1

Senior Transition Booklet

Class of 2017

This booklet contains suggestions to help prepare you for life after high school. Whether you are planning to start a full-time job, join the military, or attend a college or trade school, there is information to meet your specific needs. In today’s world, the better prepared and more skilled you are, the greater your chances are of reaching your goals of getting a job or being accepted into the college of your choice.

Keep this booklet as a reference throughout your senior year, and share it with your family, as you prepare and plan your future.

In accordance with Title VI-Civil Rights Act of 1964, Title IX-Education Amendment of 1972, Section 504-Rehabilitation Act

of 1973 and Title II of the American with Disabilities Act of 1992, the North East Independent School District does not

discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, age, sex or handicap.

Conforme al Título VI de la Ley de Derechos Civiles de 1964, al Título IX de las Enmiendas de Educación de 1972, a la

Sección 504 de la Ley de Rehabilitación de 1973 y al Título II de la Ley sobre Estadounidenses con Discapacidades de

1992, el North East Independent School District no discrimina por motivos de raza, color, origen nacional, edad, sexo o

discapacidad.

This booklet was prepared by NEISD counselors for NEISD students and parents.

NEISD GUIDANCE SERVICES MISSION STATEMENT

2

The mission of the North East Independent School District Comprehensive Guidance and Counseling Program, in partnership with parents, school and community, is to provide a system of services which fosters the academic, career, and social development of all students. Our goal is to empower children to reach their maximum potential and become caring, productive, and responsible citizens.

Table of Contents

Graduation Requirements 3 Options After High School 4-5 Testing Information 6-8 Seeking Higher Education Goals: To-Do List 9-10 NEISD Rank Policy 11-12 Automatic College Admission Eligibility 13 NCAA/College-Bound Athletes 14-15 Scholarships and Financial Aid 16 Financial Aid Terms 17 Texas Grant 18 Collegiate Terminology 19 Sample Résumé 20 Military Academies 21 Helpful Websites

22

3

GRADUATION REQUIREMENTS

NEISD Students Entering 9th Grade in the 2013-2014 School Year **

Courses

Minimum High School

Program

(MHSP)

Recommended High School

Program

(RHSP)

Distinguished Achievement

Program

(DAP)

English Language Arts 4 credits 4 credits 4 credits

Mathematics 3 credits 4 credits 4 credits

Science 2 credits* 4 credits 4 credits

Social Studies 3 credits* 4 credits 4 credits

Languages other than English None 2 credits 3 credits

Physical Education 1 credit 1 credit 1 credit

Health Education .5 credit .5 credit .5 credit

Speech .5 credit .5 credit .5 credit

Fine Arts 1 credit 1 credit 1 credit

Electives 6 credits 5 credits 4 credits

Academic Elective* (science or social studies)

1 credit None None

Total 22 26 26

** Students who entered high school in the 2013-2014 school year may graduate under the Foundation High School Program as permitted by Section 28.025(h-2), Texas Education Code, as added by House Bill (HB) 5, passed by the 83rd Texas Legislature, 2013.

4

Options After High School: COLLEGE Going to college is meant for you to become more knowledgeable and skilled in a certain professional field that will prepare you to be successful in a career pathway. This booklet will guide you, as you plan financially for college, select your colleges of choice, and apply for admissions. Many online resources are provided in the “Helpful Websites” section, under “College/Career Planning.”

MILITARY CAREER

Recruiters from different branches of the military will help you as you investigate a military career. Local military recruiters visit your campus frequently. In speaking with a local recruiter, learn as much as possible about the different branches, such as the acceptance requirements, job opportunities, benefits, and obligation of service. Check with the ROTC instructor and/or your counselor at your campus about specialized military opportunities, including the Jr. ROTC Program and ROTC scholarships. It is also recommended that you take the ASVAB (Armed Services Vocational Aptitude Battery), if you are considering serving in any branch of the military. It is a multiple-aptitude battery that measures developed abilities and helps predict future academic and occupational success in the military. This test is not (and never has been) a requirement that a test taker with a qualifying score must enlist in the armed forces. Talk to your local recruiter and/or your counselor about when/where to register.

SERVICE ACADEMIES The application process usually begins in the spring of your junior year. If you have not started this process, talk to your counselor immediately. Contact a local recruiter or the individual academy to request a pre-candidate questionnaire. A nomination is mandatory for any young person, before he/she can be appointed to any of the following Department of Defense academies: U.S. Military Academy at West Point, NY; U.S. Naval Academy at Annapolis, MD; U.S. Air Force Academy at Colorado Springs, CO; and U.S. Merchant Marine Academy at Kings Point, NY via the U.S. Department of Transportation. There are very specific requirements that must be met. See your counselor to obtain information.

