1. SENIOR STAMPEDE St. Edward's University Austin College

2. OPTIONS AFTER HIGH SCHOOL College Choices – 4 yr University or College – 2 yr Community College – Associate Degree – Bachelors/Master Degree Trade Schools – Private trade – Technical – Business – Vocational Schools Going into the Military – Can provide career skills training – Can provide funding for college Going Immediately to Work – Research job outlook and future marketability

3. Types of Degrees Trade Certification-short term training in specific field Associate’s degree-two year program consisting of prerequisite courses leading to a bachelor’s degree Bachelor’s or baccalaureate degrees-are obtained at four year colleges or universities. The bachelor of arts (B.A.) and the bachelor of science (B.S.) are the most common. Advanced/Professional Degrees-Master’s degrees and doctorate degrees are obtained after a bachelor’s degree--- lawyer, doctor, pharmacist, physical therapist, principal, school counselor

4. MAKING COLLEGE CHOICES Revise and finalize your college list:  Select a “DREAM” school  Select at least two back up schools  Begin online admission and scholarship applications  Make college visits- two days -Counts as an excused absence when confirmed with college documentation (bring to Attendance office upon return)

5. COLLEGE APPLICATIONS The Common Application www.commonapp.org Accepted by hundreds of private and public colleges and universities nationwide – Online Counselor Forms School Report Mid-year Report Final Year Report Apply Texas www.applytexas.org Accepted by every Texas Public University, plus some private and two-year schools. REMINDERS : *Check websites of individual schools for deadlines & specific information regarding scholarships, housing, etc. *Application fees apply for each school

6. Applying Options Early Decision - is a binding commitment! You may apply to other schools for regular admission but must withdraw if accepted thru Early Decision *consider financial need when applying for ED Early Action – is non-binding. You may apply to other schools under EA (unless it’s restricted) and you have until May 1 st to decide *the advantage is receiving an acceptance letter early in the year Regular Admission-(rolling admission) Beware of all admission deadlines!

7. ADMISSION REQUIREMENTS  What admission tests are required?  SAT I or ACT, (SAT II Subject Tests for selective schools and majors)  Is an audition, portfolio or interview required?  Does the school offer an academic program to meet your needs, including research, study abroad, and internship opportunities ?  Are there other areas of interest if you change your major?

8. SUBMIT APPLICATIONS APPLICATION PROCESS  Complete applications online  Then request transcripts  Have tests scores sent directly from College Board or ACT.  Pay application fee  Include essays if required Applications are incomplete until all parts are received by the admissions office

9. Other items to consider: What AP scores will my school accept? – See the College Board link on CHS Counseling website Expect to take some placement exams Register for an orientation as early as possible… before May 1! Send housing deposit as soon as allowed.

10. LETTERS OF RECOMMENDATION When requesting letters of recommendation (LOR):  Complete a recommendation packet available in counseling office when a letter from a counselor is needed  Choose teachers who know you best  Allow THREE+ weeks advance notice  Provide a stamped, addressed envelope and application deadlines for teacher recommendation letters that are not completed online  Always write thank you notes to those who provided a LOR…it is proper etiquette and it serves as a reminder

11. In Counseling Office/Online 1st 3 transcripts are free Allow 3 days for processing $2.00 for additional copies $5.00 for rush copies Addressed #10 envelope required for transcripts that must be mailed – stamp and return address not needed SENDedu requests (private schools) – you need to sign the request and include ID# REQUEST TRANSCRIPTS

12. Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) The FAFSA is your key to getting financial aid. Here are some things you should know in order to be ready! After January 1 st : Complete the FAFSA online at www.fafsa.ed.gov March 1 st : Priority Deadline to be considered for financial aid Fill out a FAFSA even if you think you won’t qualify for federal aid. Some schools won’t consider a student for merit scholarships until the student has submitted a FAFSA! Most school scholarships require you to fill out a FAFSA! Get a Federal Student Aid PIN at www.pin.ed.gov. Write it down! You need this to “sign” your online FAFSA. Keep it safe!

13. 2014-2015 Estimated Costs Texas A & M University *Based on 30 hours = 1 yearCost Tuition and Fees* $9,180 Room and Board 9,522 Books and Supplies 1,000 Travel 606 Loan Fees 62 Personal Expenses 2,100 TOTAL $22,470

14. Regional Office Contacts Visit Regional Offices: Texas A & M210-212-7016 Univ. of Texas210-804-2386 Texas Tech (Austin)512-345-4888

15. FINAL DECISION Making a final decision in the Spring:  Review financial aid letters and decide which college to attend by May 1st  Make one final visit if necessary  Confirm housing arrangements  Inform the college of your choice that you accept!!!!!!  Inform the others that you’re not attending  Finally, DO NOT FORGET TO ORDER YOUR FINAL TRANSCRIPT in May.

16. Beware of the following: What you include in your social networking websites i.e. Face Book, Twitter, etc. E-mail addresses…1 st impressions!!! Felony convictions will eliminate federally funded financial aid options Credit card offers Academic probation-GPA is tied to financial aid

17. What does this mean? Senioritis is the term used to describe the slacking off of some high school seniors during their spring semester or upon being accepted to college. SENIORITIS

18. Senior Year Reminders  Know your college application instructions & deadlines  Attend BISD College Fair on Thursday, November 6 th @ 6:30 at Boerne Civic Center  Request test scores from testing agency  Attend the Financial Aid Information Session on Monday, December 1 st @ 6:00 to 7:00 at CHS  Know your financial aid application requirements & complete your FAFSA after January 1 st  Request transcripts  Request letters of recommendation in a timely manner  Complete scholarship applications

19. Connect with Counseling! Download the Remind101 App on your smart phone and sign up to receive important counseling messages!