1. Senior
Information

2. This is the time to make important decisions!
Decide:
What are your interests?
What are your goals?
What are your favorite
subjects?
What careers are available
in certain fields?
Where do I want to be
years from now?

3. Ask yourself realistically… What program can I Start and Finish?
• Certificate/License Program
• Military Career
• College:
* 2+ years (Associate’s Degree)
* 4+ years (Bachelor’s Degree)
* 6+ years (Master’s /PhD)

4. Can you get accepted? Do you meet the requirements
to get into the college to which
you want to apply?
GPA
Class Rank
SAT/SAT Scores
Recommended Courses

5. What if “Time is running out” and you still don’t know?
• You can always begin
college and major in
“General Studies” or as
“Undecided”.
• Work towards getting
your “basics” or “core
classes” out of the way.
• Meet often with your
college counselor.

6. Do you know the costs involved?
• Compare each college’s
range of tuition and fees,
including books, housing,
transportation, and meals.
• Be sure to think long
range about your costs.
Realize the costs involved
are not only per semester,
but until the completion of your
certificate or degree program.

7. Be sure to apply to more than one college:
#1- College should be your “Oh My Gosh”
college.
#2- Should be your “Maybe/Probably”
#3- Should be your “No Problem” College.
- Be sure to consider Lone Star
college for many reasons…

8. College Application Process
Determine when the college of your choice will begin accepting applications.
Submit applications in a timely manner.
Submit SAT/ACT scores.
When writing application essays, use your best writing skills. Consider having someone proof and critique the essay before submitting.
Request transcripts and letters of recommendation well ahead of the deadline.
Maintain copies of all applications.
Be sure to apply to more than one college.

9. College Application Completion Checklist
ACT/SAT Scores
Official High School Transcript
Application & Application Fee
Include any necessary essay(s) or
optional resume/letters of recommendation.

10. College Application Websites
Students can use one application to apply to more
than one public Four-Year University by using the following
applications:
THE COMMON APPLICATION
The Common Application is a not-for-profit
organization that serves students and member
institutions by providing an admission application –
online and in print – that students may submit to ANY
of the associated Universities.
THE APPLY TEXAS APPLICATION
Apply Texas offers a centralized means for both Texas
and non-Texas students to apply to the many outstanding
postsecondary institutions available in the state of Texas.

11. Requesting Transcripts
Students must complete and
sign a “Request for Transcript”
form in the Registrar’s
Office. The cost is $2.00 per
transcript.
Please allow 2-4 days to
process.
AHS official transcripts
are submitted to students in a sealed
envelope. They must remain
sealed in order to be considered official. Students are responsible for mailing transcripts off to the College/University of their choice.

12. Letters of Recommendation
Should be written by someone
who knows you very well.
Provide a copy of your resume
or submit and Autobiography to
the person writing the letter.
Give that person 2-3 weeks notice.
Letter should accurately validate or
certify leadership, talents, community
service, and extra curricular activities.
You may need at least 2-3 letters of
recommendation.

13. College Admission Testing
SAT – ACT
THEA

14. The first step in the college application process is to take either the SAT Reasoning Test or the ACT.
The purpose of the college entrance exams is to provide the college admissions officers with a common measure of ability in order to understand and compare applicants from varying educational backgrounds. The Scholastic Aptitude Test (SAT) and the American College Testing (ACT) Program provide that common measure of ability. The admission office may use a formula that combines your SAT I or ACT score with your high school grade point average (GPA) to determine your probability of success on the campus.
You are encouraged to take either the ACT or SAT by the end of your junior year (advanced students may be ready earlier) and once again if higher scores are desired early in your senior year, usually by the October or November test date. 
Register online (SAT - College Board Online or ACT online
The Atascocita High School College Board Campus code
is  

16. What are the differences between the SAT and ACT Tests?
• ACT – English, Math, Reading, Science, and
Writing (optional) Assessment. The ACT tests a
student’s acquired skills.
• SAT I – Critical Reading, Writing, and Math
Assessment. The SAT tests how well students
reason.
• SAT II – Subject tests (The more selective &
competitive colleges require/recommend one or
more).

