Argyle High School

1. Argyle High School SENIORS CLASS OF 2019

2. Texas Top 10% Rule • Top 10% Rule: • A student is eligible for automatic admission to a college or university as an undergraduate student if the applicant earned a GPA that allows he or she to be ranked in the top 10 percent of the student’s high school graduating class. • University of Texas-Austin - automatic admission is the top seven percent (on six semester transcript – current transcript) • 75% of UT’s freshman class come from top 6% ( for the fall 2019 class) and the remaining 25% are admitted with a full review of all documents submitted. • Students should complete the requirements for the Multidisciplinary High School Program or Foundations Program with Endorsements to be admitted to a public four year college or university in Texas. It is important to research the high school course requirements at each university in which your student will apply.

3. Testing for Senior Year Students should register to take the ACT and/or SAT • www.act.org • www.collegeboard.orgwww.collegeboard.org All Texas colleges and universities take both the ACT and/or SAT

4. ACT Test ACT characteristics: • The test has four sections: • Critical Reading • Writing (Optional, but a good idea to take) • Math • Science • No penalty for guessing, so answer every question • The questions are curriculum-based and should have been taught in high school English, math, and science curriculum at school. • ACT has set up a new ACT Prep on their website, working with Kaplan Test Prep

5. New SAT Changes • It better reflects what you’re learning in class. • “SAT vocabulary words” are gone. (Words are used in context). • There’s no penalty for guessing. • It focuses on math that matters most for college and careers. • Free Test practice for all with Khan Academy (located on the College Board website). SAT may be better if: • A student scored well on the 11th grade PSAT. We suggest that you try to take both ACT and SAT to see which one better suits your student’s testing abilities.

6. ACT: SAT: - English - Critical Reading - Math - Math - Science Reasoning -Writing - Reading - Optional Writing Reading/Math sections = 800 each Scoring: 0-36 Scoring: 1600 + Writing Score Cost: $46.00 Cost: $46.00 $62.50 w/Writing $64.50 w/Writing Selective Colleges require the writing. Be sure and check with the colleges in which you are applying. UT and A & M do not require writing this year.

7. College Visits and College Research Prioritize Preferences • Admission requirements ∙ Clubs and organizations • Location: Urban or Suburban▪ Student to faculty ratio • Size: Small/Medium/Large ▪ Major • Resident halls and dining facilities • Two year versus four year schools • In state versus out of state schools • Number/type of classes taught by grad assistants Be sure to utilize Naviance, ACT or College Board’s “College Search” functions College Visits: 2 days in Senior Year (Yellow Form) Pick up a College Visit form, get it signed by the counselor and principal, take it to the college for admissions to sign, and return it to attendance after the visit.

8. Admission Criteria What do colleges consider when making admissions decisions? • Rank in class at end of junior year • SAT and/or ACT Scores • Essays • Rigor of courses taken in HS (Pre AP, AP, Dual Credit, additional math, science, world language, and computer classes). • Resume (All extracurricular activities, awards, summer activities, work experience, etc.) • Other factors colleges may consider: • Letters of recommendations from counselor/teachers • Employer or Minister Recommendations • Auditions for music, art, or theatre

9. College Athletics NCAA Eligibility Center The NCAA Eligibility Center certifies academic/amateur credentials of all college-bound student athletes who wish to compete in Division I or II athletics. They review athlete’s ACT/SAT scores and his or her GPA of 16 credits of specific academic courses. www.eligibilitycenter.org Cost $80.00 Enroll by summer after junior year if you want coaches to be able to talk to you about Div. 1 or 2 recruitment.

10. College Athletics National Association of Intercollegiate Athletics www.playnaia.org National Junior College Athletic Association www.njcaa.org

11. FINANCIAL AID • Learn about the financial aid process: • www.fafsa.ed.gov (Opens 10/1/18) • FAFSA now uses 2017 taxes (prior, prior) • (Be aware of scam websites) • Types of financial aid: • L.E.G.S. • Loans, Employment, Grants, Scholarships • Begin scholarship search: • eScholarship: www.argyleisd.com – Username: argyle Password: argyle • Fastweb: www.fastweb.com • Private schools www.Christianconnector.com • Every Chance Every Texan www.everychanceeverytexan.com

12. How to Order Official High School Transcripts: • Official transcripts may be obtained at: • www.naviance.com • Log In: Student Email & School ID # • Colleges I’m Applying to: • Right hand corner - + (add your college) • Request Transcript • Order transcripts through Naviance.com • New students, please see counselors to be set up in Naviance.

17. RESUME: • Pick up “Resume Tips” handout • Very important to fill out completely the activities portion of Apply Texas and Common Application • Written resume is a backup to provide more information to the college(s) on additional activities or service (Naviance) • May use written resume when asking for Letters of Recommendation and for scholarships (Naviance)

18. Selective TX Colleges per US News & World Report:

19. Top 5 Selective Schools in 2018:

20. College Applications: • Be thoughtful about your college choices: • Pick colleges that inspire you • Check majors at colleges • Research and visit colleges • Make sure that you pick at least one school for a “backup” that you know that you will be accepted • Watch your email and save all college emails • Apply early: • Do not “trick or treat until you complete!” • Apply by October 31 for best results. • See your counselor for assistance.