OC Counseling Staff

1. OC Counseling Staff • Janelle Appleby- A-Cass • Kellie Asterman – Cast-Flor • Cindy Stanford- Flow-Hug • Orlando Matta – Hui-McC • Kimberly Schmidt- McD-Rami • Debra Roland- Ramj-Stev • Kristina Holder- Stew-Z • Elsa Cruz – Career Center Technician

2. Important Information • Graduation Status Report (GSR) and Transcript • Senior Resources • Senior Guidebook • SAT/ACT Dates Handout • Senior Portfolio • Visits to Career Center are ongoing!

3. Options After High School • Going for Further Training • Private trade • Technical • Business • Vocational Schools • Going Immediately to Work • Research job outlook and future marketability • Going into the Military (p. 61) • Can provide career skills training • Can provide funding for college • Going to a 2 or 4 year college Associate’s Degree (ACC p.37-45) Bachelor’s Degree Post Graduate Study

4. NISDCollege Night • When: Tuesday, October 15, 2013 • Where: UTSA • Time: 6:00pm-8:30pm Come speak to College Representatives from hundreds of private and public universities Shuttle buses will run from Farris Stadium

5. COLLEGE APPLICATIONS The Common Application Apply Texas www.applytexas.org Accepted by every Texas Public University, plus some private and two-year schools. • www.commonapp.org • Accepted by over 400 private and public college and universities nationwide Essays are part of the application packet for many universities. REMINDERS: *Check websites of individual schools for deadlines & specific information regarding scholarships, housing, etc. *Application fees apply for each school

6. ALAMO COMMUNITY COLLEGES College Connections Program • Thinking of starting out locally • and then transferring to a four • year university? • Thinking of taking courses during • the summer before leaving for • college? • Participate in College Connections! • September 23 – Northwest Vista met with • seniors through English 4 classes. • November 7 – Students will receive assistance with • the ApplyTexas application from NWV College • Connections representatives.

7. SAT Testing Dates REPORT TO THE CAREER CENTER FOR MORE INFO. ALL SENIORS! Sign Up Today on: sat.collegeboard.org/register

8. ACT Dates SO WHAT ARE YOU WAITING FOR? ACT NOW! www.actstudent.org You Can Sign up for the ACT at:

9. Fee Waivers • Fee waivers are available for students who need assistance with the fees associated with the SAT or ACT. • Fee waivers also good for college application fees. • Please see Mrs. Cruz in the Career Center for more information.

10. College Placement tests Students entering a Texas 2 or 4 Year public college or university may be required to take a placement test PRIOR to enrolling in college level courses. If you feel you are eligible for an exemption from this test, visit the testing or advising office of your college before you register for the test so that your status for exemption can be determined. Exemption Guidelines ELA TAKS – 2200 with an essay score of 3 Math TAKS – 2200 SAT – 500 Reading, 500 Math/Combined score of 1070 ACT – 19 Reading, 19 Math, Composite 23

11. Ordering a Transcript • Request transcripts in the registrar’s office. • Consent for Release forms must be signed by a parent if student is under 18 years old. • Senior Schedule will be included with transcript. • SAT/ACT/AP test scores will NOT be included on transcript (only included for scholarship purposes). • Know your deadlines: 3-5 day processing time for transcripts. • 1st transcript is free, after that they are $2.00 each. • 6th semester GPA & rank used for applications will be released in late September/early October. • Mailing transcripts is the student’s responsibility unless the school accepts electronic submissions.

12. College Essay A Reflection of You… • Communicate effectively. • Be honest. • Always read and follow instructions. • Write to the prompt. • Proofread your essay. • Meet the deadline for submission.

13. Letters of Recommendation • Complete “The Packet” (available in the counseling office). • Include as much specific information as possible (unique experiences, overcoming difficult circumstances, etc.). • Include a resume, student questionnaire, teacher evaluation sheets. • Request a letter at least two weeks in advance. • Only send a letter if the application requires it.

