My name is Mrs. Haynes. I am your College and Career Readiness Advisor.

As you prepare for the next exciting step in your journey, I’m here to support you every step of the way! 😊 You’ve worked hard to reach this point, and I’m eager to help you make the most of your senior year.

My role is to guide you in planning your post-secondary education or career. I’ll assist with the college application process, FAFSA, connecting with colleges, and ensuring you meet the graduation and readiness standards set by the district.

During this school year, the College and Career Newsletter will keep you informed about upcoming events, deadlines, scholarships, etc. While much of this information will be about college info and scholarships, you will also find information about other topics, which might apply more directly to you, such as military and career/job, college entrance exam information.

This is a live newsletter, so feel free to come back here as often as you need to see updated information!

SENIORS - What can you be doing now??

1. Apply to a 2 or 4 year college! Use http://www.applytexas.org OR http://www.commonapp.org
2. Apply to a trade school! https://www.tstc.edu/
3. Request transcripts through SchooLinks. The registrar will be processing transcripts that are requested through SchooLinks. (See below for instructions on how to do this)
4. Apply for scholarships! I post lots of scholarships down below so check back often.
5. Finalize college plans. Narrow your list, choose a college, find a roommate, living arrangements, orientation, register for the TSI testing if needed.
6. Explore career options!

ACCEPTED: As you get ACCEPTED to any college, university or military (even if you won't be attending) please upload them in SchooLinks. (Step-by-Step instructions found below). Once you've done that, I will send you an email with a link on what size shirt and if I can celebrate you on social media or not. You (the student) can fill that out and then send me a picture to use (if you'd like) and I will pass out ACCEPTED shirts once a month.

SCHOLARSHIP OFFERS: As you get scholarships (even if you won't be using them) please upload them in SchooLinks. (Step-by-Step instructions found below). Each offer will be found in the graduation program so please be sure you turn in all offers even if you will not be accepting it.

TRANSCRIPTS: OFFICIAL transcripts must be requested in order to make all of your college applications complete. To request an official transcript you can go to SchooLinks - see instructions below.

UNOFFICIAL transcripts can be used for some scholarships or for yourself. If this is what you need - you can find it under portfolio in skyward.

ASK ME QUESTIONS :)

tiffani.haynes@fortbendisd.gov

Take Care,

Mrs. Haynes

George Bush High School

College & Career Readiness Advisor

I wanted to take a moment to recap the valuable information shared during our recent district Senior Parent Night on September 20th. Whether you were able to attend the event or couldn't make it, we have important resources to share with you.

Summary of Senior Parent Night:

During Senior Parent Night, we covered a wide range of topics to help you navigate your senior year and plan for the transition ahead. Some of the key points discussed included:

1. College Application Process: We provided insights into the college application process, including deadlines, requirements, and tips for crafting a standout application.
2. Financial Aid and Scholarships: Our experts discussed various financial aid options, scholarship opportunities, and how to make higher education more affordable.
3. Standardized Testing SAT/ACT/TSIA: We addressed standardized testing requirements, test prep strategies, and the importance of staying organized throughout the testing process.
4. Transition Planning: We offered guidance on planning for life after high school, whether that involves attending college, entering the workforce, or exploring other pathways.

Access to Senior Parent Night Presentation and Q&A:

For those who attended Senior Parent Night, thank you for your participation and insightful questions. For those who couldn't make it, or if you'd like to revisit the information, you can access the presentation slides and the Q&A session from the event by clicking on the following links:

Senior Parent Night Presentation -

Navigating the College Application Process: A Step-by-Step Guide:

Last week, your student had an opportunity to attend a College Application Workshop. During the workshop, students had an opportunity to complete a college application, request a transcript in SchooLinks, and request letters of recommendation during their English IV class.

