&M Commerce

950/20 *

950(CR&M)/20 **

Review

950(CR&M)/20 **

Review

950(CR&M)/20 **

Review Texas State 920(CR&M)/20 1010(CR&M)/22 1180(CR&M)/26 1270(CR&M)/29

Texas Tech 1140(CR&M)/25 **

1230(CR&M)/28 **

1270(CR&M)/29 **

Application Review **

Texas Woman’s *

1000(CR&M)/21 +2.0 GPA

**

**

U of Houston 1000(CR&M)/21 1100/24 Individual Review

** Individual Review

**

U of North Texas 950(CR&M)/20 1050(CR&M)/23 1180(CR&M)/26

**

UT Arlington *

1050(CR&M)/22 Individual Review Individual Review **

UT Austin **

**

**

**

UT Dallas

1200(CR&M)/26 Top 15%-no minimum score

1200(CR&M)/26 **

1200(CR&M)/26 **

1200(CR&M)/26 **

UT Tyler 1410(CR,M&W)/ 20

1500(CR,M&W)/ 21

1530(CR,M&W)/ 22

1590(CR,M&W)/23

*No minimum test scores set, but students must submit test results.**Applications reviewed to help determine admission. CR = Critical Reading, M = Math, W = Writing. If you do not meet the SAT/ACT scores listed, contact the admissions office of the specific college for admissions details.

HIGH SCHOOL CREDIT ADMISSION REQUIREMENTS – Private/Independent Universities

Independent Institutions

Required and (Recommended) High School Credits

Contact universities’ admissions offices for specific requirements.

Eng. Math Science Social Science

For. Lang.

Additional Requirements and (Recommended) Academic Credits

Austin College - Sherman 908-813-3000 www.austincollege.edu

4

3-4

3-4

2-4

2-4

1-2 fine arts

Baylor University - Waco 254-710-3435 www.baylor.edu

4

4

4

3

2

Rice University - Houston 800-527-OWLS www.rice.edu

4

3

2

2

2

3 college preparatory courses

of student’s choice 3 academic electives

Southern Methodist U - Dallas 800-323-0672 www.smu.edu

4

3-4

3-4

2-3

2

Southwestern University - Georgetown 800-252-3166 www.southwestern.edu

4

4

3

3

2

1 academic elective

Texas Christian University - Ft. Worth 817-257-7490 www.tcu.edu

4

3

3

3

2

2 academic electives

Trinity University - San Antonio 800-TRINITY www.trinity.edu

4

3

3

3

2

University of Dallas 800-628-6999 www.udallas.edu

4

3-4

3

4

2 (3)

4 academic electives and

2 fine art electives recommended

Source: The above information was found on the college’s web sites. If you do not meet the recommendations listed, please contact the admissions office of the specific college for admissions details.

10

APPLICATION REQUIREMENTS AND DEADLINES –

Private/Independent Universities

Independent Institutions

*Deadlines See Glossary for explanation

of admission terminology.

Fees

Required Test

Other Requirements

*Check on the institution website for current year dates, deadlines and requirements

Austin College – Sherman 903-813-3000 www.austincollege.edu FAFSA #: 003543

Early Action I – Dec. 1 Early Action II – Jan. 15 Regular Admission – March 1 Financial Aid – April 1 Scholarship – Jan. 15

SAT or ACT

Teacher and counselor recommendations, essays, and optional interview

Baylor University – Waco 254-710-3435 www.baylor.edu FAFSA #: 003545

Early Action – Nov. 1 Regular Admission – March 1 Single Choice Early Action – Nov. 1

SAT or ACT

Recommended: resume, recommendations, personal statement and essays

Rice University - Houston 800-527-OWLS www.rice.edu FAFSA #: 003604

Early Decision – Nov. 1 Regular Decision – Jan. 1 Financial Aid – March 1

$75

ACT + writing or SAT and 2 SAT subject tests

Teacher and counselor recommendations, essays, optional interview

Southern Methodist U - Dallas 800-323-0672 www.smu.edu FAFSA #: 003613

Early Action – Nov. 1 Regular Decision – Jan. 15 Financial Aid – Feb. 15 Scholarship – Jan. 15

$60

SAT or ACT

Teacher and counselor recommendations, essays, optional interview

Southwestern University - Georgetown 800-252-3166 www.southwestern.edu FAFSA #: 003620

Early Action – Nov. 15 Regular Decision – Feb. 1 Financial Aid - March 1 Scholarship – Jan. 15

SAT or ACT

Counselor recommendation, essay. Optional: interview, teacher and parent recommendations

Texas Christian University - Ft. Worth 1-800-tcu-frog www.tcu.edu FAFSA #: 003636

Early Action – Nov. 1 Regular Admission – Feb. 15 Financial Aid – March 15 Scholarship – Dec.15

$40

SAT or ACT

Essay, resume, counselor recommendations

Trinity University - San Antonio 800-TRINITY www.trinity.edu FAFSA #: 003647

Early Decision – Nov. 1 Early Decision II – Jan. 1 Early Action I – Nov. 1 Early Action II – Jan. 1 Regular Decision – Feb. 1 Financial Aid – Feb. 15 Scholarship – Feb. 15

