“Getting into College”

1. “Getting into College” Presented by: Hebron High School Counseling Department

2. What type? • Technical School • UTI, WyoTech,TSTC • Community College • Brookhaven, Collin College, NCTC • Four year Colleges or Universities • Texas, Oklahoma, Sam Houston,Tarleton • Military Career • Air Force, Army, Coast Guard, Marines, Navy

3. Good Advice • Begin to narrow your choices down to a REALISTIC number of schools which you will seek admission. • Good idea is to have THREE schools: • Sure thing – Safe school – Stretch

4. Finding what is right for me • North Texas College Fair – 9/20/2011 6:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. @ UNT’s Discovery Park Local offices: UT – 214-526-1800 OSU – 972-770-2321 A&M – 817-375-0960 OU – 972-444-9218 Texas Tech – 214-630-8324 ASVAB – multiple-aptitude test which measures your strengths, weaknesses and potential information for civilian and military occupations. It will be given on November 14th at 3:45 in the Hebron library.

5. Technical Schools • Will train you for a particular trade, job or career field. • Classes will only relate to career area. • Shorter term program but more expensive. • Students learn quickly in areas of interest.

6. Community College • Excellent start to college for some students (Minimum or Recommended Graduation Plan) • Can earn a two-year degree or certification • Hours can transfer to four year universities (Hours may transfer to the university but may not transfer to your major. You will need to consult with the university you plan to attend to determine how hours will transfer.)

7. Community College • Low tuition • Smaller classes • Convenient locations • Open admissions (No need for the SAT or ACT. THEA test required unless exempt.) • Flexible scheduling

8. THEA Test • The THEA must be taken prior to enrollment in a Texas PUBLIC College, University or Technical school. • The THEA test is used to determine if remedial classes need to be taken. Students can be exempt from taking the THEA through one of the following:

9. THEA Exemptions • ACT composite score of 23 with a minimum of 19 on both the English & Math. • SAT combined verbal and math score of 1070 with a minimum of 500 on both the verbal and math. • TAKS score of 2200 on ELA and math and a 3 or 4 score on the writing.

10. University & 4-year College • Students that enjoy learning, are disciplined to study and can handle a lot of change will successfully navigate the transition from high school to a university. • It takes work and diligence. • Recommended or DAP Graduation Plan

11. Here’s what you do • It is not too early to begin thinking about YOUR LIFE AFTER HIGH SCHOOL! • Preparation is the key to being accepted to the campus and major of your choice. • Use the internet, library and any other school resources to help you find answers to your questions.

12. Select Colleges of Interest • During high school, visit several universities or colleges which you might wish to apply. • 2 college visits allowed • Talk with Students, Professors, and Financial Aid Officers during your visit.

13. Take or Re-take the SAT/ACT • Register on line at www.act.org or www.collegeboard.com Achievement test Tests Potential Four parts Three sections Guessing OK Penalty for guessing (Take once in junior year and then senior year.)

14. SAT or ACT Score • Some college admission deadlines allow for the December test to be the last time to test. • Know if the college takes only the score of one test or if the highest two scores are considered. • Fee waivers are available in the counseling office to Free and Reduced Lunch qualifiers.

15. Get Admissions Information • All universities and colleges are different. The best way to know what is required of you is to contact the college of your choice and find out.

16. Get Admissions Information • Housing and scholarship deadlines may be earlier than school admission deadlines. Acceptance to school is often required before housing and scholarships will be awarded. • Deadline means in office – not postmarked.

17. Complete Application • Colleges will not review incomplete applications. Your applications file will include (at least): • Completed Application • Official High School Transcript • SAT or ACT scores from testing agency • Application fee • Essays (if required)

18. NACAC – www.nacacnet.org • Top factors in the admission decision according to the Admission Trends Survey: • Grades in college preparatory courses • Strength of curriculum • Standardized test scores • Overall high school GPA

19. NACAC – www.nacacnet.org • Among the next most important factors: • The essay (if required by school) • Teacher and Counselor recommendations • Class rank • The student’s demonstrated interest

20. Common Applications • Apply Texas application www.applytexas.org • The Common Application www.commonapp.org • Even top 10% must submit application by the college deadline. (UT is top 9% for this year’s seniors.) • Be aware of deadlines!! Paper worksheet of these applications can be found on the Hebron website under counselor.

