SENIOR STAMPEDE St. Edward's University Austin College

OPTIONS AFTER HIGH SCHOOL College Choices 4 yr University or College 2 yr Community College Associate Degree Bachelors/Master Degree Trade Schools Private trade Technical Business Vocational Schools Going into the Military Can provide career skills training Can provide funding for college Going Immediately to Work Research job outlook and future marketability

Why do I need more education? Jobs requiring post-secondary training are growing almost twice as fast as the number of jobs that do not require additional training Pay rates for people who go to college increase faster than those with just a high school diploma College graduates will earn more money than high school graduates over the course of their careers

Types of Degrees Bachelor’s or baccalaureate degrees-are obtained at four year colleges or universities. The bachelor of arts (B.A.) and the bachelor of science (B.S.) are the most common. Advanced/Professional Degrees-Master’s degrees and doctorate degrees are obtained after a bachelor’s degree---lawyer, doctor, pharmacist, physical therapist, principal, school counselor

MAKING COLLEGE CHOICES Revise and finalize your college list: Select a “DREAM” school Select at least two back up schools Begin online admission and scholarship applications Make college visits- two days -Counts as an excused absence when confirmed with college documentation (bring to Attendance office upon return)

The Common Application COLLEGE APPLICATIONS Apply Texas The Common Application www.commonapp.org Accepted by over 400 private and public college and universities nationwide Counselor Forms School Report Mid-year Report Final Year Report www.applytexas.org Accepted by every Texas Public University, plus some private and two-year schools. REMINDERS: *Check websites of individual schools for deadlines & specific information regarding scholarships, housing, etc. *Application fees apply for each school

Common Application Forms School Report

Mid-Year Report

Final Report

Applying Options Early Decision - is a binding commitment! You may apply to other schools for regular admission but must withdraw if accepted thru Early Decision *consider financial need when applying for ED Early Action – is non-binding. You may apply to other schools under EA (unless it’s restricted) and you have until May 1st to decide *the advantage is receiving an acceptance letter early in the year Regular Admission-(rolling admission) Beware of all admission deadlines!

ADMISSION REQUIREMENTS What admission tests are required? SAT I, ACT, SAT II SUBJECT TESTS, Is an audition, portfolio or interview required? Does the school offer an academic program to meet your needs, including research, study abroad, and internship opportunities? Are there other areas of interest if you change your major?

SUBMIT APPLICATIONS APPLICATION PROCESS Complete applications online Then request transcripts Have tests scores sent directly from College Board or ACT. Pay application fee Include essays if required Applications are incomplete until all parts are received by the admissions office

Other items to consider: Should I take CLEP tests? What AP scores will my school accept? Do I need to take placement tests? (THEA) Register for an orientation as early as possible… before May 1! Send housing deposit as soon as allowed.

LETTERS OF RECOMMENDATION When requesting letters of recommendation (LOR): Complete a recommendation packet available in counseling office Choose teachers who know you best Allow three weeks advance notice Provide a stamped, addressed envelope and application deadlines Always write thank you notes to those who provided a LOR…it is proper etiquette and it serves as a reminder

In Counseling Office/Online REQUEST TRANSCRIPTS In Counseling Office/Online 1st 3 transcripts are free Allow 3 days for processing $2.00 for additional copies $5.00 for rush copies Addressed #10 envelope required for transcripts that must be mailed SENDedu requests (Baylor, ACU, etc) – you need to sign the request and include ID#

Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) The FAFSA is your key to getting financial aid. Here are some things you should know in order to be ready! After January 1st: Complete the FAFSA online at www.fafsa.ed.gov Fill out a FAFSA even if you think you won’t qualify for federal aid. Some schools won’t consider a student for merit scholarships until the student has submitted a FAFSA! Most school scholarships require you to fill out a FAFSA! Get a Federal Student Aid PIN at www.pin.ed.gov . Write it down! You need this to “sign” your online FAFSA. Keep it safe!

2011-2012 Estimated Costs Texas A & M University *Based on 30 hours = 1 year Cost Tuition and Fees* $8,648 Room and Board 8,008 Books and Supplies 1,350 Travel 550 Loan Fees 64 Miscellaneous 2,225 TOTAL $20,845

Regional Office Contacts Visit Regional Offices in San Antonio: Texas A & M 210-212-7016 Univ. of Texas 210-804-2386 Texas Tech 806-834-1927

Making a final decision in the Spring: Review financial aid letters and decide which college to attend by May 1st Make one final visit if necessary Confirm housing arrangements Inform the college of your choice that you accept!!!!!! Inform the others that you’re not attending Finally, DO NOT FORGET TO ORDER YOUR FINAL TRANSCRIPT in May.

Beware of the following: What you include in your social networking websites i.e. Face Book, Twitter, etc. E-mail addresses…1st impressions!!! Felony convictions will eliminate federally funded financial aid options Credit card offers Academic probation-GPA is tied to financial aid

SENIORITIS Senioritis is the term used to What does this mean? describe the slacking off of some high school seniors during their spring semester or upon being accepted to college.

BISD College Night hosted by Boerne High School When: Thursday, November 1, 2012 Where: Boerne Convention Center Time: 6:30pm-8:00pm Visit with college representatives from universities, community colleges, trades schools and the military. Wear your favorite college t-shirt to school on Nov. 1st.

Senior Year Reminders                          Know your college application instructions & deadlines Request test scores from testing agency Attend the Financial Aid Information Session on Thursday, December 6th @ CHS 6:00 to 7:00 Know your financial aid application requirements & complete your FAFSA after January 1st Request transcripts Request letters of recommendation in a timely manner Complete scholarship applications