1. Planning For College Success
Ready? Set? Apply!
Planning For College Success

2. Selecting A College Dream School Safety School
Select a college that may be a “stretch” for you
Select at least one “safety” school
Select 2 or 3 schools between “dream” and “safety” school

3. What do Colleges REALLY Consider in Admissions Decisions?
Classes taken in high school
Grade point average
Class rank
SAT or ACT scores
College essays
Extracurricular activities
Recommendations (only if required)
Demonstrated Interest

4. High School Courses STRONG senior year
Challenge/level of difficulty of the course is important (Dual Credit/AP)
Check individual colleges for specific admissions requirements

5. Your Grade Point Average (GPA)
GPA is computed on a weighted scale for determining class rank
Weighted grade points are given for Pre-AP, Dual Credit, and AP courses
GPA is also reported on a 4.0 (unweighted) scale on the transcript

6. Class Rank
Colleges often require students to be ranked in a certain quarter or half of their class.
In Texas, students in the top 10% (top 6% for UT/Fall 2020) are automatically admitted to any Texas public university.
Class rank is calculated at the end of each semester. ?

7. Your Transcript Includes: Courses taken Semester grades Rank
GPA (both weighted and 4.0)
Required as part of the application

8. Testing 1…2…3…
Admission Exams:
SAT
ACT
TSI

9. S A T The SAT has two sections: Critical Reading and Math
Optional Writing
Range in scores: on each section
Composite score range: 400 – 1600

10. A C T English Math Science Reading Comprehension Optional Writing
ACT tests knowledge in:
English
Math
Science
Reading Comprehension
Optional Writing
Composite score range:

11. TSI (Texas Success Initiative)
Required before enrolling in any TEXAS PUBLIC university
Must pass all 3 sections (reading, writing, math) or will be required to take “developmental courses”
TSI Exemption:
ACT: 23 Composite (19 on English &/or math)
SAT: 1070 Composite (500 on reading &/or math)

12. Registering for the Tests
Register for tests (SAT/ACT) on-line
Fee waivers are available for students on free/reduced lunch – two for ACT and two for SAT (See Mrs. Oliver)
Students using fee waivers for exams may also qualify to have application fees waived

13. Send Your Scores
Colleges want official scores directly from the testing company
Score sends are included in the price of the test
Don’t wait to see your scores before sending them to colleges

14. Where can I find college and career information?

15. Counseling Office College and Career Center
Your counselor
Mrs. Oliver – Rm. 620
Ellis County College Fair
Individual college websites
BigFuture.org
Use PSAT access code for
My College QuickStart

16. Visit a Campus
Plan an official college visit through the college’s admission office during summer or using your “college visit days”
Attend one of the special “Preview Weekends” planned by the university

17. Using College Visit Days
To use a college visit day you will need to
Schedule a visit through the college admission office or college website
Pick up a college day form from the attendance office BEFORE the scheduled visit
Bring a note from the university verifying your visit to attendance AFTER you return

18. Email Addresses Are Important
Colleges use to:
Remind students of important deadlines
Alert students if items are missing from their application packet
Relay admission decisions

19. More About
Your address sends a message--make sure it is appropriate
Write legibly when supplying your address
Keep colleges updated of changes in your address
Have an address just for college communications

20. When Should I Apply?
Apply in the summer/fall of the senior year (by Halloween) for admission, scholarships and housing.
ROTC and Academy candidates should start application process in summer after junior year.
Complete financial aid forms starting Oct. 1 of senior year.
Be sure to watch deadlines carefully!

21. Apply Texas
Used by all Texas public universities (and even some private and 2-year schools)
Will be completed on-line
One application works for multiple schools

22. All transcript requests go to Mrs. Oliver
Complete transcript request form (available in guidance office and on the MHS website)
A parent signature is required for students under 18
Many transcripts can be sent electronically – colleges prefer this method
Do NOT open the sealed official transcript

23. Letters of Recommendation
Know IF a letter of recommendation is required
Someone who knows you well should write your letter of recommendation (teacher, coach, counselor)
Always supply recommender with a resume or student information form when requesting a letter
Give at least 3 weeks notice

24. Financing My College Education
Understand how financial aid works
Know these terms:
EFC = Expected Family Contribution (remains the same no matter the cost of the college)
COA = Cost Of Attendance (varies by college)
Financial Need = COA – EFC

25. More Money Matters Watch out for “scholarship scams”
Research scholarships on the internet, with your parents’ employers, and the college to which you are applying
Go to or use the College Board website
Check the MHS Guidance website frequently for local scholarships
Complete the FAFSA (Free Application for Federal Student Aid) in October
Consider working part-time in college
Consider low interest college loans

27. Making Your Final Decision
Visit colleges this summer & next fall
Plan on application fees and housing deposits
Athletes register with the NCAA Eligibility Center
Schedule auditions and try-outs
Consider financial aid packages
This is an exciting time – ENJOY IT!