21. Essay – If required • Very Important!! This is your selling point! • Even top 10% must submit a well-written essay. • Spend time in writing your essay. (Helpful hint: Write it in Microsoft word first in order to take advantage of spell and grammar check. Make sure several people proofread before you send it.) • It could lead to your acceptance into the college and/or scholarships.

22. Letters of Recommendation • If admissions application does not ask for it, don’t send it. • These letters need to be able to reflect additional information about the student that has not been revealed through the application and essay.

23. Letters of Recommendation Recommendation packets are located in the hallway outside the counseling office. Allow two weeks for recommendations to be written by your counselor or teacher. Provide stamped, addressed envelopes to every school your recommendation needs to be sent. (US mail is faster than district mail. )

24. Transcripts • Sent by the registrar (“Pink” form in hallway) • Send at time of application and a final transcript after graduation. • Shows GPA, Class Rank, TAKS scores & AP scores • Class rank is locked after 3rd 9 weeks • Calculated on a 120.0 scale (Provide stamped, addressed envelopes for faster mail delivery.)

25. NCAA Eligibility Center The Eligibility Center processes academic qualifications for all prospective Division I and Division II athletes and determines whether they are eligible to compete. Apply at the end of your junior year at www.eligibilitycenter.org Talk with your coach for more information.

26. Show Me the Money • The counselor link on Hebron’s website has information about scholarships, loans, grants and the FAFSA. All scholarships Hebron is aware of are listed on our website. • There will be a financial aid meeting at Hebron in January. Information will be provided by a college financial aid advisor.

27. Financial Aid • The FAFSA will need to be completed in order to apply for grants and loans. • Contact the COLLEGE FINANCIAL AID OFFICE FOR HELP. • The FAFSA form cannot be submitted until January 1. However, PIN #’s can be set up at anytime.

28. Financial Aid Types of Financial Aid • Scholarships (Do not have to be repaid) • Lewisville Education Foundation (LEF) • Grants (Do not have to be repaid) • Federal Grants • State Grants • TEXAS Grants Program

29. Financial Aid Types of Financial Aid • Loans (Must be repaid.) • Parent and/or Student Loans • Government subsidized/unsubsidized • Work/Study Programs

30. Scholarship Scams • Warning Signs: • Fee • Money Back Guarantee • Credit Card / Bank Account Information Required • Offers Exclusive Information

31. Scholarship Scams • Common Scams: • Phony scholarship – • promises cash if you pay a registration fee • Phony scholarship matching service – • pay a fee and they guarantee you will win scholarships • Phony educational loan – • pay a fee and receive a low interest rate • Phony financial aid seminar – • one big sales pitch

32. Military Career • A military career can provide a good salary, free job training, and paid college education for some students after high school.

33. Points to Ponder Be realistic in your choice of a college. 1. Does it offer a strong academic field in my major? 2. Is the school location a good “fit” for me? 3. How much money will I need and how much are my parents willing to give me?

34. Points to Ponder 4. How will I manage my time? Am I self-disciplined enough for a four year college? 5. How will adjusting to a roommate affect me? 6. What are my expectations and my parent’s expectations of my college grades?

35. Bottom Line … You need to talk with each technical school, community college, four-year college, military branch, or university that you want to attend to receive all the correct information for admissions and scholarships.

36. No Matter Which Path… Be prepared!!! As a high school senior, it is your responsibility to make sure everything is in place for your life after high school. Your parents, teachers, and counselors can help guide you, but ultimately the responsibility of getting things done rests on your shoulders. Take charge!

37. Hebron Counselors A-DEA: Latasha Rayford DEB-JH: Alexis Webb JI-MZ: Tracey Shinkle N-SME: Kim Clingan SMF-Z: Charlene Nelson Counseling Secretary: Marion Gonzalez