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The Junior Year: Decisions Ahead

2018-2019

Time to Plan…

College

Military

Work World

Trade or Tech School

Time to Get Prepared…

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.

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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, personal, 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 Options After High School 3-5 College Application Process 5-12 Testing 7-10 Graduation Requirements 13-14 Dual Credit Courses 14-15 NEISD Rank in Class Policy & WGA 16-17 State of Texas Automatic Admission 18-19 Cafécollege 19 NCAA 20-21 Military Academies 22 College Choice Questions 23-24 Financial Aid Terms College Terminology

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Sample Résumé 26

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

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THE JUNIOR YEAR . . . THE DECISIONS AHEAD

OPTIONS AFTER HIGH SCHOOL You will probably choose one of these options: work, military service, career/trade/technical training, or college. Look at each option as it is discussed below and relate it to what you already know about yourself.

1. WORK - How can you prepare for it now? You should do some research about job opportunities in the immediate future and for long-range planning. You can learn a great deal about careers by: VISITING your school’s Career/GO Center to utilize career materials such as The

Occupational Outlook Handbook, interest inventories, college searches and inventories at https://bigfuture.collegeboard.org, computerized job descriptions, etc.

CHECKING the library for the dozens of books about different careers EXPLORING career and educational websites ASKING your school counselor about the Kuder program. http://tx.kuder.com/ Go to

www.neisd.net, log on to Launchpad and then click on Kuder in the CTE folder. (A few students may have had data lost in the migration and may have to create a new account). This is a comprehensive online career planning system.

LOOKING for magazine/online articles about occupations and future trends in employment

PARTICIPATING in a CO-OP work program during your senior year

Online Job Searches: Employment Opportunities

www.bls.gov/ooh - Occupational Outlook Handbook published by the U.S. Department of Labor’s Department of Labor Statistics; provides information about employment in hundreds of occupations; offers detailed discussions of each occupation, including degrees, training, and other qualifications required; provides employment outlook and sources of additional information www.careeronestop.org- America’s Job Bank (sponsored by the Department of Labor) listing over 500,000 job opportunities www.careers.org - Career Resource Center which includes national and international job opportunities www.careerbuilder.com - Career Search site providing high school students with a look at real jobs in the real world www.monster.com - Parent company of FastWeb providing job and career information, including résumé building information www.mappingyourfuture.org - Mapping your future includes links to various financial institutions serving as educational funding sponsors

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2. MILITARY SERVICE - Joining the military enables you to serve your country, earn a salary right away, earn your college degree while in the service, or have the government pay for a large part of your college expenses after you leave the service.

If the military service is your best choice after graduation, how can you prepare for it now? You can…

TALK to the recruiters from the various services. Most branches of the service have recruiters who will visit your campus. Not all services offer the same opportunities. You need to find out what each one offers and what your obligation is in return. TAKE the A.S.V.A.B. (Armed Services Vocational Aptitude Battery) test. It may be offered on your campus or you may contact a recruiting office for the next test date. The scores might point the way to surprising opportunities in the service. JOIN the Jr. R.O.T.C. to begin military training early and have an advantage in rank after you join the service. See the military information at the end of this booklet and check with your counselor about specialized military opportunities, such as, the military academies, R.O.T.C. scholarships, and reserve programs. Some of these require preparation during the junior year.

Selective Service Registration www.sss.gov - All males must register within 30 days of their 18th birthday. Those who do not register will not be eligible for financial aid.

3. CAREER/TRADE/TECHNICAL TRAINING - Getting additional training after high school usually means that you start work later, but you may also have an advantage over someone without the extra knowledge and skills that you’ve acquired from additional training. The

Texas Common application can be found on www.applytexas.org If a career/trade/technical program is your best choice after graduation, how can you prepare for it now? You can…

Attend the NEISD Career Night on April 23, 2019 from 6:00 PM – 8:00 PM at Blossom Athletic Center. Area businesses will have representatives available to answer career questions. Your counselor will have the details or check the website: https://www.neisd.net/Page/812

In addition to doing job research, research the schools that interest you. This year and again during your senior year visit with the representatives from Northwest Vista College, Palo Alto College, San Antonio College, St. Philip’s College, Northeast Lakeview, and others when they come to your campus.

Participate in your campus’s career prep and technical programs offered on and off campus.

