SENIOR STAMPEDE

St. Edward's University

Austin College

OPTIONS AFTER HIGH SCHOOL

• College Choices– 4 yr University or College – 2 yr Community College– Associate Degree– Bachelors/Master Degree

• Trade Schools– Private trade– Technical – Business– Vocational Schools

• Going into the Military– Can provide career skills

training– Can provide funding for

college

• Going Immediately to Work– Research job outlook and

future marketability

Types of Degrees• Trade Certification-short term training in specific field• Associate’s degree-two year program consisting of

prerequisite courses leading to a bachelor’s degree• Bachelor’s or baccalaureate degrees-are obtained at four

year colleges or universities. The bachelor of arts (B.A.) and the bachelor of science (B.S.) are the most common.

• Advanced/Professional Degrees-Master’s degrees and doctorate degrees are obtained after a bachelor’s degree---lawyer, doctor, pharmacist, physical therapist, principal, school counselor

MAKING COLLEGE CHOICES

Revise and finalize your college list:

Select a “DREAM” school Select at least two back up schools Begin online admission and scholarship

applications Make college visits- two days -Counts as an

excused absence when confirmed with college documentation (bring to Attendance office upon return)

COLLEGE APPLICATIONS

The Common Application• www.commonapp.org

• Accepted by hundreds of private and public colleges and universities nationwide– Online Counselor Forms

• School Report• Mid-year Report• Final Year Report

Apply Texas• www.applytexas.org• Accepted by every Texas

Public University, plus some private and two-year schools.

REMINDERS:*Check websites of individual schools for deadlines &

specific information regarding scholarships, housing, etc.*Application fees apply for each school

Applying Options• Early Decision - is a binding commitment! You may

apply to other schools for regular admission but must withdraw if accepted thru Early Decision *consider financial need when applying for ED

• Early Action – is non-binding. You may apply to other schools under EA (unless it’s restricted) and you have until May 1st to decide *the advantage is receiving an acceptance letter early in the year

• Regular Admission-(rolling admission)• Beware of all admission deadlines!

ADMISSION REQUIREMENTS

What admission tests are required? SAT I or ACT, (SAT II Subject Tests for selective schools and

majors) Is an audition, portfolio or interview required? Does the school offer an academic program to meet

your needs, including research, study abroad, and internship opportunities?

Are there other areas of interest if you change your major?

SUBMIT APPLICATIONSAPPLICATION PROCESS

Complete applications online Then request transcripts Have tests scores sent directly from College

Board or ACT. Pay application fee Include essays if requiredApplications are incomplete until all parts are

received by the admissions office

Other items to consider:

• What AP scores will my school accept?– See the College Board link on CHS Counseling website

• Expect to take some placement exams• Register for an orientation as early as possible…

before May 1!• Send housing deposit as soon as allowed.

LETTERS OF RECOMMENDATION

When requesting letters of recommendation (LOR):

Complete a recommendation packet available in counseling office when a letter from a counselor is needed

Choose teachers who know you best

Allow THREE+ weeks advance notice Provide a stamped, addressed envelope and application

deadlines for teacher recommendation letters that are not completed online

Always write thank you notes to those who provided a LOR…it is proper etiquette and it serves as a reminder

In Counseling Office/Online• 1st 3 transcripts are free

• Allow 3 days for processing

• $2.00 for additional copies

• $5.00 for rush copies

• Addressed #10 envelope required for transcripts that must be mailed – stamp and return address not needed

• SENDedu requests (private schools) – you need to sign the request and include ID#

REQUEST TRANSCRIPTS

Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA)

The FAFSA is your key to getting financial aid. Here are some things you should know in order to be ready!

• After January 1st: Complete the FAFSA online at www.fafsa.ed.gov

• March 1st: Priority Deadline to be considered for financial aid

• Fill out a FAFSA even if you think you won’t qualify for federal aid. Some schools won’t consider a student for merit scholarships until the student has submitted a FAFSA! Most school scholarships require you to fill out a FAFSA!

• Get a Federal Student Aid PIN at www.pin.ed.gov .Write it down! You need this to “sign” your online FAFSA. Keep it safe!

2014-2015 Estimated CostsTexas A & M University

*Based on 30 hours = 1 year Cost

Tuition and Fees* $9,180

Room and Board 9,522

Books and Supplies 1,000

Travel 606

Loan Fees 62

Personal Expenses 2,100

TOTAL $22,470

Regional Office Contacts

Visit Regional Offices:

• Texas A & M 210-212-7016• Univ. of Texas 210-804-2386• Texas Tech (Austin) 512-345-4888

FINAL DECISION

Making a final decision in the Spring:

Review financial aid letters and decide which college to attend by May 1st

Make one final visit if necessary Confirm housing arrangements Inform the college of your choice that you accept!!!!!! Inform the others that you’re not attending Finally, DO NOT FORGET TO ORDER YOUR FINAL

TRANSCRIPT in May.

Beware of the following:

• What you include in your social networking websites i.e. Face Book, Twitter, etc.

• E-mail addresses…1st impressions!!!• Felony convictions will eliminate federally

funded financial aid options• Credit card offers• Academic probation-GPA is tied to financial

aid

What does this mean?

Senioritis is the term used to describe the slacking off

of some high school seniors during their spring semester or upon being accepted to college.

SENIORITIS

Senior Year Reminders

              

                        

Know your college application instructions & deadlines

Attend BISD College Fair on

Thursday, November 6th @ 6:30 at Boerne Civic Center

Request test scores from testing agency

Attend the Financial Aid Information Session on

Monday, December 1st @ 6:00 to 7:00 at CHS

Know your financial aid application requirements & complete your FAFSA after January 1st

Request transcripts

Request letters of recommendation in a timely manner

Complete scholarship applications

Connect with Counseling!

Download the Remind101 App on your smart phone and sign up to receive important counseling messages!