A Look at the College Application Process

1. A Look at the College Application Process September 30th, 2014 Presented by: Emily Nichols College & Career Counselor

2. A gift for you! • A copy of this evenings PowerPoint will be handed out after the presentation!

3. College & Career Center • Parent Presentations throughout the year • Lunch ‘n Learns • Lone Star College Connection Advisors • College, University admission officers visiting the school for lunch visits and small group question/answer sessions

4. Timeline for 11th grade • PSAT – October • Take SAT/ACT Spring (2 of the same tests recommended) • Research careers & majors • Research colleges • Visit colleges – 2 official visit days available • Attend college fairs

5. Timeline for 12th (p. 1) • Decide which colleges you’re applying to • Retest SAT/ACT if needed in early fall • August 1st/15th Apply Texas opens to begin submitting applications to 4 year universities • Housing applications (check whether can submit before or after admitted) • Eligible to apply for Honors Programs? Go for it & apply! • Apply for scholarships to universities after application has been submitted. Watch deadlines! • Visit colleges – 2 official visit days available • Attending 2 year college – apply in the spring, make sure placement testing complete (TSI typically taken) • Planning on transferring to 4 year school – speak to both institutions to make a plan

6. Timeline for 12th (p. 2) • Scholarships – all year! Most national/local scholarships will be later fall/early spring. Apply for all you’re eligible for. THS local scholarship book released mid February and due the Monday after spring break. • Senior Awards & Scholarship Ceremony – students receiving awards/scholarships recognized in May. Keep a list of awarded scholarships! • January 1st – begin FAFSA, goal to complete and submit by Feb 15th, March 15th at latest. • May 1st – deadline to let 4 year college/university know of decision of attendance

7. Understanding Admission Factors:What do colleges consider? • Primary Factors • Quality/Rigor of Academic Courses • Academic Performance/Grades (GPA) • Test Scores (SAT/ACT/SAT Subject Tests, AP, etc.) • Additional Factors • Extracurricular Activities • Essay(s) • Letters of Recommendation • Demonstrated Interest

8. Grades & Coursework You high school academic record is one of the most important factors in college admission. Colleges will consider a few aspects. • Course Selection • Did you challenge yourself with a rigorous course load and high-level courses (Pre-AP, AP, DC) • Grades • Every year counts!!! Yes, even 9th grade. Though Jr. High coursework is not calculated in GPA, level of courses taken is noticed. • GPA trends • Keep improving your grades each year • Class Rank

9. What else will they consider? • Personal statement and essay(s) demonstrating writing ability and self-expression • Extracurricular activities, including participation in sports, performing/visual arts, volunteering, etc. • Community involvement, part-time work, or internships • Positive recommendations from educators or mentors • A “demonstrated interest” that shows your enthusiasm for the colleges to which your applying • Interview (if applicable)

10. Testing How do I know what test to take? • SAT • SAT Subject Tests • ACT • TSI (placement testing for community college)

11. Tips for Testing • A little practice goes a long way! • Research has proven that cramming and short-term test prep aren’t an effective substitutes for hard work in school • Be familiar with the test format and questions • Like anything else you do in life, a little practice never hurts!

12. SAT TOTAL TIME 3 HOURS, 45 MINUTES (including 3 breaks) This exam will measure what you know and how well you apply that knowledge. The SAT asks questions that students need to know in a deeper and more detailed way. Take a FULL LENGTH practice test prior to the test!

13. SAT Subject Tests Subject tests are a great way to showcase your accomplishments and interest in subjects in which you do well. They provide a more complete story about your academic abilities in a particular subject area. It may be best to take an SAT Subject Test soon after completing the course. However, foreign languages, math, and literature tests should be taken after two or more years studying in those areas. • For Admission • Some college majors require them as part of their admission decision.

14. Subject Tests Offered Literature Math Level 1 (Alg I, II, & Geom) Math Level 2 (Alg I, II, Geom, & Trig/Precal) U.S. History World History Biology Chemistry Physics Spanish Japanese Modern Hebrew Chinese German Latin French Korean Italian

15. Score Choice for SAT Enables you to choose which scores you send to colleges by test date for the SAT and by individual test for the SAT Subject Tests. • Can be used on any score report that you send, including the four reports included with registration • Is an OPTIONAL feature, and you should follow each colleges stated score-use practice when using it • Colleges & universities will only receive the scores that you send them – your scores will not be released for admission purposes without your specific consent

16. ACT TOTAL TIME: 3 hours and 25 minutes (with writing) The ACT looks and feels like the TAKS test (untimed), but it’s not! VERY FAST PACED!! Students are tested on a broader scope of curriculum, and students must process information VERY quickly. Being good in math and science is not enough, students must be able to read and comprehend quickly. The best way to improve your reading…READ DAILY!! TAKE A FULL PRACTICE TEST prior to the actual test!

