Senior Information

This is the time to make important decisions! Decide: What are your interests? What are your goals? What are your favorite subjects? What careers are available in certain fields? Where do I want to be 2..5..10 years from now?

Ask yourself realistically… What program can I Start and Finish? • Certificate/License Program • Military Career • College: * 2+ years (Associate’s Degree) * 4+ years (Bachelor’s Degree) * 6+ years (Master’s /PhD)

Can you get accepted? Do you meet the requirements to get into the college to which you want to apply? GPA Class Rank SAT/SAT Scores Recommended Courses

What if “Time is running out” and you still don’t know? • You can always begin college and major in “General Studies” or as “Undecided”. • Work towards getting your “basics” or “core classes” out of the way. • Meet often with your college counselor.

Do you know the costs involved? • Compare each college’s range of tuition and fees, including books, housing, transportation, and meals. • Be sure to think long range about your costs. Realize the costs involved are not only per semester, but until the completion of your certificate or degree program.

Be sure to apply to more than one college: #1- College should be your “Oh My Gosh” college. #2- Should be your “Maybe/Probably” #3- Should be your “No Problem” College. - Be sure to consider Lone Star college for many reasons…

College Application Process 1. Determine when the college of your choice will begin accepting applications. Submit applications in a timely manner. Submit SAT/ACT scores. When writing application essays, use your best writing skills. Consider having someone proof and critique the essay before submitting. Request transcripts and letters of recommendation well ahead of the deadline. Maintain copies of all applications. Be sure to apply to more than one college.

College Application Completion Checklist ACT/SAT Scores Official High School Transcript Application & Application Fee Include any necessary essay(s) or optional resume/letters of recommendation.

College Application Websites Students can use one application to apply to more than one public Four-Year University by using the following applications: THE COMMON APPLICATION The Common Application is a not-for-profit organization that serves students and member institutions by providing an admission application – online and in print – that students may submit to ANY of the associated Universities. www.commonapp.org THE APPLY TEXAS APPLICATION Apply Texas offers a centralized means for both Texas and non-Texas students to apply to the many outstanding postsecondary institutions available in the state of Texas. www.applytexas.org

Requesting Transcripts Students must complete and sign a “Request for Transcript” form in the Registrar’s Office. The cost is $2.00 per transcript. Please allow 2-4 days to process. AHS official transcripts are submitted to students in a sealed envelope. They must remain sealed in order to be considered official. Students are responsible for mailing transcripts off to the College/University of their choice.

Letters of Recommendation Should be written by someone who knows you very well. Provide a copy of your resume or submit and Autobiography to the person writing the letter. Give that person 2-3 weeks notice. Letter should accurately validate or certify leadership, talents, community service, and extra curricular activities. You may need at least 2-3 letters of recommendation.

College Admission Testing SAT – ACT THEA

The first step in the college application process is to take either the SAT Reasoning Test or the ACT. The purpose of the college entrance exams is to provide the college admissions officers with a common measure of ability in order to understand and compare applicants from varying educational backgrounds. The Scholastic Aptitude Test (SAT) and the American College Testing (ACT) Program provide that common measure of ability. The admission office may use a formula that combines your SAT I or ACT score with your high school grade point average (GPA) to determine your probability of success on the campus. You are encouraged to take either the ACT or SAT by the end of your junior year (advanced students may be ready earlier) and once again if higher scores are desired early in your senior year, usually by the October or November test date.  Register online (SAT - College Board Online www.collegeboard.com or ACT online www.act.org) The Atascocita High School College Board Campus code is  443583.

What are the differences between the SAT and ACT Tests? • ACT – English, Math, Reading, Science, and Writing (optional) Assessment. The ACT tests a student’s acquired skills. • SAT I – Critical Reading, Writing, and Math Assessment. The SAT tests how well students reason. • SAT II – Subject tests (The more selective & competitive colleges require/recommend one or more).

exceptions to this rule You may not attend any four year college or university as an incoming freshman without taking the SAT or ACT! There are only a few exceptions to this rule

EXCEPTIONS! • You many enter a community college without taking the SAT/ACT. • You may transfer later to a university without taking the SAT/ACT (typically if you have enough credits to be considered a sophomore). • Please be advised that many scholarship applications require an SAT/ACT score.

Fee Waiver Don’t let registration fees stand in the way between you and going to college!!! Please see your counselor to verify if you are eligible to receive a fee waiver. A limited number of fee waivers are available for: SAT Registration (2 total) ACT Registration (2 total) College Application Fees (max 4) (All students on Free/Reduced Lunch Program Qualify)

THEA – Texas Higher Education Assessment What…Another Test? THEA – Texas Higher Education Assessment All students must take the THEA test or be exempted from the test BEFORE enrolling in any state of Texas college-level course work. Students may be exempted from the THEA test by making the following qualifying scores on the SAT, ACT, or TAKS: TAKS Exemption: If you score a 2200 on the ELA (with a 3 on the Writing Sample) and a 2200 on the Math. ACT Exemption: 23 or higher with English or Math no lower than 19. SAT Exemption: 1070 or higher with Critical Reading If you are not exempt, you must take this test before registering at any Texas college, including community/junior colleges.

How can I study for the THEA? • Website www.thea.nesinc.com This website has both an online practice test and a study guide which you may purchase.

Athletes…Don’t Forget… You will need to complete the necessary NCAA Clearinghouse forms! Student-athletes must be certified by the NCAA Clearinghouse before receiving an athletics scholarship, practicing and competing at a division I or II institution. You can apply on-line at www.ncaaclearinghouse.net See your coach for details.

Scholarships

Scholarships Where do I look? AHS scholarship website Internet College/University website Local business Advertisement Parents place of employment Scholarship applications take time and effort but, it is well worth it!!!!!!! Don’t give up…Hang in there

Scholarships Listen to AHS announcements, read Eagle Mail, and visit the AHS Scholarship website often for updates. Watch the calendar closely for application deadlines. 3. Research other available scholarships via the internet, reference books, or private sources. 4. APPLY, APPLY, APPLY!

Scholarship information for college

Financial Aid

FAFSA FAFSA – Free Application for Federal Student Aid. Forms can be filled out online at www.fafsa.ed.gov. Apply for a PIN now! Speed up the application process by signing your FAFSA electronically with your PIN. Students and parents can sign applications electronically. It is highly recommended that parents have their 2010 Income Tax Returns completed before attempting to complete this form.

Begin the FAFSA process @ www.fafsa.ed.gov

WARNING You must first apply to the College/University… Then: You may list that College/University on the FAFSA Application.

Sources of Financial Aid Grants – Need based; do not have to repay as long as you maintain a certain GPA. Loans – Must repay once you finish college. Work Study Program – Job housed on campus arranged by college. Scholarships- Free money

How can we help your senior…

Senior Meetings

Who: Senior and Counselor When: October thru November Why: Review your 4 year plan, evaluate transcript, discuss plans post-high school, answer any questions you might bring to the meeting for discussion

Resources *One of your greatest resources is the AHS website.

We are committed to providing you with the resources necessary to help you achieve your goals, NOW… What are YOU prepared to do for yourself and your future?

Don’t Let Yourself Get Overwhelmed! You can do it…

You can make it to Graduation… And Beyond!!!