January Academies Meeting College Application Process

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1 January Academies Meeting College Application Process Get Involved with the presentation! Go to Today s Meet Site Ask Questions & Post Comments!

2 College Now Courses Student take high school course on high school campus and receives both high school and college credit Courses offered at HHS English IV US Government Offered during spring semester only Must take CN English IV in Fall Semester If student thinks that AP course will be too strenuous and regular will be too easy this is a great medium Looks just as good as AP on college application FBISD does not give honors credit for College Now courses

3 College Now Courses How to Register Select appropriate course during course selection process Complete Apply Texas application for Houston Community College Register and pay for course (if you do live in HCC tax area) Guaranteed college credit for course (need to make above C) Credit guaranteed to transfer to any public Texas university as the course it is (must be on the core academics list--- about 30 course available) If the student thinks that the AP course will be too strenuous and regular will be too easy this is a great medium Looks just as good as AP on college application FBISD does not give honors credit for College Now courses

4 College Admissions Testing PLAN (Aspire) Pre ACT assessment (Assesses how you could do on the ACT) Career Interest Inventory Freshman year of HS PSAT Pre SAT assessment (Assesses how you could do on the SAT) Sophomore year of HS (strictly practice) Junior year of HS (National Merit Scholarship Corporation Semifinalist opportunity; could earn you upwards of $125,000 in academic scholarships) SAT (College Board) Predicts what a student could know ACT Curriculum based assessment that tests you on what you have learned while in high school TSI Assessment Texas based curriculum assessment Required for all students wanting to take college credit bearing courses.

5 College Admissions Testing Which one is right for me? Colleges do not care which test you take! Colleges only care about which test you score best on! It is important to take both once then compare your scores Once you know which one you are better at, focus on that one (extra prep) and retake only that one No recommended to test more than three times Does not hurt your application but your scores usually do not improve much after this point ALWAYS automatically send your scores for FREE Select colleges to have scores sent to when your register for assessment

6 College Admissions Testing Which one is right for me? SAT or ACT Colleges do not care which test you take! Colleges only care about which test you score best on! It is important to take both once then compare your scores Once you know which one you are better at, focus on that one (extra prep) and retake only that one No recommended to test more than three times Does not hurt your application but your scores usually do not improve much after this point ALWAYS automatically send your scores for FREE Select colleges to have scores sent to when your register for assessment Superscore When the college takes your best score from each section and combines to create a new super score.

7 College Board PSAT/NMSQT Free for FBISD Sophomores & Juniors Taken at HHS on National Testing Day (mid October) Types of awards National Merit Semifinalist (all juniors who meet score standard) National Merit Achievement (only junior African American students) National Hispanic Recognition Program (only junior Latino/Hispanic students) The PSAT/NMSQT assesses the critical reading, mathematics, and writing skills students need for college and beyond. Find out what the test is like and try practice questions. What s On the PSAT/NMSQT Promoting College Readiness The PSAT/NMSQT helps students become college ready. It provides detailed feedback on skills, access to scholarships and personalized online tools, and excellent practice for the SAT. Benefits of the PSAT/NMSQT

8 SAT Measures Verbal Reasoning, Critical Reading, and Math Problem Solving skills. Determines how students use these skills in and out of school. Predicts first year college grades point scale (3 sections) 2400 Max or 1600 (most TX schools do not use writing) Cost of test: $52.50 Fee waivers available if on free or reduced lunch See your academic counselor 2 fee waivers per year College Board

9 College Board SAT= SIT on questions you do not know- DO NOT guess Section DMA Med Sci HHS Texas National TAMU UT Aus Critical Reading Math Writing NA Rice Total 1438/ / / / / / / / 2400 FBISD offers an SAT prep course KHAN Academy will begin FREE SAT prep in March 2015

10 ACT Test covers Math, Reading, English and Science Reasoning (Writing is optional). Determines students ability to complete college level work. Most widely accepted college entrance exam Score composite ranging from 1-36 Cost: $38 Cost for writing portion: $54.50 Always take with writing section! Fee waivers available if on free or reduced lunch See your academic counselor 2 fee waivers per year

11 ACT ACT on all questions- If you do not know answer GUESS Section HHS Texas National TAMU UT Aus Rice English Math Reading Science Composite FREE study material located on ACT website See Ms. Hidalgo for additional resources

12 TEXAS SUCCESS INITIATIVE What is TSI A college placement exam that ALL students attending a public university in Texas must take Students can be exempt from the TSI Assessment if they meet certain standards on their OR ACT test OR SAT test ACT Exemption Standards Composite: 23 English: 19 (minimum) Math: 19 (minimum) SAT Exemption Standards Combined Critical Reading & Math: 1070 Critical Reading: 500 (minimum) Math: 500(minimum) PSAT Exemption Standards for College Now Only Combine Critical Reading & Math: 107 Critical Reading: 50 (minimum) Math: 50(minimum)

