Post-High School Planning

Colleyville Heritage High SchoolRising Senior Student/Parent Meeting

Post Secondary Options

• College • University• 2 Year College• Community College or Technical school• Specialized Schools• Military Academies• Military Service• Apprenticeship Training

College Admissions – At a Glance

• Take entrance exams• Gather information• Narrow your choices• Apply for admission• Apply for money• Accept offer of admission• Apply for housing • Register for courses

Admission Terminology• Rolling admission – candidates are invited to submit their applications

to the university anytime within a large window. Usually notified within 2-3 weeks.

• Regular decision – applications should be filed by a set deadline. The deadlines usually run between January 1st and March 1st. Decisions are usually made by April 1st.

• Early decision – plans are binding. Students must attend the college. Receive admission well in advance of the usual notification date (usually by Dec. 1st)

• Early action – nonbinding – students receive an early response to their applications but do not have to commit to the college.

• Restricted Early Action – same as Early Action except that the students may apply to only one Early Action school (similar to early decision except this process is not binding). Very few school use this.

Applying To College• Strategy • Apply to schools of varying selectivity. Do not put all your energy

and efforts in to one level of school. Give yourself some options when it comes time to make a decision.

• Consider applying early if applying to selective schools. Some studies have shown that applying early is the same as adding 100 points to your SAT score. By applying early, you will have a decision on that school or schools in December. This strategy is the norm, not the exception for most private secondary schools in the northeast.

• Apply early to rolling admission schools. You may apply any time to most schools in this category, but they will still have financial aid and/or housing deadlines. They may also have priority deadlines; this means that you will receive first consideration for housing and/or money.

Winter Junior year• Sign up to take the college admission tests in the

spring. • When you apply for either the ACT or the SAT, you

must indicate your high school code. Colleyville’s code is 441408. This has to be on the registration form in order for CHHS to receive your scores.

• It is strongly recommended that students take both the ACT and SAT. All colleges will accept either and use a conversion chart to compare the two test score results.

ACT• What is Tested

• Always take the ACT plus Writing as opposed to just the ACT. If you do not take the writing portion and later apply to a school that requires it, you will have to re-take the entire test. The ACT consists of an English, math, reading and science test. You will receive a score for each area plus a composite score.

• Scoring • Students and colleges will still receive your ACT score based upon the 1-36

point scale for the ACT whether or not you take the writing test. If you also take the writing test, it will be reported as a separate score on a 1-12 scale but on the same score report form. There is no deduction for wrong answers (no penalty for guessing).

• When to Take • The April and June tests offer the Test Information Release (TIF) (an additional

$18) which, in addition to your scores, will provide you with the questions and answers from the test which can be used for future preparation.

• How to Register • Go to www.actstudent.org. If you are on free or reduced lunch, you may take

the ACT twice for free. Your counselor can provide you with a fee waiver form.

SAT• What is Tested

• The SAT tests include Critical Reading, Math and Writing. Unlike the ACT, the writing test is not optional. The writing test has a 35 minute multiple choice test on grammar usage and word choice questions and a 25 minute essay. The SAT Critical Reading test has eliminated analogies and added short reading passages. The SAT Math test has eliminated quantitative comparison questions but will now go through Algebra II instead of just through Algebra 1..

• Scoring • All three tests are scored on 200-800 scale with a top score of 2400, though many colleges still

just look at the Critical Writing and Math parts which would have a top score of 1600.There is a correction factor of ¼ a point for each wrong answer.

• When to Take • The January and May tests offer their “Question & Answer” services (an additional $18) which

will send you the questions/answers for this test to help you study if you retake the test. If you need to take a subject area test for college admissions (small group of selective schools) the best time is June, right when you have completed the courses the tests will assess.

• How to Register • Go to www.collegeboard.org. If you are on free or reduced lunch, you may take the SAT once

for free. Your counselor can provide you with a fee waiver form.

Suggested ACT/SAT Time Line

October January April May June Fall Senior Year

PSAT SAT ACT

SAT – 2nd time if needed

ACT – 2nd time if needed_________

SAT Subject Tests

If desired, take the test on which you scored better

Winter junior year• Begin a search for financial aid sources. The CHHS

counseling center website has a section dedicated to the scholarship search. Don’t overlook local and state aid sources.

Winter Junior Year• If you’re in Advanced Placement Program® (AP®)

classes, register for the AP Exams given in May. • You can earn college credit for courses not given in

the AP Program by taking CLEP® tests at a college test center. Visit clep.collegeboard.org to learn more.

Spring Junior Year• Visit some local colleges — large, small, public and

private. Get a feel for what works for you. Attend college fairs, too.

• Scan local newspapers to see which civic, cultural and service organizations in your area award financial aid to graduating seniors. Start a file.

