Presented by the CHHS Counseling Department

1. Senior Forum – A Parent’s Guide for College and Career Presented by the CHHS Counseling Department 2014-2015

2. Transcripts and Graduation

3. Recommended Graduation Program Information in the Program of Studies (online) • English 4.0 • Math 4.0 • Science 4.0 • Social Studies 4.0 • Health 0.5 • PE 1.5 • Technology 1.0 • Speech 0.5 • Foreign Language 2.0 • Fine Arts 1.0 26 state credits

4. When will my child get a transcript with class rank and GPA? • Updated transcripts will be handed out in English classes the week of October 6th • Transcripts and GPA are confidential • Rank is gone- letters will be sent to schools to inform them of this practice • Review transcript information to make sure it is correct – see your counselor if any information is not accurate

5. My child is taking correspondence courses, when do those need to be completed? • All Correspondence courses and exams must be completed by the end of the 1st semester. • Courses not completed by the end of the 1st semester will be added to their schedule • Don’t let unfinished courses eliminate your student from being considered for top 20 or participating in graduation exercises, Get them done now!

6. Getting Started

7. How do I sign up for college entrance exams? THEA – Texas Higher Education Assessment. Must be taken before enrolling unless you are exempt. www.thea.nesinc.com ACT – College entrance exam www.actstudent.org SAT 1 – College entrance exam www.collegeboard.com

8. Does my child need to take these exams? • SAT II – Subject tests required by SOME universities. • AP –Ask your college or university about scores and transfer of grades. Colleges and universities accept grades and credits differently. • You can also refer to the counseling website for information • CLEP – Measures a student’s level of mastery. Given on college campuses. Refer to college/university

9. College Admissions what you need to know

10. What is automatic admission -Top Ten Percent? • For automatic admission: • Graduate in the top 10% (7% for UT) of his or her class at a public or private Texas high school. • Submit an application to a Texas public college or university before the application deadline. • Enroll in college no more than 2 years after graduation.

11. So what if my child is not in the top 10%, how will he/she get in? • Academic Review: 7 factors colleges consider • Academic record • Test scores • Extracurricular activities and community service • Recommendations • Children of alumni • Work experience and leadership • Interviews • Correspondence

12. Applications • Each application sent to a different school does require an application fee and a separate transcript. • Individual Campus websites – freshman admissions link • Universities prefer that you apply on line instead of a paper copy. COPY and SAVE all information sent to colleges. Saves up to a month of processing time. • Counselor forms can be completed on line or mailed.

13. How does my child apply on-line? • Fill out on line at www.applytexas.org Use one form to send to multiple colleges in the state of Texas. • Fill out on line at www.commonapp.org for schools in and outside of Texas. • School specific

14. What are the types of Admission? • Rolling – colleges make decisions about the applicant as information is received • Early Decision – Great for students that are serious about their first choice school. Does require commitment to follow the rules set up by that college. • Early Action – Students can file many of these but should consider only if junior grades and tests are highly competitive.

15. Do you need a counselor recommendation? • Make sure you fill out the Senior Information Sheet online. This form MUST be filled out for counselors to write your recommendation letter.

16. Does your child need a teacher recommendation letter? • Can the teacher add information about your learning that is not in your application? • Plan ahead. A “hurried” letter will not be as helpful as a well thought out and complete recommendation. • Give teachers anaddressed envelope of where to send the letters.

17. Counselor Forms • Transcript Request Form: online request, free • Recommendation Letter Request: online, please fill out if you will be needing a letter for anything. • Allow up to two weeks for this process. We want to write the best possible letter but perfection takes time!

18. How important are college essays? • VERY! • The IMPORTANCE of a quality essay: • Checks written skills • Shows that you are serious about application • Allows for glimpses of your personality • May share obstacles or special talents • Leadership or history of work ethic • May hurt or help “bubble” applicants

19. Hints for admittance… • Have your child make several contacts with the school(s) of your choice. The more email admissions, calls, visits, the more interest you show. When visiting the school, dress to impress and have questions ready. Visit more than once if possible. • Proofread everything you send to the college. Paperwork is all the admissions office knows you by at this point. • Set a timetable and follow as closely as possible. • Use long weekends and holidays to finish applications. • Once you have submitted all of your applications you should feel a huge sense of relief – celebrate!!!

