Senior Parent Night

Counseling Assignments Nancy Byers (Last names A-C) Nancy.byers@leanderisd.org Christina Vandiver (Last names D - H) Christina.vandiver@leanderisd.org Elizabeth Garcia (Last names I - M) Elizabeth.garcia@leanderisd.org Marsha Simmons (Last names N - Sk) Marsha.simmons@leanderisd.org Heather Lytle (Last names Sl-Z & ESL students) Heather.lyle@leanderisd.org Duane Teets, Lead Counselor (Pre IB & IB students) Duane.teets@leanderisd.org Melissa Wood, College and Career Transition Coordinator (ACC) Melissa.wood@leanderisd.org Alicia Benrey - Special Education students Alicia Benrey@leanderisd.org

One-on-one meetings! Counselors will be having one-on-one meetings with all LHS students to discuss high school, college, and career options! Parents are encouraged to attend! Look for an email from your counselor to your student’s email. Seniors in September, Juniors in November, Sophomore and Freshman in the Spring.

Graduation requirements for class of 2019 Students must also pass all 5 STAAR tests: Algebra 1, Biology, English 1, English 2 and US History They should have an endorsement/program of study.

TSI – Texas Success Initiative What is TSI? Testing requirements set by the state to indicate college readiness TSI does not determine college admissions Why is TSI so important? Meeting TSI prevents you from having to take developmental/remedial classes in college Saves you $$$ How can students meet TSI before graduation? TSI can be met through SAT or ACT scores TSI can be met through Leander High School via a free test provided throughout the school year How can students find out if they meet TSI? Seniors will be provided their testing information during their Senior Meeting with the counselors this month.

AM I COLLEGE READY? (students will be given a form with their scores) TEST COMPOSITE READING/ENGLISH MATH SAT No Composite Score Evidence-Based Reading & Writing (EBRW) 480+ 530+ ACT 23+ 19+ WRITING READING TSI ASSESSMENT essay of 5+ OR essay of 4 with 340-390 on writing placement 351 350

Applications Application Help – throughout Sept & Oct Application Help available during Pride Time, Students MUST register to attend in Naviance Financial Aid – Sept 19; 6pm in LHS Little Theater Financial Aid Representative from Austin Community College will be presenting infroamtion for the upcoming FAFSA Application Season. Application Steps Apply Texas or Common Application (We suggest you apply to at least 4 schools!) Test Scores (SAT, ACT, TSI) Application Fee or Fee Waiver 6th semester transcript (end of Junior Year) Letters of Recommendation & Resume (if needed – at least 2 weeks turn-around time on recommendations). The request can be found on the LHS Counseling website! Watch for deadlines! December 1st is big, request information from LHS by November 13! Universities will begin evaluating your application once all REQUIRED pieces are submitted! If you need a Letter of rec., you need to ensure that has been received BEFORE submitting your application!

Countdown to College (College Planning Checklist) SEPTEMBER – DECEMBER (ASAP!) Sign up to take SAT or ACT if you have not already taken it, review results and retest if necessary. Request Letters of Recommendation from counselor, teacher, etc. (if required). The request is on the LHS Counseling website. Request AT LEAST 2 weeks prior to the school deadline. Write College Essays (suggest all).

Transcripts Transcripts Parchment – on-line system on LHS website Must choose a university Must make payment on-line

Countdown to College (Financial Aid) October 1 – January 15 Start the Financial Aid Process You and your parent can apply for a PIN for FAFSA Complete FAFSA beginning October 1st. Continue your scholarship search, many scholarships do not become available until spring semester.

Countdown to College (Financial Aid) October 1 – January 15. Keep track of important financial aid and scholarship deadlines. Some deadlines are in the Fall. Remember with financial aid, it is FIRST COME, FIRST SERVED!!! The earlier, the better. Once the money is gone, it is gone. Watch the mail or your email for your Student Aid Report (SAR). Compare financial aid packages from different schools Notify your college about any outside scholarships you received.

October 10th – Senior Summit Day Various activities for students to participate in: College Applications & College Essay Workshop - Opportunity for students to complete their college applications, fill out scholarships, complete resume, etc. Opportunity for students to hear from and receive feedback from Texas State University and Abilene Christina University on essay writing Getting Started on the FAFSA (Financial Aid) & FSA ID Presentation - Financial Aid representatives will be on had to assist students with their FSA ID (electronic signature) in preparation for the October opening of the FAFSA. Scholarships - Counselors will be presenting information on the various scholarship opportunities available to seniors Managing Personal Finance - Edward Jones will present on financial literacy, credit ratings and other personal finance topics COOL Week Orientation - Initial orientation for students who initially applied and are among the top 100 applicants Military Options - Opportunity for students to visit with military recruiters who are interested in enlisting in the military Career Exploration - Students will be able to complete a career interest inventory, review their results, and receive guidance on what to do next TSI Prep for Spring Testing or TSI Testing - Pre-Assessment Activity will be available for any senior who : would like to take the opportunity to complete TSI testing early or wait until spring TSI Testing will be for students ONLY needing to pass the MATH section College 101 - Students will learn more about what to expect in college, how to know which classes count for college credit, etc. School Day SAT for SENIORS ONLY - Seniors have the opportunity to sign up to take the SAT at LHS on this day College Visit - Seniors can take an official college visit day at the university of your choice (great way to use this day to visit your potential university!)

College Visits On Campus at LHS – At the University – Students must register to attend via Mrs. Wood’s webpage Passes to attend are sent to the student the morning of the presentation At the University – Students/Parents can set these up from the university web-site Student MUST bring proof of attendance/campus visit back to LHS the next day for an excused absence (up to 2 excused absences their Senior year).

For more information, visit: www.leanderisd.org/collegefair Leander ISD College Fair Wednesday, September 26 6:00-8:00 Vista Ridge High School For more information, visit: www.leanderisd.org/collegefair

COOL Week Career Opportunities On Location What is COOL Week? This is an “internship” opportunity, could lead to employment A time to “try on” a career prior to going to college How can students participate? Complete Application – available Sept 15 – Sept 21 Commit to participating Complete Mandatory Orientation on October 10th (Senior Summit Day) What are the requirements? Must be a senior, have parent permission, & stay eligible Complete the application & additional items (resume, meeting w/ Mrs. Wood, etc) How can I, as a parent, help? Have a connection to a great location/placement Email Mrs. Wood with contact information

College & Career Center What can the College & Career Center Do For YOU? Assist with college applications Assist with transcript orders, letters of recommendation & resumes Assist with application fee waivers Assist with registration for SAT/ACT testing Assist with TSI Testing Assist in selecting courses for college & degree plans And Much, Much MORE! Contact Information: Melissa.wood@leanderisd.org 512.570.1057

Questions/Concerns Before you leave tonight, make sure to see clubs/organizations in the cafeteria, teachers, open house!