In my ongoing efforts to provide valuable resources and guidance for the college application process, I have created a comprehensive senior workshop YouTube video that will be immensely helpful as you embark on your journey to higher education. The video covers what students went over during class last week during the workshop: the college application process, adding colleges to your SchooLinks college application list & requesting transcripts, requesting letters of recommendation, and staying organized with important deadlines. It also provides insights into financial aid and scholarships. To review the video, click the link below. https://youtu.be/cjXkfdDOD80?si=NOhKZERd15HI_E9v

If you have any questions or require additional assistance regarding the information shared during Senior Parent Night or any other aspect of your senior year, please don't hesitate to reach out to me. I am here to support you every step of the way!

A NACAC college application fee waiver can be used by students who meet the eligibility requirements stated in the college application form. This type of college application fee waiver is typically used when students complete an Apply Texas application. This college application must be sent to the institution by the students after the Authorized Official has completed their portion. Click below for a copy of the NACAC college application fee waiver.

Senior Students

It is important to make sure you understand the application process and know what to expect when applying to specific colleges.

As you know, some Texas college applications opened in August of 2023. Some of you may have already submitted your first college application. If the college application did not open in August, then it will most likely opened on September 1. Common App applications opened August 3, 2023.

Applying for Colleges

Colleges base your acceptance on your class rank, GPA, and their required SAT or ACT score you must attain. Before submitting a college application, please review the admissions information on the college’s admissions website. With all of the changes due to COVID-19 a lot of colleges have moved to test optional (SAT and/or ACT is an admissions option and may not be required for acceptance). You want to make sure you understand the application process if you are applying test optional. Most colleges will require additional documents to be submitted if you are applying test optional. You really need to take a long look at yourself before you decide if you want to apply test optional or if you want to apply with your SAT or ACT scores. This is a not a one size fits all option. Make sure you know who you are and what your strengths are before you submit.

If you plan to attend college or technical school in Fall 2023, you need to narrow your choices down to 3-5 NOW and start looking at their applications. Some schools have very early (November or December) deadlines, especially if you want to be considered for one of their institutional scholarships or special housing. Other schools have later deadlines or rolling admissions dates (which mean you may apply at any time), but the earlier you apply, the better your chances for acceptance. Check the colleges website for the colleges you are interested in for the most current dates/deadlines. If you have not visited the college that you think you want to attend, you really need to do so before making your final decision. You are going to be spending a great deal of money, and you need to consider many factors before deciding what school is best for you. Scheduling a virtual college visit is one way to help make the right decision.

If you have not narrowed your choices of schools down yet, you might want to consider applying to a few. BUT, keep in mind that most schools have a nonrefundable application fee so you will want to be pretty certain before you send them any money.

Where do I go to submit my college applications?

Public Institutions in the state of Texas- www.goapplytexas.org

Out of State & Most Private Colleges- www.CommonApp.org

Common Black College Application - https://commonblackcollegeapp.com/

What can you be doing now??

1. Apply to a 2 or 4 year college! Use http://www.applytexas.org OR http://www.commonapp.org
2. Apply to a trade school! https://www.tstc.edu/
3. Request transcripts through SchooLinks. The registrar will be processing transcripts that are requested through SchooLinks. (See below for instructions on how to do this)
4. Apply for scholarships! I post lots of scholarships down below so check back often.
5. Finalize college plans. Narrow your list, choose a college, find a roommate, living arrangements, orientation, register for the TSI testing if needed.
6. Explore career options!

ASK ME QUESTIONS :)

SchooLinks Official Transcript Request

Colleges will expect an official transcript to be sent in with the application.

In FBISD, adding your college to you application list in SchooLinks is the only way to send your official transcript to a college. It is your responsibility to log into your SchooLinks account and request an official transcript for the colleges you are applying to.

https://www.fortbendisd.com/1link

See video below for instructions on how to login to SchooLinks and request a transcript

https://youtu.be/cjXkfdDOD80?si=kLczMuLI3i-G5fPo

Texas Automatic Admissions Policies

You may qualify for automatic admission to many public universities in Texas through the Top 10% Rule. To meet the requirements, you must graduate in the top 10% of your class at a recognized public or private high school in Texas or a high school operated by the U.S. Department of Defense and be a Texas resident or eligible to pay resident tuition. This rule has been modified for The University of Texas at Austin please see UT Austin Admissions https://admissions.utexas.edu/apply/decisions for the most recent admissions information.