13 TEXAS SUCCESS INITIATIVE Who Must Take the TSI Students who do not meet one of the exemption requirements Sections: Math, Reading, and Writing You may be exempt from one or more sections or required to take the entire exam You may take each section at a separate time or all at once (not timed) $29.00 fee every time you take the exam no matter how many section attempted If do not meet minimum standards on TSI assessment student must take remedial (non-credit bearing) courses in that subject in college before she/he can take the credit bearing course TSI Benchmarks: Math- 350 Reading- 351 TSI Study Guide by College Board Writing- 5 Or Writing- 4 with a 363 on Reading

14 TEXAS SUCCESS INITIATIVE From College Board Website A new TSI assessment, aligned to the Texas College and Career Readiness Standards, which offers both placement testing as well as detailed diagnostic profiles of students college readiness and/or adult basic education levels. TSI Informative Brochure TSI Interpreting Your Score TSI Sample Questions TSI Launch Flyer TSI Test Content TSI WritePlacer Sample Essays Source:

15 Colleges Want to see that you are continuing to challenge yourself Full-time Employment FortBendJobs.com Sugar Land Magazine Employment Postings Internship Job Shadowing SUMMER ACTIVITIES FOR ALL GRADE LEVELS

16 SUMMER ACTIVITIES FOR ALL GRADE LEVELS University Summer Programs for High School Students Most colleges have academic programs during the summer for high school students- known as Pre-College Programs Look WONDERFUL on a student s resume Often are academic and career based to student is getting exposure to both Summer Discovery- AIFS Summer Advantage- Visit the university s website to see what types of programs they offer Texas Tech University- Camp L.E.A.D Savannah College of Art and Design- Rising Star Texas A&M Galveston- Ocean Careers Awareness United States Naval Academy Summer STEM Program

17 September JUNIOR YEAR TIMELINE Fall Semester of Junior Year Challenge yourself (inside and outside of the classroom) Maintain A s & B s in all classes (C stands for C your Teacher/Counselor!) Attend FBISD College Fairs- Dates and Locations TBA About 150 colleges in attendance Take at least one career interest inventory See Helpful Recourses at end of presentation Spend 2 hours a week in SAT and ACT (FREE) Research college programs based on career interest inventory

18 JUNIOR YEAR TIMELINE Fall Semester of Junior Year October Challenge yourself (inside and outside of the classroom) Maintain A s & B s in all classes (C stands for C your Teacher/Counselor!) Take PSAT (paid for by FBISD for all sophomores and juniors) Spend 2 hours a week in SAT and ACT (FREE) Research college programs based on career interest inventory

19 JUNIOR YEAR TIMELINE Fall Semester of Junior Year November Challenge yourself (inside and outside of the classroom) Maintain A s & B s in all classes (C stands for C your Teacher/Counselor!) Go on first college tour Students receive two (2) excused absences during junior year and two during senior year (one (1) fall/ one (1) spring for college visit) Return documentation to Attendance Office within two (2) days Spend 2 hours a week in SAT and ACT (FREE) Research college programs based on career interest inventory Write a draft resume

20 JUNIOR YEAR TIMELINE Fall Semester of Junior Year December Challenge yourself (inside and outside of the classroom) Maintain A s & B s in all classes (C stands for C your Teacher/Counselor!) Take SAT and ACT for first time in December or January Spend 2 hours a week in SAT and ACT (FREE) Research college programs based on career interest inventory Write a draft resume Visit college during winter break (ANY COLLEGE!)

21 JUNIOR YEAR TIMELINE Spring Semester of Junior Year January Challenge yourself (inside and outside of the classroom) Maintain A s & B s in all classes (C stands for C your Teacher/Counselor!) If you have a question regarding scheduling please see your student s guidance counselor Take SAT and ACT for first time (if not done in December) Spend 2 hours a week in SAT and ACT (FREE) Take one career interest inventory CCR Center Website under College & Career Planning Naviance Research college programs based on career interest inventory Complete a draft resume

22 JUNIOR YEAR TIMELINE Spring Semester of Junior Year February Challenge yourself (inside and outside of the classroom) Maintain A s & B s in all classes (C stands for C your Teacher/Counselor!) Once you have received your test scores back compare them using a comparison chart ( Begin extra prep for the exam you did better on (this is the one your should retake) You can take each test up to 12 times, we recommend no more than three (3) times Take one career interest inventory CCR Center Website under College & Career Planning Naviance (more information to come) Research college programs based on career interest inventory

23 JUNIOR YEAR TIMELINE Spring Semester of Junior Year March Challenge yourself (inside and outside of the classroom) Maintain A s & B s in all classes (C stands for C your Teacher/Counselor!) Continue extra prep for SAT or ACT, not both Go on college tour during spring break (this way it does not count against your attendance and you still have one more in the spring) Start narrowing down your college list Identify the factors in a college that are most important to you location, cost, programs, public, private, religious affiliation, social environment, etc.

