Junior Guidance Spring 2017

What do I need to do to Graduate? Complete the required courses on your graduation plan Pass your 5 EOC STAAR Exams: English 1 English 2 Algebra 1 Biology US History

What Should I Do After College? Enter Workforce – Start working on resume now Military – Please notify your counselor when you enlist Apprenticeship – Start looking for mentors now Technical or Trade School 2 year Community College 4 year University

College Visits? You’re allowed 2 college visits that will not count against exemptions (2 jr & 2 sr) You must provide appropriate documentation from the college with the following : Official College Letterhead Date of Visit College Representative Signature

What Tests do I Need to Take for College? SAT and ACT (if attending 4 year University) See counselor for Fee Waivers if you participate in Free/Reduced Lunch Program After test waiver is used, you are eligible for 4 college application fee waivers SAT Subject TEST (usually required for Ivy League schools) Texas Success Initiative Assessment, “TSI” (if attending 2 year College) See Ms. Herbst for exemptions (STAAR, SAT, ACT scores)

How do I Apply to College? Most colleges offer online applications If applying for in-state Public Colleges or Universities: ApplyTexas www. applytexas.org If applying to Ivy League or Private Universities The Common Application https://www.commonapp.org

What else do I need for my application to be complete? Submit ACT/SAT Scores electronically via www.collegeboard.com or www.actstudent.org Official transcripts Pay all required application fees

Colleges use SAT scores for admissions and merit-based scholarships.   SAT ACT Why Take It Colleges use SAT scores for admissions and merit-based scholarships. Colleges use ACT scores for admissions and merit-based scholarships. Test Structure Math Reading Writing and Language  Essay (Optional) English Science Essay (Optional) Length 3 hours (without essay) 3 hours, 50 minutes (with essay) 2 hours, 55 minutes (without essay) 3 hours, 40 minutes (with essay) 5 reading passages 4 reading passages None 1 science section testing your critical thinking skills (not your specific science knowledge) Covers: Arithmetic Algebra I & II Geometry, Trigonometry and Data Analysis Geometry and Trigonometry Tools Some math questions don't allow you to use a calculator. You can use a calculator on all math questions. Essays Optional. The essay will test your comprehension of a source text. Optional. The essay will test how well you evaluate and analyze complex issues. How It's Scored Scored on a scale of 400–1600 Understanding SAT scores Scored on a scale of 1–36 Understanding ACT scores The major differences are in red.

How do I Send an Official Transcript to my College(s)? See Mrs. Valenta or Mrs. Warnack in the Registrar’s office. Any electronic transcript sent to a college(s) in the state of Texas is free. Any transcript sent outside of Texas is $2.00 and will require an address. If you are planning on participating in athletics in college, a final transcript will need to be sent to NCAA The cost of an official transcript that you are mailing yourself to a college and/or scholarship application(s) is $1.00 per transcript.

Where can I Obtain my Rank and GPA? You can obtain your rank and GPA from your counselor who can give you an unofficial transcript. Rank & GPA will be updated in the summer and will include 9th -11th year’s grades. Your final rank & GPA will be calculated using the 3rd 9 weeks grades in your senior year.

Example of a transcript, 2 pages.

Admissions Chart SEE CHART IN PACKET Your rank directly correlates with a quartile 1st Quarter (Top 25%) = approx. students 1-102 2nd Quarter (Top 50%) = 103-204 3rd Quarter = 205-306 4th Quarter = 307-408 Admissions Chart shows the ACT/SAT required to be accepted to the corresponding school with current rank If you do not meet requirements, your application will be reviewed to determine acceptance

Top 10% Rule Texas law passed in 1997. The law guarantees Texas students who graduated in the top ten percent of their high school class have automatic admission to all state-funded universities. University of Texas in Austin took the top 7% this year.

What Resources are Available at KPHS to help me Research College and Careers? www.humble.k12.tx.us/kphs Select Information Select College-Career Room

How do I Obtain Scholarships? On the KPark front page, scholarships are posted daily Apply for everything in which you are eligible for Watch For Deadlines!

How do I Apply for Financial Aid? FAFSA (Free Application for Federal Student Aid) is an application for grants, student loans, parent loans, and many scholarships. www.fafsa.ed.gov Apply for ID Opens October 1st

Some Advice…. Watch Deadlines & Websites! Apply Early! Example: UH Application deadline is June 30th, but priority deadline (to be considered for scholarships) is November 15 UT and A&M deadlines is December 1st – No exceptions Apply Early! Better chance for acceptance Better options for housing Colleges fill up quickly (College of Engineering, Business, etc.) When looking at potential schools to attend: Ensure they offer the program you’re interested in Talk to people who attend or have attended Visit each school Speak to Admission Reps when they visit KPark – See Mrs. Herbst! Ask questions! This Power Point is on our counselor website!