Preparing for College

Applying for college and being accepted can be overwhelming. This pamphlet will guide you through the process.

Let's start with the academic record!

4 credits of English

4 credits of math

4 credits of science

3 credits of history

2 credits of LOTE (language other than English)

1 credit of fine art

1 credit of physical education

7 credits of electives

Total of 26 credits

STAAR is the state mandated tests every student must pass in order to graduate from high school. Students must pass all of the following tests in high school:

9th Grade English

10th Grade English

Biology

Algebra

US History

All sophomore students take the PSAT their sophomore year of high school. The state sets a specific date for the PSAT in October. This year it is on October 13. This test analyzes students reading, writing and math academic abilities. It's a great way to practice before taking the SAT. Juniors can take the PSAT in October but must pay for it. A perfect score is 1600.

The ACT is another way to show college readiness. It is test based on reading, writing, science and math. The highest score is 36. The current average ACT score is 21. Some colleges offer superscoring, which allows you to take the ACT as many times as possible before a specific date. The college will then take your highest score.

The most common test taken is the SAT. Just like the PSAT, the SAT scores your reading, writing and math skills. A perfect score is 1600. The national average is 1000. College offer superscoring, which allows you to take the ACT as many times as possible before a specific date. The college will then take your highest score.

You are able to take the SAT/ACT as many times as possible until a certain date. The admissions office will take your best score! "If at first you don't succeed, try again!"

Most colleges require an essay for admission. This is your chance to stand out from the other applicants. Visit the College Board to find out what admission officers are looking for in a college essay.

https://bigfuture.collegeboard.org/get-in/essays/8-tips-for-crafting-your-best-college-essay

STEP 1: SENIOR BRAG SHEET

In order for your letter to be AMAZING, you need to provide information about yourself. Click on the link below, fill in all of the information and save it! You will need to email or print this document and give it to each person writing a recommendation letter. Find a copy on the school's website or visit Mrs. Harrison in the College Corner.

STEP 2: REACH OUT

• Read each of your college applications carefully. Schools often ask for letters of recommendation from an academic teacher — sometimes in a specific subject — or a school counselor or both.
• Ask a counselor, teachers and your family who they think would make good references.
• Choose one of your teachers from junior year or a current teacher who has known you for a while. Colleges want a current perspective on you, so a teacher from several years ago isn't the best choice.
• Consider asking a teacher who also knows you outside the classroom. For example, a teacher who directed you in a play or advised your debate club can make a great reference.
• Consider other adults — such as an employer, a coach or an adviser from an activity outside of school — who have a good understanding of you and your strengths.
• Perhaps most important, pick someone who will be enthusiastic about writing the letter for you.
• If you’re unsure about asking someone in particular, politely ask if he or she feels comfortable recommending you. That’s a good way to avoid weak letters. (www.collegeboard.org)
• Email each person explaining your need for a recommendation and why. If they don't have an email, type your letter in Word, and print it.

STEP 3: DEADLINE

Reach out to the recipient AT LEAST two weeks before you need it. DO NOT ASK FOR A LETTER THE DAY BEFORE YOU NEED IT!!! Be respectful of their time. In your email/letter, make sure you include the date you need the recommendation. I would also send a reminder email a couple of days before it's needed, if you haven't received it yet.

STEP 4: THANK YOU NOTE

Once you have received your recommendation letter, be sure to SEND A HAND-WRITTEN THANK NOTE! Most students skip this step. This small task can really make a difference.

An admission application option that allows a high school student who just entered his/her senior year of high school to file for early admission to his/her top choice college (or colleges). However, in this case, the student is not committed to accepting admittance to a particular college, even if he/she gets accepted to his/her top choice school. Early action plans allow a student to decide if they wish to accept an offer of admission until May 1st.

This is a good plan for applicants who know exactly which college they want to attend and are confident that they will be accepted. An early decision application is initiated by the student who is then notified of the college’s decision earlier than usual (generally by the 15th of December of senior year). Keep in mind that by submitting an early decision application, you are automatically agreeing to accept the school’s offer of admission.

An admissions procedure by which the college considers your application as soon as all the required credentials, such as school record and test scores, have been received.

Permission from a college that has accepted you to postpone enrolling in the college. The postponement is usually for up to one year.

The list of applicants who may be admitted to a college if space becomes available. Colleges wait to hear if all the students they accepted decide to attend. If students don’t enroll and there are empty spots, a college may fill them with students who are on the waiting list.

If you are seeking an associates degree or a specific type of certification, a TWO-YEAR COLLEGE would be your best option. For instance, if you want to work in the petro-chemical, welding or construction industries, San Jacinto College offers classes for those types of jobs.

If you are seeking a bachelor's degree or higher, a FOUR-YEAR COLLEGE would be your best option.

This is a conversation you need to have as a family. Be sure to weigh every option:

• Close to home
• In your state
• Out of state

Here are some questions to answer:

1. Do you learn better in a smaller classroom setting?
2. Do you want to attend a college where most students stay on campus?
3. Do you want to live in a dorm or off campus?
4. Do you want an academic focused campus or where sports are a big deal?
5. Do they offer your intended degree?

This is the big one! Don't just think about tuition. Be sure to also include:

• Fees
• Books
• Room
• Meals
• Spending money

The average cost in 2020-2021:

In-state public college: $26,820

Out-of-state public college: $43,280

Private college: $54,880

Remember that you can apply for scholarships and financial aid to make the decision easier. Don't say no because it may not be in your budget. Look at all of your options.

HOUSE BILL 3 - FINANCIAL AID REQUIREMENT

Each senior MUST apply for FAFSA (Free Application for Federal Student Aid) as a graduation requirement.

FAFSA is a way to receive various types of financial assistance for college, trade school, etc. This process can be intimidating, but we are here to guide you along the way.

The district has purchased a Going Merry account for every 2022 senior. This app gives you step-by-step guidance as you complete the information. It provides pictures and explanations should you get confused with the wording on the FAFSA form.

Each senior needs to download the Going Merry app in Self-Service on your iPad or use the App store on your phone.

www.goingmerry.com

This account will be available all four years of post-secondary schools as well!

Not only will it help you apply for FAFSA, Going Merry has 1000+ scholarships!!! It's so simple!

Please visit this website for a list of scholarships offered.

https://sc.dpisd.org/apps/pages/index.jsp?uREC_ID=1245211&type=u&pREC_ID=2216596

Scholarships are also available directly through your college of choice. Look at their website for possible scholarships offered.

Going Merry has 100+ scholarships available!

http://www.goingmerry.com

Seniors - TWO DAYS

Juniors - ONE DAY

Make sure you return with a letter on the school letterhead stating you were there for a visit, dated (not on a weekend date) and a signature. You can usually obtain this from the admissions office.

Visit the website of the college you are interested in attending.

Also, College Board has created a checklist to get the most out of your college visit!

https://bigfuture.collegeboard.org/find-colleges/campus-visit-guide/campus-visit-checklist

According to the Texas Health and Human Services:

All entering students at an institution of higher education* are required to show proof of an initial meningococcal vaccination or a booster dose during the five-year period prior to enrolling. They must get the vaccine at least 10 days before the semester begins.

Please see their webpage for further information.

https://www.dshs.texas.gov/immunize/school/college-requirements.aspx