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Scan this QR code to visit the WEHS Counseling webpage for additional information
Surviving the
senior year
A Guide for Juniors and Seniors
Wylie East
High School
“It’s a great day to be alive…and a great day to be a RAIDER!”
JUNIORS and SENIORS!
Welcome “Upperclassmen”! Your last two years of high school are filled with great opportunities,
challenging academic classes and thoughtful, purposeful choices. As you end your junior year and
continue to senior year, be mindful of some important topics:
Stay focused on academics. Even though you are incredibly busy with extracurricular
activities, family life and outside jobs, your school work is and needs to be your priority! Stay
focused on your academics. Your GPA most definitely counts! Your high school transcript is
sent with your grades through the end of your junior year—especially when you apply the
summer before and fall of your senior year, so STUDY HARD and FINISH STRONG!
Take rigorous and relevant courses. Challenge yourself with rigorous courses that will be
a good foundation for your future and relevant to your educational and career goals.
Complete a Career Experience. Remember it is important to have a path and a purpose.
By now you should have been exposed to the many Career Experiences and specific courses
within the Endorsement areas of Public Service, Arts & Humanities, STEM and Business and
Industry. You will gain valuable knowledge and skills that you will take with you into your
post-secondary opportunities.
Keep an accurate calendar/planner. Organization is of utmost importance. You will need
to keep track of many things: logins & passwords, testing dates, admission dates, and
scholarship deadlines.
As a senior, you will need to decide what you are going to do after you graduate and
prepare for that choice. Whether the post-secondary choice is at a university, community
college, apprenticeship, or the military, there are steps you must take now to be prepared for
entrance.
Continue to develop your hobbies and interests and keep track of the “extras” that you do
for your resume.
Research all your options for goals following graduation.
Familiarize yourself with where to find scholarship information.
See your counselor early and often to assist with any questions that you may have.
Let this handbook be a valuable guide to you!
Credits needed for promotion: 10th: 6 credits 11th: 12 credits 12th: 18 credits
The counselors will meet individually with every 11th grader over the course of the next few months to review credits necessary for graduation and to select courses for his/her senior schedule. In the fall of 2016, a letter will be sent to parents outlining the necessary courses/credits that must be earned in the 2016-2017 school year in order for his/her student to fulfill graduation requirements. Your student’s counselor will also meet individually with each senior student to review credits for graduation.
GRADUATION REQUIREMENTS
College Applications, Scholarship References & NCAA Information
Applications Admission for every Texas Public University, plus some private and two-year schools can be done using the ApplyTexas Application. All schools prefer you to apply online. By using the ApplyTexas Application you can complete the information once and send it to multiple schools. The ApplyTexas Application can be found at www.applytexas.org. The application for Fall 2017 admission typically opens August 1st. You can view the essay questions and application material prior to the August 1st date to better prepare for filling out the application. Private Schools and many out of state universities use the Common Application, which can be found at www.commonapp.org . Each application requires additional supplements from the school counselor and a teacher several times in their senior year. Please visit their website for more information.
Scholarships and Financial Aid
www.fafsa.ed.gov-For the class of 2017, FAFSA will be opening up much sooner than January 1, 2017.
It is projected to go live in the Fall of 2016 around October. Stay tuned for more details regarding
FAFSA changes.
Scholarships can be found on the Counselors webpage under Financial Aid & Scholarships
****Information about Financial Aid is given during a Financial Aid Night late in the fall of
your senior year.
YouTube tutorials with step-by-step instructions for FAFSA can be found on the counseling webpage under Financial Aid and Scholarships. These tutorials explain the different financial options such as grants, loans, scholarships and work-study. This information can also be found directly on fafsa.ed.gov.
Athletes
www.ncaa.org
www.ncaaclearinghouse.net- Student athletes need to register with the NCAA by the end of their junior
year if they plan to participate in athletics at the college level. An official transcript needs to be sent to
the NCAA at the end of the junior year (6 semesters must show on the transcript). Please work with
your coach for additional information.