$50

SAT or ACT

Teacher and counselor recommendations, essays, resume, optional interview

University of Dallas 800-628-6999 www.udallas.edu FAFSA #: 003651

Early Action I – Nov. 1 Early Action II – Dec. 1 Regular Admission – March 1 Financial Aid – March 1 Scholarship - Jan. 15

$50

SAT or ACT

Teacher and counselor recommendation, essay, and supplement

Name Hrs per Term

Tuition & Fees

Books & Supplies

Room & Board

Transportation Personal Expenses

Total Costs

Abilene Christian

15 $28,350 $1250 $8800 $1450 $1950 $41,800

Austin College

15 $33,830 $1250 $3820 $525 $850 $40,275

Baylor 15 $36,172 $1370 $10,632 $2484 $3490 $54,152

Rice 15 $38,941 $800 $13,000 $600 $1550 $54,891

SMU 15 $43,800 $0 $7500 $1000 $1800 $54,100

Southwestern 15 $35,240 $1200 $5800 $450 $950 $43,640

TCU 15 $36,590 $1050 $11,800 $1120 $1500 $52,060

Trinity Univ. 15 $34,678 $1000 $9148 $500 $900 $46,226

Univ. of Dallas

15 $33,010 $1200 $8000 $1600 $1500 $45,310

COLLEGE COSTS Below are college costs for some public and private/independent institutions in Texas based on average costs per year for dependent students living off campus and enrolling in 15 credit hours in both fall and spring.

PUBLIC UNIVERSITIES

Name Hrs per Term

Tuition & Fees

Books & Supplies

Room & Board

Transportation Personal Expenses

Total Costs

Midwestern 15 $7764 $1200 $7229 $1909 $1740 $19,842 Sam Houston 15 $8594 $1124 $8708 $2000 $1790 $22,216

S. F. Austin 15 $8458 $1164 $8609 $2945 $1818 $22,994 Tarleton St 15 $6659 $1174 $9042 $1111 $1800 $19,786 Texas A&M College Station

15

$9036

$1246

$8450

$500

$2349

$21,581

Texas State 15 $9150 $800 $6980 $2070 $1710 $20,710 Texas Tech 15 $9242 $1200 $8464 $2300 $2120 $23,326 Texas Woman’s 15 $7290 $1050 $6507 $1206 $2313 $18,366

Univ. of Houston 15 $9888 $1200 $10,600 $2800 $2700 $27,188

Univ. of North Texas 15 $9426 $1000 $7086 $2836 $2132 $21,980

UT Arlington 15 $9152 $1160 $7864 $2732 $1600 $22,508

UT Austin 15 $9790 $750 $11,362 $1470 $2776 $26,148 UT Dallas 15 $11,806 $1200 $9420 $2140 $2000 $26,566 UT Tyler 15 $7222 $1540 $10,210 $1996 $1428 $22,396 Source: www.collegefortexans.com

PRIVATE/INDEPENDENT INSTITUTIONS

Source: www.collegefortexans.com

This list is not a complete list of Texas universities, rather a list compiled based on past student choices. For information on colleges not listed, see your guidance counselor or college/career counselor. Look up current data.

THE COMMUNITY COLLEGE OPTION

Community colleges provide affordable, career-oriented programs, which allow students to begin their careers after one or two years of college. Students completing one-year programs may receive certificates or diplomas, and students completing a two-year program earn associate degrees. Students may also begin their education at a

community college and transfer to a four-year college to earn a bachelor’s degree.

Career Fields: There are a variety of career fields you can prepare for at a community college. Some of which include:

Accounting Animation Applied Graphic Design Architectural drafting Art Automotive technology Business administration Business management Civil engineering technology Computer and information systems Computer Programming Cosmetology Court reporting Culinary Arts Dance

Dental assisting /hygiene Dietetics and nutrition Drafting Drama & theater Early childhood education Electronics engineering tech Executive assistant/secretary Fashion design Fashion merchandising Finance & banking Fire science/firefighting Hotel/restaurant management Industrial engineering technology Journalism Law enforcement/police science Legal assisting/paralegal

Marketing Mechanical engineering tech Medical administrative assisting Medical lab technology Music Nursing Occupational therapy assistant Photography Physical therapist assistant Radiologic technology Registered nurse Real estate Respiratory therapy Social work Travel & tourism Welding

What are some Advantages of Attending a Community College First?

• Small classes with individualized instruction

• Affordable (tuition is about one half of a four-year school)

• Accept high school graduates and students with a GED

• SAT/ACT is not required

• Many courses are transferable to a 4-year college (consult college counselor for details)

• May be closer to home

• Less stressful transition

• Opportunity to build developmental skills, before taking the plunge at a university

• Job training courses that lead to a career in two years or less

Texas Community Colleges

ALAMO COLLEGES 201 West Sheridan San Antonio, Texas 78204

ALVIN COMMUNITY COLLEGE 3110 Mustang Road Alvin, Texas 77511-4898 AMARILLO COLLEGE P.O. Box 447 Amarillo, Texas 79178 ANGELINA COLLEGE P.O. Box 1768 Lufkin, Texas 75902-1768 AUSTIN COMMUNITY COLLEGE 5930 Middle Fiskville Road Austin, Texas 78752

BLINN COLLEGE 902 College Avenue Brenham, Texas 77833 BRAZOSPORT COLLEGE 500 College Drive Lake Jackson, Texas 77566

