The College Application Process: How to get There from Here 1

Distinguished Achievement Application If you plan to graduate under DAP, complete an application and turn it into the counseling office before November 14, DAP: 3 years same foreign language, 4 sciences not including IPC, PLUS 4 advanced, college-level measures (AP test scores, Dual Credit, National Merit, Articulated CTE Courses) 2

Review from 11th Grade Three assignments from last December: Research colleges-you should be narrowing your choices Take SAT and/or ACT with Writing Create and save resume Athletes 3

SAT VS ACT (from The Princeton Review, 2013) ACT questions tend to be more straightforward. ACT questions are often easier to understand on a first read. On the SAT, you may need to spend time figuring out what you're being asked before you can start solving the problem.) The SAT has a stronger emphasis on vocabulary. (If you have a strong vocabulary, you'll love the SAT. If words aren't your thing, you may do better on the ACT.) The ACT has a Science section, while the SAT does not. The ACT tests more advanced math concepts. In addition to basic arithmetic, algebra I and II, and geometry, the ACT tests your knowledge of trigonometry, too. That said, the ACT Math section is not necessarily harder, since many students find the questions to be more straightforward than those on the SAT. The 25-minute SAT essay is required and is factored into your writing score. The 30-minute ACT writing test is not included in your composite score, but needs to be taken — schools will see it listed separately. Most colleges require the writing section of the ACT. The SAT is broken up into more sections. On the ACT, you tackle each content area (English, Math, Reading and Science) in one big chunk, with the writing test at the end. On the SAT, the content areas (Critical Reading, Math and Writing) are broken up into 10 sections, with the required essay at the beginning. You do a little math, a little writing, a little critical reading, a little more math, etc. The ACT is more of a "big picture" exam. College admissions officers care about how you did on each section of the SAT. On the ACT, they're most concerned with your composite score. So if you're weak in one content area but strong in others, you could still end up with a very good ACT score and thus make a strong impression with the admissions committee. 1/24/20164

SAT/ACT Info SAT -$51; register at  October 5 Register by September 6  November 2Register by October 3  December 7Register by November 8  January 25Register by December 27  March 8Register by February 7  May 3 Register by April 4  June 7Register by May 9 ACT-$52.50; register at  September 21Register by August 23  October 26Register by September 27  December 14Register by November 8  February 8Register by January 10  April 12Register by March 7  June 14Register by May 9 5

College Applications/ONLINE Texas public 4-year colleges: Many applications opened August 1 st Use the Fall 2014 application for undergraduates Follow instructions and PROOFREAD before you hit “submit”. Allow others to PROOFREAD. Use an appropriate address! Deadlines are extremely important!! 6

Other Applications Out-of-state? Visit the college website Private? Visit the college website 2-year? Visit the college website Can’t find it? See Your Counselor Selective/Private: Some Texas private schools use Applytexas: (Baylor, DBU,HBU,Schreiner,Southwestern,U of Dallas, TCU) 7

Lone Star College No SAT or ACT test score required TSIA tests for placement Apply to: Lonestar.edu Lone Star Rep will be in the counseling office- sign up with your counselor once a month 1/24/20168

Transcripts OFFICIAL transcripts must be sent from Klein Collins directly to college or scholarship committee. You and your parents may NOT hand-deliver or mail these yourselves. Each transcript (even unofficial) are $1.00 each from Mrs. Morales in the counseling office. A two week prior notice is needed in order to meet your deadlines. Don’t wait until the last minute! Request forms available online & in counseling office Send transcripts for admissions now; send final transcript when you accept admissions offer--final transcripts are mailed in June. A final transcript must be requested! 1/24/20169

GPA/Rank Preliminary rank: 793 seniors Top 10% up to rank # 79 Top 25% up to rank # 198 Top 50% up to rank # 396 Our GPA scale is considered a 4.0+ weighted scale Final ranking released late February 1/24/201610

Examples Rank and Test Score Info UH Top 15% automatically admitted by Dec. 1 st deadline Top 50% with 1100 on SAT CR+M or ACT 24 SHSU Top 25% automatically admitted- SAT or ACT required, but no min. Top 50% 960 SAT CR+M or 20 ACT Texas State Top 10% automatically admitted- SAT or ACT required, but no min. Top 50% Sat 1010/ACT 22 1/24/201611

