Organizing for College

1. Organizing for College

2. Table of Contents • Monthly Calendar • Personal Information • Letter of Recommendations • Testing Requirements • Scholarships • Financial Aid • NCAA • Choosing a College • Applying to College • Examples of College/University Folder

3. Section 1 - Monthly Calendar • Make a calendar for important deadlines - I used Microsoft Publisher/Calendars (September through June) • Junior/Senior Timeline from Information Booklet(pgs. 12-13 in book) December 2014

4. Section 2 – Personal Information • School Code for SHS - 446087 • Copy of most up-to-date transcript (it will have your GPA/Rank which you will need to fill out on applications/scholarships/etc.) You can get a copy of your transcript from Mrs. Bertling, the Registrar, in the Main Office or from your counselor. When requesting a transcript to be sent to a college, you will need to go to this website: http://www.emsisd.com/Page/24242 • Graduation Requirements • Copy of Login Information Sheet • Completed Activity Sheet for Letters of Recommendations

5. Section 3 – Letters of Recommendation • To get a letter of recommendation, please use the following links.  They will help the person you ask to write your letter know more about you and write a better letter. • When given the option, students should ask those people who know them best to write letters of recommendation. That person may be a teacher, coach, sponsor, or someone in the community. • If you need a letter from your counselor, be sure to have everything to her at least two weeks before your letter is due. • Student Request  Students should complete this portion. • Parent Information  Parents should complete this portion. • Teacher Recommendation  Two to three teachers should complete this portion.All of these should be submitted to the individual writing your letter of recommendation.

6. Section 4 – Testing Requirements • Keep Scores for SAT/ACT/TSI/Etc. • Mark testing dates on Monthly Calendar • SAT test days • ACT test days

7. Section 4 – Testing Requirements TEXAS SUCCESS INITIATIVE (TSI): The State of Texas requires that all undergraduate students entering public colleges and universities in Texas have the skills necessary to perform effectively in college-level coursework. The Texas Success Initiative (TSI) is the program that administers testing to measure college-level readiness in reading, mathematics, and writing. You may be exempt from testing based on ACT, SAT, or other test scores. The Office of Admissions will determine which tests if any you need to take. You must take a College Readiness test before beginning classes at a Texas public college or university to be sure you have the reading, writing, and math skills needed for college-level work. These test may not be required if you: • Received a TAKS scale score of at least 2200 on the math section and/or 2200 on the English Language Arts section with a writing subsection score of at least 3; • Scored a 23 or higher on the ACT composite and a minimum of 19 on both the English and math tests; • Earned a combined (verbal + math) SAT score of 1070, with a minimum score of 500 on both sections, or • Enroll in a certificate program of 42 or fewer semester credit hours at a public community college or technical college.

8. Section 4 – Testing Requirements ACT: The ACT assessment is a general standardized college admissions test. The highest total score on the ACT is 36. The student’s score on the ACT is a good predictor of his or her freshman year grade point average. The score does not measure a student’s intelligence, nor does it predict whether the student will graduate from college. Students who are not strong in math may want to consider taking this test. Your counselor can help you decide which test is best for you. Students should plan to take this test in the spring of their junior year. Refer to these pages in your Junior/Senior Information Booklet(pg. 6-8) and Register online: http://www.actstudent.org/regist/, Scores: http://www.actstudent.org/scores/viewing-scores.html SAT: Reasoning Test: The SAT measures mathematical problem-solving, critical reading, and writing skills. Each section is reported on a scale of 200 – 800 points. Students should take this test no sooner than the spring of their junior year. The SAT does not measure intelligence, nor does it measure skills like motivation or creativity. Refer to the next few pages and www.collegeboard.com for more information about the SAT test. Subject Tests: Subject tests are one-hour, mostly multiple-choice tests, that measure how much students know about a particular subject and how well they can apply that knowledge. There are 22 different tests in five general areas, English, history, science, mathematics, and foreign languages. • Students should check with an admissions officer of their chosen college or university to determine if the SAT II is required. Refer to these pages in your Junior/Senior Information Booklet (pg. 6-8)and Register online:  http://sat.collegeboard.org/register, Practice:  http://sat.collegeboard.org/practice, Scores:  http://sat.collegeboard.org/scores

9. Section 5 - Scholarships • Scholarship Information Sheet – helps students keep up with all scholarships applied for and awarded • Websites to research scholarship information: • Saginaw High School scholarship page • More available on Quick Reference Sheet – pick up in House Office • Local Scholarships – applications for Seniors are usually available in February • Junior/Senior Information Booklet(pgs. 30-31) • www.everychanceeverytexan.org/

