4. What are your- Goals Abilities Interests Values Skills Know where you’re going, and how you expect to get there.

5. College Day-November 20 th Organized college visits through the counselor’s office. Seniors have one day of their choice to visit college campuses. Visit www.refugioisd.net for more information.www.refugioisd.net

6.  SAT and ACT: Tests scores are important in the application process. See the Counselor’s Corner on the RISD website for registration deadlines.  THEA- Texas Higher Education Assessment  Exemptions- SAT, ACT, or TAKS scores may exempt students from taking the THEA.

7. Two-year college Four-year universities Technical Schools Does the college you want to attend have the program you want to study?

8.  Texas Common Application, located at www.applytexas.org. www.applytexas.org  This is the only application available for 4- year public colleges in Texas, as well as most 2-year colleges.  Most colleges and universities prefer online applications to traditional paper apps.

9. Check deadlines NOW! Many major universities use information from the Texas Common Application, particularly the essays, in the scholarship process. Scholarship offices require their own copy of transcripts, letters of recommendation, and essays.

10. Emphasis on the please! Let the counselor’s office know at least a week before your deadline. Transcript request form is on the school website, www.refugioisd.net, under the Counselor’s Corner. www.refugioisd.net Refugio High School

11. Now is the time to request these from teachers, administrators, and community leaders. Consider your audience. Be sure to give the author of these letters plenty of time to complete the task. Follow up with a thank you letter.

12.  Admissions officers read 50 or more application essays a day. Make yours stand out.  Avoid clichés.  Read. Re-read. Ask an English teacher or your counselor (an ex-English teacher) to proofread and give constructive criticism.

13. Students who: Think globally, and act locally. Can handle the academic workload. Will contribute to college life. Demonstrate the qualities of a well-rounded student. Thinks clearly, logically, creatively, and abstractly.

14.  Be honest.  Tell your story in your voice.  Write about something with which you are familiar.  Personalize your essay.  Write authentically.

15. Be organized and consistent. Sort items by grade level (most recent first). Sort items by category. Log community service hours. Avoid repetition.

16. You must complete NCAA Clearinghouse application at www.ncaaclearinghouse.org. www.ncaaclearinghouse.org Send transcript. Have SAT or ACT scores sent directly. Scores sent from RHS are not accepted.