20. Prepare and Finish Early • Students should begin writing essays now. Many colleges utilize the same “type” of questions and essays. Keep copies! • Create a file for each college you apply to. Keep copies of every letter and application that you submit along with any information they send you. • If essays or extra opportunities are offered through the application as optional, do them.

21. How do I know which colleges offer a specific degree program? • Narrow your choices by using the Internet • Great sites on the Web: • www.collegeview.com • www.collegefortexans.com • www.petersons.com • www.usnews.com • www.collegeboard.com/collegesearch

22. Scholarships and Financial Aid

23. Does this apply to you? • If you qualify for free or reduced lunches, check with the college or university for fee waivers on application fees, housing and orientation. • You may also be eligible for fee waivers to take the SAT and ACT. See your counselor for this form.

24. How do I calculate the cost for a year of college? Cost is per credit hour • Tuition, room and board • Application fees and “other fees” • Deposits • Travel expenses • Resident vs. Non resident • Personal expenses

25. What Types of Aid are there? • Free Money • Grants based on financial need • Scholarships based on talent/merit • Loans • Subsidized – government pays the interest • Unsubsidized – student pays the interest • College Work Study • Part-time jobs provided by the college

26. How does my child get Financial Aid? • Attend the financial aid programs at GHS or the College Fair at CHHS. • Sign up NOW for a Pin number for FAFSA. • Complete the FAFSA form after Jan 1 at www.fafsa.ed.gov ***Applying for financial aid is FREE, do NOT pay to complete this form! • Want to know what your projected aid will be? Log onto www.fafsa.ed.gov and click on “fafsa4caster”

27. Financial Aid Websites * www.thecb.state.tx.us * www.collegeboard.com * www.studentloan.com * www.collegefundingco.com * www.collegefortexans.com * www.finaid.org * www.fastweb.com

28. Where can my child find scholarships? • There is a scholarship tab on the counseling website with applications all online!! • Each college has their own scholarships – be sure to note those application deadlines! • Sign up for national scholarships through search engines like www.fastweb.com

29. So…What do I do first? • Create a master list or calendar that includes: • Tests you need to take, fees, and registration deadlines • Dates that College reps are at CHHS • College application due dates • Scholarship application due dates • Financial aid application forms required and deadline dates

30. Things for students to do:August – SeptemberGo to: • Collegeboard.com and register for SAT if needed. This web site is full of excellent information for students and parents • Actstudent.org to register for ACT • Make a College Action plan

31. Things to do:September – December Complete college applications Fill out the senior self assessment Contact individuals for letters of recommendation Contact institutions about scholarship process Continue to work hard in classes.

32. Things to do:January - May • Receive letters of admittance from colleges and universities • Fill out scholarship applications • Study for AP exams • Make final decision about college choice

33. What to expect… • The Fall is VERY busy • Applications (3-5), letter of recommendations, deadlines, testing • Try to complete all applications by Thanksgiving. A huge load will be lifted… • Winter • Submit mid-term grades in February • Look for Scholarships • Make final decisions – apply for housing (depends on college) • Spring • Make contact with chosen school • Decline other offers • AP tests! • Summer • Send final transcript • Attend orientation • PACK!

34. Other Important Information

35. What is Counselor’s Corner?www.gcisd-chhs.org • Scholarship Information • Transcript forms • Presentation material – • Powerpoints, handouts, flyers • Upcoming events • Registration information • Care Team forms • Community Scholar Ambassador forms

36. What is the Community Scholar Ambassador Program? • 3 years of the same foreign language • 100 hours of community service and no failed courses. All hours due at the end of March. • Information and cards in counseling office and on line.

37. ASVAB October 15th – Information will be coming soon. Students may sign up in the counseling office.

38. FINANCIAL AID WORKSHOP • Trudy Conner, TCU • Where: CHHS Auditorium • When: Nov. 3rd 6:30 PM – 8:00

39. College Night • Tuesday, October 21st at the PDEC • Financial Aid presentation • Many local, state and national colleges and universities attend • Military representatives attend

40. Parent Support • Struggling with your students Senior year? • Stressed about all that the future holds? • Join Counselor, Lindsey Hopkins, and other senior parents for our very 2nd year of… Senior Parent support group. • 1st Thursday of the Month

41. Please remember to Join the Colleyville Heritage Counseling Center Facebook Page.Check out the Counselor’s Web pages for more important information.Update your email address in Skyward for the Principal’s Panther Pause email.