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Senior Transition Booklet

Class of 2021

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 Americans 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.

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NEISD GUIDANCE SERVICES MISSION STATEMENT

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

Mission Statement 2 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 Collegiate Terminology 18 Sample Résumé 19 Military Academies 20 Helpful Websites

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GRADUATION REQUIREMENTS NEISD Students Entering 9th Grade

in the 2014-2015 School Year

Courses Foundation High

School Program

Foundation High School

Program with

Endorsement

Foundation High School

Program with Distinguished Level of

Achievement (requires completion of at

least one Endorsement)

English Language Arts 4 credits 4 credits * 4 credits *

Mathematics 3 credits 4 credits * 4 credits *

(Algebra II required)

Science 3 credits 4 credits * 4 credits *

Social Studies 3 credits 3 credits * 3 credits *

Languages other than

English (LOTE) 2 credits 2 credits * 2 credits *

Physical Education 1 credit 1 credit 1 credit

Health Education .5 credit .5 credit .5 credit

Fine Arts 1 credit 1 credit * 1 credit *

Electives 4.5 credits 6.5 credits 6.5 credits

Total 22 26 26

.

* Students will choose one of five endorsement options: Multidisciplinary Studies; Science,

Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM); Business and Industry; Public Services;

or Arts and Humanities. Each endorsement requires specific courses. Additional credits may

be required depending upon the specific endorsement you choose. Please see your

counselor for more details. Students may also earn a Performance Acknowledgement

through Dual Credit, Bilingualism/Biliteracy, Languages Other Than English (LOTE),

Advanced Placement (AP), PSAT/SAT/ACT, or a Business Certification or License.

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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.

NEISD COLLEGE NIGHT – Due to COVID, College Night will be Virtual

this year - November 4, 2020

More information will be published later..

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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 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. Under the “Helpful Websites” section 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 Kuder - Go to www.neisd.net and log on to Launchpad and then click on Kuder in the CTE folder

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 under the “Helpful Websites” section of this booklet, under the category “Employment Opportunities.”

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

NEISD CAREER NIGHT April 2021

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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, and 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. Check out the research, development, and business innovation division of ACT at https://actnext.org/

SAT www.collegeboard.org

The SAT is based on the skills and knowledge that are essential for students’ college and career readiness and success. A perfect score on the SAT will be a 1600 because the Essay is optional.

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

Register online for your test(s) of choice at the respective website(s) listed for 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.

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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, visit: http://texreg.sos.state.tx.us/public/readtac$ext.TacPage?sl=T&app=2&p_dir=N&p_rloc=172387&p_tloc=&p_pl

oc=1&pg=8&p_tac=106040&ti=19&pt=1&ch=4&rl=51

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 the AP credit policy search at 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

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ACT www.act.org

SAT

www.collegeboard.org

SAT vs. ACT

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

For more College/Career Prep Resources, visit: https://www.neisd.net/Page/782

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

September 12, 2020 September 13, 2020 September 19, 2020

August 14, 2020

August 15-28, 2020

October 10, 2020 October 17, 2020 October 24, 2020 October 25, 2020

September 17, 2020

September 18-25, 2020

December 12, 2020 November 6, 2020 November 7-20, 2020

February 6, 2021 January 8, 2021 January 9-15, 2021

April 17, 2021 March 12, 2021 March 13-26, 2021

June 12, 2021 May 7, 2021 May 8-21, 2021

July 17, 2021 June 18, 2021 June 19-25, 2021

SAT Test Dates Registration Deadline

Late Registration Deadline - Late Fee

Required – Online

August 29, 2020 July 31, 2020 August 18, 2020

September 26, 2020 August 26, 2020 September 15, 2020

October 3, 2020 September 4, 2020 September 22, 2020

November 7, 2020 October 7, 2020 October 27, 2020

December 5, 2020 November 5, 2020 November 24, 2020

March 13, 2021 February 12, 2021 March 2, 2021

May 8, 2021 April 8, 2021 April 27, 2021

June 5, 2021 May 6, 2021 May 26, 2021

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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 the “Helpful Websites” section provided in this booklet 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 November 4, 2020 virtually this year. More information will

be available later. 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 the “Helpful Websites” section provided in this booklet 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 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:

Kuder - Go to www.neisd.net and log on to Launchpad and then click on Kuder in the CTE folder

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

o All colleges require that you complete the FAFSA (Free Application for Federal Student Aid). Visit: www.fafsa.ed.gov beginning in October 1, 2020, (for aid

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applications for the 2021-22 award year), the students are allowed to file the FAFSA using 2019 tax information.

o Refer to the “Helpful Websites” section provided in this booklet 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 NEISD is now using an online system called Scriborder to request official transcripts.