CAREER/TRADE/TECHNICAL TRAINING Career/trade/technical training is available through junior or community colleges, such as San Antonio College, St. Philip’s, Palo Alto, Northeast Lakeview, and Northwest Vista and specialized vocational/technical/business schools, such as Texas State Technical College. There are many programs at local community colleges that can lead to degrees and/or

NEISD COLLEGE NIGHT October 26, 2016

6:00 PM – 8:00 PM Littleton Gym at the Blossom Athletic Center

Financial Aid Sessions at 5:30 PM, 6:30 PM & 7:30 PM

will be held in Piper Bass Student Center.

Do not miss this great opportunity to visit with over 100 colleges.

5

certifications. If you have an idea as to what you would like to do, call an employer and ask where they would recommend that you get training. Utilize the Career Center at your campus for resources, and talk to your counselor, in order to help you make a plan to reach your goals. At the back of this booklet, you can find information online about degree and certification programs through the Alamo Colleges network.

FULL-TIME EMPLOYMENT

Here are some suggestions of things to do as you begin to look for employment: 1. Gather more information about you, your strengths, skills, and interests. Research and

complete the optional surveys and inventories provided at the following websites: www.texasrealitycheck.com

http://tx.kuder.com/ (Activation Code: N4227836NCM)

2. Compile your résumé. Kuder Navigator, for example, offers resources to help you create your professional résumé.

3. Research job opportunities that are related to your results on the surveys/inventories that are listed above. Check with various employers to see if they provide apprenticeships or on-the-job training programs. Check the Texas Employment Commission for current employment information and opportunities. You can also find a list of websites for job-searches in the back of this booklet, under “Employment Opportunities” in the section titled, “Helpful Websites.”

4. Attend Job Fairs whenever possible. 5. Attend North East Career Night.

NEISD CAREER NIGHT April 25, 2017

6:00 PM – 8:00 PM Blossom Athletic Center

6

Testing Information

STAAR EOC (State of Texas Assessments of Academic Readiness End of Course Exams)

Before a Texas high school diploma can be awarded, a student must meet the Level II passing standard on each of the following STAAR EOC’s: English I, English II, Algebra I, Biology, U.S. History. For more information on state assessment requirements in Texas, as related to high school graduation and diplomacy, please visit: www.tea.state.tx.us/student.assessment/staar.

ACT www.act.org

The ACT attempts to measure skills that are closely-related to the content of courses in the high school curriculum in the four subject areas of English, Mathematics, Reading, and Science. It reports those four scores, which are averaged together to form a composite score. Each of the four scores, as well as the composite score, can range from 1 to 36. http://www.act.org/actnext/.

SAT www.collegeboard.org

The redesigned or new SAT, launched in March of 2016, is based on the skills and knowledge that are essential for students’ college and career readiness and success. A perfect score on the redesigned SAT will be a 1600 because the Essay is optional. https://www.collegeboard.org/delivering-opportunity/sat/redesign.

SAT SUBJECT TESTS www.collegeboard.org

The SAT Subject Tests are required by some colleges as a second-step in testing and is generally not used for admissions, but rather for placement in the proper levels of freshman course work. Check with your college to determine if you need to take SAT Subject Tests. The SAT Subject Tests measure specific knowledge of specific courses you are supposed to have taken in high school.

REGISTERING FOR ACT & SAT

The quickest and easiest way is to register online for your test(s) of choice at the respective website(s) listed on each testing site. You will receive immediate registration confirmation. You must submit a photo with your registration for the SAT and the ACT. (Many local high schools are testing sites.) Your scores will be reported to you approximately three weeks after you have taken the test.

7

TSI ASSESSMENT

The TSI (Texas Success Initiative) Assessment is designed to help your university or college determine if you are ready for college-level course work in the general areas of reading, writing and mathematics. The TSI assessment is computer-based (most similar to the ACCUPLACER® format) with immediate results. There is an added Pre-Assessment Activity (PAA) before the test. All students enrolling in a Texas public university or college must take the TSI unless they qualify for a TSI exemption. Students may be exempt based on their scores on the SAT, ACT, or STAAR test (English III EOC only). If you think you may be exempt, please contact an advisor at your institution. For more information about the TSI, visit: http://accuplacer.collegeboard.org/sites/default/files/accuplacer-tsi-assessment-student-brochure.pdf.