CENTRAL TEXAS COLLEGE P.O. Box 1800 Killeen, Texas 76540

CISCO COLLEGE 101 College Heights Cisco, Texas 76437

CLARENDON COLLEGE P.O. Box 968 Clarendon, Texas 79226

COASTAL BEND COLLEGE 3800 Charco Road Beeville, Texas 78102 COLLEGE OF THE MAINLAND 1200 Amburn Road Texas City, Texas 77591 COLLIN COLLEGE 3452 Spur 399 McKinney, Texas 75069

DALLAS COUNTY COMMUNITY COLLEGE DISTRICT (DCCCD) 1601 S. Lamar Street Dallas, Texas 75215

DEL MAR COLLEGE 101 Baldwin Boulevard Corpus Christi, Texas 78404

EL PASO COMMUNITY COLLEGE P.O. Box 20500 El Paso, Texas 79998

FRANK PHILLIPS COLLEGE P.O. Box 5118 Borger, Texas 70008-5118

GALVESTON COLLEGE 4015 Avenue Q Galveston, Texas 77550

GRAYSON COLLEGE 6101 Grayson Drive Denison, Texas 75020

HILL COLLEGE 112 Lamar Drive Hillsboro, Texas 76645 HOUSTON COMMUNITY COLLEGE SYSTEM P.O. Box 667517 Houston, Texas 77266 HOWARD COLLEGE 1001 Birdwell Lane Big Spring, Texas 79720

KILGORE COLLEGE 1100 Broadway Kilgore, Texas 75662

LAREDO COMMUNITY COLLEGE West End Washington Street Laredo, Texas 78040 LEE COLLEGE P.O. Box 818 Baytown, Texas 77522

LONE STAR COLLEGE SYSTEM District Services & Training Center 5000 Research Forest Drive The Woodlands, TX 77381

MCLENNAN COMMUNITY COLLEGE 1400 College Drive Waco, Texas 76708 MIDLAND COLLEGE 3600 North Garfield Midland, Texas 79705

NAVARRO COLLEGE 3200 West 7th Avenue Corsicana, Texas 75110 NORTH CENTRAL TEXAS COLLEGE 1525 West California Street Gainesville, Texas 76240

NORTHEAST TEXAS COMMUNITY COLLEGE P.O. Box 1307 Mt. Pleasant, Texas 75456

ODESSA COLLEGE 201 West University Odessa, Texas 79764

PANOLA COLLEGE 1109 West Panola Street Carthage, Texas 75633 PARIS JUNIOR COLLEGE 2400 Clarksville Street Paris, Texas 75460

RANGER COLLEGE College Circle Ranger, Texas 76470

SAN JACINTO COLLEGE 4624 Fairmont Parkway Pasadena, Texas 77504

SOUTH PLAINS COLLEGE 1401 College Avenue Levelland, Texas 79336 SOUTH TEXAS COLLEGE P.O. Box 9701 McAllen, Texas 78502

SOUTHWEST TEXAS JUNIOR COLLEGE Garner Field Road Uvalde, Texas 78801

TARRANT COUNTY COLLEGE 1500 Houston Street Fort Worth, Texas 76102

TEMPLE COLLEGE 2600 South First Street Temple, Texas 76504 TEXARKANA COLLEGE 2500 N. Robison Road Texarkana, Texas 75599 TEXAS SOUTHMOST COLLEGE 80 Fort Brown Brownsville, Texas 78520 TRINITY VALLEY COMMUNITY COLLEGE 100 Cardinal Drive Athens, Texas 75751

TYLER JUNIOR COLLEGE P.O. Box 9020 Tyler, Texas 75711

VERNON COLLEGE 4400 College Drive Vernon, Texas 76384 VICTORIA COLLEGE 2200 E. Red River Victoria, Texas 77901

WEATHERFORD COLLEGE 225 College Park Dr. Weatherford, Texas 76086

WESTERN TEXAS COLLEGE 6200 South College Avenue Snyder, Texas 79549

WHARTON COUNTY JUNIOR COLLEGE 911 Boling Highway Wharton, Texas 77488

CREDIT TRANSFER & THE TEXAS COMMON COURSE NUMBERING SYSTEM

The Texas Common Course Numbering System is a voluntary, co-operative effort among Texas community colleges and universities to facilitate transfer of freshman and sophomore level general academic coursework. TCCNS provides a shared, uniform set of course designations for students and their advisors to use in determining both course equivalency and degree applicability of transfer credit on a statewide basis. When students transfer between two participating TCCNS institutions, a course taken at the sending institution transfers as the c o u r s e carrying the same TCCNS designation at the receiving institution. To date, 110 institutions of higher learning in Texas participate in the TCCNS project.

For more information on the Texas Common Course Numbering System, visit the following

website: http://www.tccns.org/.

College courses usually transfer as one of three types of credits: Elective Credits, General Education Credits or Major Field of Study Credits.

Elective courses are not part of your major or part of your general education requirements, but still count toward your degree. Most majors allow only a limited number of elective credits.

General education courses are similar at many colleges and meet the general education requirements for many degrees. General education courses often include courses in basic English, history, science, math and other subjects. These courses for Texas college state schools may transfer from one institution to another. Major field of study courses may not meet the requirements of your major at your new college. Prerequisites to courses in your major field of study usually can be transferred.