Explore Alamo Community Colleges website: http://www.alamo.edu/

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4. COLLEGE - The purpose of going to college is to become a more educated and well-rounded person in addition to learning a great deal about one particular field. A college education usually means greater earnings over the span of a lifetime.

If college is your best choice after graduation, how can you prepare for it now?

Take the PSAT/NMSQT, the Preliminary SAT, which will be given at your campus in

October. This test is a shorter version of the SAT Test, one of the two college entrance exams you are encouraged to take this spring. In addition to being the National Merit Scholarship Qualifying Test in your junior year, the PSAT/NMSQT also gives you the

opportunity to see what a college entrance exam is like.

Practice completing sample test items:

http://www.collegeboard.com/student/testing/psat/prep.html

https://www.collegeboard.org/delivering-opportunity/sat/practice

http://www.khanacademy.org/sat

Attend NEISD’s College Night with your parents at Blossom Athletic Center on October 24, 2018 6:00 PM – 8:00 PM. Representatives will be available from numerous colleges, military academies, and technical schools. You will have an opportunity to visit with several representatives of your choice and will be able to pick up catalogs and materials from others. Use your junior year to research your interests and aptitudes as well as to explore which colleges might be good choices for you.

THE COLLEGE APPLICATION PROCESS

1. GATHERING INFORMATION AND CHOOSING SEVERAL LIKELY SCHOOLS

First, know yourself as an individual, especially your academic strengths and weaknesses. Second, prioritize the things that are most important to you. Consider such things as two-year

or four-year college, courses of study offered, degrees awarded, entrance requirements, location, size, type and lifestyle of student body, environment around the college and the average cost.

Third, remember that choosing a college is a very personal and individual matter.

A college visit is most helpful in making the final decision about which college is best for you. Many colleges offer special visitation programs for this purpose.

Email or call the admissions office to set up an appointment. Spend a weekend on campus and visit with a professor, talk with students about how they like

the school and why did they choose this school, and visit classes. Tour the campus and write down 5 impressions of the school, admissions counselor, etc. Have a written list of questions to ask when you get to the campus, so do your homework first.

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Read the college online catalog and know the basic information ahead of time. Explore the environment around the college. Consider the campus personality, diversity of the student body, size of lecture halls, and student

interaction.

College Information

www.collegeboard.org - Provides services like online registration for SAT, AP, financial aid calculators, etc. www.act.org - Provides online registration for ACT, college planning, financial aid and career planning

www.collegexpress.com - Information about private colleges, including college search and admissions tips

www.collegefortexans.com - Resources for preparing, applying, and funding higher education, including information for military children

https://www.goodcall.com - Scholarship match and financial aid search www.petersons.com - Publisher of a number of college guides offering information about pre-college programs, test

preparation, colleges and universities, financing education, distance learning, careers and vocational/technical

education, studying abroad, special schools, and more www.campustours.com - Links to virtual tours of college campuses

www.princetonreview.com - Provides SAT/ACT review, a database of the best undergraduate, graduate, medical, law, and business schools, plus hot links to individual college home pages

www.allcampus.com - Provides information about college life www.supercollege.com - College information

The High School GO CENTER/CAREER CENTER is available to all students and parents to assist in career and college preparation. The GO CENTER/CAREER CENTER is located in the Counseling Office area and provides students with career/college information, college catalogs, and computers. The GO CENTER/CAREER CENTER clerks/personnel are available to assist students with information in career/college searches, college admission, FAFSA (Free Application for Federal Student Aid), the Apply Texas Common application, and scholarship information. The GO CENTER/CAREER CENTER is open from 8:00-4:30 daily.

Most Frequently Requested Texas College Web Sites

www.utexas.edu University of Texas at Austin

www.tamu.edu Texas A&M University www.utsa.edu University of Texas at San Antonio

www.tamusa.edu/ Texas A&M University San Antonio www.alamo.edu Northwest Vista, Palo Alto, St. Philip’s, Northeast

Lakeview, and San Antonio College

www.uiw.edu University of the Incarnate Word www.stmarytx.edu St. Mary’s University

www.ollusa.edu Our Lady of the Lake University www.tlu.edu Texas Lutheran University

www.txstate.edu Texas State University www.ttu.edu Texas Tech University

www.baylor.edu Baylor University

www.tcu.edu Texas Christian University www.blinn.edu Blinn College

www.tstc.edu Texas State Technical College (all campuses) www.trinity.edu Trinity University

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2. TAKING THE COLLEGE ENTRANCE EXAMS There are two major tests used for college entrance: the SAT and the ACT. All colleges in Texas will accept either the SAT or the ACT. Plan accordingly to take the SAT or the ACT in the SPRING of your junior year.