ASVAB

The ASVAB (Armed Services Vocational Aptitude Battery) is a multiple-aptitude battery that measures developed abilities and helps predict future academic and occupational success in the military. This test is recommended for any student, but especially for students who are considering any branch of the military as a possible career. Although the test is administered by the military, it is not (and never has been) a requirement that a test taker with a qualifying score enlist in the armed forces. For more information, visit: www.military.com/join-armed-forces/asvab.

AP EXAMS Advanced Placement exams are offered in many content areas for college credit. The exam results have no direct impact on college admission. They demonstrate a student’s ability to function at a rigorous college-level. Students receiving scores of 3, 4, or 5 could potentially receive college credit for these courses. Check your college’s policy on AP exam scores, and view https://apstudent.collegeboard.org/creditandplacement/search-credit-policies. For more information, visit: https://apstudent.collegeboard.org/apcourse.

CEEB CODES

The CEEB codes will be needed for ACT, SAT, AP exams, and college applications.

ACE 446118

CHURCHILL 446273

ISA 446144

JOHNSON 446093

LEE (NESA & STEM) 446203

MACARTHUR 446132

MADISON 446154

REAGAN 446207

ROOSEVELT (DATA & ETA) 446258

8

ACT

www.act.org

ACT Test Dates Registration Deadline Late Registration Deadline - Late Fee Required

September 10, 2016 August 7, 2016 August 19, 2016

October 22, 2016 September 16, 2016 September 30, 2016

December 10, 2016 November 4, 2016 November 18, 2016

February 11, 2017 January 13, 2017 January 20, 2017

April 8, 2017 March 3, 2017 March 17, 2017

June 10, 2017 May 5, 2017 May 19, 2017

SAT www.collegeboard.org

SAT Test Dates Registration Deadline Late Registration Deadline - Late Fee Required - Mail/Online

October 1, 2016 September 1, 2016 September 13/September 20, 2016

November 5, 2016 October 7, 2016 October 18/October 25, 2016

December 3, 2016 November 3, 2016 November 15/November 22, 2016

January 21, 2017 December 21, 2016 January 3/January 10, 2017

March 11, 2017 February 10, 2017 February 21/February 28, 2017

May 6, 2017 April 7, 2017 April 18/April 25, 2017

June 3, 2017 May 9, 2017 May 16/May 24, 2017

SAT vs. ACT http://www.studypoint.com/ed/act-vs-sat/

For more College/Career Prep Resources, visit: http://www.neisd.net/curriculum/SchImprov/ccr/college-bound-resources.html

9

SEEKING HIGHER EDUCATION GOALS: SENIOR TO-DO LIST

Make an appointment with your counselor to review the following: o Your course selections, high school transcript, credits, and

graduation plan o College options and applications

Determine your colleges-of-choice (recommended to be at least 3 to 5 colleges) o Refer to websites provided in this booklet, in the section titled, “Helpful Links,” under

the heading, “College/Career Planning” o Visit the college websites for admissions, housing, and financial aid information. o Visit college campuses or take virtual tours (You are allowed two college visits during

school; ask the counseling office for a college visit form) Attend NEISD College Night on October 26, 2016, at Blossom Athletic Center

o Visit with college representatives o Attend the financial aid presentation

Register to take the SAT or the ACT o If your college requires the SAT Subject Tests, register for them o Send scores to the colleges of your choice by entering the college code on the test

registration site o Enter your high school code on the registration o Sign up early for the test location of your choice, as many test centers fill up fast

Apply to at least 3 to 5 colleges o Most regular applications are due between December 1 and February 15. o Check deadlines o Keep copies of everything you send to colleges o Monitor the status of your application o Options on how to apply to college include:

General online college application, such as www.applytexas.org, can be used to apply to Texas public colleges and universities

Access the specific college websites for college application Refer to websites provided in this booklet, in the section titled, “Helpful Links,”

under the heading, “Online Application Sites” Make a personal “College-Bound Calendar,” including the following:

o Test dates, fees, and application deadlines o College application deadlines o Financial aid deadlines o Deadlines for requests for letters of recommendation and transcript requests o Deadlines to submit letters of recommendation and transcripts o It is extremely important that you pay attention to the deadline dates. It is your

responsibility to know the deadlines and make the proper arrangements with those people involved in the application process in a timely manner

When requesting letters of recommendation, provide the following: o Your résumé - See sample in packet or use the following optional websites:

http://tx.kuder.com/ (Activation Code: N4227836NCM)

www.myperfectresume.com/ o A permission form for letter of recommendation must be on file in counseling office o Allow 2-3 weeks for letter to be prepared