The admissions or transfer committee at the college you’re transferring to is made up of admissions officers and faculty members. Usually, this group decides which of your credits will transfer and into which category your transferable credits will fall based on information from you and your old college.

Keep in mind: Those making the decision on which of your credits will transfer may not have access to all of the information needed to make appropriate decisions. It's imperative that you take an active role in the process and be willing to provide additional information regarding the courses you've taken.

MILITARY HIGHER EDUCATION OPTIONS

Military Service offers qualified high school graduates a good salary and free job training. They also provide discipline and structure, as well as many opportunities for career advancement and travel. Most branches of the military require a high

school diploma; however, you should contact recruiters to determine requirements. Benefits – When young people enlist, they obligate themselves to active duty from two to six years. Besides basic pay and free education and training, the enlistee also receives free housing and free medical and dental care. The Montgomery GI Bill provides enlistees with excellent opportunities to earn money for college while in the military. Contact military recruiters for a more specific list of benefits. Basic Training – Basic training is usually 6-10 weeks of intense mental and physical preparation in which enlistees receive classroom instruction, exercise, and field training. Enlistees also learn discipline, self-control, physical endurance, and respect for authority.

Reserve Officer’s Training Corps(ROTC)

ROTC - College students who take ROTC will enter the military as officers. For additional information refer to the section entitled “Military Higher Education Opportunities.” Army ROTC A program to provide leadership training for individuals wanting to become officers in the Army. Four-year scholarships pay tuition, lab fees, on campus educational fees, and a subsistence allowance of $300 for the first year and increasing to $500 by the senior year. To qualify you must: be a US citizen, be between the ages of 17 and 26, have a high school GPA of at least 2.50, have a high school diploma or equivalent, score a minimum of 920 on the SAT or 19 on the ACT (excluding the required writing test scores), meet physical standards, and agree to accept commission and serve in the Army on Active Duty or in a Reserve Component. Begin the application spring of junior year; deadline is December 1 of senior year. It is recommended that SAT and/or ACT be taken early the second semester of junior year. Take the ACT or SAT on a national test date no later than December of senior year. www.goarmy.com/rotc/scholarships.html. Navy/Marine ROTC A scholarship program which pays high school graduates full tuition, costs of textbooks, fees, uniforms; three summer cruises and a subsistence allowance of $250 for the first year and increasing to $400 by the senior year. The selection process is very competitive. Contact the Navy Recruiting Command at the college of your choice to receive more detailed information. Begin the application spring of junior year; deadline is December 1 of senior year. Take the ACT or SAT prior to application deadline and preferably during spring of your junior year. Minimum qualifying scores for the Navy (including Nurse-option) are SAT: 530 critical reading and 520 math and ACT: 22 English and 21 Math. SAT/ACT math and English/critical reading scores can be from two different tests; can combine best math and best English to achieve qualifying scores. Marine Corps minimum qualifying scores are SAT: 1000 composite and ACT: 22 composite. SAT and ACT scores must be from the same tests. Applicants cannot combine scores. www.nrotc.navy.mil. Air Force ROTC A program which pays full tuition, costs of textbooks, fees and a subsistence allowance of $300 for the first year and increasing to $500 by the senior year. Begin the application spring of junior year; deadline is December 1 of senior year. Selection

is based on academic performance using an Academic Composite of SAT and/or ACT scores (no mixing allowed), class rank, GPA, and the number of advanced placement or honors courses you have completed through grade 11. Do not wait until you get grade 12 courses—they are not counted in the composite. To be eligible for scholarship consideration a candidate typically needs to achieve a composite SAT score of 1100 (Math and Critical Reading) or ACT composite of 24, a cumulative GPA of 3.0 or higher, and be in the top 40% of the class. www.afrotc.com.

NOTE: STUDENTS WHO ENROLL IN AN ROTC CLASS ON THEIR OWN IN COLLEGE ARE ELIGIBLE TO APPLY FOR ROTC SCHOLARSHIPS FOR THE FOLLOWING YEARS IN COLLEGE.

Military Educational Funding Programs All branches of the military have an educational funding program which can be used after or during military service to pay for college or special training. Contact recruiters from each branch to get the latest information.

MILITARY SERVICE ACADEMIES

Academically gifted students may find excellent educational opportunities at the four military academies. The Army, Navy, Air Force, and Coast Guard each have their own academies, West Point, the Naval Academy, the Air Force Academy, and the Coast Guard Academy respectively. All academies offer a free four-year college education to the students they accept. Students interested in applying to one of the academies should start the process during the spring of their junior year. Because of the extremely keen competition for an academy nomination, students are urged to apply to every nominating authority which your eligibility allows, (i.e. students’ two senators, their congressman, Presidential nomination, Vice Presidential nomination, Children of Deceased or Disabled Veterans Organization nomination, etc.). Students selected for an academy receive four years of college tuition, room, board, fees, and a monthly salary, part of which must for used for expenses. After graduation from an academy, a student is obligated to be on active military duty for five years. You will need to begin the application process by sending for a Pre-Candidate Questionnaire. Students should contact the Academy of their choice soon after January 31 of their junior year and send a written request for an application to your State Senator or Representative in April of their junior year to allow adequate time to meet all requirements. All application requests must be postmarked before October 31. E-mail requests can often go astray and are unreliable for this purpose. It is recommended that the student initiate the application process for this highly competitive nomination. As young adults anticipating attendance at an academy, students are expected to exhibit a high degree of maturity and responsibility. This initial act should reflect their actual desire to attend.