10. Section 6 – Financial Aid USE THIS AREA TO SAVE ALL IMPORTANT PAPERWORK FOR FINANCIAL AID!!! I recommend getting dividers that have pockets. FAFSA • The Free Application for Federal Student Aid is completed by students in January/February of their senior year (and each year they are in college). Students will need their parents’ income tax/financial information for the previous year. Colleges and universities use this application to determine eligibility for grants, work-study, loans, and some need-based scholarships. • Students and parents will need a PIN to sign the FAFSA: http://www.pin.ed.gov/PINWebApp/pinindex.jsp Steps to getting financial aid using FAFSA: 1. Students complete the FAFSA at http://www.fafsa.ed.gov/ 2. Students will receive a Student Aid Report (SAR) after the FAFSA is processed. Information is sent to the college(s) the student selected when completed the FAFSA. 3. The student’s selected college financial aid office will send an award letter to the student indicating the types of aid the student is eligible to receive. Students must have already applied to the college. 4. The student must reply to the award letter, accepting all or part of the aid offered. Additional forms may be required by the college. Please refer to Junior/Senior Information Booklet (pgs. 26-28) and http://www.everychanceeverytexan.org/

11. Section 7– NCAA • Students who wish to participate in athletics in college must register with the NCAA Clearinghouse • Register with the NCAA Eligibility Center your Junior year • NCAA Flyer • NCAA Eligibility Center Quick Reference Guide • Other information available in the Junior/Senior Information Booklet(pg. 4)

12. Section 8– Choosing a College USE THIS SECTION TO KEEP ALL INFORMATION ABOUT COLLEGES YOU ARE CONSIDERING! The websites below provide information on: • College Searches • Preparing and Applying for College • Test Preparation • Essay Help • Rankings and Guides for the Best Colleges • Financial Aid Information • Links to Campus Home Pages • Virtual College Fairs • http://www.collegeview.com/index.jsp • http://www.everychanceeverytexan.org/ • http://www.petersons.com/ • http://colleges.usnews.rankingsandreviews.com/best-colleges • http://www.collegeforalltexans.com/ • http://colleges.fastweb.com/ • https://bigfuture.collegeboard.org/college-search • http://studentaid.ed.gov/prepare-for-college/choosing-schools • http://www.campustours.com/ • http://www.campusexplorer.com/ • http://www.50states.com/college/ • http://www.50states.com/cc/ - Community College search

13. Section 8– Choosing a College Things to Consider: • Think about who you are and what your interests are. You do not have to go in for heavy-duty analysis, but be honest with yourself. Choose a college that caters to your needs. • Do your homework. Do not base a decision on any one source, especially the materials from a college. Schools spend as much as a half million dollars to produce slick brochures and videos to entice you. • Consider geography and size. Location is something students of ten forget to think about. A rural setting is very different from an urban one, just as a large college has a different feel from a small one. Have you included the cost of car or plane trips home in your budget? • Visit the campus. Talk to students. Learn about academic programs. Make sure the college offers courses in the area you want to pursue. • Dress neatly. To really get a feel for the school, you need to walk around the quad, sit in on a class, and visit the dorms. Call ahead and make arrangements with the campus visit coordinator. Avoid campus visits during holidays or breaks and finals week; visit when classes are in session. • Have someone at the college provide you documentation of your visit on college letterhead. If your visit is during a school day, this letter will prevent your absence (up to 2 days) from counting against your exemptions. • Visit general education type classes while on campus. Most colleges will be happy to arrange the visit in advance. If they offer the very large lecture classes, ask to see how you feel about being one of 300+ in a classroom.

14. Section 9 – Applying to College 3 Ways to Apply: Apply Texas Application Common Application (for specific schools outside of Texas) Campus Websites – Freshmen Admissions Link Admission Requirements for Texas Schools: Texas Colleges and Universities Admission, Tuition, and Financial Aid Information Things to Remember: • Apply early-many colleges want applications before Thanksgiving – mark deadlines on Monthly Calendar. • Create a file for each college you apply to. Make copies of everything you send to each college and keep these in your files along with any information they send you. Document on University Information Sheet. • Make several contacts with the school of your choice. The more you email/call admissions, advisors, and student affairs, the more interest you show. Document every time on University Information Sheet. • Proofread everything you send to the colleges. Paperwork is all the admissions office knows you by at this point.