Write your application essays o Ask teachers, parents, counselors, and friends to read the first draft o Proof-read everything, more than once, before submitting o Get help from your English teacher, another adult, or have it edited at

www.essayedge.com Apply for financial aid

10

o All colleges require that you complete the FAFSA (Free Application for Federal

Student Aid). Visit: www.fafsa.ed.gov. Beginning in October 2016 (for aid applications for the 2017-18 award year), the students are allowed to file the FAFSA using prior-prior year.

o Refer to websites provided in this booklet, in the section titled, “Helpful Links,” under the heading, ”Scholarships and Financial Aid”

o Check the websites at the universities/colleges you are interested in attending o Visit the Minnie Stevens Piper Foundation, 1250 N.E. Loop 410 Suite 810, to use

their free library and databases. Transcripts

o Obtain a Transcript Release Form from the Counseling Office and/or the Career Center. (This form is required so that your official transcript can be sent to colleges, with scholarship applications, and other requests. If you are under 18, your parent/guardian must sign the form.)

o Official transcripts must be mailed to the college of your choice. NOTE: Official transcripts cannot be given directly to the student or parent for mailing. Requests must be made at least 10 school days before mail deadline

o Cost of an official transcript is $5.00 o Some colleges require the college application and the official transcript be sent

together. (Speak to your counselor, if this is the case) o Transcripts required for scholarships are free

Transcripts For Students Who Took a Dual Credit Course in High School o After students have completed the Dual Credit (DC) course(s), the high school will

send final grades to the awarding college upon request. o Students must first request that a transcript be sent from the high school to

SAC, Palo Alto or St. Philip’s. (This process is handled differently at each high school campus).

o Students must then request that SAC, Palo Alto, or St. Philip’s send a transcript to the college/university of their choice. Students make this request by logging on to their ACES account and completing the transcript request process.

Spring Semester of your Senior Year: o Monitor your mail/emails for college correspondence & letters o Frequently check the status of your applications o Register and study for AP exams (exams are in May) o Notify colleges when you have received an acceptance letter o Notify colleges if you choose not to accept o Send a deposit to the college you choose o College Sports – Refer to NCAA information provided in this booklet. For more

information, visit:www.freerecruitingwebinar.org

cafécollege http://www.cafecollege.org/home

131 El Paso St, San Antonio, TX 78204 210-207-4528

Funded, by the City of San Antonio, and managed by the San Antonio Education Partnership, cafécollege serves as San Antonio’s “one-stop-shop” for college access advice, guidance and workshops. No appointment is necessary and all services are free of charge and available in Spanish to all. Visit in person or online.

11

NEISD RANK IN CLASS POLICY

RANK IN CLASS

Required graduation courses, up to a maximum of 26 credits, taken in grades 9-12 through the end of the seventh semester will be used to calculate class rank. This will include credits for elective courses required for the:

o Recommended High School Program (RHSP) {for students who entered high school prior to 2014-15} regardless of what graduation program is pursued.

o Foundation High School Program-Distinguished Level of Achievement (FHSP-DLOA) {for students who entered high school in 2014-15 and thereafter} regardless of what graduation program is pursued.

Elective courses that produce the highest weighted grade will be used to calculate rank. Class

rank will be based upon a weighted grade average (WGA).

Weighted grade averages (WGA) are determined by multiplying each semester grade of a

ranked course by a rank factor and computing an average. The rank factor recognizes differences in level of difficulty between Advanced Placement, Pre-Advanced Placement, Regular and Content Modified coursework.

Course Level Rank Factor

Advanced Placement (AP) and Dual Credit AP 1.29 Pre-Advanced Placement, Honors, GT non-AP, and Dual Credit non-AP 1.15

Regular 1.00 Content Modified .90

The weighted grade average (WGA) determines the rank in class. The student earning the highest WGA is ranked number one and all others take the following positions in increasing numeric order. Ties in rank will be broken using the most courses taken given a weight of 1.15 and/or 1.29.

Students are ranked with the group of students with whom they entered grade nine, called their cohort. Preliminary unofficial class standing reports will be issued to students following the second and fourth semesters of high school. Official class standing will be issued to students following the sixth and seventh semesters of high school. Class rank is determined using a weighted system that supports academic achievement and rigor.

Students are designated within a range of their cohort as follows: top five percent, top ten

percent, top fifteen percent, top twenty percent, first quarter, second quarter, third quarter and fourth quarter. The position of each student is reported as “number (___) out of (___) students” in their cohort.

Summer school courses will be included in the calculation of class rank, including high

school credits earned in the summer after grade eight.

12

Courses that do not count for class rank include those that are taken:

more than once for pass/fail credit through credit by exam in middle school with an ARD exemption for which no credit is available during summer foreign study in evening school * second semester of the final year

*Beginning with students who enter high school in 2015-16, grades earned from courses taken

in evening/night school will be included in the calculation of class rank.