14. Warning! Deadlines approaching • All of your documentation must arrive at the university admissions office by the published deadline. Application and essays Test scores ordered from the testing agency High School Transcript Application fee Essays and Letter of Recommendation (if required)

15. National Collegiate Athletic Association All Student-Athletes must register with the NCAA Eligibility Clearinghouse • Requirements: • - Graduation from high school • - Have a minimum GPA of 2.0 in 14 core academic courses • - Must take SAT or ACT www.NCAA.org

16. Types of Financial Aid Grants Scholarships Loans Work Study

17. Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) The FAFSA is your key to getting financial aid. Here are some things you should know in order to be ready! • Fill out a FAFSA even if you think you won’t qualify for federal aid. Some schools will not consider a student for the school’s merit scholarships until the student has submitted a FAFSA! Most scholarships require you to fill out a FAFSA! • Before January 1st: Get a Federal Student Aid PIN www.pin.ed.gov Write it down! You need this to “sign” your online FAFSA. Keep it safe! • After January 1st: Complete the FAFSA online at www.fafsa.gov

18. Resources: • Free scholarship matching service • Matches users to scholarships based on their qualifications • Also provides information and current news on financial aid, scholarships, college, jobs and internships, and student life. • Fastweb is tailored to your needs and is committed to providing every student with the tools necessary to fund their higher education goals. http://www.fastweb.com

19. Resources: A new place for you with all the information and support you need to make going to college a reality. *College Admission Assistance *Financial Aid Guidance *Career Exploration *College Applications *Advising *SAT & ACT Preparation Café College 131 El Paso Street

20. Career Center Resources: SAT/ACT Information Scholarship Information College Applications Financial Aid – FAFSA Career & Interest Inventories Military Rep Visits College Rep Visits O C

21. Northside Scholarship Website • http://www.nisd.net/guidww/scholarship/scholarship.htm • Information on national and local scholarship sources/opportunities • The best source of financial aid is the college or university Financial Aid/ Scholarship office.

22. Scholarship ScamsHow to tell the good from the bad! (p.48) Scam: • You’ve won an award for which you didn’t apply. • Does not supply valid contact information. • Guarantees you will win an award. • Requires personal financial information (credit card numbers, bank account number) to “hold” a scholarship. Legitimate Service: • Sends information about awards when you request it. • Makes contact information available upon request. • DOES NOT guarantee you will win an award. • Should not direct you to a fee-based provider because they know info is available for free. Scam Site - www.fafsa.com Legitimate site – www.fafsa.org

23. Senior Scholarships… • Monica Bennett- Counselor Secretary- Turn in all award letters to Mrs. Bennett • One scholarship will be announced at graduation • Copy of confirmation letter with dollar amount offered is required • Dollar amounts are not listed or announced at graduation • Listen to announcements for deadlines!!! • Report all awarded scholarships EVEN if you do not accept.

24. Need help with planning?Sign up for Remind 101 • Receive text messages from the OC Counselors about scholarships, deadlines, graduation information, testing dates, college and military rep visits • Text @ocseniors to (469) 518-6018 OR • Send an email to ocseniors@mail.remind101.com • All personal information remains completely confidential. • You can opt out of messages at any time. • Standard text message rates apply.

25. Senior Year Reminders • Know your college application instructions & deadlines. • Know SAT/ACT registration deadlines. • Request test scores directly from testing agency to your college. • Know your financial aid application requirements & complete your FAFSA after January 1st. • Request transcripts (3-5 days to process) early. • Request letters of recommendation in a timely manner. • Check in Career Center for scholarship opportunities. • All Texas colleges require that students have proof of a Bacterial Meningitis vaccination before they can register for courses.

26. Please Welcome Elisa Perkins • Enrollment Services Officer • University of Texas at San Antonio • Student Financial Aid & Enrollment • Services Dept.