15. Section 9 – Applying to College 12 Steps to Follow: 1. Visit colleges and finalize SAT/ACT testing – Section 4 2. Prepare a resume– place in Section 2 3. Resister with the NCAA if you plan to participate in college athletics – Section 7 4. Actively pursue scholarships – Section 5 5. Request recommendation letters, and transcripts at least two weeks ahead of time– Section 3 6. Obtain and complete college applications – Section 8 7. Write essays when required. If an essay says “optional”, write it anyway. 8. Mail your applications or submit them Online before the deadline – Section 9 9. Follow up with your counselor. 10. Check with the college to confirm they have received your documents – Section 9. 11. Fill out the FAFSA (Free Application for Federal Student Aid) before March 1st – Section 6 12. Review your financial aid packet carefully –Section 6 I have provided 2 examples of admission information you should be gathering from schools you are interested in attending. Please note each college/university has different admission requirements, and you should look through ALL the information they provide on their school website.

17. University Information PageUse this page to document every time you have contacted the college/university SAMPLE BELOW – Click here for Copy of University Information Page

18. TEXAS A&M UNIVERSITY • COLLEGE STATION, TEXAS 77843-1246http://admissions.tamu.edu/freshman/applyAdmission Requirements: • Top 10% admitted if application is complete by the closing date. Applicants who rank in the top 25% of their high • school graduation class, achieve a combined SAT Math and SAT Critical Reading score of at least 1300, with a test • score of at least 600 in each of those components of the SAT, or a composite ACT score of at least 30 with a test score • of at least 27 in ACT Math and ACT English, (students must take the writing component of the SAT and/or ACT in order • for the test score to be considered), and meet minimum course work will be automatically admitted to Texas A&M University • if all required credentials are received by the freshman closing date. • Criteria for Review: • Minimum high school course work: • English 4 • Math 4 Algebra I & II, Geometry and at least one credit of Advanced Mathematics Science 4 With 2 from Biology I, Chemistry I, or Physics I • Foreign Language 2 Same language • Closing dates for Applications for Admission: October 15 for Spring December 1 for Fall and Summer admission • Consideration. Application Deadline for Freshman Scholarships: December 1 • Dormitories Available • Costs: • Tuition and Fees On-campus Budget Commuting Budget • $8,506 $21,081 $16,031 At home/$21,081 Off campus • Financial Aid - Priority Deadline for Fall Financial Aid: March 15: • Requirements to apply for financial aid: • Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA form) • Admissions application required for scholarships • Types of financial aid available: • CAL • Federal Pell Grant • FSEOG • Federal Perkins Loan • FWS • Federal Direct PLUS Loan • TCWSP • Federal Direct Loans Admission Info found here: http://www.everychanceeverytexan.org/schools_info/schools/ • TPEG • Veterans Assistance • TEACH Grant • Texas B-On-Time Loan • TEXAS Grant • Regents Scholarship • Top 10% Scholarships

19. APPLICATION INFORMATION FROM TEXAS A&M WEBSITE: • How to Apply • You are a freshman if you: • are a student without college credit or • earned college credit prior to high school graduation (dual credit/early college high school) and • are a U.S. citizen; have applied for permanent residency; or qualify for Texas residency based on Senate Bill 1528 • Required Documents • APPLICATION > ApplyTexas.org • When to Apply • Scholarshipsare included with the ApplyTexas application. • ESSAYS • Topic A - required • Topic B - required • Topic C - recommended to students who do not meet automatic admission standardsPREFERRED > submit through ApplyTexasOTHER METHOD: upload through the Applicant Information System (AIS)Scholarship review by departments may utilize Essays A, B and C in award decisions. Those applying for the Terry Scholarship are required to complete Essay C. • $75 PROCESSING FEE (nonrefundable/subject to change)PREFERRED > pay through ApplyTexasOTHER METHODS: • credit card payment by phone (979) 458-5155 • credit card or check by mail - Alternate Payment Form • FEE WAIVER:Checking the Fee Waiver box on the application is not sufficient. • SAT / ACT fee waiverOR documentation of need from a high school counselorPREFERRED > upload in AISOTHER METHOD: mail

20. Continued from previous page: • OFFICIAL HIGH SCHOOL TRANSCRIPT with a numeric class rank and graduation plan • If still in high school (including home-schooled) must submit a complete, official transcript through their junior year/6 semestersIf graduated from high school (including home-schooled) must submit an official transcript that also includes senior courses, a graduation plan and date of graduationIf your school does not rank, a school profile from the high school must be provided. • To be considered official:Transcript(s) must have an original signature of a school official or an original school seal.PREFERRED > electronic transcripts sent by TREx (available only to Texas high schools)PREFERRED > transcript can be uploaded in AIS (final high school transcripts may not be uploaded through AIS)OTHER METHOD: mailFaxed or e-mailed copies will not be accepted. • OFFICIAL SAT or ACT SCORES (including Writing scores) • Texas A&M SAT code is 6003 and ACT code is 4198. • The highest composite or total score from a single test date will be considered for admission. • Texas A&M University offers the institutional SAT/ACT exam through Data and Research Services. • REQUIRED > to be sent from the testing agency • IF APPLICABLE • High School Curriculum RequirementStudents who do not satisfy the State of Texas Uniform Admission Policy (UAP) must provide a Curriculum Verification Form.PREFERRED > upload through AISOTHER METHOD: mail

