2012 SENIOR

1. 2012 SENIOR Conferences

2. Who’s Who…. Principal – Jeff Vaughan Counselors : Marianne Rodriguez (A-Ch) Beverly Gonzales (Ci-Garm) Yolanda Cavazos (Garn-Kel) Felipe Cardenas (Kem-Mo) Michelle Howard, Lead Counselor (Mp-Pa/AVID) Olympia Torres (Pb-Sl) Jeannie Dimaline (Sm-Z) Beth Fox (STAN) Go Center Counseling Clerk- Carol Gines

3. FINISH

4. IMPORTANT DATES Oct. 12 - PSAT Movie Day Oct. 26 - District College Night at BAC 6-8pm Nov 18 - Proposed date for Senior Lunch March 7 - Senior Field Day April 19 - Summa Reception April 30-May 11 - AP Testing May 9 - Senior Awards June 3 - Graduation 7:30pm

5. AP Exams • AP Exams will be administered from April 30th through May 11th. • A score of 1 – 5 is given on an AP exam • Colleges may award credit based on AP score • To check AP scores / College credit awarded 1. Go to www.collegeboard.org 2. Click “For Students” at top of site 3. In “College Tests”- click on AP 4. Click on “AP Credit Policy Info” (on the left) 5. Enter the college name 6. Click here for the institution’s AP credit and placement policy 7. You will be able to see what score you need on an AP exam and what course (s) it will replace at the college

6. Graduation is just around the corner……what should I be doing to get ready for life after high school ??

7. WC - Go Center *Room 8115A *Open before school, after school, and during all lunches Ms. Gines can help with searching for colleges, majors, SAT/ACT registration, and the College Reps visitation schedule.

8. CAFÉ COLLEGE • College admission assistance • Financial aid guidance • Career exploration • College applications • SAT & ACT Preparation • Free Wi-Fi Tues-Fri 8am – 8pm • www.cafecollege.org Sat. 8am- 5pm • 207-4528

9. Post High School Options • Technical or Trade school • Military Service, Military Academies, ROTC Programs • Junior/Community Colleges • 4 year Colleges & Universities

10. If you are interested in a Trade school, Technical School, Vocational Program… • Visit http://www.trade-schools.net • This will allow you to search by trade/area/interest • Now is the time to begin visiting the Trade schools in which you are interested and talking to the admissions counselors about requirements

11. If you plan to attend a 2 year college….. • Apply Spring 2012 • Visit the college website for admission details • Plan a college visit

12. If you plan on attending a 4 year college or university… Admissions deadlines are quickly approaching-many are December 1, 2011 If applying to a Texas Public School- use www.applytexas.org If applying to a U.S. Private School-use www.commonapp.org Check college websites for specific admissions information and deadlines

13. College Visitation • You are allowed 2 days a year for college visitation. • You must bring proof of your visitation to the attendance office.

14. College Admission #1 Automatic: • Based on rank/test scores • You still need to apply by deadline • UT Austin – top 9% • All other Texas public schools-top 10%

15. College Admission #2 Under Review: • Submit letters of recommendation • Submit optional essays • Make a phone call!

16. Resume Tips • Make it easy to read • Use a Chronological format (12th-9th) • List school- related activities and leadership positions • community service and activities • volunteer work / work experience / internships • summer activities & special programs • Include awards, honors, GPA, class rank, SAT/ACT scores

17. Requesting Official Transcripts • Ms. Gines processes all transcript requests. • First transcripts are free, any additional are $5.00. • All official transcripts must be sent electronically or must be mailed directly by the Churchill • Make sure to allow at least 3 working days for processing. • Transcripts cannot be mailed via overnight services. • SAT/ACT scores must be sent directly from Collegeboard.org or act.org. • PLAN AHEAD SO THAT YOUR TRANSCRIPTS ARRIVE BY THE PUBLISHED DEADLINE.

18. Requesting Recommendation Letters *Students - Be sure you have filled out the “Senior Information Sheet”. This provides teachers/counselors with valuable info for letters. The information sheet will be available in the Counseling Office. *When you request a recommendation letter from your counselor be sure to indicate the destination of the letter. *Allow at least 2 weeks for recommendation letters to be written.

19. Financial AidFree Application for Federal Student Aid • You must complete and submit a FAFSA to apply for federal student financial aid *Apply on-line for a Federal Student Aid Pin Number –www.pin.ed.gov before January 1 (You can do this now) *Apply online with FAFSA at www.fafsa.ed.gov starting Jan. 1, 2012. ***You cannot fill out FAFSA until January 1, 2012*** Every college/university bound student must complete the FAFSA to determine eligibility for money…even if you think you don’t qualify

20. $$$$ for college: the early bird gets the worm!

21. Scholarships Be sure to check once a month with the Counseling Office or your English teachers, this is where you can get valuable scholarship info through the Jr/Sr Bulletin. Some websites you can check out: www.tuitionfundingsources.com www.everychanceeverytexan.org www.fastweb.com www.scholarshipexperts.com

22. 1 2 3 4 5 TOP TEN Differences between High School and College 6 7 8 9 10

23. Number 10 Students pay for college textbooks Go ahead and write in your book. YOU own it!! After you’re done – sell it back and get some $$$

24. Number 9 There is much less professor supervision • Read the book!! You’re responsible for info. whether it’s discussed or not • Know it before you enter class • Study on your own time

25. Number 8 Students create their own schedule • Not a morning person? Choose PM classes • Want M/W/F only classes? • Work afternoons? • Need a break after a class? Schedule gaps in between. Schedule it your way!!

26. WORK 40 hours 30 hours 20 hours 10 hours or less SCHOOL 6 credit hours 9 credit hours 12 credit hours 14-15 credit hours Course Load Options

27. Number 7 Students select their professors • The good ones fill up fast so register as soon as possible • Ask around…get the scoop!! • www.ratemyprofessor.com

28. Number 6 Students may withdraw from a college course • You are not required to fill the class hour with another course • Most likely, no refund on fees

29. Number 5 Minimum parental involvement • No calls to parents about grades and attendance

30. Number 4 No designated lunch period • No hall monitors • No TARDY sweep • Eat where you choose when you choose

31. Number 3 Inappropriate behavior is not tolerated • No assistant principal to visit • No calls to parents • You’re an adult and will be treated like one

32. Number 2 Attendance and punctuality are your responsibility • No bells

33. #1 Top Difference! You must study at least three hours outside of class for every hour in class! Less time spent sitting in class and more time spent studying out of class

34. Learn to earn.

35. Final Thoughts… “Perseverance is not an issue of talent. It is not an issue of time. It is about finishing. Talent provides hope for accomplishment, but perseverance guarantees it.” Dr. John Maxwell Finish high school strong – by finishing strong- you are better equipped to begin your next race which begins after graduation.