OVERALL WEIGHTED GRADE AVERAGE / HONOR GRADUATES Students achieving high standards of academic excellence shall be recognized at the

graduation ceremony as honor graduates based on the following criteria: o Completion of the RHSP or the DAP for students who enter HS prior to 2014-15; o Completion of the FHSP-DLOA for students who enter HS in 2014-15 and

thereafter; o Accumulation of a minimum of 52 semester classes of coursework by the time of

graduation; and o Overall weighted grade average (WGA) for all courses taken in high school through

the end of the seventh semester is greater than or equal to 90. The rank factor listed above is used to determine the overall weighted grade average.

Honor graduates meeting the criteria specified above shall be designated as follows:

Honor Graduate Designations Cumulative Grade Average Summa Cum Laude 100+ Magna Cum Laude 95-99

Cum Laude 90-94

13

STATE OF TEXAS

Explanation of Eligibility for Automatic College Admission

Under the Automatic Admission policy (Texas Education Code §51.803), Texas students may be eligible for automatic admission to a state college or university as an undergraduate student if they meet certain criteria. To qualify for automatic admission, a student must:

(1) earn a grade point average in the top 10 percent* of his/her high school graduating class, (2) graduate from a Texas public or private high school (or, if the student is a Texas resident, from a high school operated by the U.S. Department of Defense), (3) successfully complete the requirements for the Recommended High School Program (RHSP) or the Distinguished Achievement Program (DAP) (or the equivalent if enrolled in private school) or satisfy ACT's College Readiness Benchmarks on the ACT college entrance exam or earn a score of at least 1,500 out of 2,400 on the SAT college entrance exam, and (4) apply for admission to a state college or university within the first two school years after graduation from high school.

Students who meet the criteria for automatic admission must submit an application before the deadline set by the college or university to which they are applying. Students must also provide a high school transcript or diploma that indicates whether they have satisfied or are on schedule to satisfy the requirements of the RHSP or DAP.

Curriculum Requirements Not later than the end of a student’s junior year in high school, his or her official transcript should indicate whether the student has satisfied or is on schedule to satisfy the requirements for the RHSP or DAP. Students who are unable to satisfy the curriculum requirements of the RHSP or DAP because the courses necessary to complete the requirements are unavailable as a result of course scheduling, lack of enrollment capacity, or another cause not within the student's control, are considered to have satisfied the requirements of the relevant program. In such cases, the student must have successfully completed the portions of the RHSP or DAP curricula that were available and the student’s official transcript or diploma must indicate this.

Admission and Enrollment State colleges and universities may admit a student accepted under the Automatic Admission policy for either the fall semester of the academic year for which the student applied or for the summer session that precedes that fall semester. Additionally, the admitting college or university may require that applicants in need of additional preparation for college-level work enroll in enrichment courses or programs during the summer immediately after the student is admitted. Colleges and universities are required to admit an applicant as an undergraduate student if the applicant is the child of a public servant who was killed or fatally injured in the line of duty and who meets the minimum entrance requirements set by the college or university.

*The University of Texas at Austin Senate Bill 175, passed by the 81st Legislature in the spring of 2009, modified the automatic admission program for UT. Beginning with admissions for the 2011-2012 school year, The University of Texas at Austin (UT) is no longer required to automatically admit applicants in excess of 75% of its enrollment capacity for first-time resident undergraduate students. Should the number of applicants who qualify for automatic admission exceed 75% of enrollment capacity, UT shall provide notice of the percentage of qualified applicants that are anticipated to be offered admission. For students entering UT in Summer/Fall 2017 and Spring 2018, the top 7% of the graduating class will be automatically admitted. Other students may be admitted through holistic review: http://bealonghorn.utexas.edu/freshmen/decisions/.

14

NCAA COLLEGE-BOUND STUDENT ATHLETES www.ncaa.org and http://fs.ncaa.org/Docs/eligibility_center/Quick_Reference_Sheet.pdf

ELIGIBILITYCENTER.ORG

Division I Initial Eligibility For students to be eligible to compete in NCAA sports during their first year at a Division I school, they must meet standards for their core courses, core-course grade-point average (GPA) and test scores. Students must graduate high school and meet ALL the following requirements: 1. Complete 16 core courses:

Four years of English

Three years of math (Algebra 1 or higher)

Two years of natural/physical science (including one year of lab science if

your high school offers it)