College Night
Details will be posted on the Counselor’s webpage under Announcements and News for the 16-17
school year event at Wylie High School.
ACT-$39.50 www.actstudent.org WEHS School Code: 447699
General Test-Taking Strategies Pace yourself and read directions for each test carefully
Read each question carefully and answer easy questions first
Use logic in more difficult questions-eliminate as many incorrect questions as you can, then make an educated
guess from remaining answers
Answer every question-your score is based on the number of questions that you answer correctly, there is
no penalty for guessing
Be precise in marking your answer document; erase completely
English Test 75 questions-45 minutes Usage/Mechanics-40 questions (punctuation 13%, grammar and usage 16%, sentence structure 24%) Rhetorical Skills-35 questions (strategy 16%, organization 15% and style 16%)
Mathematics Test 60 questions-60 minutes Pre-Algebra/Elementary Algebra- 24 questions Intermediate Algebra/Coordinate Geometry- 18 questions Plane Geometry/Trigonometry- 18 questions
Reading Test 40 questions-35 minutes Social Studies/Sciences- 20 questions Arts/Literature- 20 questions
Science Test 40 questions-35 minutes This test measures the interpretation, analysis, evaluation, reasoning and problem-solving skills required in the Natural Sciences.
As you may have heard, ACT is offering its newly redesigned ACT Online Prep™ product, a value of $39.95, at no cost to students who qualify and register for a national ACT® test date with a fee waiver. ACT Online Prep is
one of many tools we are proud to offer to help students prepare for the ACT. The new system will launch December 18. No additional steps are necessary for your eligible students to receive complimentary
access. Because you play a critical role in answering students' questions, please keep in mind:
For eligible students who registered for the February test, or any subsequent test, prior to December 18:
o ACT Online Prep login information will be provided via email by December 31. o For eligible students registering for the ACT on and after December 18:
Online: ACT Online Prep will appear at no charge in their shopping cart. By phone/mail: If students provided an email address, login information will be
sent within two weeks after registration.
Test Date Registration Deadline (Late Fee Required) Location
February 6, 2016 January 8, 2016 January 9–15, 2016 WEHS
April 9, 2016 March 4, 2016 March 5–18, 2016 WHS
June 11, 2016 May 6, 2016 May 7–20, 2016 WEHS
SAT-Reasoning Test-$54.50 www.collegeboard.com WEHS School Code: 447699
The SAT Reasoning Test is a measure of critical thinking skills you will need for academic success in college. The SAT assesses how well you analyze and solve problems. You have 3 hours and 45 minutes to complete the entire test.
Approaches to taking the SAT
Answer easy questions first
Make educated guesses—rule out one or more wrong answer choices and you have a better chance of guessing the right
answer
Skip questions that you REALLY can’t answer
Limit your time on any one question
Keep track of time
Mark the questions in your booklet that you skipped and wanted to return to
SCORING- All multiple-choice questions are scored the same way: One point for each correct answer
One-quarter point subtracted for wrong answers
No points are subtracted for answers left blank
Critical Reading Section Sentence completions—19 questions Passage-based reading—48 questions Mathematics Section Multiple-choice—44 questions Student-produced response questions that provide no answer Choices—10 questions Writing Section Multiple-choice questions Writing an essay Test Sections
Three—Critical Reading sections-25, 25, and 20 minutes
Three—Mathematics sections-25,25, and 20 minutes
Two—Writing sections-25 and 10 minutes
One—Essay-25 minutes
One—uncensored section-contains questions that may be used in the future editions of the SAT
Free Test Prep through Partnership between Khan Academy and CollegeBoard www.khanacademy.org/sat
Test Date Registration Deadline Late Fee Required Location March 5, 2016 February 5, 2016 February 6-23, 2016 WEHS
May 7, 2016 April 8, 2016 April 9-26, 2016 WHS
June 4, 2016 May 5, 2016 May 6-25, 2016 Not offered in Wylie ISD
SAT or ACT What’s the difference?
