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 2..5..10 years from now?

3. Bridges Choices Explorer and Planner Choices Planner Choices Planner is an online career information delivery system that helps students compare, connect and choose from a vast network of education and career options, effortlessly building a meaningful plan for college and beyond. Choices Explorer Choices Explorer is a career exploration system which motivates students to achieve academic success by helping them determine their best education and career options. Connecting students to traditional and non- traditional careers.

4. Bridges for Students 1. Go to www.bridges.com. 2. In the Student Sign In section, enter humble + student ID (without any spaces, all lowercase; ie. humble123456). The password is your student ID (6 digits). 3. Select Choices Explorer from the Your Tools box. Start Planning Now! Here are some of the cool features you’ll find in Choices Explorer…. Work Explore over 900 unique careers in the Career Clusters. Use the Career Finder to narrow down hundreds of careers to those matching your skills and interests. Explore careers related to Your School Subjects that you enjoy the most. Get to Work with info on job hunting, career planning, apprenticeships and more. Learn Create a 4 year high school course plan in the Course Plan Builder. Choose an interest-based cluster on the Learn page to check out the numerous education programs available. Take the Major Finder to see which majors match your interests. Find great homework helpers and study tips in Succeeding in High School. Use The Student Planner to make sure you have your bases covered planning for high school and college. Get ready, choose courses and apply for financial aid in Preparing for College. Life Discover new ways for spending your free time, like volunteering and recreation. Read questions and answers from recreation experts. Your Portfolio Save Your Plans and information All About You, such as your skills, interests, resumes, and courses you’ve taken. Check out Your Activities to see which assignments and tasks you’ve completed and what’s left to do. Record your ideas and questions in Your Journal as you figure out what to do after high school. Search Choices Explorer’s comprehensive search engine finds anything and everything you need to know about career exploration and education planning. Just type in a key word and GO!

5. Bridges for Parents Creating a Parent Portfolio is a quick and easy two part process that allows parents to begin navigating Choices immediately. 1. Go to the Bridges portal: www.bridges.com 2. On the homepage look for the Parents box, and click Sign In. 3. From the Parents page, click "Create a new portfolio”. You'll arrive at the "Create Your Portfolio" page. 4. Now, click on Create a new portfolio. 5. Complete the requested information using district site ID and password: – Site ID: 1234944 – Site Password : humble 6. Choose a Portfolio Name and Password that you’ll remember! 7. Once you have completed all of the requested information, click on Create Your Portfolio. Note about the Parent Portfolio/Account: This account allows you to use all of the tools that your child has access to including a personal portfolio. You will not be able to see any of your child’s portfolio or information. To access your child’s portfolio, you must login using his/her access codes.

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

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

8. 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.

9. 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. Do you know the costs involved?

10. Be sure to apply to more than one college: #1- College should be your “Oh My Gosh” college. #2- Should be your “Maybe/Probably” college. #3- Should be your “No Problem” College.

11. College Application Process 1. Determine when the college of your choice will begin accepting applications. 2.Submit applications in a timely manner. 3.Submit SAT/ACT scores. 4.When writing application essays, use your best writing skills. Consider having someone proof and critique the essay before submitting. 5.Request transcripts and letters of recommendation well ahead of the deadline. 6.Maintain copies of all applications. 7.Be sure to apply to more than one college.

12. Decide Whether to apply Early Action or Early Decision Early decision plans are binding. You agree to attend the college if it accepts you and offers an adequate financial aid package. Although you can apply to only one college for early decision, you may apply to other colleges through the regular admission process. If you're accepted by your first-choice college early, you must withdraw all other applications. Application Type BindingCan Apply Early to Other Colleges Can Apply to Other Colleges Under Regular Admissi on Early DecisionYesNoYes Early ActionNoYes Early action plans are similar to early decision plans, but are not binding. If you’ve been accepted, you can choose to commit to the college immediately, or wait until the spring. Under these plans, you may also apply early action to other colleges. Usually, you have until the late spring to let the college know your decision.

13. 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.

14. 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. www.commonapp.org 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. www.applytexas.org

15. Requesting Transcripts Students must see Mrs. Reta Brown, in the Registrar’s office to complete and sign a “Request for Transcript” form. Including the Organizations mailing address. The cost is $2.00 per transcript. Cash only! Please allow 3-4 weeks to process and mail your transcript directly to the University or Organization of your choice. All official transcripts will be mailed to the University or Organization designated by the student.

16. 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.

17. SAT – ACT THEA College Admission Testing

18. 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 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 www.collegeboard.com or ACT online www.act.org).www.act.org The Atascocita High School College Board Campus code is 443583.

20. 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).

21. 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

22. 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.

23. 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)

24. What…Another Test? 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: THEA – Texas Higher Education Assessment 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.

25. How can I study for the THEA? Website www.thea.nesinc.com This website has both an online practice test and a study guide which you may purchase.

26. 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 www.ncaaclearinghouse.net See your coach for details.

28. 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

29. Scholarships 1.Listen to AHS announcements, read Eagle Mail, and visit the AHS Scholarship website often for updates. 2.Watch the calendar closely for application deadlines. 3. Research other available scholarships via the internet, reference books, or private sources. 4. APPLY, APPLY, APPLY!

30. Scholarship information for college

31. Financial Aid

32. FAFSA FAFSA – Free Application for Federal Student Aid applications are available online at www.fafsa.ed.gov.www.fafsa.ed.gov How and when do I apply? Even if you haven’t been officially accepted for admission, you should complete and submit the FAFSA during the spring semester of your senior year in high school. The FAFSA helps colleges and universities determine your eligibility for financial aid. Students and parents can sign applications electronically by applying for a PIN number. Apply for a PIN now! This will speed up the application process.PIN It is highly recommended that parents have their 2011 Income Tax Returns completed before attempting to complete this form. After your FAFSA is processed, you’ll receive a Student Aid Report (SAR) that summarizes the information you supplied on the FAFSA. The information from your FAFSA will be sent to the colleges you listed on the form, and the schools will send you an award letter identifying the aid for which you qualify.

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

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

35. 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

36. How can we help your senior…

37. Senior Meetings

38. Who: Senior and Counselor When: September thru October Why: Evaluate transcript, discuss plans post-high school, answer any questions you might bring to the meeting for discussion.

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

40. 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?

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

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