College 101 Getting Connected to the College Application Process

Important People Principal – Dr. Chris Jackson Assistant Principals – Jeri Hall (A – Fa) Mark McClure (Fe - Le) Rina Ramos (Li – Ri) Chad Van Winkle (Ro – Z) Counselors – Phyllis Bauer (A – Fa) Tina Barnes (Fe – Le) Glenna Pollock (Li – Ri) Jennifer Cox (Ro – Z) Registrar – Donna Rollins (transcripts) Senior class sponsor – Pat McHargue

Where Should I be now?? Seniors: Complete application process Go on College visit Take or retake ACT/SAT Order transcripts Arrange for letters of recommendation to be sent Apply for scholarships and financial aid STAY ACADEMICALLY RIGOROUS!

What are Colleges Looking For? High School GPA/Class Rank SAT/ACT scores Insights from written essays Community Service involvement Well Rounded Student

The List Picking schools can be difficult! Dream schools vs. Reality schools Find your fit…. – Academics – Personality – Activities – Financial expectations

College Applications Apply on-line - Texas public colleges: - Many private colleges: - School’s website: Check for required supplements (interviews, letters of recommendation, secondary school reports )

Recommendations Not required for all schools Ask if willing to write letter (teacher, counselor, youth minister, coach) Provide copy of resume and a stamped envelope Allow 5 days Follow up with thank you

College Essay DO NOT PROCRASTINATE! Make it error free, do a draft, then rewrite Use your voice – do not over use a thesaurus Answer the questions – Use a reasonable progression of ideas – Focus on quality not quantity of words – Remember you are writing to an adult – Avoid excessive use of sarcasm

Testing SAT/ACT SAT – ACT –

Transcript From registrar, obtain and fill out transcript request form - Include school’s address - Fee required ($2 per copy, first copy is free) Allow adequate time Registrar’s office located behind attendance office

Finalizing Applications Methods for sending a completed application - Online (preferred method) - Postal service Check with colleges to ensure receipt of all parts of application! Allow 2 – 3 weeks for processing

College Visits Schedule appointment with college Obtain college visit form from counseling office Return signed college visit form to attendance office State allows 2 college visits per school year

FAFSA Free Application for Federal Student Aid Based on family income in the year prior to college entrance Tax information required Complete FAFSA in January Obtain a PIN number FAFSA nights – Thursday, February 12, 6:00 pm and Tuesday, April 14, 6:00 pm

Financial Aid Federal loans: offered based on FAFSA – repayment begins after college Grants: offered based on FAFSA and financial need Scholarships: awarded according to need and/or achievement

Scholarships Check college financial aid department Some schools may require FAFSA for academic awards Online resources Read scholarship requirements carefully Be aware of due dates Local packet early in second semester

Immunizations Students must have received a meningitis immunization within the last five years Schools require the immunization be given at least 10 days prior to arriving on the college campus This is a new state requirement

Upcoming dates to remember…. ASVAB – Wednesday, October 15, 8:00 am SAT – Saturday, November 8, 7:30 (last day to register w/out late fee – Thursday, October 9) College Night – Thursday, October 23, 6:00 – 8:00 pm FAFSA nights – Thursday, February 12, 6:00 pm and Tuesday, April 14, 6:00 pm