CEEB CODES

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

REGISTERING FOR TESTS

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. Your scores will be available to you approximately three weeks after you have taken the test by logging in to your account. KEEP your username and password in a safe place. Your academic strengths should determine which test you take. You may always take both the SAT and the ACT. Many students do take both tests. Many colleges will take your highest score from a single test administration. Check with your prospective colleges on superscores (taking the higher score from individual tests/dates, rather than one complete score). FEE WAIVERS - You may be eligible for a fee waiver for the SAT or ACT. Eligible students must meet strict criteria set forth by the College Board and ACT. For example, economic need is one criteria and a total of 2 fee waivers are allowed per student. For SAT only, this may be used to cover late registration. Talk to your school counselor to determine if this is an option for you.

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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SAT

www.collegeboard.org The SAT Test tests the skills you’re learning in school: reading and math (writing is optional for a few colleges, so please check the entrance requirements of your college/university). Your knowledge and skills in these subjects are important for success in college and throughout your life. A perfect score on the SAT will be a 1600; the Essay is now optional.

SAT Test Dates Registration Deadline Late Registration Deadline - Late

Fee Required - Mail/Online

August 25, 2018

July 27, 2018

August 7/August 15, 2018

October 6, 2018

September 7, 2018

September 18/September 26 2018

November 3, 2018

October 5, 2018

October 16/October 24, 2018

December 1, 2018

November 2, 2018

November 13/November 20, 2018

March 9, 2019

February 8, 2019

February 19/February 27, 2019

May 4, 2019

April 5, 2019

April 16/April 24, 2019

June 1, 2019

May 3, 2019

May 14/May 22, 2019

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 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 from specific courses you are supposed to have taken in high school. SAT Subject tests are often given on the same schedule of dates listed above, except for the March date. Students can take up to 3 subject tests on a given date, but cannot take the full SAT on that same date.

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ACT www.act.org

The ACT attempts to measure skills closely related to the content of courses in the high school curriculum in four areas: English, math, 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. Visit the site for practice test and review.

Other Testing Study Aides

College Power Prep for SAT and ACT www.powerprep.com Study Programs for Tests www.testprep.com Wordsmyth SAT Dictionary of 2,000 words www.wordsmyth.net SAT/ACT prep study www.number2.com

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 is a more rigorous assessment that was implemented on August 1, 2013. 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. If you think you may be exempt, please contact an advisor at your institution. For more information, visit: http://accuplacer.collegeboard.org/sites/default/files/accuplacer-tsi-assessment-student-brochure.pdf

ACT Test Dates Registration Deadline Late Registration Deadline - Late Fee

Required

September 8, 2018 August 10, 2018 August 11-26, 2018

October 27, 2018 September 28, 2018 September 29-October 14, 2018

December 8, 2018 November 2, 2018 November 3-19, 2018

February 9, 2019 January 11, 2019 January 12-18, 2019

April 13, 2019 March 8, 2019 March 9-25, 2019

June 8, 2019 May 3, 2019 May 4-20, 2019

July 13, 2019 June 14, 2019 June 15-24, 2019

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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 students, but especially for those 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.

STATE OF TEXAS ASSESSMENTS OF ACADEMIC READINESS

STAAR

All students who enter the 9th grade in the 2011-2012 school year or later are assessed under the STAAR system as mandated by the Texas Education Code (TEC). House Bill 5 of the 83rd Regular Session of the Texas Legislature has changed high school testing and graduation requirements for students who entered 9th grade in 2011-2012 and thereafter. The required EOC exams will be English I, English II, Algebra I, Biology and U.S. History. Please contact your school counselor if you have any questions about testing requirements and/or graduation requirements.

ADVANCED PLACEMENT (AP) EXAMS

http://apcentral.collegeboard.com/apc/public/exam/calendar/index.html Advanced Placement (AP) exams are offered in many content areas for college credit. The test results have no direct impact on college admission. They do demonstrate a student’s ability to function at a rigorous college level. Students may score a 1, 2, 3, 4 or 5 on an exam. Students receiving scores of 3, 4, or 5 will receive college credit for these courses. Check your college’s policy on AP exams. Registration and testing should be completed in the spring semester.