Which one should I take?
Step 1: Know the Admission Requirements Keep in mind that many schools do not Accept both scores interchangeably. Talk to your guidance counselor and consult the websites and admissions offices of the schools in which you’re interested to determine their specific admissions requirements.
Step 2: Know Yourself If the majority of schools on your college list will consider SAT and ACT scores interchangeably, use the chart to the right to get a sense of which test will best suit your testing skills.
STEP 3: Take a Practice Test for Both Get an accurate sense of whether you’ll score higher on the SAT or ACT by taking a free practice test.
TAKE NOTE! The SAT is redesigned as of March 2016. Check collegereadiness.collegeboard.org/sat for more information. ACT is also making improvements, which are noted at www.act.org/actnext/faq.html.
If you are… You might do Better with…
Reason
Good with Science
ACT ACT covers Science and scientific reasoning, SAT does not
A student in advanced math classes
ACT SAT math tests up to 9th grade basic geometry & Algebra 2, while ACT math test up to trigonometry
Good at Punctuation
ACT ACT test punctuation while SAT does not
Someone who can concentrate for long
SAT SAT is longer by 50 minutes
A vocabulary Whiz
SAT SAT stresses vocabulary much more than the ACT
Good at writing essays in a short amount of time
SAT SAT essay is required, while the ACT writing test is still optional
POPULAR WEBSITES STAY CONNECTED WITH THE COUNSELING OFFICE FOR UP-TO-DATE INFO: Counseling webpage: http://www.wylieisd.net/domain/459
Facebook: follow us @WylieEastCounseling Twitter: follow us @EastCounseling
Remind: a one-way text service; Text 81010 with the following message to sign up for 11th grade messages: @we2017
COLLEGE APPLICATION WEBSITES www.applytexas.org Texas Common Application www.commonapp.org Universal Common Application
FINANCIAL AID, SCHOLARSHIPS AND COLLEGE SEARCH www.fastweb.com www.free-4u.com
www.studentsscholarship.org www.scholarship.com www.collegenet.com
www.fresch.com www.bigfuture.com www.usnews.com
www.zinch.com www.educationalplanner.com www.gocollege.com
www.princetonreview.com www.collegebound.net/college
TEST PREP KD College Prep www.KDcollegeprep.com Sylvan Learning Center
www.sylvanlearning.com More Than a Teacher
www.dfwtestprep.com Method Test Prep www.methodtestprep.com
Kaplan www.kaplan.com Set For College
214-453-1183 The Princeton Review www.princetonreview.com
College Board www.collegereadiness.collegeboard.org www.khanacademy.org/sat
CAREER www.careermosaic.com www.careerinventory.com www.careers.org
www.careervoyages.gov www.iseek.org/careers/assessyourself.html www.militarycareers.com
www.twc.state.tx.us
Check it out!
