College Counseling Chalk Talk

1. College Counseling Chalk Talk MHS Guidance Team Presentation

2. Meet the Team: • Mrs. Phillips 9 - 12 A - Cr • Mrs. Tomlinson 9- 12 Cu - He • Mrs. Lemmon 9 - 12 Hi - Mis • Mrs. Hess 9 – 12 Mit - She • Mr. Moore 9 - 12 Shi - Z

3. Meet the Team • Mr. Johnson Administrator • Mrs. Holt Secretary • Mrs. Ballard Career and College Liaison • Mrs. TiffeeTranscript Queen 10 & 12 • Mrs. Smith Transcript Queen 9 & 11

4. 2013-2014 ACT DATES • MHS offers the ACT on all test dates • Cost: • ACT only = $36.50 • Late Fee = Fee + $22 • ACT + Writing = $ 52.50 • Standby Fee = Fee + $43 • Must upload a digital photo when registering

5. 2013-2014 SAT DATES • MHS is an SAT test center only in October and May • Cost: • SAT = $51 • Late Fee = Fee + $27.50 • Waitlist Fee = Fee + $45 • Must upload a digital photo when registering

6. Test Taking Tips • Register well in advance • Bring your picture ID • Don’t forget your calculator with fresh batteries • Be on time • Be well-rested • Know when to guess

7. Apply Yourself • Use electronic form if available • Understand what is required • All forms complete (is there a Secondary Report Form/Counselor Evaluation) • Watch deadlines!!!!!!! • Order a transcript (allow several days and don’t forget to pick it up but sending electronically is preferred) • Include appropriate fees or fee waivers

8. About Recommendations • Not all college applications require recommendations • Ask someone who knows you well • Give the recommender at least three weeks notice • Supply recommender with information about yourself (forms are available in Counseling office) • Let your recommenders know the outcome • Thank you notes are always appreciated

9. College Visits • Plan ahead • Make arrangements with the college admissions office (also academic departments and financial aid office) • Pick up a College Day Visitation form from Mrs. Ballard a week in advance • Bring back to Mrs. Ballard a dated acknowledgement of the visit on college letterhead

10. Demonstrated Interest • Ways to demonstrate interest… • Visit the college by making arrangements through the admission office or during one of the college’s official visitation programs • Meet with college reps when they come to MHS or are in the area (Hint: College Fair) • Contact the rep via email or phone calls

11. Let’s Talk About Money • Financial Aid • Get a FAFSA pin NOW • www.fafsa.ed.gov • Complete FAFSA on line as soon as possible after January 1 (at least by early March) • CSS Profile • Institutional forms

12. More Money Facts • Scholarships • Check with individual colleges • Fastweb (www.fastweb.com) and other on-line sources • See Mrs. Ballard • Listen to / subscribe to announcements!!!! • Visit the MHS Counselors’ website • Avoid scholarship scams

13. For Athletes • If you plan to participate in sports at the Division I of II collegiate level: • Register with the NCAA Initial Eligibility Center • Be sure to send them a transcript from every high school you have attended

14. For Males ONLY • Selective Service • www.sss.gov • It is the law.

15. Websites • www.fastweb.com • www.applytexas.org • www.actstudent.org(Registration for ACT) • www.collegeboard.com(Registration for SAT) • www.fafsa.ed.gov • www.midlothian-isd.net • www.eligibilitycenter.org(NCAA)

16. Final Thoughts • You must complete and document your 10 hours of community service • Email is important • Make sure your email address is clean and clear • Check your email regularly • Come to the Guidance Center for help

17. Dates to Remember • September 18 – College Fair – Waxahachie Conference Center • Register at www.texascollegefairs.org • Type only Midlothian for school name • PRINT OUT YOUR BAR CODE and bring it with you • September 10 – Sr. Parent Meeting • November 19 –Leaving Home, Letting Go