1. Senior Fall Visit Presented by the CHHS Counseling Department 2012-2013

2. Transcript Check 26 credits needed for graduation Check Core classes – Q - Pre Ap – A - Ap classes – C - Correspondence – T - Credit by exam – E - Acceleration – R - Summer school – N - Night school

3. Transcript Check (cont.) Health 0.5 credit PE1.5 credit Fine Art1.0 credit Technology1.0 credit Foreign Language 2.0 (Recommended) 3.0 (DAP & Community Scholar)

4. Transcript Check (cont.) If you find any errors please return your transcript to your counselor to recheck. Errors could include: – any grades left off from middle school – any change in level (pre Ap or AP) – summer school grades – loss of credit (* sign) – incorrect grades.

5. Transcript Check (cont.) Please report errors as quickly as possible so corrected transcripts can be sent out to colleges.

6. GPA Game What’s really important in the world of college admissions? (We need 8 volunteers!)

7. Class of 2013 Where do you go from here? Junior College Trade School Career Military 4 year college or University

8. Junior Colleges and Trade Schools earn an Associates Degree, Certification or Diploma Gateway into a larger college or university less expensive Testing and career counseling are available and are normally free of charge.

9. Military Get financial help for college Training in almost any area that is offered in the private sector Military recruiters are on campus often. Speak with your counselor if you think the military is right for you. Make sure you discuss this option with your parents. Todaysmilitary.com

10. College or University More education means more options. A Bachelor’s Degree (4 years) gives the most options – You can pursue many different kinds of careers – You have more flexibility to change careers – May continue your education at the graduate level (Masters, Ph.D., medical or dental school…)

11. So, what path is right for you? Junior College Trade School Career Military 4 year college or university

12. My next steps Step 1 – Determine where you will apply Create a list of schools or companies where you feel qualified. Be sure to include 1 or 2 reach schools or careers as well – www.collegeboard.org www.collegeboard.org – www.collegeforalltexans.com www.collegeforalltexans.com – www.bigfuture.org www.bigfuture.org

13. Bigfuture.org

14. My next steps Become familiar with the application process – Tests – applications – Essays – Interviews

15. My next steps Step 2 – Determine if your future plans require admissions or skills testing. College admissions require the SAT or ACT - Register online at collegeboard.org or actstudent.org Community College – THEA exam and/or Accuplacer – thea.nesinc.com

16. My next steps Step 2 (cont.) Military admissions – ASVAB – aptitude test – Oct. 17 th (PSAT day)– contact the counseling office to sign up. Military admissions may also require a fitness test Trade Schools & Careers – consult individual institutions or companies

17. My next steps Step 3 – Become familiar with the application process required for the school For most Texas schools, go to ApplyTexas.com For most out of state schools and private universities go to CommonApplication.org Some universities have their own applications Check websites for application information Make sure to complete all parts of the application Pay attention to deadlines

18. My next steps Step 4 – Essay (if applicable) Make sure you address the topic Show the school why you want to be part of their organization Check spelling and grammar

19. My next steps Step 5 – Transcripts – Most schools will require a transcript as part of their application process. Transcripts are requested from the counseling office. You must complete the transcript request form and have your parents signature (if under 18). Cost is $3.00 per transcript. You must have a transcript request for each school you apply to. Forms are located in the counseling office and online

20. My next steps Step 5 – Transcripts Each application you complete must have its own transcript request. Turn in to Bette Bower in the counseling office. Please allow 2 weeks for all transcript requests Emergency requests are unfair to others. There are procedures in place to ensure we get the correct information to the school.

21. My next steps Step 6 – Letters of recommendation May be requested on the transcript request sheet Counselors ask for 2 weeks notice in order to write a quality letter Make sure your senior information sheet is complete and on file in the counseling office

22. My next steps Step 6 – Letters of recommendation The senior information sheet gives the counselors an opportunity to read about your hopes, dreams, strengths, and interests. The form helps us write a better letter of recommendation for you.

23. My next steps Step 6 – Letters of recommendation The counseling department is asked to give our honest impression of you. Make sure we have the best! We comment on the following for most applications: – Academic Achievement – Extracurricular accomplishments – Personal qualities and character – Overall impression

24. Financial Assistance Fee waivers for students on free and reduced lunch are available fortests, college applications, and graduation costs. See your counselor for more information.

25. My next steps Step 7 – Scholarships Watch the Scholarship newsletter for information Gentx.org/financialaid - great resource Check with your college or university Fill out FAFSA forms in January (FAFSA.ed.gov) Check with your parent’s company Check the internet, but YOU DO NOT NEED TO PAY for information which is free! Join PTSA - You, not your parent!!!

26. Scholarships You MUST do your part Those that turn in applications and show an interest will get additional help Make copies of everything you turn in – Makes next scholarship easier – Applications can get lost

27. Wrapping it up Community Scholar Ambassador – You will need 100 hours of community service – Three years of the same foreign language – No failed classes

28. Wrapping it up Community Scholar Ambassador – Scholarships may be available for those who earn extra hours – turn the hours in! – Make sure to turn in hours early so they can be reviewed for qualification. – Watch the deadline for seniors!

29. Wrapping it up Correspondence Courses – Grades from correspondence courses should be turned in by the end of November or the course will be placed in your schedule for the spring. – Any grade from Target or other alternative sources must be turned in before the last six week grading period begins.

30. Important Opportunities and Upcoming Dates ASVAB – – October 17 th (during the PSAT test) – Sign up in the Counseling Office – Begins at 8:30 in the auditorium – FREE! FINANCIAL AID Information Night – Nov. 5 th 6:30 PM CHHS Auditorium

31. Facebook Info

32. Be sure to check the CHHS Counseling Page for more information! http://www.gcisd- k12.org/site/Default.aspx?PageID=6 241