3. CREDITS

7. English…………..................4 Mathematics….. ………….4 Science…….......................4 Social Studies……………....4 World Languages………….2 Fine Arts……………………...1 Physical Education………...1 Health……………………...1/2 Speech…………………….1/2 Electives……………………...5 26 credits total required for graduation

8. Houston Learning Academy Night/Summer $305.00 per course FBIS Night/Summer $320 per course Houston Community College Night/Summer $175.00per course Texas Tech On-Line $155 per course CBE (Credit By Exam) – Consult Counselor

9. If a student has failed ANY portion of a class ( A and/or B), due to the district’s implementation of yearly averaging, they MUST recover that credit prior to the start of the next school year-if not, they will have to retake the ENTIRE course over  For example: If a student failed Algebra 1A (but passed Algebra 1B) and have not taken and passed credit recovery for that course before August 2012-they were placed back in the entire Algebra 1 course this school year instead of their next level of math  Yearly averaging = We cannot split a year-long class  The most important thing regarding yearly averaging is that students are responsible for recovering all of the courses required for graduation- So please pass the first time! **Information regarding yearly averaging can be found online @ fortbendisd.com in the Parent/Student Handbook**

10.  11 th graders take Exit-Level TAKS this year  Mathematics, ELA, Science, & Social Studies  Students must pass all four Exit-Level TAKS tests to meet graduation requirements.  Study Guides can be found online at : www.tea.state.tx.us

11.  Grade point average or GPA is the average of a student’s semester grades starting with the freshman year. On a 4 point scale a student with all A’s has a 4.0 GPA  Weighted grades are for honor and AP courses. Grades in a weighted course are worth more than an advance course.  GPA & Class Rank will be given to 11 th grade students toward the end of the first nine weeks by the registrar.

12.  Grades and Credits  Attendance  GPA  Class Rank  State Test Scores (TAKS scores)  College Test Scores (PSAT, ACT, SAT)

13.  Rigor and Relevance  GPA  Rank  SAT / ACT Scores  Community Service  Extracurricular Activities  Essay

14. STARTING OUT AT A JUNIOR COLLEGE  Graduate from high school  Take the THEA (unless exempt)  Apply for financial aid after January 1, 2012 STARTING OUT AT A UNIVERSITY  Take the ACT or SAT  Take the THEA (unless exempt)  Apply for financial aid after January 1, 2012

15. Advantages  Usually close to home  Less expensive than a four year college  No dorm fees  Smaller class size  More interaction with teacher Disadvantages  Much like high school  Course selection is limited  You will not receive the full college experience

16. THEA is a required test for all students enrolling in any Texas public college or university. EXEMPTIONS: TAKS – Math, Eng/Lang-at least 2200 with a writing score of at least 3 SAT – 1070 with at least 500 on both Math and Critical Reading ACT – 23 Composite with at least 19 on both Math and English THEA.pdf

17. Advantages  A wide variety of majors  Stay at same school for entire program  On-campus college experience Disadvantages  More expensive  Finding a place to live  Transportation issues

18.  The SAT or ACT is required for 4 year colleges and universities.  Register online for the SAT at www.collegeboard.com  Register online for the ACT atwww.actstudent.org

19.  Students should begin taking the SAT/ACT in the spring of their junior year.  Check with your student’s preferred college/university to see which test score they prefer  Collegeboard.org: SAT sign-up  Actstudent.org: ACT sign-up

20. SAT--- Critical reading: Short reading passages Math: Includes Alg. II Writing: Multiple choice, short essay ACT--- 4 sections (High School Curriculum Based) Science: All content areas Math: Algebra, Geometry & Algebra II English: Usage/Mechanics Reading: Reading comprehension Writing Optional How To Score High on Your PSAT/SAT

21.  11 th Grade students should first take PSAT in the Fall of this year to help prepare them for the SAT.  Benefits: recruitment for scholarships & last opportunity to practice for SAT before taking it in the spring  Cost: $20 or $14 (free/reduced lunch)  TONIGHT is the last opportunity to sign-up  Test will be given on Wednesday, October 17 th

22.  Look on the internet for virtual tours  Book a tour with colleges of interest  Try to attend a scheduled event  Get information about particular schools  Ask lots of questions

23.  Meet with an admission officer  Verify admission requirements  Obtain a school catalog and calendar  Discuss costs  Meet with faculty in the dept. of your major  Find out about student activities on campus  Investigate transportation options  Ask about career placement for graduates

24.  Scholarships (not to be repaid)  Grants (not to be repaid)  Loans (usually to be repaid)  Work/Study Programs (available on campus; paying for tuition as you work)

25.  Fill out the FAFSA after January 1, 2012 and after parent’s tax files are complete.  Look for scholarships Check the GBHS Scholarship List Check with the college or university Look on the internet!!!  Texas Grant Graduate recommended or higher; Show financial need through FAFSA and the Financial Aid officer at a college will determine whether you receive the Grant

26.  Date and Time – TBA  Financial aid officer from a college or university will be available to answer questions.  Have income tax information complete so you can turn in FAFSA as soon as possible.

27.  Show initiative and be assertive  Talk to your parents and counselor  Follow up with colleges to which you have applied

28.  www.applytexas.org www.applytexas.org  Observe application deadlines  Common application used for applying to all Texas public colleges  Use to apply to more than one college  Application fees still apply

29.  bigfuture.com  knowhow2go.org  embark.com  texascollegeandcareer.org

30.  Help your student set realistic academic goals for the term.  Expect your child to be in school, on time, every day.  Attend all open houses and parent nights.  Be aware of the dates for progress reports & report cards  Sign-up for Family Access  Encourage your child to become involved in school activities.  Expect your child to have homework every night and help organize time at home to ensure success.  Eight things Every Parent Should Know About the College Admissions Process Eight things Every Parent Should Know About the College Admissions Process

31. College and Career Prep workshop October 16 th Bush Auditorium 7am-Bell & 2:40pm – 3:40pm University of Houston College Application Day October 19 th Bush Computer Labs Career Day November 7 th Academic Excellence Program Wednesday, November 14 th

32. www.bushbronconews.com Search under Counselor’s Corral  Scholarship Information  College/Career Planning Tips  Counseling Help  Specific Grade Level Information