Letters of Recommendation These are not mandatory; check the college requirements Select someone that knows you well ! Fill out the Student Information Form (BLUE) completely  Available in the counseling office or on the KCHS website Give a copy of the BLUE form to each person from whom you request a letter—2 week advance notice!!! Keep a copy for your files Provide a STAMPED, ADDRESSED envelope 1/24/201612

Financial Aid Loans: you pay back/must qualify Grants: you do not pay back/must qualify Work Study—employment through the university/must qualify apply January 1st—parents/students must have tax info ready. NOW get PIN for you and a parent to sign application electronically 1/24/201613

Scholarships Scholarships: FREE money—you do not pay back KCHS List: Posted online: Subscribe to elist: with “subscribe” in the subject line—when new lists are generated, they will be ed to you. USE Search: employers, churches, college financial aid offices, organizations, etc. There are few “Full Rides”—many students borrow and work while in college “If it sounds too good to be true, it probably is.” Beware of scams! 1/24/201614

SCHOLARSHIPS Be Proactive Be Persistent Be Positive It is very important that you stay organized and complete applications on time and thoroughly— CAUTION: make sure the essay addresses the topic! 1/24/201615

To Do List: Register & take the ACT/SAT immediately Request Test scores be sent. (SAT/ACT) Apply for admission/housing/scholarships HAVE A BACK-UP SCHOOL!! “Plan B” Meet All Deadlines! General Rule: Apply before October. Check all dates!! Request official transcripts be sent well before deadlines. (Including Dual credit from Lone Star) 1/24/201616

UT-Austin New: ONLY Top 7% auto admit now For the 2014 Senior class, this would be those students ranked number 1-55 Engineering—SAT Subject Test Math required/Math Readiness Scores  Dec.1 st scholarship deadline received by  Dec.1 st application deadline received by 1/24/201617

Texas A&M Top 10% qualify for automatic admissions Top 25% must have: 1300 SAT (600 CR/math) or 30 ACT (27 English and math) 50% of admitted class is Top 10% 85% were top 25%  Dec. 1st application deadline (rec’d by)  Dec. 1st scholarship deadline (rec’d by) 1/24/201618

How Much Does College Cost?! Average Tuition and Fees in : (in-state); Books, Room and Board, Other Expenses Total Cost (based on 15 credit hours in fall/spring): Lone Star College= $2,744 (for tuition/books only) Sam Houston State University = $22,216 yr. Texas A&M University= $21,581 yr. Texas State University = $20,710 yr. The University of Texas at Austin = $26,148 yr. Stephen F. Austin State University= $22,994 University of Houston= $27,188 Baylor University= $54,152 Rice University = $54,891 Texas Christian University= $52,068 1/24/201619

More: “Lisa”: Stu Co President, number one in her class, started college a semester late because she missed the UT deadlines/had no back-up! (NOT a KCHS student) “John”: Top 12%--did not take SAT until January of his senior year—no chance at A&M or UT—his first two choices (KCHS) Plan, organize, execute Don’t just think about it! 1/24/201620

ASVAB TESTING Coming soon: October in the Teaching Theater Please sign up with Mrs. Tye in the Counseling Office The ASVAB measures abilities and helps predict future academic and occupational success. 1/24/201621

College KCHS 9/20 NOTRE DAME 12 th graders Top 10% 4 th period (Teaching Theater) **PASS NEEDED-See Mrs. Jennings 9/27HARN (Houston Area Recruiters Network) 10 colleges will be in the cafeteria during lunches 10/2 LSU- during lunches 10/8 TCU- during lunches 10/9University of Arkansas- during lunches 10/10 COLLEGE CFBC church 6:00 PM Financial Aid presentations for parents/students 10/17 SHSU Mobile Go 11/1Lone Star – Mobile Go Pay attention to the loop/announcements!!!!!!!! 1/24/201622

Questions? Check the KCHS website! See Your Counselor 1/24/201623