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3. APPLYING TO COLLEGE

Applications generally open August 1 of senior year. When you apply, there are usually four items you must have sent to the college before the college will consider you for admission:

1) College entrance test scores - Scores are sent directly from SAT/ACT to the colleges you specify. 2) Application for admission – Online applications are becoming the norm. The Apply Texas application,

www.applytexas.org is utilized for most Texas public colleges. Computers are available in the GO CENTER/CAREER CENTER--no appointment needed.

3) An official copy of your high school record/transcript reflecting six semesters of course work.

a. You must have a completed “Transcript Release” form on file b. The first transcript sent is free; all others thereafter are $5.00 each

c. You may not hand-carry, FAX or overnight an official transcript 4) College application fee.

4. FINANCING COLLEGE $$$$

Now that you are eager to go to college, how much will it cost and how will you pay for it? College will cost anywhere from $2,500 a year at a local state-supported college to as much as $60,000 a year at a private university. It is important to keep in mind that you can afford to go to college somewhere. The keys are to begin early and to understand the process.

Determine the total cost of attending each of the colleges that you are considering. You should include tuition and fees; room & board; books; transportation and trips home; personal expenses such as laundry; insurance; clothing; medical needs; and entertainment.

Most of all financial aid comes through the college (generated by FAFSA) and cannot be applied for until your senior year. The internet is a great source of scholarship information. You may also want to enter contests, such as essay-writing contests on various topics that offer valuable prizes to help you pay your way.

Remember: YOU DO NOT NEED TO PAY ANYONE FOR SCHOLARSHIP INFORMATION – IT IS ALWAYS FREE! Many colleges offer gradual payment plans that may be stretched out over the year. Financial aid

for college students undergoes periodic change because of adaptations enacted by Congress. However, there are some general guidelines to keep in mind as you look ahead:

State-supported colleges are usually the least expensive. Out-of-state public colleges may charge you out-of-state tuition, which can be very

Online Application Sites

Apply Texas www.applytexas.org College Net’s Online Applications www.applyweb.com Peterson’s Online Applications www.collegequest.com XAP Applications www.xap.com College Information and links www.collegeboard.org Common Application www.commonapp.org

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expensive. Private colleges are usually the most expensive, but often have financial aid to offer. UNDER THE FEDERAL GUIDELINES, IT IS THE FAMILY'S OBLIGATION AND

RESPONSIBILITY TO PAY WHAT IT CAN AFFORD. To qualify for financial aid, your family will be asked to submit detailed tax records as part of the FAFSA.

SCHOLARSHIPS AND FINANCIAL AID

www.collegenet.com - Scholarship search, electronic applications, college search, financial aid info www.finaid.org - Information about student loans, federal programs, scholarship services, etc. www.ncaa.org - Student athlete information www.finaid.org/scholarships/common.phtml - Tips on spotting scholarship scams www.fastweb.com - Fill out an application on-line for scholarship searches and receive updates www.gocollege.com - Free scholarship searches through database with over 500,000 scholarships www.scholarships.com - Create a personal profile to compare with database of over 600,000 scholarships www.ed.gov/index.jsp - Department of Education website with links to FAFSA and other student financial aid information in a step-by-step process www.collegeview.com - Offers in-depth resources about the college admission process, financial aid and careers; includes a search engine and online multimedia presentations featuring hundreds of colleges www.salliemae.com - Calculates future college prices and expected family contribution www.nasfaa.org – In-depth information from college financial aid officers www.fafsa.ed.gov - Official web site for the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) www.college-scholarships.com - Scholarship page updated weekly www.armyrotc.com - Information on the Army ROTC Program www.afrotc.com - Information on the Air Force ROTC Program www.myfuture.com - Overview of military education/career benefits www.ftc.gov - Consumer protection; tips on spotting scholarship scams

Another helpful FREE local source of college and financial aid information is the Minnie Stevens Piper Foundation https://comptroller.texas.gov/programs/education/msp/ as well as the Piper Compendium Most students who receive financial aid receive a combination of grants, loans, scholarships and work-study programs.