21. Continued from previous page: Permanent Resident Card or I-551Students who are not U.S. citizens but are permanent residents (or have applied for permanent residency) need to provide a copy of the card. A copy of the parent/guardian’s permanent residence card is also required.PREFERRED > upload through AISOTHER METHOD: mail Senate Bill 1528 AffidavitPREFERRED > upload through AISOTHER METHOD: mail OPTIONALOptional documents traditionally have very little impact on the admission decision. Letters of RecommendationNo more than two letters will be considered.PREFERRED > upload through AIS ResumesResumes are not to be used in place of a complete ApplyTexas application. All space on the application must be utilized prior to supplementing with a resume.PREFERRED > - upload through AIS IF ADMITTED Proof of vaccination against bacterial meningitisPREFERRED > upload through AISOTHER METHOD: mail Final high school transcriptPREFERRED > electronic transcripts sent by TREx (available only to Texas high schools)OTHER METHOD: mail Official college transcript showing any dual credit (if applicable)PREFERRED > electronic transcripts sent by SPEEDE, eSCRIP-SAFE, AVOW, and National Student Clearing HouseOTHER METHOD: mailPaper transcripts must be mailed in a sealed school envelope.College work from one institution posted on the transcript of another is not acceptable.

22. When to Apply as an incoming Freshman: When published deadlines fall on a weekend, the ApplyTexas application remains open until 12 a.m. midnight (Central time) on the following Monday. Required documents will be accepted until 5:00pm (CST) on that Monday.

23. Can’t meet with an Admissions Recruiter? High School Courses: It is recommended that applicants complete the most challenging and rigorous educational plan available to them during their high school career. Most applicants will have completed the recommended or advanced/distinguished high school program as defined in the Texas Education Code. • Minimum Required Coursework • Advanced Placement Program (AP) • Course Credit • Dual Credit Cost of Attendance How to Stay on Target After You’re Admitted State of Texas Uniform Admission Policy

25. University Information PageUse this page to document every time you have contacted the college/university SAMPLE BELOW – Click here for Copy of University Information Page

26. TEXAS CHRISTIAN UNIVERSITY FORT WORTH, TEXAS 76129-2800www.tcu.edu Admission Requirements: Test: ACT or SAT High School Transcript English 4 Social Studies 3 Math 4 (2 algebra & 1 geometry) Science 3 (including 1 lab science) Foreign Language 2 Academic Electives 2 • Deadline for Application for Admission: • Freshman: Early Decision - November 1 Freshman Regular: February 15 Residence Halls: Housing deadline: May 1 Freshmen & Sophomores required on campus or at home in Tarrant County • Costs: • Tuition and Fees Off-Campus Budget • $36,590 $51,170 • Financial Aid: • Requirements to apply for financial aid: • FAFSA form and CSS Profile • Types of financial aid available: • FWS • Federal Pell Grant • FSEOG • Federal Direct Loan • CAL • Federal Direct PLUS Loan • TCWSP • Other institutional assistance • Application Deadline for Financial Aid: Academic scholarships - December 15; Need-based applications - March 15 Admission Info found here: http://www.everychanceeverytexan.org/schools_info/schools/

27. APPLICATION INFORMATION FROM TCU WEBSITE: Admission of Freshman Students • TCU invites applications from qualified high school students who have graduated or expect to graduate from an accredited secondary school. The student should request information about TCU early in the high school career to learn about admission requirements. Students applying from secondary schools should request, complete, and return application forms following their junior year in high school. Applicants are considered for admission after the Office of Admission receives: a. completed application form b. official secondary school transcript c. SAT or ACT scores (TCU College Board code is 6820 and ACT code is 4206)d. $40 application fee e. essay and résumé of activities f. secondary school guidance counselor's evaluation of applicant. It is the student's responsibility to complete the application procedure. Students accepted to the University prior to high school graduation are admitted on a tentative basis, pending successful completion of their senior year with academic performance consistent with that upon which the admission decision was based. Verification of graduation is required. Any college-level coursework attempted after admission but before matriculation must be reviewed by the Office of Admission prior to enrollment and may nullify the offer of admission. Admitted students must return a nonrefundable enrollment fee by May 1st (National Candidate Reply Date) to secure a place in the fall class.