24 JUNIOR YEAR TIMELINE Spring Semester of Junior Year April Challenge yourself (inside and outside of the classroom) Maintain A s & B s in all classes (C stands for C your Teacher/Counselor!) Continue extra prep for SAT or ACT, not both Go on college tour Remember to always set up these tours through the admissions office Start talking to the teachers you will be requesting letters of recommendations from Take US History EOC

25 JUNIOR YEAR TIMELINE Spring Semester of Junior Year May Challenge yourself (inside and outside of the classroom) Maintain A s & B s in all classes (C stands for C your Teacher/Counselor!) Continue extra prep for SAT or ACT, not both Check registration deadline for June SAT/ACT Start talking to the teachers you will be requesting letters of recommendations from Take AP Exams (colleges want to see that if you are taking the AP class that you are taking the AP exam) Research college programs based on career interest inventory

26 JUNIOR YEAR TIMELINE Spring Semester of Junior Year June Challenge yourself (inside and outside of the classroom) Maintain A s & B s in all classes (C stands for C your Teacher/Counselor!) Take FBISD Final Exams Retake either SAT or ACT Start talking to the teachers you will be requesting letters of recommendations from Research college programs based on career interest inventory See Summer Activity for All Grade Levels

27 SUMMER BEFORE SENIOR YEAR July & August Narrow down your college list (to about 8 schools) Safe Schools (3): Schools you are automatically admitted to Target Schools (3): Schools you meet the average admissions range based on SAT/ACT and GPA These school do not have an auto- admit policy Reach School (2): Any university with a low admissions rate or a school where you are below the average admissions range based on SAT/ACT and/or GPA- This is your DREAM SCHOOL It does not matter if you are in the top 10% or top 100%, if the admission rate is less the 20% it should be considered a reach school For reach schools, if it says recommended then that means required Continue to build (add to) your resume. Should be 100% by August 1

28 SUMMER BEFORE SENIOR YEAR July & August Begin outlining Apply Texas essays Ms. Nilsen will proof read essays Create account Most Texas university applications open August 1 Submit application for all safe and target schools by August 31 st It is a good idea to always consider a recommended document as a required document- this will help with scholarship money Create Common Application ( for out-of-state and most private universities resume and list of colleges to teachers who you are asking to write you a letter of recommendation- give at least a two (2) week notice

29 SENIOR YEAR TIMELINE Fall Semester of Senior Year September Complete ALL Apply Texas and Common Application essays and submit mentor/teacher/parent/friend to review Submit transcript requests through Naviance for all submitted ApplyTX Applications. Turn in Common Application Counselor Packet to Cousnelors Office Understand the difference between Early Decision, Early Action, and Regular Decision Early Decision- legally binding contract- meaning if you are accepted then no matter what that is where you are going to college Can only apply to one school using early decision For schools with an over all low admissions rate the ED admissions rate is usually a little higher Early Action- not legally binding; shows college that they are one of your top picks Generally speaking it is always best to apply early!!! For schools with an over all low admissions rate the EA admissions rate is usually a little higher Regular Decision- date that all applications are due by- no special privileges

30 SENIOR YEAR TIMELINE Fall Semester of Senior Year October If still need to retake SAT or ACT try to take by October date Begin scholarship application process Visit the CCR Center Financial Aid and Scholarship page and Naviance Scholarship page for available opportunities If a scholarship asks for an essay- unless it is a very specific prompt use one of your application essays (may need to tweak it some) There are scholarships out there for students of ALL grade levels (K- 12) If applying to University of Texas or Texas A&M have your application submitted no later than October 1 st. You cannot put down a housing deposit until you are admitted but there are privately owned dorms just like the ones owned by the university that you are able to put down a deposit at--- Housing was closed for Texas A&M by February 1, Most students did not find out until February 28, 2014 their admissions decision.

31 SENIOR YEAR TIMELINE Fall Semester of Senior Year November & December Remember most large state and many private colleges have a December 1 st deadline Go on fall semester college visit Continue working on all forms of scholarship applications (university scholarships and third party scholarships) Complete CSS/Profile if applying to private schools ( Start thinking about financial aid- be ready to fill FAFSA on January 1 st.

32 THINGS TO REMEMBER Get to know Ms. Hidalgo, College & Career Readiness Advisor Colleges visit the CCR Center each week Register through Naviance Most colleges track student interest If a student is even a little interested in college it is a good idea for student to attend visit in CCR Center- does not count against attendance When visiting a college campus be use to go through the Office of Admissions so that the visit is official

33 THINGS TO REMEMBER The earlier you submit your application, the better When it says Recommended it really means required! Most Texas public schools have automations policies LOTS of WONDERFUL colleges in Texas If you are okay with private then are you okay with out-of-state First look at program then look at university If no idea what to major in that is OKAY!!! Then look at the college s brand

34 HELPFUL WEBSITES

35 Student Volunteers Needed Mondays, Wednesdays & Thursdays In Office P-2 or with ACA Teachers Complete Student Volunteer

Senior Parent Meeting What s next?

Senior Parent Meeting What s next? { 2017 Agenda Introductions Graduation Plans and Requirements Mega Lunch EOC Testing Exemption Policy College Planning SAT, ACT, TSI, AP Exams Paying for College Free/Reduced