Senior Year: For Parents 2017-2018

Administrators Mrs. Kim James, Principal Mrs. Lisa Trevino, Asst. Principal (A-C) Mr. Rolando Gonzales, Asst. Principal (D-G) Mr. Scott Walker, Asst. Principal (H-Me) Mrs. Stephanie Contreras, Asst. Principal (Mi-Ro) Mr. Chris Hall, Asst. Principal (Ru-Z)

Counseling Staff Mrs. Vilma Mosier (A-C) Mrs. Angela Arredondo, Lead Counselor (D-G) Dr. Lia Rosales (H-Me) Mrs. Robin Huff (Mi-Ro) Mrs. Marsha Hutchens (Ru-Z) Mr. Bryan Davis, College & Career Counselor

Senior Class Sponsor: Mr. Porfirio Zamora Senior Twitter:  @seniors_vmhs Senior Info Remind: Text @srvmhs to 81010 Ordering Senior Materials: www.mybalfour.com

Narrow down your future plans: College or University Workforce Any extra school/training required Career Cruising Military ASVAB (testing at VMHS on November 14, 2017) Meet with a recruiter Technical School Check deadlines, programs offered, financial plans, etc.

Colleges & Universities Narrow down your options to 5-10 Reach Schools Target Schools Safety Schools Check admissions requirements on the college’s website Check deadlines on the college’s website Admissions Scholarships

Admissions Requirements Automatic Admissions Usually based off of class ranking & SAT/ACT score (Example from TAMUCC) Varies from school to school Review or Alternative Admissions Letters of Recommendation Extracurricular Activities Community Service Jobs Private Schools Admissions standards vary school by school – typically involve an in-depth review and sometimes an interview

SAT & ACT 4-year universities will require you to submit scores from ONE of these tests Take NOW if you haven’t already Fee Waivers Available* Register online www.collegeboard.org or www.actstudent.org Which one? *if on free/reduced lunch

Admissions Application Apply Texas For Texas Public Universities* www.applytexas.org Common App Over 700 colleges from all over the country www.commonapp.org Other BE SURE YOU KNOW YOUR DEADLINE!

With your application… High School Transcript Request from Registrar’s Office Know the address of where it’s being sent College Transcript (if applicable) SAT/ACT Scores Resume/Letters of Recommendation (if needed) Essays FEES (or fee waiver) Does your major/program require a separate application? Be sure to submit ALL parts requested by the college/university.

“No trick or treat, ‘til you complete!” Try to have all college applications complete before the end of October – even if the deadlines are later. This will free you up for scholarship/financial aid completion.

FAFSA (Free Application for Federal Student Aid) Open for completion on October 1, 2017 (for Fall 2018 admits) https://fafsa.ed.gov Step 1: Create an FSA ID Step 2: Gather Needed Documents (for Fall 2018: 2016 income Tax Return) Step 3: Complete the application online.

FAFSA Receive Grants or Loans Student & Parent Loans Always complete even if you don’t believe you will qualify Some scholarships/programs require FAFSA completion FAFSA Information Night – Tuesday, October 3 – 6pm – VMHS Auditorium FAFSA Workshop – Wednesday, October 11 – 10AM-3PM College & Career Center

Be aware of deadlines! Fill out as many applications as you can. Scholarships Fill out the scholarship application for each university Many are linked to the Apply Texas College & Career Center Check the website Check the file folders/bulletin board Create Profiles & Search Online www.finaid.org/scholarships www.fastweb.com www.cappex.com www.collegeboard.org www.scholarships.com www.scholarshipmonkey.com Be aware of deadlines! Fill out as many applications as you can.

Accepted? - There’s still more to do! Apply for housing (if needed) Submit final HS transcript Remember to request this PRIOR to graduation Take TSI test (if needed) Submit meningitis vaccine documentation Register for orientation and/or camps Your acceptance letter should inform you of this Continue applying for scholarships Let me know where!

Need help? W. Bryan Davis College & Career Counselor College & Career Center Website www.CollegeBoard.org Follow us on Twitter: @VMHSCollege Go Center Mentors Visit the College & Career Center W. Bryan Davis College & Career Counselor 361-878-7900 ext. 23012 William.Davis@ccisd.us Fastest Response