Files MUST be complete by November 1. The Academy Nomination Selection Board meets in early December and cannot consider files that have not been completed by the NOVEMBER 1st DEADLINE.

Director of Admissions Director of Candidate Guidance United States Military Academy United States Naval Academy Building 606 117 Decatur Road West Point, NY 10996-1797 Annapolis, MD 21402-5018 Phone: (845) 938-4041 Phone: (410) 293-4361 Website: www.admissions.usma.edu Website: www.usna.edu

Director of Admissions Director of Admissions United States Air Force Academy U. S. Merchant Marine Academy HQ USA FA/RRS 300 Steamboat Road 2304 Cadet Dr. Suite 2300 Kings Point, NY 11024-1699 USAF Academy, CO 80840-5025 Phone: (516) 773-5000 Phone: (800) 443-9266 Website: www.usmma.edu Website: www.academyadmissions.com

Director of Admissions United States Coast Guard Academy 31 Mohegan Avenue New London, CT 06320-8103 Phone: (800) 883-8724 Website: www.cga.edu

Evaluation Criteria – The following criteria will be considered during the evaluation process. • High School Rank • SAT and/or ACT • Transcript • Extracurricular Activities • Athletic Participation • Faculty Appraisals • Physical Aptitude

Academy Checklist

Spring of Junior Year Determine whether you meet the basic requirements Apply for a Nomination through your Congressional Representative. (See list of

current Congressional Representatives in the Appendix.) Start a file at the Academy by completing a Preliminary Application

Take the ACT or SAT which begins in March in case you wish to retest

Fall of Senior Year Complete Academy Application Forms in early Fall Obtain Nomination Forms and complete by November 1 Complete Testing

Spring of Senior Year Await Evaluation and Status Visit Academy

Summer After Senior Year Report as a Freshman

CAREER AND TECHNICAL EDUCATION OPPORTUNITIES

Career and Technical Education (CTE) offer programs that prepare students to succeed in high demand occupations within the 21st century’s competitive global economy. Students receive life-long skills necessary for a seamless transition to post- secondary education and/or workforce opportunities.

Programs of study are offered at your high school home campus, an d St u ar t Career Center (SCC) and include:

Programs include: Agricultural Food and Natural Resources Human Services Architecture and Construction Information Technology Arts, Audio Visual Technology & Communication Law, Public Safety, Corrections and Security Business Management and Administration Manufacturing Education and Training Marketing Finance Science, Technology, Engineering, Math (STEM) Health Science Transportation, Distribution, and Logistics Hospitality and Tourism Government and Public Administration

Practicums: Designed to help students develop competency in occupational, academic, and employee skills. GCCISD has Practicum programs in the following areas: • Career Preparation • Health Science • Transportation Careers Contact your counselor or the CTE department at your campus, for more information

WORKFORCE ENTRY Job vs. Career Without appropriate, specialized training, high school graduates may find limited career options. Rather than beginning a career, they may be forced to “get a job”. The unfortunate reality is that many jobs pay little more than minimum wage and opportunities for advancement may be limited. However, businesses and industries are looking for industrious, punctual, well-groomed employees who are willing to learn. Employees with these qualities can prove invaluable to an employer, possibly leading to advancement and opportunity. High school graduates should attempt to find a job in an area that might prove to be a career interest and lead to job advancement.

Finding a Job Prepare a Resume – Prepare a professional looking resume and attach a copy of your resume to each application you complete. You can also mail or e-mail a copy of your resume and a cover letter to prospective employers requesting an interview. A sample resume can be found in the Appendix.

Job Leads – Job Leads can come from a variety of sources. • School counselors • Co-op programs • Word-of-mouth • Former employers • Employment agencies

• Personnel office postings • Newspaper ads • “Help Wanted” signs • Professional people you know • Internet

The best job leads will probably not be in the newspapers or on the internet. For career-oriented jobs, it is best to network with the people you know in the field you desire and always keep a professional rapport with each of your past employers. It’s a small world; keep a positive line of communication open.

Dress for Success • Look sharper than you usually do. You must sell yourself and let the employer

know you consider the interview to be very important. • Be conservative in dress; revealing clothes, clothing with holes, very short skirts,

extremely high-heeled shoes are not appropriate. • Careful grooming is a must. Have clean hair, nails and hands. Avoid too much of

anything, such as colognes, aftershaves, make-up, or jewelry.

How Employers Think

Traits Employers Consider Important • Dependable • Team player • Responsible • Self-starter • Efficient

Factors Which Eliminate Candidates • History of absenteeism • Poor communication skills • Lack of specific skills • Lack of enthusiasm • Poorly groomed

Job Interview Tips

Preparation • Learn about the organization. • Have a specific job or jobs in mind. • Review your qualifications for the job. • Prepare to answer broad questions about yourself. • Arrive before the scheduled time of your interview.

The Interview • Answer each question concisely. • Respond promptly. • Use good manners. Learn the name of the interviewer and shake hands as

you meet. • Use proper English and avoid slang. • Be cooperative and enthusiastic. • Ask questions about the position and the organization. • Thank the interviewer and follow-up with a letter.