Go to https://neisdtx.scriborder.com/ to authorize the release of your official transcript

and to pay for your transcript request(s). Transcripts can be sent to colleges, for

scholarship applications, and other requests. If you are under 18, your

parent/guardian must sign the form.

o Cost of an official transcript is $5.00. 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 final 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 the “Seniors” website at cafécollege, https://cafecollege.org/senior-checklist-draft/, and start making your plan! Visit in person or online.

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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 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, and Regular coursework.

Course Level Rank Factor

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

Regular 1.00

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.

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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 *-delete second semester of the final year

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 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

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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 Distinguished Level of Achievement with endorsement (or the equivalent if enrolled in private school) or satisfy ACT's College Readiness Benchmarks on the ACT college entrance exam or 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 Distinguished Level of Achievement with endorsement. 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 Distinguished Level of Achievement with endorsement. Students who are unable to satisfy the curriculum requirements of the Distinguished Level of Achievement with endorsement 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 Distinguished Level of Achievement with endorsement 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 2021 and Spring 2022, the top 6% of the graduating class will be automatically admitted. Other students may be admitted through holistic review: https://admissions.utexas.edu/apply/decisions

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NCAA COLLEGE-BOUND STUDENT ATHLETES

www.ncaa.org and

http://www.ncaa.org/student-athletes/future/educational-resources

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. 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)

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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. 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

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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 can be found on the NEISD website at

https://www.neisd.net/Page/822 Also, check out your Counseling Office/Career Center for any scholarship information 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. You may also apply online at

www.fafsa.ed.gov on October 1st. Beginning in October 2020 (for aid applications for the 2021-22 award year), the students are allowed to file the FAFSA using 2019 tax information. You will receive a report that 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

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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.

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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.

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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:

Go to www.neisd.net, log on to Launchpad and then click on Kuder in the CTE folder. www.myperfectresume.com

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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 paperwork. The following addresses are provided for your information:

Army

Director of Admissions United States Military Academy Building 606 West Point, New York 10996 1-845-938-4011 http://www.usma.edu/

Navy/Marine Candidate Guidance Office United States Naval Academy

117 Decatur Road Annapolis, Maryland 21402-5017

(410) 293-1858 https://www.usna.edu/

Air Force Director of Admissions HQ USAFA/RR 2304 Cadet Drive, Suite 2300 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 https://www.uscga.edu/

Merchant Marines Director of Admissions United States Merchant Marine Academy 300 Steamboat Rd 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.

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Helpful Websites

College/Career Planning

www.collegefortexans.com https://collegescorecard.ed.gov/ www.bigfuture.collegeboard.org www.texasrealitycheck.com Kuder - Go to www.neisd.net and log on to Launchpad and then click on Kuder in the CTE folder

www.cafecollege.org www.careeronestop.org http://www.txcrews.org

http://gentx.org/ www.AIE.org www.texascaresonline.com www.collegeboard.org Career Hotline: 1-800-822-7526 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.afrotc.com www.armyrotc.com www.supercollege.com www.studentaid.ed.gov www.utsa.edu/armyrotc Online Application Sites www.applytexas.org www.commonapp.org https://www.alamo.edu/admission--aid/how-to-apply/ 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.shmoop.com www.revolutionprep.com www.princetonreview.com www.kaplan.com www.sylvanlearning.com/ www.4tests.com www.military.com/join-armed-forces/asvab Employment Opportunities / Job Searches www.careeronestop.org www.bls.gov/ooh www.careers.org www.careerbuilder.com www.monster.com www.mappingyourfuture.org Local Colleges and Universities Public Universities Texas State University (San Marcos) - www.txstate.edu Texas A&M University San Antonio - www.tamusa.edu/ University of Texas at San Antonio - www.utsa.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 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