Spring Junior Year• Develop a list of 15 or 20 colleges that are of

interest to you. • Browse the school websites for information about

financial aid and academic programs. • Visit some colleges during your spring break.

Spring Junior Year• If you are considering military academies or ROTC

scholarships, contact your counselor before leaving school for the summer. If you want a four-year ROTC scholarship, you should begin the application process the summer before your senior year.

Summer Junior Year• If you are an athlete planning to continue playing a

sport in college, register with the National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA) Eligibility Center (www.ncaaclearinghouse.net).

Summer Junior Year• Find a full-time or part-time job, or participate in a

summer camp or summer college program.• Visit colleges. Take campus tours and, at colleges

you’re serious about, make appointments to have interviews with admission counselors.

• Create a résumé — a record of your accomplishments, activities and work experiences since you started high school.

Summer Junior Year• Become familiar with the application process for

the colleges to which you’ll apply. Check application dates — large universities may have early dates or rolling admission.

College Application Types

Applications – Even if something says a part of an application is optional, it is not–do it all. Choose applications in the follow order: 1. CommonApp.org – Over 450 schools nationwide (including Austin College, Rice, SMU, Southwestern, TCU and Trinity College in Texas) use this one application. You complete his one application and send it to any school that uses the Common Application. This saves you, parents, teachers and counselors a lot time. Be sure to complete the on-line version (not the downloadable one). Schools that accept the Common Application do not give preference to this form or their own. 2. ApplyTexas.org - 35 public universities in Texas use this one application. Each school may have different supplements and/or scholarships that you will also complete. Three ApplyTexas schools also use the Common Application (TCU, SMU, and U of Dallas). For those schools, use the Common Application, as letters of recommendation cannot be sent hrough the ApplyTexas website. 3. School Application – Applications for schools that do not use the Common Application or the ApplyTexas are typically on the school’s website where you may fill them out and submit them electronically. At a minimum you will be able to order a hard copy on-line. Colleges prefer that you do an on-line version but will accept a hard copy instead – do not do both a hard copy and the on-line version because it may slow the process.

College application checklist

Check out this useful tool! • College Application Checklist

September – Senior Year

• Narrow your list of colleges to between five and 10. Meet with a counselor about your college choices and, if you’ve not yet done so, download college applications and financial aid forms. Plan to visit as many of these colleges as possible.

September – Senior Year

• Create a master list or calendar that includes:• Tests you’ll take and their fees, dates and registration

deadlines• College application due dates• Required financial aid application forms and their deadlines

(aid applications may be due before college applications)• Other materials you’ll need (recommendations, transcripts,

etc.)• Your high school’s application processing deadlines• If you can’t afford application or test fees, a counselor can

help you request a fee waiver.• Be sure to have your college admission test scores sent

to the colleges to which you are applying.

October – Senior Year• Try to finalize your college choices.

• Prepare early decision/early action or rolling admission applications as soon as possible.

• Ask a counselor or teacher for recommendations if you need them. Give each teacher or counselor an outline of your academic record and your extracurricular activities. Complete the Senior Information sheet located on the counseling center website.

• For each teacher recommendation, provide a stamped, addressed envelope and any college forms required.

• If you’re submitting essays, write first drafts and ask teachers and others to read them. If you’re applying for early decision, finish the essays for that application now.

• Be sure to have your college admission test scores sent to the colleges to which you are applying.

November• Nov. 1: For early decision admission, colleges may

require test scores and applications between these dates.

• Complete at least one college application by Thanksgiving.

• Ask counselors to send your transcripts to colleges. Give counselors the proper forms at least two weeks before the colleges require them.

December• As you finish and send your applications and

essays, be sure to keep photocopies.• If the college wants to see second-semester

grades, be sure to give the form to your counselor.

January & February• If you apply online to colleges, be sure to have your

high school send a transcript — it is sent separately by mail to colleges.

• No senioritis, please! Accepting colleges do look at second-semester senior grades.

March & April • Keep active in school. If you are wait listed, the

college will want to know what you have accomplished between the time you applied and the time you learned of its decision.

• You should receive acceptance letters and financial aid offers by mid-April. If you’ve not done so yet, visit your final college before accepting. As soon as you decide, notify your counselor of your choice.

• If you have questions about housing offers, talk to your counselor or call the college.

May • Colleges cannot require your deposit or your commitment

to attend before May 1. By that postmarked date, you must inform every college of your acceptance or rejection of the offer of admission and/or financial aid. (Questions? Talk to your counselor.)

• Send your deposit to one college only.• Wait listed by a college? If you intend to enroll if you are

accepted, tell the admission director your intent and ask how to strengthen your application. Need financial aid?

• Ask whether funds will be available if you’re accepted.• Work with a counselor to resolve any admission or financial

aid problems.