Information to Bring to an Interview • Social security number • Driver’s license number • Resume – Although not all employers require applicants to bring a resume, you

should be able to furnish the interviewer with information about your education, training, and previous employment.

• References – Usually an employer requires three references. Get permission from people before using their names. Try to avoid using relatives. For each reference, provide the following information: name, address, telephone number and occupation.

Ending the Interview - an important part of the interviewing process. Leave promptly when the interview is concluded. Be certain to use good manners. Thank the employer for the time taken with you and also thank the receptionist or secretary. His or her opinion of you may also count in the hiring. Try to make arrangements to call the employer back at a specific time to find out the decision. In that way, the employer will be expecting your call. When you return home, be certain to send the employer a “Thank You” note. This will not only show good manners, but will also remind the employer of you.

SAMPLE THANK YOU NOTE

Month 00, Year

Ms. Mary Smith, Personnel Director ABC Company 123 E. 45th Street Bigcity, State 12345

Dear Ms. Smith,

I appreciate the time you took with me last Tuesday about the assistant manager opening in the research department at the ABC Company. It is exactly the kind of position I am seeking.

Your company is doing some exciting research in the health field and I would like to be involved in the process. I feel my past experience in the laboratory at the Medical Center, and my knowledge of computers, will be helpful in the job.

As we agreed, I will call you next Monday afternoon for your decision. I am looking forward to joining your firm.

Sincerely,

John Jones 123 Your Street Hometown, ST 12345

GLOSSARY

College Admission Terminology

Applicant pool The total number of students who are applying to a given college or university in a particular year.

Early decision

An application plan in which students apply in the fall (usually November or December) and learn of the decision on their application during December or January. ED-S: early decision-single choice: students can apply to only one college; ED-F: early decision-first choice; students can apply to more than one college, but if accepted by early decision, they are usually required to withdraw their applications to other colleges. In either case, students are expected to attend the early decision school. Early decision is a binding agreement! This application plan is suggested only for students who are above average academically—and ONLY if the student is very certain of the choice.

FINANCIAL NOTE: A student is released from an early decision obligation if a financial aid package award is not adequate.

Early action

Same as early decision, EXCEPT—a student is not required to make a commitment to the school or withdraw other applications. Considered the best of both worlds by some students! Again, above average applicants fare best.

Early notification/Priority notification/Assured admission/Interim

A policy where students file applications early in the admissions process and receive an admissions decision early.

Rolling admissions

Application process through which admissions applications are evaluated upon receipt and applicants are notified within 3-4 weeks of the decision if accepted. If not accepted, a student’s application is rolled over to the next admissions decision.

Admission by Review

An admissions process used by colleges/universities to assess the probability of college academic success of applicants who do not meet published admissions criteria. This process considers various factors: high school course work, extracurricular activities, leadership positions, community service, work experience, letters of recommendation, and/or extenuating circumstances of an individual.

Provisional admission

An admissions decision which allows an applicant to be “provisionally” accepted, dependent on completion of requirements set up by the college/university. These requirements may include summer session attendance with specified courses and GPA attainment, limitations on the number of courses taken in the fall, etc. Each school’s policy regarding provisional admission will be different.

Open admissions An admissions process that allows virtually all applicants to be accepted, without regard to such traditional qualifying criteria as test scores, class rank, grades, etc.

Early admission

A program in which a college accepts high school students to begin college work before they graduate—admissions standards are more stringent for early admissions applicants.

Deferred admissions

A program that allows an accepted student to postpone college enrollment date for up to 3 years for personal reasons (e.g. travel, work, personal hardship, etc). Two stipulations usually apply: the student may not enroll in another institution and the student must pay a commitment deposit before the deferral is granted.

Candidate reply date agreement

Sponsored by the College Board, this agreement establishes a common date, May 1, as the earliest time a subscribing college may require an accepted applicant to notify the college that he or she plans to attend.

Candidate notification date

The date by which an institution will announce its decision on a student’s application (many colleges reply the first two weeks in April).

Waiting list

An institution’s list of students who were not accepted initially, but who will be accepted at a later date if space becomes available.

Yield The number of students who are accepted to a school and accept the offer of admission.

Texas Grant The Texas Legislature established the TEXAS (Toward Excellence, Access and Success) Grant to make sure that well-prepared high school graduates with financial need could go to college.

ACT Testing Terminology

ACT is a college entrance exam composed of four 35-50 minute tests in academic areas (English usage, mathematics, reading, and social science reasoning). Scores are reported on a scale of 1-36 for each academic area, as well as a composite score which averages the four tests. Some colleges may award college course credit for ACT individual tests in the academic areas. ACT has added a writing component that is optional.

AP: Advanced Placement AP tests, sponsored by the College Board, are three-hour exams, administered in May, based on full-year college-level courses in high school. The results are reported on a scale of 1-5, and a college may use the results for college credit or course placement.

CEEB: College Entrance Examination Board

Generally referred to as “The College Board,” this agency sponsors the SAT and provides other services for students and parents. Also, forms may ask, “What is your high school CEEB number?” (See page 32 for high school codes.)

CLEP: College-Level Examination Program

Sponsored by College Board, this program provides students with the opportunity to obtain college credit by examination. The CLEP tests are administered at most colleges and universities.