Below I have included the College Entrance Requirement Spreadsheet for you can reference when researching what colleges may be a good fit for you.

Students should take BOTH the ACT & SAT during their junior year. If you have not started the testing process, you should register for the upcoming exams dates.

Junior Students will take the SAT School Day test at BHS in March of 2025

The 2024-2025 SAT and ACT test dates are listed above.

Make sure you use the BHS or KHS school code when registering for SAT and the ACT. The BHS CEEB code is 443531.

Online Testing Prep

· Khan Academy (for SAT prep)

· www.Kaplanquizzes.com

· Quantumactprep.com/act-official-test/

· www.prepfactory.com (for ACT prep)

· www.4tests.com (for practice tests)

www.tsipracticetest.com (TSI Practice)

ACT/SAT Fee Waivers/College application fee waivers

· You may receive an ACT or a SAT Fee waiver in FBISD if you receive free or reduced lunch. With free or reduced lunch you are eligible for four fee waivers (2 SAT and 2 ACT) during your junior and senior year. Once you have taken the SAT with the fee waiver, College Board will provide you with four college application fee waivers as well! https://bigfuture.collegeboard.org/get-in/applying-101/college-application-fee-waivers

You can request a fee waiver by clicking this link to access the https://drive.google.com/file/d/1JprXnHKRZSTZkqVqSqhhVtbqbFG73ORZ/view?usp=sharing CCR QUICK LINKS document. Please DO NOT wait until the day before a test deadline to request a fee waiver. If you received an SAT fee waiver during your junior year, you do not need to request another fee waiver; you will use the same fee waiver number to register for your second SAT test.

TSI Testing

The TSI (Texas Success Initiative) is a placement assessment, which determines college readiness. The TSI is a required test for colleges, universities and some certificate programs in the state of Texas. The TSI assesses levels in reading, writing, and math. It is a computer-based test. Students may be exempt from the TSI test if the meet the following requirements:

•ACT: composite score of 23 with a 19 minimum on Mathematics and/or English

•SAT: A minimum score of 530 on the Mathematics test for a TSI exemption in math (no combined score required)

•SAT: A minimum score of 480 on the Evidenced-Based Reading & Writing (EBRW) for a TSI exemption in both reading and writing (no combined score required)

•Dual Credit Course: Grade of “C” or better in any college level English, History, Government, or Behavioral Science course (TSI reading and writing exemption); Grade of “C” or better in any college level Math course (TSI math exemption)

•Attending an out of state university or college

•Enlisting in any branch of the military

Houston Community College Testing Center:

stafford.testing@hccs.edu

https://www.hccs.edu/resources-for/current-students/testing-services/

Wharton County Junior College Testing Center: https://wcjc.edu/Admissions/testing/

Tina Kollmann, Interim Coordinator, kollmannt@wcjc.edu, Richmond Campus: 281-239-1532

Amanda Schulze, Testing Technician, schulzea@wcjc.edu, Wharton Campus: 979-532-6386

Aisha Usmani, TFT Testing Technician,usmania@wcjc.edu, Sugar Land Campus: 281-243-8434

College, Career, Military Ready

What is a CCMR Indicator?

College, Career, and Military Readiness (CCMR) prepares students for life after graduation. It comprises curriculum, resources, programs, and activities that will help students have the tools they need to enter college or the workforce and begin a career. Being college and career-ready can assist students with being prepared for postsecondary education or training that can result in better job opportunities.