June• Ask your high school to send a final transcript to

your college.

Financial Aid• If you are in doubt as to whether or not to apply for

aid, apply!• Do not wait for college acceptance letters before

filing for aid. File in January or February — the earlier the better. You do not need to have completed your tax returns prior to filling out the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) or the CSS/Financial Aid PROFILE® (PROFILE). An estimate of income and/or income tax information is adequate. You cannot file the FAFSA until after Jan. 1, but complete it before Feb. 1 if at all possible.

Step 1• Complete FAFSA on the Web. Get worksheets to

fill out prior to filing the FAFSA at http://www.fafsa.ed.gov.

• Filing online is much faster than by mail, and the website has prompts that help you avoid making mistakes. You and your parents will both need a PIN, or electronic password, before completing the form — available at www.pin.ed.gov. It’s a good idea to get your PIN in advance of the deadline, although PINs can still be obtained during the FAFSA sign-up process.

Step 2• If you are applying to colleges that require PROFILE

(mostly private schools), file that form as early as possible — as soon as you can estimate your and your parents’ income tax information, keeping in mind your college’s deadline. If you are applying under an early decision plan, complete your PROFILE in late November or early December.

Step 3• Complete income tax forms as soon as possible in

order to provide accurate data on financial aid forms. Some colleges have early February deadlines.

• Make a list of the financial aid priority dates and deadlines at the colleges to which you are applying. Ask each college if it requires supplemental forms, and obtain them as needed.

• Apply for federal and state funds by answering the appropriate questions on the FAFSA.

Financial Aid• Details to remember• In all written communications to financial aid offices ,

put your name, address and date of birth on every page. • Keep your financial aid worksheets. Always make

photocopies of your financial aid forms for your records.• If you have questions about an item, do not guess. See

your counselor or speak with the college financial aid officer directly.• Do not leave blank spaces on the forms. Use zeros

instead.• Proofread! And again, make photocopies of everything!

Scholarships• Check for scholarships for which you might be

eligible: • Check with each college/postsecondary institution

(your best source) • Those posted on the counseling office website• Local and state scholarships

How to Build A College List • College List Worksheet

College Matters- For Life

• Individuals who have a college degree earn an average of $22,000 more per year than those with only a high school diploma.

• A college education gives a person more job security. People with a high school diploma are more than twice as likely to be unemployed.

• For most students who go to college, the increase in lifetime earnings far outweighs the cost of their education.

• College is more than just a classroom. It’s an important time in life to learn and grow as a person while gaining independence and life skills.

• Statistics show that a college education impacts health, family and community involvement. • Young adults with a college degree are much less likely to be obese than those

with only a high school diploma. • Children of parents with a college degree are much more likely to be read to

every day than children of parents with only a high school diploma. • Individuals with a college degree are more than twice as likely to volunteer as

those with only a high school diploma.

College Essay• When you apply to college, you’ll need to complete

an essay as part of your application. This is your opportunity to show admission officers who you are and to provide information about yourself that didn’t fit in other areas of your application. The essay also reveals what you can do when you have time to think and work on a writing project.

• https://bigfuture.collegeboard.org/get-in/essays

College Representative Visits

• Many colleges will visit Colleyville Heritage on recruiting trips. These visits are an important way for you to discover information about a college and to establish a connection with someone at that campus. Often times, the school representative will be the person who will read your application and make admission decisions.

• Important Points: • Keep track of the colleges’ scheduled visits. • The visits are for you to learn about the school and to demonstrate

interest. Gather some information about the school prior to the visit, and ask a question showing that knowledge, i.e., “I’ve heard good things about your business school. What kind of internships do you have available?”

• If the school is one in which you have particular interest, make sure you introduce yourself and thank the representative for coming.

• You can sign up for a college visit on the counseling center website.

College Night• Each October, GCISD hosts a college fair. Over 200

colleges from throughout the country are represented. This is a great opportunity to pick up materials about those colleges.

• The person representing each school will be either an alumnus of the school or an admissions representative from the school.

College Campus Visits• When you visit a college, take notes on your impressions immediately after the

visit. Do not let weather conditions on the day of your visit affect your judgment. Pay attention to your feelings about the campus, but also do not judge the college solely on the basis of your visit, remember the information you found before your visit.

• Before you go, call the admissions office to arrange a campus tour, an interview (if available), and maybe an overnight stay. An overnight stay can be very beneficial in getting a feel for the campus. Get detailed directions to the campus and to the specific building where you will meet for the tour. It is best to go on a weekday during the school year so that you can see a campus full of people and possibly attend some classes. You may not be able to see all your schools under these conditions, but you will get a better feel for those that you can.