One additional year of English, math or natural/physical science

Two years of social science

Four additional years of English, math, natural/physical science, social

science, foreign language, comparative religion or philosophy

2. Complete 10 core courses, including seven in English, math or natural/physical science, before the start of their seventh semester. Once students begin their seventh semester, they may not repeat or replace any of those 10 courses to improve their core-course GPA. 3. Earn at least a 2.3 GPA in their core courses. 4. Earn an SAT combined score or ACT sum score matching their core-course GPA on the Division I sliding scale, which balances test scores and core-course GPA. If students have a low test score, they need a higher core-course GPA to be eligible. If they have a low core-course GPA, they need a higher test score to be eligible. Students who enroll full time at a Division I school, and have not met all the Division I academic requirements, may not compete in their first year at college. However, if they qualify as an academic redshirt, they may practice during their first term in college and receive an athletics scholarship for the entire year. The academic redshirt qualification is only for students who enroll full time in college after Aug. 1, 2016. To qualify as an academic redshirt, a student must graduate high school and meet ALL the following academic requirements: 1. Complete 16 core courses:

Four years of English

Three years of math (Algebra 1 or higher)

Two years of natural/physical science (including one year of lab science if

your high school offers it)

One additional year of English, math or natural/physical science

Two years of social science

Four additional years of English, math, natural/physical science, social

science, foreign language, comparative religion or philosophy

2. Earn at least a 2.0 GPA in core courses.

15

3. Earn an SAT combined score or ACT sum score matching his or her core-course GPA on the Division I sliding scale. Core-Course Time Limitations Student-athletes who plan to attend a Division I school have four years or eight semesters after starting grade nine to finish the required 16 core courses. Students who enroll full time at a Division I school after Aug. 1, 2016, must complete 10 core courses, including seven in English, math or natural/physical science, before their seventh semester. Once they begin their seventh semester, they may not repeat or replace any of those 10 courses to improve their core-course GPA. Students who graduate on time may complete one additional core-course unit after graduating high school. The additional core-course unit must be completed within one year after high school graduation and must be completed before the student’s first full-time college enrollment. The additional core course unit may be taken at a different school than the high school from which the student graduated as long as the class is on the new school’s list of NCAA-approved courses. If the student takes the additional core course at a school other than the school from which they graduated, the NCAA Eligibility Center must receive an official transcript from the new school showing the additional core-course grade and credit. If the student takes the additional core course through a program that does not award credit, the course must be awarded credit by a credit-awarding high school.

For more information on Division I and Division II eligibility requirements, visit www.eligibilitycenter.org.

16

SCHOLARSHIPS and FINANCIAL AID

What You Need to Know

BEWARE of scholarship scams. Scholarship information is free! No one can guarantee you a scholarship. For tips on spotting scholarship scams, visit www.finaid.org/scholarships/common.phtml.

Scholarship information will be listed in the monthly Senior Newsletter/Bulletin which

will be available online or in the Counseling Office and listen to the announcements so that you do not miss an important opportunity.

Remember to request financial aid and scholarship information from your college EARLY! Each college has different procedures, deadlines, and forms.

FAFSA - Free Application for Federal Student Aid forms will be available in the

Counseling Office and Career Center in December. You may also apply online at fafsa.ed.gov. Your parents will need to have this year’s taxes complete in order to file the FAFSA. The resulting report will tell you and your college what the Expected Family Contribution (EFC) is and will help the college formulate a financial aid package for you. The EFC also helps determine eligibility for Pell Grants.

APPLY EARLY for financial aid. The old adage - first come, first served- really applies

here. Colleges give out the money and when it is gone, there is no more. Apply early. Many colleges have a February 1 deadline. If you do not apply, you surely will not get it.

The US Department of Education will gladly send you a FREE copy of The Student

Guide. Call 1-800-433-3243. This guide helps you learn how to finance your college education.

Visit the Minnie Stevens Piper Foundation in the North Frost Center – 1250 N.E. Loop

410 Suite 810. This is a free service for you to do scholarship searches. Call for hours: (210) 525-8494.

Keep a copy of all forms you send anywhere! Keep a file of college and financial aid

information.

Investigate all sources of $$. Check for scholarships where your parents work, where you work, your church, civic organizations, etc. Explore all options.

Keep in mind that in order for males to be eligible for college financial aid, they must

register with the “Selective Service” upon their 18th birthday. For more information about “Selective Service” and to register online, please visit: www.sss.gov.

17

Financial Aid Terms to Know

Scholarship - Free money based on academic merit, talent, ability, religion, ethnicity.

Grant - Free money usually based on need.

Work Study - Jobs on campus for students who qualify for financial assistance.

Educational loans - Low interest, federally backed loans from banks or other lending

institutions which must be repaid. No repayment is due until you leave school. Loans are available for both vocational and professional degrees/certifications. It is best to shop around for the lowest interest rate.