College Preview Dates
2015-2016
Baylor University (Waco)
www.baylor.edu
Campus Tours available Mon-Friday during the Fall
Spring Premiere - Saturday, April 16, 2016
Midwestern State (Wichita Falls) www.mwsu.edu
Spring Rally-March 5, 2016
Stephen F. Austin (Nacogdoches)
www.sfasu.edu
Showcase Saturday – February 13, 2016
Showcase Saturday – April 2, 2016
Tarleton State (Stephenville)
www.tarleton.edu
Texan Tour – March 19, 2016
Texas A&M (College Station)
www.tamu.edu
Aggieland Saturday – February 13, 2016
Texas A&M-Commerce www.tamu-commerce.edu
Mane Event Preview Day – March 5, 2016
Texas State University (San Marcos)
www.txstate.edu
Spring Bobcat
Days – February
13 & April 16
Texas Tech (Lubbock)
www.ttu.edu
Red Raider Road Show- February 28, 2016 @ Dallas
Westin Galleria
Texas Women's University (Denton)
www.twu.edu
Pioneer Preview Day – January 30, February 27 and
June 11, 2016
University of Texas (Austin)
www.utexas.edu
Set up on campus visit through
bealonghorn.utexas.edu
UT-Tyler www.uttyler.edu Patriot Preview Day- April 9, 2016
UT-Arlington www.uta.edu
Maverick Experience –February 6, 2016
Maverick Experience –April 16, 2016
Maverick Experience –June 22, 2016
UT-Dallas www.utdallas.edu Tours are at 10am and 2pm on weekdays
University of Houston www.uh.edu Cougar Preview Day –April 2, 2016
University of North Texas (Denton)
www.unt.edu
Preview Day –February 20, 2016
If you can’t visit a particular school…
Go to their website
Meet an Admissions
Representative
Attend a college fair
Talk to High School Alumni
who are attending the school
Take a virtual tour
□ Talk with students and faculty □ Ask the tough questions until you
get answers □ Go to a class or two □ Visit the career center
□ Bring a notebook to jot down your impressions
□ Plan at least one half-day at each school and stay overnight, if possible
□ Visit when the school is in session □ Arrange an interview with an
admissions officer □ Take a campus tour □ Attend an extracurricular activity
( i.e.. sports/theater) □ Check out the residence halls,
libraries, student union, etc.
□ Eat a meal on campus □ Find out about campus
organizations and activities □ Visit a lab associated with your
intended major (i.e., computer lab
or chemistry lab)
What are the requirements for admissions?
What majors and degrees are available?
Where is the college located?
What is the size of the college?
What is the student/teacher ratio?
What is the cost per year?
Would the college be a good “fit” for my
student?
College Visit Process
--You can take up to 2 days your junior year and 2 days your senior year to go and visit a college or
university.
--Request approval for a college visit in the counseling office.
--Fill out the form, get necessary signatures and then turn all paperwork into the attendance office the
day you return to school from your visit.
--Schedule your tour and make sure you get a letter (on letterhead) from the college with your name on
it with the date of your visit.
--Return letter, college visit form and a note from your parent into the attendance office for the
absence to be excused.
Going to College Timeline for Senior Year
September
o Discuss your course load, college plans, and test scores with your high school counselor.
o Request college applications. o Arrange campus visits. o Register to take the SAT/ACT, if necessary. o Search for scholarships and ways to pay. o Run College Answer’s free scholarship search. o Submit a CSS PROFILE form, if required. o Stay organized: File copies of applications and
correspondence. Keep your calendar up-to-date tracking important dates and deadlines.
October o Verify that your transcripts are accurate. o Find out which financial aid applications are
required at your choice colleges. o Ask for letters of recommendation to include with
your admissions and/or scholarship applications. o Work on admissions application essays. o Attend college fairs and financial aid nights.
“Early Decision” candidates should complete college applications.
November o Continue completing your college applications. o “Early Decision” deadline is often November 1 or 15. o Determine which financial aid forms the colleges on
your list require—when in doubt contact the o Financial Aid Office. o Search for additional sources of financial aid.
December o Complete school applications ideally by
December 1. o Collect family tax information. o Complete then make a copy of your FAFSA (Free o Application for Federal Student Aid). Don’t submit
before January 1, it will only be returned to you not processed.
o Take SAT or Achievements, if registered. o Stay organized.
January o Submit your FAFSA as soon after January 1 as
possible. Some student aid programs award funds on a first-come, first-served basis until funds are depleted. Waiting too long to submit your FAFSA could be costly.
o Fill out and submit required financial aid forms.
February – March o College decisions start rolling in. o Watch the mail for your Student Aid Report
(SAR). o Carefully examine the results. A mistake could
cause you to miss out on college funding. o Don’t panic if you’re selected for verification.
