Wagner High School Junior Parent Night

1. Wagner High SchoolJunior Parent Night Preparing parents and students for senior year and post-secondary planning

2. Identify the challenges seniors face in balancing the senior year • Understand the post-secondary planning process • Simplify college search and application process • Assist parents in becoming an informed support for your son or daughter in planning for the senior year and the year following graduation • Provide resources for parent questions Junior Parent Night Goals

3. Help your student plan for next year’s commitments now • Reach out to your academic counselor to find out graduation plan, scheduling, class rank, etc. • Anticipate conflicting emotions with upcoming change • Reassure students that parents, administrators, counselors, and teachers are there to help provide support A Well-balanced Senior year Student responsibilities are split between planning their futures and working on high school demands:

4. Begin the college search process with parent support • Plan for deadlines in the post-secondary planning process • Survive and thrive throughout the senior year 8 Steps To Good College Planning The following 8steps will help your student:

11. Visit the WHS College Center • Explore college search websites—ie: www.college.gov • Write a resume • Look for schools with a good range of programs in an area of interest 1. Match aptitudes and career goals with schools and programs

12. Core academic courses • Coursework beyond minimum college entrance requirements • Advanced classes/course studies • Elective classes in areas of interest 2. Register for a rigorous and balanced senior course schedule

13. SAT Reasoning Test - www.collegeboard.org (February 18th-20thSAT Registration Drive during ENG III class) • ACT with optional writing test - www.act.org • Both are tests of college readiness (Junior took PSAT in October; results are available) • Recommended Spring of Junior year • Last testing opportunity Fall of Senior year 3. Sign up for College Entrance Exams

14. SAT/ACT Registration SAT • 33% Critical Reading • 33% Mathematics • 33% Writing Subtest range from 300-800 Sum of 3 test scores (600-2400) Score adjusted for wrong answers ACT • 25% English • 25% Mathematics • 25% Reading • 25% Science Optional Writing Test Subtests range from 1-36 Composite of 4 test scores (1-36) No penalty for guessing

15. Test Score Comparison

16. 4. Build a list of schools/programs to research • Gather information about: • Location • Size • Admissions Requirements – test scores/GPA/rank • Academic Offerings – majors/programs • Expenses – tuition, travel to/from school • Financial Aid • Housing • Campus Visits

18. Walk around campus • Attend a class • Interview admissions officers • Spend a night in the dorm • Talk with other university students • Use campus comparison form as a tool 5. Plan school visits

19. Discuss the college comparison data and get feedback from others • Students should talk with parents, counselors, advisors, teachers, and friends • Help your son or daughter examine their goals, thoughts and feelings so that they may choose schools for application • Build a well-considered, reasonable list of schools for application 6. Build a list of schools for application

20. Completed Application: www.applytexas.org (CAN BE SUBMITTED AS EARLY AS SEPTEMBER OF SENIOR YEAR) • Official Transcript • Test scores (SAT or ACT) • Application Fee Waiver (student can receive up to four waivers) • Teacher recommendation (if applicable) 7. Submit applications Application elements:

21. Ask someone who knows them well • Choose teachers of classes where they were most engaged intellectually, showed creativity, or completed a special project or independent work • REMEMBER: LETTERS OF RECOMMENDATION ARE STRONGLY ENCOURAGED IF STUDENT GOES UNDER REVIEW Letters of recommendation To receive letters that add depth and excitement to an application students should:

22. Match between college needs and student characteristics • Colleges provide admissions statistics range of GPA and test scores • Holistic review process College admission decisions

23. Opportunity for lower tuition costs while exploring academic interests • Small setting to solidify academic record or learn a trade • Admissions consist primarily of biographical information and proof of high school equivalency Community Colleges

24. Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) and CSS profile • Factors that determine a families financial strength • Schools determine distribution of funds as financial aid packages • Research independent sources of scholarship funding • Athletes should register with the NCAA Eligibility Center 8. Financial aid and Scholarship

25. Do learn about the college admission process • Do discuss restrictions up front • Don’t limit choices based on fees • Do remind your child of deadlines • Do listen and offer advice when asked • Don’t make decisions for your son or daughter • Do encourage and celebrate NACAC tips for parents: Do’s and don’ts for college admissions

26. Academic Counselor Contact Info***Kellye Jackson—A-CArturo Cano– D—GTiffany Thompson H—McAnnette Benavidez—Me—RBetty Osborne—S—Z ***Lead Counselor

27. Tiffany Patterson, College Counselor tpatterson@judsonisd.org • Carol Faragher, Career Counselor cfaragher@judsonisd.org • Turkesha Ganey, College/Career Facilitator tganey@judsonisd.org Contact Information

28. Q & ASession