Perkins Loans - Awarded by colleges to low income students at low interest rates.

Stafford Loans - Formerly called the Guaranteed Student Loans. These are given

through banks and commercial lenders to students who pass a standard of financial need. Loans may be subsidized or unsubsidized and interest rates will vary.

Plus SLS - Given by commercial lenders to students or parents who pass a credit check.

Interest rate is variable and set each June. Contact your bank or savings and loan.

Sources of Financial Aid Information

College Financial Aid Office - 90% of all financial aid available is controlled by this

office. Always check with the financial aid office of your college for additional information.

Institutional Departmental Scholarships - These are scholarships awarded by

departments for specific majors.

Community Organizations - In Bexar County, most of these scholarships are handled

through the Bexar County Scholarship Clearing House and the high school scholarship committee. Deadline is in October.

Foundations, Businesses, Unions, Religious Groups, Community and Military organizations - Check all organizations with which your family is involved.

ROTC scholarships - Contact the recruiters.

The Compendium of Texas Colleges and Financial Calendar - Copies of the

Compendium from the Piper Foundation are available in the Career Center.

18

TEXAS GRANT

The Toward EXcellence, Access, and Success (TEXAS) Grant Program was approved during the 76th state legislative session and was awarded to eligible students beginning in the fall of 1999. The purpose is to provide a grant of money to enable academically prepared students and need eligible students to attend institutions of higher education in Texas. The monetary award will vary depending on the number of hours taken, and the type of college the student attends. Eligibility includes a student who:

Is a resident of Texas Has graduated from an accredited public or private high school in Texas no earlier

than 1998 Has completed the Recommended or Distinguished Achievement Program Shows financial need Has applied for any available financial aid assistance Enrolls at least three-quarter time in an undergraduate or certificate program in a

public college or university in Texas Has not been convicted of a felony or crime involving a controlled substance

Students may apply

By completing the FAFSA prior to February 15th and enter the applicable college code. Beginning in Fall 2016, completion of the FAFSA may be made in October based on prior-prior years

Talk to the college financial aid office

19

Collegiate Terminology for College-Bound Students and Parents

Advanced Placement (AP) - While in high school, credit is granted to an advanced course on the basis of evidence that the student has mastered the equivalent of a college introductory course.

Associate Degree - A planned and sequential two-year degree or certificate program offered through a community or junior college.

Bachelor Degree - A program of study requires 4 or more years to complete, granted by a college or university.

CEEB - College Entrance Examination Board produces test instruments for high school students. Each high school is assigned a unique number.

College Level Examination Program (CLEP) - A series of general and subject examinations for the evaluation of abilities of college applicants whose education has been achieved in such non-traditional ways as independent reading, on-the-job training, and/or correspondence courses.

College Work Study - A federally-funded program that enables college students to earn money from non-profit organizations assigned by the college.

Credit Hours - A means of counting credits for course work in college. It may also denote the amount of time spent in class per week.

Early Action Admissions - The practice of some colleges of admitting certain students, based on exceptional ability, who have not yet completed high school.

Early Decision - The application process in which students make a commitment to a first-choice institution where, if admitted, they commit to a binding agreement.

Grant - An award of money given to a college student that requires neither repayment nor performance of a service.

Honors Program - Any program offering opportunity for students with superior academic ability to enrich their educational experience through independent, advanced, or accelerated study.

Major - The sequence of study in which the student chooses to specialize, a series of related courses primarily taken in the junior and senior year.

Student Aid Report (SAR) - The information that you receive 2-4 weeks after your FAFSA has been processed. This report includes the Expected Family Contribution (EFC) used by the college financial aid officers.

Scholarship - Financial award based on need, scholastic achievement, merit, special interest, competition, or some special affiliation. A college, governmental agency, corporation, or private group may give this money. It is a gift and need not be repaid.

Wait List - An admissions decision option utilized by colleges in which the student is neither offered or denied admissions, but extended to the candidate the possibility of admission in the future- before the admission cycle is concluded.