GRADUATION INFORMATION

STAAR - A student may not participate in the graduation ceremony unless she/he has completed all of the graduation requirements and passed all parts of the state-mandated STAAR EOC exams.

Promotion policy

To be a senior, a student must have: 19+ credits or the ability to enroll in all courses needed to graduate at the end of the current school year

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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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Distinguished Level of Achievement (DLOA) After meeting the requirements of the Foundation High School Program (FHSP) and at least one endorsement, students may earn a Distinguished Level of Achievement (DLOA). The DLOA requires 26 credits – the same as earning an endorsement. The only difference is that students must earn an Algebra II credit to earn the DLOA. The DLOA will be used to determine eligibility for the state’s top ten percent automatic admission policy. The DLOA will also build a strong foundation for college and career readiness. North East ISD believes that most students who choose the FHSP will be able to attain the DLOA.

Performance Acknowledgements After meeting the requirements of the FHSP, students may also earn a Performance Acknowledgement for outstanding performance:

In dual credit courses (12 + hours with grades of 80 or higher) In bilingualism and biliteracy (specific requirements apply) On an AP Exam (score of 3 or higher) On the PSAT, the Aspire, the SAT, or the ACT (based on specific cut points) With a business or industry certification or license (based on exam performance)

Contact your high school counselor for more information on Performance Acknowledgements. Transcripts will indicate any earned Performance Acknowledgements, as well as Endorsement(s) earned and DLOA distinction earned.

DUAL CREDIT COURSES

NEISD offers numerous dual credit courses. These are courses taken that count for both high school and college credit. These college credits generally transfer to any state public college. Students planning to attend private or out-of-state schools should contact the university advising office.

The Dual Credit Program is a partnership between North East ISD and Alamo Colleges (San Antonio College, Palo Alto and St. Philip’s).

Dual Credit is :

A program that allows eligible high school students to earn college credit for certain courses such as English, math, science, social studies, foreign languages and technology. (The offerings vary from campus to campus.) A curriculum that adheres to college level standards. (As with all transferring courses, it is up to the accepting college or university to honor dual credit work.) Free to North East eligible students on their home campus while they are taking high school courses for high school graduation credit.

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Expectations of the Dual Credit Program

Students will complete requirements of both the high school curriculum and the college- level curriculum concurrently.

Students will meet all enrollment deadlines and requirements.

Students will contact their prospective college or university for acceptability of transferring credits prior to graduation. Students may also go to: http://alamo.edu/mainwide.aspx?id=43348

DUAL CREDIT STUDENT ELIGIBILITY

To be eligible for a Dual Credit (DC) program, a North East student must: Complete and submit all paperwork by the deadline AND meet one of these requirements:

Earn an SAT score of 480 or more on the EBRW (Evidenced-Based Reading and Writing) test section and a 530 or more on the Math section of the test

Earn an ACT composite score of 23 or more, with a score of at least 19 each on the English and math portions of the test

Take the TSI and meet course eligibility requirements

Complete and submit all paperwork by the deadline:

Students must pick up a Dual Credit handbook in the Counseling Office

Complete the ApplyTexas application at www.applytexas.org for first-time Dual Credit enrollee. Follow the ApplyTexas Handbook instructions to avoid costly errors; the ApplyTexas Handbook is also available in the Counseling Office.

DC Checklist and Consent Form pages

Military Verification Form (only if student's parent is on active military duty)

DEADLINES ARE FIRM FOR DUAL CREDIT ENROLLMENT!

For more information about the Dual Credit program, please contact:

TAMI SHAW PROGRAM COORDINATOR

North East Independent School District 8961 Tesoro Drive

San Antonio, TX 78217 (210) 407-0319

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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 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, and Regular 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

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 * 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

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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 in Texas 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. *Exception to the top 10% automatic admission rule--The University of Texas at Austin For student applicants entering UT in Summer/Fall 2019 and Spring 2020 applicants, the top 6% of the graduating class will be automatically admitted. A decision regarding the percentage of automatic admittance for UT Austin will be made in September of your Junior Year and will be posted here http://admissions.utexas.edu/apply/decisions

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Additional Resources For the complete text of this statute, please refer to the Texas Education Code (TEC), §51.803, available online at http://www.statutes.legis.state.tx.us/Docs/ED/htm/ED.51.htm#51.803 For questions related to the Automatic Admission policy, please visit the Texas Education Agency’s Automatic College Admission webpage at http://www.tea.state.tx.us/index2.aspx?id=2147485632 A list of state colleges and universities appears in TEC §61.003(3), general academic teaching institutions, available online at http://www.statutes.legis.state.tx.us/Docs/ED/htm/ED.61.htm#61.003

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 “Juniors” website at cafécollege, http://cafecollege.org/junior-checklist-draft/, and start making your plan!

