1. The Next Step… Post High School Planning

2. Options for high school graduates
4 year colleges
2 year colleges
Certificate programs
Trade schools
Military
World of work

3. Considerations for College choice
Public or private
Size and diversity of student body
Location and setting
Academic programs
Campus life- athletics, activities, housing
Graduation and retention rates
Financial aid and scholarship opportunities
Majors (courses of study) available

4. Top Ten 4 year Schools – Final Transcripts Class of 2016
University of Texas – Dallas
University of Texas – Austin
Texas A&M University
University of Arkansas
University of North Texas
Texas Tech University
University of Oklahoma
Baylor University
Oklahoma State University
Stephen F. Austin State University

5. Top Out of State 4 Year Schools Final Transcripts Class of 2016
University of Arkansas University of Oklahoma Oklahoma State University University of Colorado University of Alabama University of Mississippi University of Missouri Colorado State University Arizona State University Cornell University Indiana University

6. Top 20 Research Colleges Final Transcripts Class of 2016
Princeton - 2
Harvard - 2
Yale - 1
Columbia - 0
Caltech - 1
MIT - 1
Stanford - 1
Univ of Chicago - 3
Univ of Pennsylvania - 2
Duke University - 6
Dartmouth- 1
Johns Hopkins University - 1
Northwestern University - 1
Washington University in St. Louis - 5
Cornell - 8
Brown - 1
Vanderbilt University- 3
Notre Dame - 1
Rice – 14
Emory University- 1
US News and World Report top 20 research universities in the country in 2012.
Listed by college ranking.
U.S. News National University Rankings

7. 2016 Graduates – Armed Service Academies
United States Coast Guard Academy – 1
United States Military Academy at West Point – 2
United States Naval Academy – 1
United Stated Merchant Marine Academy- 1

8. Getting Started in the 9th Grade
Begin researching Colleges and Careers
Naviance
University Ready (find under the “for students” tab at pisd.edu
Activities Resume
Work hard in your classes.
Rigorous curriculum
Take the most challenging courses you can and still perform well – the strength of curriculum is typically the top factor for selective colleges and universities.

9. 10th Grade Take the PSAT in October.
Attend your Individual Academic Conference in the spring.
Continue to work hard in your classes.
Continue to research careers and colleges on Naviance and other websites.

10. 11th Grade PSAT/National Merit Individual Academic Conferences
College Nights
Talk with college representatives that visit your campus.
College Campus visits and events
Narrow the colleges that you are considering.
Spring of junior year – SAT/ACT

11. 12th Grade Complete college applications Attend College Nights
Attend Parent/student information meetings
Talk with college representatives on your campus
Continue to work hard- colleges will require a final transcript.
Apply for scholarships (listed on Naviance)
Complete the FAFSA- Free application for federal student aid. Opens in October and based on prior prior year income information.

12. Top Factors in Admissions
Grades in college preparatory courses
Strength of curriculum
Admissions tests- ACT or SAT
Overall grades or GPA
College Admission Factors from the National Association of College Admission Counseling

13. Admission Factors College Application College essay or writing sample
GPA/Class rank
Many colleges compute their own GPA
Counselor recommendation
Teacher recommendation/s
Work Experience
Extracurricular activities
Volunteer service
Choice of Major

14. Extracurricular Activities
There is no list of activities that will guarantee admission to college.
Students should decide which activities they enjoy, then pursue them with gusto and commitment.
What qualities do admission officers consider? Commitment, motivation, accomplishment, passion, and leadership.
There is life outside the classroom – find it! You are building a resume that will enhance your overall record for any college admissions office.
These activities will help you link your learning and work after high school and college.

15. College and Social Media
Social media can hurt or help your chances of being recruited. According to a Pew Research Center report when doing new student recruiting:
87% of colleges use Facebook
76% of colleges use Twitter
63% of colleges use YouTube
What types of technology posts hurt your chances of getting into college?
Illegal activity
Photos of students drinking alcohol
Plagiarism

16. What is Demonstrated Interest?
“Indicator used by colleges to determine how interested applicants are in enrolling in their college.”
Education.com/reference

17. Types of Demonstrated Interest
Supplemental Essays
Common Application college-specific supplement
Campus Visits
College Interviews
College Fairs
Contacting your Admission Representative
Sending a Thank You Note
Applying early

18. NCAA
National Collegiate Athletic Association Initial-Eligibility Clearinghouse is the organization that determines whether prospective college athletes are eligible to play sports at NCAA Division I or Division II institutions. A review is conducted of the student athlete's academic record, SAT or ACT scores, and amateur status to ensure conformity with NCAA rules.

19. Additional Websites http://ur.pisd.edu – PISD University Ready site
– financial aid information
– testing (PSAT, SAT, AP), college and career exploration
– testing ACT, college and career exploration
– a planning and organizing site

20. Questions? Thank you for coming!