• While there, take the tour, but also visit several classes and meet some professors from an area in which you are interested (the admissions office will be able to set that up for you). Also visit the student center, library, computer centers, academic support center, etc., if not included on your tour. Most importantly, talk to as many students as possible. Get their opinions on campus life, classes, activities, what they like/dislike about the school.

College Campus Visit• The following are possible areas through which to evaluate a school. Decide which

are important to you prior to your visit(s) and make sure that you get answers and/or information about those items. • Retention – freshman orientation programs, percent of freshman returning for

sophomore year • Diversity – diversity of the campus, what cross-cultural experiences are available • Technology – connections available in the dorms, what computer labs do they have • Academic Challenge – do students get to leave their “comfort zone” • Active Learning – when are majors selected, what internships are available • Student-Faculty Interaction – availability of faculty, opportunities for research with

faculty, • average class size of freshman classes • Campus Environment – what do students like about the campus, public transportation,

academic support, weekend activities (a commuter campus?) • Out-of-Class Experience – community service, leadership opportunities, study abroad,

student organizations • Post-College – career placement assistance, job placement percentages, will this

school help you get to where you want to be

Tips• Colleges may take 3-4 weeks to process your application.

Do not be alarmed if their “status check” does not show them receiving your information immediately as they get thousands of pieces of information and update the “status check” manually.

• Check your e-mail. Many schools will use e-mail to inform you if parts to your application are missing and will also communicate other needed information. Use the same e-mail for all applications and check it regularly.

• Keep a copy of everything. On occasion, a school may lose part of what you have submitted. Also, you may be able to duplicate portions of one application to another.

The Work Option• At some point, almost everyone ends up in the

workplace. No matter when you plan to receive that first full-time paycheck, there are some things you will need to do to prepare yourself for the world of work. As you progress through high school, take courses that will prepare you for college as well as a career. It good idea to take college preparatory courses even if you are not planning on attending college right away because getting a good education always pays off no matter what you decide to do. Work training and work experience in high school will also pay off when attempting to seek employment after high school.

The Work Option• There are five steps in preparing for a career or for college followed by a

career: • Take an aptitude test –The ASVAB (Armed Services Vocational Aptitude Battery) is a

good test that can help with understanding your aptitudes and possible careers. You will have an opportunity during the school year to take this during the school day.

• Research various careers –Career books in the library as well as internet websites are great resources for learning about careers.

• Job shadow when you get the chance to see first-hand what a job is really like. • Do volunteer work in an area of interest to see if that occupation fits your talents

and interests. • Network – Become familiar with people in the industry of interest to you. This can

happened through research listed above, contacts through family and friends, and actual job experience.

• Create a portfolio – Have on hand information that will help when seeking employment. This should include items such as a resume, writing samples, transcript, letters of recommendation and portfolio of work that you have done.

• Apply – Once you have an occupation in mind, set up interviews and fill out applications while still in school. Have a plan set for after graduation

The Work Option• Writing a letter to apply for a job • Address it personally to a person (not “To Whom It May

Concern”)• Be brief • Introduce yourself to the reader • Indicate the position for which you are applying • Mention how you found out about the position (friend,

newspaper, etc.) • Include something about yourself that will arouse

interest about your experience and accomplishments • Request an interview • Sign and date

The Work Option• The Interview • Arrive early • Look your best and dress professionally • Be yourself – you are both deciding if you and the job are a good

match • Speak up and furnish the interviewer with information needed to

make an informed decision • Practice with a friend by going over the following common

questions: • Tell me a little bit about yourself • Are you at your best when working alone or in a group • What are your career goals • What are your questions for me (always have some, show some

knowledge of the position)

The Military Option• The military is an option for a career and/or money

for college. Thoroughly research the branches of the military in which you are most interested. Request brochures, talk to recruiters, and visit with family and friends with experience in the military.

U.S. Service Academies

The service academies are four-year degree programs followed by a commitment of service. Acceptance to a service academy requires a congressional or executive nomination by one of your U.S. Senators or Representatives or the Vice President. Children of career or retired military personnel may seek a nomination through the Office of the President. You are encouraged to pursue any and all of the avenues to increase your chances of securing a nomination. Generally, the timeline to apply to an academy starts in the spring of your junior year. If you are interested in an appointment and have not begun process you need to begin immediately. You will need to apply to the academy in which you are interested and secure a nomination.

The College & Career Search

• Go to Bigfuture.collegeboard.org• Explore Careers• Major and Career Search• Begin exploring careers that might be of interest to you. You

can read about the career, learn compensation information and determine the outlook of the field.

• On right hand side explore the related majors• Begin exploring majors that might be of interest to you. You

can read about the major and identify what skills you should build in high school.

• On the right had side explore colleges with this career• You can then narrow your list of schools based on the

criteria on the left.

Next Steps• Complete Junior year activities• Contact your counselor before you leave for

summer if you have questions about next steps• Big Future College & Career search