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NCAA COLLEGE-BOUND STUDENT ATHLETES

www.ncaa.org and http://fs.ncaa.org/Docs/eligibility_center/Quick_Reference_Sheet.pdf

GIBILITYCENTER.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)

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

Two years of social science

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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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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

1-845-938-4041 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/RRS

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 http://www.cga.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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COLLEGE CHOICE QUESTIONS

http://www.fastweb.com/college-search/articles/95-college-choice-questions

ACADEMICS:

Does this college offer the major that interests you?

How strong is this school’s program?

If you are interested in a career that requires professional certification, does your school offer the appropriate training?

Is the program accredited?

How many students enrolled in the program pass the certification exam?

How easy is it to change majors?

Will your AP/previous college credits transfer?

What is the average number of students in each class?

Will you get enough contact/attention from your teachers?

What is the retention rate (how many students come back after their freshman year)?

What percentage of the students graduate in four years?

How easy is it to get the courses you want at the times that are convenient for you?

LIFE AFTER COLLEGE: Your college should help you reach your goals in class and in a career. Make sure your school is going to take you where you want to go.

What kind of career planning services are available?

What does the school do to help graduates find jobs?

Does the school provide free job placement services?

What percentage of graduates find jobs?

What percentage of graduates find jobs in the field they studied for?

What percentage of students successfully apply to graduate school?

HOUSING AND RESOURCES: Find out if the campus offers you the lifestyle you want.

Where do freshmen/sophomores/juniors/seniors live?

How much does housing cost? Is it easy to get on-campus housing? How hard is it to find housing off-campus? What kind of meal plan is offered in the

dorms? Do they provide menus for special diets

(vegetarian, kosher, ethnic)? How accessible are laundry facilities? How many computers/computer labs are

there? Are they up-to-date? What is the quality of the library and

research facilities? What kind of health facilities and services

does the college offer?

FINANCES: Paying for college can be tough. Find out what the school can offer you financially.

How much does the degree cost? What does that include?

Are payment plans available?

What kind of financial aid does the school offer?

How easy is it to find a job on campus? Are there work-study programs?

What kind of refund can you get if you have to drop a course?

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STUDENT LIFE: Your campus will be your social world for the next four years. Make sure this is a place where you enjoy hanging out.

What percentage of the students are male/female?

How diverse is the campus?

What percentage of the students are commuters?

What do students do for fun?

What student organizations are active on

campus?

What percentage of the students are in fraternities or sororities?

What kind of recreational facilities are there?

What varsity and intramural sports are on campus?

What kind of transportation is available to go home or to other cities?

How safe is the campus?

What are the crime statistics of the campus and the surrounding neighborhoods?

Financial Aid Terms With Which To Become Familiar

Scholarship - Free money based on academic merit, talent, ability, religion, and 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/lending institutions which must be repaid. No repayment is due until you leave school. Loans are available for vocational and professional degrees/certifications. Seeking the lowest interest rate is important. 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/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.

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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 Birthdate: San Antonio, TX 78258 Social Security#: 111-22-3333 (210) 123-4567 EDUCATION: Class rank: #27 out of 428 Weight Grade Average: 98.73569 SCHOOL ACTIVITIES: Grade Varsity baseball 1st baseman All Star team National Honor Society

Student Gov’t Representative Key Club COMMUNITY ACTIVITIES: Grade Church Youth Group Led Children's Choir ____hours/month Vacation Bible School Teacher ____hours Baptist Hospital Volunteer ____hours HONORS/AP COURSES: Grade World History AP

LEADERSHIP POSITIONS: Grade Junior Class President NHS Treasurer WORK EXPERIENCE: Grade GAP, North Star Mall- Assist customers, answer phones HOBBIES & ADDITIONAL INFO: Grade Piano lessons Blue Sharks Swim Team

For additional sample résumés resources, some available options are: http://tx.kuder.com (See p. 3 for log on information.)

www.myperfectresume.com