CCMR Indicators: Meet ONE of the following

· SAT Score – English 480+ and Math 530+

· ACT Score – English 19+, Math 19+, AND 23+ composite

· TSIA Score – English 945+ AND 5 on the Essay OR Math 950+OR 910-949

· Dual Credit – 3 credits in English or Math or 9 hours in any subject

· AP Exam – Score 3 or higher on an AP exam

· Earn Industry Certification

· Military Enlistment – if the graduate enlists in the US armed forces by 12/31 immediately following HS graduation and the district uploads the completed DD FORM 4.

What does it mean to be College Ready?

A student who is “college ready” is prepared for any postsecondary goal without the need for college remediation*. The student meets the minimum Texas Success Initiative scores through the SAT, ACT, or TSIA.

What does it mean to be Career Ready?

The student has completed or is working towards an industry certificate. The student has met TSI benchmark through the SAT, ACT, or TSIA.

What does it mean to be Military Ready?

The student has successfully completed the ASVAB exam and met the required score for a specific branch of the military. The student has completed and submitted enlistment documentation to the recruiter and high school.

What is the Texas Success Initiative?

The TSI Assessment (TSIA) is part of the Texas Success Initiative program designed to help your college or university determine if you are ready for college-level course work in the areas of reading, writing, and mathematics. If you are an incoming college student in Texas, you are required to take the TSI Assessment - unless you are already exempt (see above) - to determine your readiness for college-level work. Based on how you perform, you may either be enrolled in a college-level course and/or be placed in the appropriate developmental course or intervention to improve your skills and prepare you for success in college-level courses.

The TSIA is not a graduation requirement, but if you are attending a college or university in Texas you are required to take and pass the TSIA test to enroll in college level courses if you do not meet the TSIA exemption requirements (listed below). Successful completion of the TSIA will ensure success in your postsecondary educational goals and ensure that you are college, career, and military ready.

FAFSA (Financial Aid)

Students will be able to submit a 2025–2026 FAFSA as early as December 1st, 2024. I will be meeting with you through your English class again to assist you with your FAFSA applications.

You may now use EARLIER INCOME AND TAX INFORMATION: For example, on the 2025-2026 FAFSA, students (and parents, as appropriate) will report their 2023 income and tax information. www.fafsa.ed.gov

·

FSA ID: The FAFSA ID is a username and password that allows you to electronically submit and sign your FAFSA form. It identifies you in order to access your personal information on any U.S. Department of Education websites. BOTH YOU AND YOUR PARENT WILL NEED A FSA ID. Click the link for more information on how to attain your FSA ID https://fsaid.ed.gov/npas/index.htm

It is never too early to begin researching and applying for scholarships! Check the list of scholarships on SchooLinks weekly to see new scholarship postings. You may also visit www.fastweb.com or https://bigfuture.collegeboard.org/pay-for-college/bigfuture-scholarships for additional scholarship information.

Typically, colleges visit BHS in the CCR Center each week during all lunches. College visits are a way to show your genuine interests in the campus. Remember that many colleges track interest, this is another way to highlight your name! Also the reps that visit our campus provide you with great tips and secrets about their college’s application and selection process. Many of the reps that visit our campus are the first ones to review your application; getting to know them is definitely a benefit. You must register for the college visits through the BHS Class of 2025 BAND .

Are you going to participate in collegiate sports? You need to register with the NCAA clearinghouse to participate in collegiate sports. https://web3.ncaa.org/ecwr3/

For steps to register with the NCAA Eligibility Center, see NCAA link below.

iPhone Users: Students who have an iPhone should be able to scan documents using the Notes App. Once the document is scanned, you are able to save it as a PDF as well as email it.

Android Users: Download the free Adobe Scan app. It is easy to use and walks you through the steps.

Computer: Scan documents using a scanner connected to your computer.

Once you have scanned a document and saved it in PDF format, you can attach it to an email and send it to me. You can also utilize this when you need to upload or email something to a college or scholarship. Most places will accept the PDF format but not JPG, TIF, GIF. When you attach to an email use the paperclip icon so that it is attached as a file and not just a document in the text of the message.