Planning For College Success Ready? Set? Apply! Planning For College Success

Selecting A College Dream School Safety School Select a college that may be a “stretch” for you Select at least one “safety” school Select 2 or 3 schools between “dream” and “safety” school

What do Colleges REALLY Consider in Admissions Decisions? Classes taken in high school Grade point average Class rank SAT or ACT scores College essays Extracurricular activities Recommendations (only if required) Demonstrated Interest

High School Courses STRONG senior year Challenge/level of difficulty of the course is important (Dual Credit/AP) Check individual colleges for specific admissions requirements

Your Grade Point Average (GPA) GPA is computed on a weighted scale for determining class rank Weighted grade points are given for Pre-AP, Dual Credit, and AP courses GPA is also reported on a 4.0 (unweighted) scale on the transcript

Class Rank Colleges often require students to be ranked in a certain quarter or half of their class. In Texas, students in the top 10% (top 6% for UT/Fall 2020) are automatically admitted to any Texas public university. Class rank is calculated at the end of each semester. ?

Your Transcript Includes: Courses taken Semester grades Rank GPA (both weighted and 4.0) Required as part of the application

Testing 1…2…3… Admission Exams: SAT ACT TSI

S A T The SAT has two sections: Critical Reading and Math Optional Writing Range in scores: 200 - 800 on each section Composite score range: 400 – 1600

A C T English Math Science Reading Comprehension Optional Writing ACT tests knowledge in: English Math Science Reading Comprehension Optional Writing Composite score range: 0 - 36

TSI (Texas Success Initiative) Required before enrolling in any TEXAS PUBLIC university Must pass all 3 sections (reading, writing, math) or will be required to take “developmental courses” TSI Exemption: ACT: 23 Composite (19 on English &/or math) SAT: 1070 Composite (500 on reading &/or math)

Registering for the Tests Register for tests (SAT/ACT) on-line Fee waivers are available for students on free/reduced lunch – two for ACT and two for SAT (See Mrs. Oliver) Students using fee waivers for exams may also qualify to have application fees waived

Send Your Scores Colleges want official scores directly from the testing company Score sends are included in the price of the test Don’t wait to see your scores before sending them to colleges

Where can I find college and career information?

Counseling Office College and Career Center Your counselor Mrs. Oliver – Rm. 620 Ellis County College Fair Individual college websites BigFuture.org Use PSAT access code for My College QuickStart

Visit a Campus Plan an official college visit through the college’s admission office during summer or using your “college visit days” Attend one of the special “Preview Weekends” planned by the university

Using College Visit Days To use a college visit day you will need to Schedule a visit through the college admission office or college website Pick up a college day form from the attendance office BEFORE the scheduled visit Bring a note from the university verifying your visit to attendance AFTER you return

Email Addresses Are Important Colleges use email to: Remind students of important deadlines Alert students if items are missing from their application packet Relay admission decisions

More About Email Your email address sends a message--make sure it is appropriate Write legibly when supplying your email address Keep colleges updated of changes in your email address Have an email address just for college communications

When Should I Apply? Apply in the summer/fall of the senior year (by Halloween) for admission, scholarships and housing. ROTC and Academy candidates should start application process in summer after junior year. Complete financial aid forms starting Oct. 1 of senior year. Be sure to watch deadlines carefully!

Apply Texas Used by all Texas public universities (and even some private and 2-year schools) Will be completed on-line One application works for multiple schools www.applytexas.org

All transcript requests go to Mrs. Oliver Complete transcript request form (available in guidance office and on the MHS website) A parent signature is required for students under 18 Many transcripts can be sent electronically – colleges prefer this method Do NOT open the sealed official transcript

Letters of Recommendation Know IF a letter of recommendation is required Someone who knows you well should write your letter of recommendation (teacher, coach, counselor) Always supply recommender with a resume or student information form when requesting a letter Give at least 3 weeks notice

Financing My College Education Understand how financial aid works Know these terms: EFC = Expected Family Contribution (remains the same no matter the cost of the college) COA = Cost Of Attendance (varies by college) Financial Need = COA – EFC

More Money Matters Watch out for “scholarship scams” Research scholarships on the internet, with your parents’ employers, and the college to which you are applying Go to www.fastweb.com or use the College Board website Check the MHS Guidance website frequently for local scholarships Complete the FAFSA (Free Application for Federal Student Aid) in October Consider working part-time in college Consider low interest college loans

Making Your Final Decision Visit colleges this summer & next fall Plan on application fees and housing deposits Athletes register with the NCAA Eligibility Center Schedule auditions and try-outs Consider financial aid packages This is an exciting time – ENJOY IT!