17. exceptions to this rule
You may not attend any four year college or university as an
incoming freshman without taking the SAT or ACT!
There are only a few
exceptions to this rule

18. EXCEPTIONS! • You many enter a community college
without taking the SAT/ACT.
• You may transfer later to a university
without taking the SAT/ACT
(typically if you have enough credits to be
considered a sophomore).
• Please be advised that many scholarship
applications require an SAT/ACT score.

19. Fee Waiver Don’t let registration fees stand in the way
between you and going to college!!!
Please see your counselor to verify if you are eligible
to receive a fee waiver.
A limited number of fee waivers are available for:
SAT Registration (2 total)
ACT Registration (2 total)
College Application Fees (max 4)
(All students on Free/Reduced Lunch Program Qualify)

20. THEA – Texas Higher Education Assessment
What…Another Test?
THEA – Texas Higher Education Assessment
All students must take the THEA test or be exempted from the test BEFORE enrolling in any state of Texas college-level course work. Students may be exempted from the THEA test by making the following qualifying scores on the SAT, ACT, or TAKS:
TAKS Exemption: If you score a 2200 on the ELA (with a 3 on
the Writing Sample) and a 2200 on the Math.
ACT Exemption: 23 or higher with English or Math no
lower than 19.
SAT Exemption: 1070 or higher with Critical Reading
If you are not exempt, you must take this test before registering at any Texas college, including community/junior colleges.

21. How can I study for the THEA?
• Website
This website has both an online practice test and a study guide which you may
purchase.

22. Athletes…Don’t Forget…
You will need to complete the
necessary NCAA
Clearinghouse forms!
Student-athletes must be certified by the NCAA Clearinghouse before receiving an athletics scholarship, practicing and competing at a division I or II institution.
You can apply on-line at
See your coach for details.

23. Scholarships

24. Scholarships Where do I look?
AHS scholarship website
Internet
College/University website
Local business Advertisement
Parents place of employment
Scholarship applications take time and effort but, it is well worth it!!!!!!!
Don’t give up…Hang in there

25. Scholarships
Listen to AHS announcements, read Eagle Mail, and visit the AHS Scholarship website often for updates.
Watch the calendar closely for application deadlines.
3. Research other available scholarships via the internet, reference books, or private sources.
4. APPLY, APPLY, APPLY!

26. Scholarship information for college

27. Financial Aid

28. FAFSA FAFSA – Free Application for Federal Student Aid.
Forms can be filled out online at
Apply for a PIN now! Speed up the application process by signing your FAFSA electronically with your PIN. Students and parents can sign applications electronically.
It is highly recommended that parents have their 2010 Income Tax Returns completed before attempting to complete this form.

29. Begin the FAFSA process @ www.fafsa.ed.gov

30. WARNING You must first apply to the College/University…
Then: You may list that
College/University on the
FAFSA Application.

31. Sources of Financial Aid
Grants – Need based; do not have to
repay as long as you maintain
a certain GPA.
Loans – Must repay once you finish
college.
Work Study Program – Job housed on
campus arranged by college.
Scholarships- Free money

32. How can we help your senior…

33. Senior Meetings

34. Who: Senior and Counselor
When: October thru
November
Why: Review your 4 year plan, evaluate transcript, discuss plans post-high school, answer any questions you might bring to the meeting for discussion

35. Resources *One of your greatest resources is the AHS website.

36. We are committed to providing you with the resources necessary to help you achieve your goals, NOW…
What are YOU
prepared to do
for yourself
and your future?

37. Don’t Let Yourself Get Overwhelmed!
You can do it…

38. You can make it to Graduation…
And Beyond!!!