PSAT/NMSQT: Preliminary SAT/National Merit Scholarship Qualifying Test

Sponsored by College Board, the PSAT is a test that uses the same format as the SAT, but is shorter. It is administered in October. PSAT results are reported as verbal, math, and writing scores on a scale of 20-80. Selection index is a score equal to V+M+W.

This test is useful as an indicator of SAT scores and/or for test practice. Students may take the test as a sophomore, and are strongly encouraged to take the test as a junior. The PSAT is the basis of some merit scholarships and the source of many college mailings. National Merit Semi-Finalists are named based on a student’s junior year PSAT selection index.

SAT Developed and administered by the Educational Testing Service for College Board, the SAT Reasoning Test measures developed reasoning abilities related to successful performance in college. The SAT contains three parts: critical reading, math, and a writing section.

SAT Subject Tests Sponsored by the College Board, these one-hour tests measure knowledge and skills in a particular subject and a student’s ability to apply the knowledge. All tests, except Writing, consist of multiple-choice questions. There are 22 subject tests. Scores are reported on a scale of 200-800. Colleges may use the SAT Subject Tests for admission, credit, or placement purposes.

SAT Subject tests are offered on the same dates as SAT, but students may not take both on the same day. Students may not take more than 3 subject tests on one day.

STAAR/ EOC : State of Texas Assessments of Academic Readiness End-of-Course

Beginning with the Freshman class of 2011-2012, the STAAR EOC replaced TAKS testing.

STAAR EOC assessments measure a student's academic performance in core high school courses and are part of the graduation requirements starting with the freshman class of 2011–2012.

House Bill 5 (HB 5) was passed by the 83rd Texas Legislature and signed by the governor. High school students are now required to pass five State of Texas Assessments of Academic Readiness (STAAR®) end-of-course exams to meet the new graduation requirements. The five assessments under HB 5 include Algebra 1, English 1, (combined reading/writing), English II (combined reading/writing), biology, and U.S. history. The Texas Education Agency will be advising school districts and charters that students must pass all five of these end-of-course assessments to be eligible to graduate from a Texas public high school.

For more information visit the Texas Education Website at http://www.tea.state.tx.us/.

TAKS: Texas Assessment of Knowledge and Skills

Supervised by the Texas Education Agency, the TAKS test is required by Texas State law for students who entered high school on or before 2001. Testing areas include writing, reading, social studies, science and math. Students take subject area tests depending on grade level. For students entering high school in 2011-2012 or thereafter, STAAR EOC Assessments are required for graduation purposes. See above.

TSIA: Texas Success Initiative Assessment

All students entering Texas PUBLIC colleges and universities must take the TSIA prior to enrollment in college courses. A student who does NOT pass a section of the test will be offered remedial activities by the college in the subject area(s) not passed. Students are encouraged to take the test in the spring of the senior year. Students may register with the college Some institutions use these exemption requirements:

ACT: a composite score of 23 or higher and a minimum score of 19 on the math and/or English score SAT: 1070 combined score with minimum of 500 math and/or verbal score TAKS: 2200 in math and/or English/Language (ELA) with a minimum writing sub score of 3 STAAR: See the Texas Education Association website for up-to-date information

Please check with the school of your choice for their exemption policy.

Financial Aid Terminology

Cost of Attendance (COA) A student’s cost of attendance includes tuition and fees, room and board expenses while attending school, and allowances for books and supplies, transportation, loan fees (if applicable), dependent care costs, cost related to a disability, and other miscellaneous expenses. The school, within guidelines established by federal statute estimates the cost of attendance. The cost of attendance is compared to a student’s Expected Family Contribution (EFC) to determine the student’s need for financial aid.

Expected Family Contribution (EFC)

The amount determined by a formula Congress established, that a student’s family is expected to contribute toward the cost of attendance. It is determined for the purposes of the federal SFA programs. The EFC is printed on the front of a Student Aid Report (SAR) or on an Institutional Student Information Record (ISIR).

William D. Ford Federal Direct Loan Program

Federal Direct Stafford/Ford Loans (Direct Subsidized Loans), Federal Direct Unsubsidized Stafford/Ford Loans (Direct Unsubsidized Loans), Federal Direct PLUS Loans, and Federal Direct Consolidated Loans. Funds for these programs are lent to student and parent borrowers from the federal government through colleges and career schools that participate in the program.

Federal Family Education Loan (FFEL) Program

The Federal Stafford (subsidized and unsubsidized), Federal PLUS, and Federal Consolidation loan programs. Private lenders provide funds for these programs and the federal government guarantees the loans.

Financial Need

The difference between the students’s cost of attendance (COA) and the Expected Family Contribution (EFC).

Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA)

The application filled out and filed by a student that collects household and financial information used by the federal government to calculate the Expected Family Contribution (EFC). Apply on-line at www.fafsa.ed.gov.

Need Analysis

The process of analyzing household and financial information on a student’s financial aid application and calculating an Expected Family Contribution (EFC).

Pell Grant

Awarded through strict rules set by the Department of Education. If a student is eligible on the basis of these rules, an eligible college can pay the student his or her Federal Pell Grant and will be reimbursed by the Department.