Just provide the college with the documents they need.
o Stay on top of important financial aid deadlines. o Respond quickly to college requests for
additional documentation. o College acceptance and financial award letters
start rolling. o Follow instructions carefully and make copies.
April o Carefully analyze your letters. o Make a decision, most colleges request your
reply o by May 1, and send your tuition deposit. o Notify other colleges that you won’t be attending. o Register for Advanced Placement (AP) tests, if o necessary. o Mark your calendar with important deadlines o (housing, meals, transportation, financial aid,
etc.).
May o Send transcripts. o Respond quickly to requests. o Return necessary forms. o Notify your FAO of any additional funding you’ll
be o receiving (scholarships and loans, etc.). o Evaluate student loan lenders and take time to o understand student loans.
Summer o Still need money for college? Apply for a loan
online at College Answer. Borrow only what you need to cover your college expenses.
o Attend orientation. o Complete any college financial aid info received,
if you have questions — ASK. o Finalize your budget. o Send thank you notes to individuals who help
you get in. o Review College Answer’s College Advice
section and pick up a few freshmen tips. o Download College Answer’s Packing for College
Checklist.
DO make an appointment to see your counselor to talk about your academic progress and make sure you meet all graduation requirements. DO plan campus visits/tours and attend any College Nights or College Fairs to gather information and ask questions. DO attend Financial Aid Workshops with your parents. Learn all you can about the FAFSA (Free Application for Federal Student Aid). DO maintain good grades and excellent attendance. DO get involved in extracurricular and/or leadership activities. DO continue to take advanced classes because this indicates to admissions officers that you seek and can handle a challenge. DO take SAT/ACT prep program in the summer or early fall of senior year to improve scores. DO register for SAT/ACT even if you are not applying to a highly-selective four-year school; take the SAT/ACT as late as possible in the school year to avoid competing with those students who might be. Pay close attention to school admission deadlines.
DO request letters of recommendation from teachers or counselors or significant adults in your life giving at least three weeks advance notice. Provide a self-addressed stamped envelope and a resume when requesting a letter. DO complete a resume or activity list to include what you have accomplished over the last four years of high school. DO fill out college applications in September and October of your senior year, Pay attention to deadlines. “Early bird gets the worm!” Most applications open as early as August 1st! DO consider taking ASVAB (Armed Services Vocational Aptitude Batter) whether or not you are thinking of a military career; outstanding tool to assess strengths and weaknesses and identify suitable career paths. DO request that a final transcript be sent to the college you will attend. Out of courtesy, also notify the colleges you are not planning to attend.
STEPS TO YOUR SUCCESS
DO make an appointment to see your counselor to talk about your academic progress and make sure you meet all grad requirements. DO plan campus visits/tours and attend any College Nights or College Fairs to gather information and ask questions. DO attend Financial Aid Workshops with your parents. Learn all you can about the FAFSA (Free Application for Federal Student Aid). DO maintain good grades and excellent attendance. DO get involved in extracurricular and/or leadership activities. DO continue to take advanced classes because this indicates to admissions officers that you seek and can handle a challenge. DO take SAT/ACT prep program in the Fall to improve scores. DO register for SAT/ACT if you are not applying to a highly-selective four-year school; take the SAT/ACT as late as possible in the school year to avoid competing with those students who might be. Pay close attention to school admission deadlines. DO request letters of recommendation from teachers or counselors or significant adults in your life giving at least three weeks advance notice. Provide a self-addressed stamped envelope. DO complete a resume or activity list to include what you have accomplished over the last four years of high school. DO fill out college applications in September and October, Pay attention to deadlines. “Early bird gets the worm!” DO consider taking ASVAB (Armed Services Vocational Aptitude Batter) whether or not you are thinking of a military career; outstanding tool to assess strengths and weaknesses and identify suitable career paths. DO request that a final transcript be sent to the college you will attend. And out of courtesy, notify the colleges you are not planning to attend.
DO make an appointment to see your counselor to talk about your academic progress and make sure you meet all grad requirements.