20

Sample Résumé

JOHN SMART

123 School Road

San Antonio, TX 78258

(210) 123-4567

High School: Culpepper High School

Class Rank: 43 out of 511 Weighted Grade Average: 99.25017

SCHOOL ACTIVITIES:

2014-2016 Varsity Baseball: 1st Baseman, All-Star Team

2015-2016 National Honor Society

2015-2016 Student Government Representative

2013-2016 Key Club

COMMUNITY ACTIVITIES:

2013-2016 Youth Group

2015-2016 Led Children's Church Choir

2015 Vacation Bible School Teacher

2014-2016 Baptist Hospital Volunteer

HONORS/AP COURSES:

2013-2014 World History AP

LEADERSHIP POSITIONS: 2014-2015 Junior Class President 2015-2016 NHS Treasurer

WORK EXPERIENCE:

2014-2015 GAP, North Star Mall: assist customers, answer phones

HOBBIES & ADDITIONAL INFORMATION:

2010-2016 Piano Lessons

2012-2016 Blue Sharks Swim Team

For additional sample résumés resources, some available options are: http://tx.kuder.com/ (Activation Code: N3925326VDU)

www.myperfectresume.com www.mycollegecalendar.org

21

Military Academies Many young men and women wish to attend one of the service academies to serve their country as a military officer. The screening process is a rigorous one and begins early. Some senators have a November 1st deadline. If you are interested, you need to see your counselor in the spring of your junior year to begin the necessary testing and paper work. The following addresses are provided for your information:

Army

Director of Admissions ` United States Military Academy Building 606 West Point, New York 10996 1-845-938-4041 http://www.usma.edu/

Navy/Marine Candidate Guidance Office United States Naval Academy

117 Decatur Road Annapolis, Maryland 21402-5018

(410) 293-4361 http://www.nadn.navy.mil/

Air Force Director of Admissions HQ USAFA/RRS 2304 Cadet Drive, Suite 200 USAF Academy, Colorado 80840 1-800-443-9266

http://www.usafa.af.mil/ Coast Guard

Director of Admissions United States Coast Guard Academy 31 Mohegan Avenue New London, Connecticut 06320-8103 1-800-883-8724 or (860)701-6815 http://www.cga.edu

Merchant Marines Director of Admissions United States Merchant Marine Academy 300 Steamboat Rd, Admissions Center Kings Point, New York 11024-1699 1-866-546-4778 or (516) 726-5800

http://www.usmma.edu

R.O.T.C. Scholarships R.O.T.C. scholarships pay young men and women to go to college before they serve four to six years in the military service. Standards for acceptance are very high, and the process of testing and applying must begin early. To receive information about R.O.T.C. opportunities, call: Army 1-800-U.S.A.-R.O.T.C., Navy: 1-800-U.S.A.- N.A.V.Y., or Air Force: 1-800-552-0033.

22

HELPFUL WEBSITES

HELPFUL WEBSITES

College/Career Planning www.comparecollegetx.com www.bigfuture.collegeboard.org www.texasrealitycheck.com http://tx.kuder.com/ (Activation Code: N4227836NCM) www.cafecollege.org www.careeronestop.org www.gentx.org www.AIE.org www.collegeboard.org www.petersons.com www.nacac.com www.campustours.com www.alamo.edu www.usnews.com/education www.myfuture.com Scholarships and Financial Aid www.fafsa.ed.gov www.collegenet.com www.tgslc.org www.finaid.org www.fastweb.com www.gocollege.com www.scholarships.com www.collegeview.com www.salliemae.com www.college-scholarships.com www.armyrotc.com www.afrotc.com www.utsa.edu/armyrotc www.supercollege.com Online Application Sites www.applytexas.org www.commonapp.org www.alamo.edu/district/apply-now/ Associate Degree/Certification Programs- Alamo Colleges http://mysaccatalog.alamo.edu/

Test Prep Websites (ACT, SAT, ASVAB) www.collegeboard.org https://collegereadiness.collegeboard.org/sat/practice www.act.org www.powerprep.com www.number2.com www.shmoop.com www.revolutionprep.com www.princetonreview.com www.4tests.com www.military.com/join-armed-forces/asvab Employment Opportunities / Job Searches www.careeronestop.org www.bls.gov/oco www.careers.org www.jobbankusa.com www.careerbuilder.com www.monster.com www.mapping-your-future.org Local Colleges and Universities Public Universities Texas State University (San Marcos) - www.txstate.edu Texas A&M (San Antonio) www.tamusa.tamus.edu/ University of Texas at San Antonio - www.utsa.edu Private Universities Our Lady of the Lake University - www.ollusa.edu Schreiner University (Kerrville) - www.schreiner.edu St. Mary's University - www.stmarytx.edu Texas Lutheran University (Seguin) - www.tlu.edu Trinity University - www.trinity.edu University of the Incarnate Word - www.uiw.edu Wayland Baptist University (San Antonio) - www.sa.wbu.edu Alamo Colleges Northwest Vista College - www.alamo.edu/nvc Palo Alto College - www.alamo.edu/pac St. Philip's College - www.alamo.edu/spc San Antonio College - www.alamo.edu/sac Northeast Lakeview College - www.alamo.edu/nlc