28. Continued from previous page: • The following factors are considered when selecting candidates for admission: 1. High School Record. Students are expected to have completed upon graduation a minimum of 4 units of English, 3 units of mathematics (including 2 units of algebra and 1 of geometry), 3 units of science (including one laboratory science), 3 units of social studies, 2 units of foreign language and 2 units of academic electives. The quality and quantity of coursework taken, grades earned, and subsequent rank in the high school class are important in assessing a candidate's probability for success at TCU. 2. Admission Tests. Candidates must present results of the SAT or the ACT. TCU College Board code is 6820 and ACT code is 4206. Arrangements to take one of these tests should be made through the student's secondary school. In addition, prospective performance music majors must audition either in person or by recording. Prospective ballet and modern dance majors must also audition. 3. Essay and Counselor's Evaluation. The student's essay is a significant part of the application as is the high school counselor's evaluation. If the candidate has been out of high school more than three years, the counselor's evaluation requirement is waived. 4. Extracurricular Participation. Activities outside of class, including employment, community/volunteer work, and leadership experiences are evaluated. 5. College Courses taken while in high school. The quality of coursework completed and the grades earned will be considered during the admission process. Official college transcripts must be presented to determine transferability of credit.6. Special Talents. Special consideration will be given to admission of students with special talents whose application profiles diverge from the general population of students admitted and enrolled, including, but not limited to, artists, athletes, dancers, musicians, poets, and others who demonstrate exceptional ability or potential in their chosen academic, athletic or other area of interest. Special Talent admission decisions will be made by committees or admission officers empowered by the Chancellor.

29. Apply Now Now accepting online freshman applications for 2015 and transfer applications for 2014. Need to complete an application you saved earlier? Click here. Applied within the last year? We may still have your application. Click here to reactivate. The Common Application Prefer to use the Common Application? TCU is a member!  Pay Your Application Fee Online After you have applied to TCU, you can submit your application fee online using a checking account or major credit card. Simply click here and enter your date of birth, U.S. residency status and either your TCU ID or full name, then follow the instructions to submit your payment. Download an Application To download and print an application, click the button that describes you. Freshman To view these documents, you need the free Adobe Acrobat Reader software installed on your computer. You can download it here. To download only the counselor evaluation form, click here. To download only the teacher evaluation form, click here.To download only the essay topics, click here.To download the Early Decision Form, click here. Request an Application by Mail Call: 817.257.7490 800.828.3764 Write to:TCU Office of AdmissionTCU Box 297013Fort Worth, Texas 76129frogmail@tcu.edu

30. Freshmen Checklist Create TCU User Name Check Application Status

31. Freshman Application Deadlines

32. Schedule a Visit Don't take our word for it. Come for a visit! Choosing the "right" college often is the difference between selecting a university that identifies you as a number and one that sees you as a person. At TCU, we keep our enrollment small, yet selective, to better focus on you. You will discover uncommonly friendly students, faculty and staff. As you consider size, location, campus facilities, areas of study, cost, co-curricular activities, access to faculty and maybe even the quality of the cafeteria food, come to TCU for a visit. We think you'll like what you see. Lots of great ways to visit TCU Campus Visit During the group information session led by one of our admission counselors, you will learn about academic programs, student life, the admission process, scholarships and financial aid, and have an opportunity to meet your admission counselor. The campus tour immediately follows the information session. This visit should last about 3 hours. Students who have reached the second semester of their junior year may request a meeting with a professor or to sit in on a class. At least three weeks' notice is required to meet this request. Destination TCUNew seniors in high school and their families will get an up-close look at TCU and Fort Worth. The day includes information sessions on admission, financial aid, the first year experience, academics and preparing for college. You'll also get breakfast and lunch on the campus and a student-led campus tour. Monday at TCU For a more complete picture of TCU, consider attending Monday at TCU. The day includes a campus tour, residence hall tour, breakfast and lunch on the campus, special interest sessions and meetings with faculty and financial aid representatives. • September 22 ♦ October 6 ♦ October 27 ♦ November 10 ♦ February 16 ♦ March 2 ♦ March 30 ♦ April 27 TCU: The Virtual Experience

33. Frequently Asked ?’s • Academics • Advanced Placement Program (AP) • Admission Requirements • Basic Facts • Deadlines • Living on Campus • Student Life Before Your Senior Year Cost Estimate Scholarship & Financial Aid Student Life Housing and Residence Life