Student Financial Assistance Programs (SFA) Programs administered by the office of Student Financial Assistance Programs within the U.S. Department of Education: Federal Pell Grants, Federal Supplemental Educational Opportunity Grants, Federal Work-Study, Federal Perkins Loans, Federal Direct Stafford/Ford Loans, Federal Direct PLUS Loans, Federal Stafford Loans, Federal PLUS Loans, and State Student Incentive Grants.

Student Aid Report (SAR)

A federal output document sent to a student by the application processor. The SAR contains financial and other information reported by the student on the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA). That information is entered into the processing system, and the SAR is produced. A student’s eligibility for aid is indicated by the EFC, which is printed on the front of the SAR.

Unmet financial need

Difference between the COA (cost of attendance), the EFC (expected family contribution) and the awarded aid.

Verification

A procedure where a school checks the information a student reported on the FAFSA, usually by requesting a copy of signed tax returns filed by the student and, if applicable, the student’s parent(s) and spouse.

OTHER HELPFUL INFORMATON

SAMPLE RESUMÉ

Your Name Your Street Address City, TX 77520

Your Telephone Number EDUCATION

Senior at Baytown High School GPA: 92.45 Class Rank: 83 in a class of 402 Significant Academic Endeavors: (AP Scholar, etc.)

SCHOOL ACTIVITIES

National Honor Society, junior and senior years National Technical Honor Society Vice President, junior year Basketball team, four years Rotary Club, sophomore, junior, and senior years

AWARDS AND HONORS

National Merit semi-finalist Ranked in the top quarter of class for four years Spanish Achievement Award Eagle Scout

LEADERSHIP EXPERIENCE

President of National Honor Society Vice President of Senior Class

COMMUNITY AND CHURCH ACTIVITIES

Baytown Hispanic Youth Council, senior year Church Youth Group, Church Name, sophomore, and junior year Boy Scouts of America, eight years

WORK EXPERIENCE

Materials Transportation Company welder, senior year McDonald’s Restaurant cook, junior year

VOLUNTEER SERVICE

Olin E. Teague Veterans Center, summer volunteer – 2011-2013 Harris County Rehabilitation Center, after school recreation volunteer – 2 years

RECOMMENDATION LETTER INFORMATION (SAMPLE)

Name ID#

Address DOB

Social Security #

E-mail Telephone FAMILY DATA

FATHER MOTHER Name

Occupation

Name of business or organization

Please explain if there are any special circumstances regarding your family that I should know. (For example, if one of your parents is deceased, job layoff, etc.)

SIBLINGS

Name Age School/College

STUDENT PROFILE EXTRACURRICULAR ACTIVITIES

Please list your in-school and out-of-school activities and the time commitment you make to each (include jobs). List leadership roles or any special honors or distinctions. After each activity list the grades in which you have participated or will participate. If you already have a document listing these activities you may attach a copy of it instead of completing this form.

Activity Time Leadership/Distinction 9,10,11,12

Comment on out-of-school activities which are important to you including hobbies, travel, clubs, work experience, political involvement, family commitments, recreational outlets or any special interests which you have developed. Of all these activities, which one is the most meaningful to you? Why?

PERSONAL AND EDUCATIONAL INTERESTS

What have you enjoyed most about high school?

If you could change one thing about your high school experience, what would it be? Why would you change it, and how?

Is your academic record an accurate measure of your ability? Why or why not?

Describe an academic experience which has been a highlight in your years in high school. (For example, a particular teacher, a class, a paper you wrote, a project or book.)

Who has had the greatest influence on you? Why?

WRITING THE COLLEGE ESSAY

The college entrance essay is often required (and at least preferred) as part of the overall admissions process. The essay is an important piece of the process, because that is your time to shine! It is through the essay that you reveal your intelligence, maturity, humor, enthusiasm, and writing ability.

EVALUATION - Colleges are looking for the following:

1. Standard written English skills. 2. Depth of content, substance, and integrity of response. 3. Creativity in expressing fresh and innovative viewpoints/opinions.

DIRECTIONS – Be very careful to follow the directions EXACTLY:

1. Answer the question/prompt specifically. Being too broad and/or unclear will only confuse the admissions committee and does not best represent your viewpoints.

2. Answer the question honestly. Don’t go for answers that you think committees want to read. This essay is your time to show other areas of your life that are not represented anywhere else. Be real!

OTHER TIPS:

1. Don’t wait until the last minute! You need time to let the essay “gel” in your mind and in your own style. Plus, you will need time to let others edit and refine any errors or unclear areas.

2. If the essay is optional – WRITE and SUBMIT IT! The extra effort gives the committee more information about you – and is often the difference between those who are admitted and those who are not.

3. Monitor the content – read to make sure that you are not being shallow, unclear, pathetic, or just plain weird. Remember that funny and unique are in the eye of the reader.

4. Read your essay out loud so that you can hear how it flows. If possible, find an English teacher or someone else that you trust to read and evaluate what you have written.

5. Type your essay unless it specifically requests a handwritten copy. Don’t rely on the word processor’s spell check…it doesn’t catch everything.

6. Avoid slang or text language. Just because you use it with your friends does not make it the best representation of you.

7. Make a photocopy for your own files before you send it out. 8. Using the same basic essay is OK, as long as it fits the required questions and best

represents you. Be very careful that you change the names of the schools before you send out the wrong copy to the wrong college.

9. Be sure to send the essay in before it is due. You may disqualify yourself if you don’t!