17. Testing Fee Waivers • Students who qualify* are eligible to receive a testing fee waiver (maximum of two) • Ex: students enrolled in free & reduced lunch • Students who use a testing fee waiver for SAT, will be e-mailed4 application fee waivers upon receipt of scores. • Current juniors (C/O 2016) will receive their application waivers in August of their senior year. • Seniors who tested with a fee waiver their junior year should see Mrs. Nichols for an application fee waiver. • Student using an ACT testing fee waiver should see Mrs. Nichols when they need an application fee waiver. (students must have completed the ACT test)

18. TSI • Placement testing for community colleges • What areas are tested? • Reading • Writing • Mathematics • No matter which community college you are attending, you may take the TSI test at LSC Tomball for a small fee. • Students may re-test if needed • Test Prep Resource • http://www.lonestar.edu/test-preparation.htm

19. Explore College OptionsWhat to Consider • Size and diversity of student body • Location • Academic programs • Campus life – athletics, activities, housing • Graduation and retention rates • Financial aid and scholarship opportunities *Above all, think about where you will be the most happy and successful in your college life!

20. College Visit Days Students are allowed 2 college visit days in the Junior and Senior year. (Unused days do not transfer from 11th to 12th) To take a visit day, students should see Mrs. Nichols in the Career Center to pick up the visit day form. Off campus visits are scheduled by the student/parent with the university. Proof of the visit must be on official letter head from the college/university with the student’s name, date of visit, and signed by a college representative. The visit day letter must be returned to Mrs. Nichols within TWO days after the visit.

21. Campus Preview Events on the College & Career Center Teacher Web • www.teacherweb.com/TX/Tomball/CollegeandCareerCenter • Click on the College Preview Events tab on the left of the screen • Click to open the link • A spreadsheet is provided with the date, time (if info was available), cost (if any), and link to the school website to register

22. Get to know the school from the inside! • Internet/brochure research does not replace an on campus tour. If the college/university does not offer a school sponsored event, call and schedule a private tour. • Speak with an admission counselor. • Ask about financial aid and scholarship opportunities. • Sit in on a class of interest. (if an option) • Read the student newspaper. • Talk to students and faculty.

23. Letters of Recommendation • Check with the college/university to determine if they are required for admission. • Ask someone who knows you well to write a letter. • Provide a brag sheet/resume. Mrs. Nichols has a sample format of a brag sheet in the career center or students may create a resume through Family Connection. • Allow the writer two weeks notice and give the date letters are needed. • Provide an addressed and stamped envelope.

24. Auditions • Some majors require auditions. • Plan ahead and to make sure you do not miss deadlines. • Contact the college/university if you have questions or cannot find the information you need.

25. The Role of the College Essay • Represents your voice • Most personal element of the application • Give them a reason to admit you • “A great essay can heal the wounded, but it can’t raise the dead.” It can’t change an academic profile. It can make a difference, but can’t make the difference.

26. How is the college essay different from an academic essay? • Pick a story about you that illustrates what you want the admission committee to know about you. Pick a moment of time and elaborate. Do not cover lots of time/lifetime of events. • Show, don’t tell! Be descriptive, like a “painter”. Activate the 5 senses in the reader, allowing the essay to be unique. • Less is more. You only have about 650 words. • *Trust the intelligence of the reader. Allow the reader to make connections. • Authenticity is critical!! If anyone else could say the same thing, it’s not personal enough. Does is sound like you???

27. Get Organized & Apply • Narrow and categorize your choices • “More than likely” schools (1-2) • “Good match” schools (2-3) • “Reach” schools (1-2) • Revise application essays and share drafts with a trusted teacher or advisor to proof read • Ask for letters of recommendation (if needed) and let the writer know the date needed • Request transcripts to be sent • $2 for official transcripts • Order through the front desk • Schedule a visit if you have not already

28. Apply Texas vs. Common App • Apply Texas • Texas Public Universities (does includes a few Private Schools) • www.applytexas.org • Common Application • Private Universities throughout the U.S. • www.commonapp.org • Some universities use their OWN application. • How do you know??? Check their website for the admission process.

29. 4 Requirements of the College Application • Application, including essays if required • Application fee • Test scores (SAT or ACT) from the testing agency • Official transcript (if taken DC courses, send your LSC transcript as well) • Must be the 6 semester rank (9th, 10th, & 11th)

30. Apply Texas Overview • www.applytexas.org • Things to have on hand • High school coursework • Extracurricular/volunteer/employment info • Senior year courses • College credit (if applicable) • Institution codes • Freshman Admission Application Sections • Biographical • Educational Background & Information • Test Information • Residency Information • Extracurricular/Volunteer/Employment • Custom Questions from Institution • Essays • Certification of Information & Application Fee • Extended Resume • May upload additional resume through Extracurricular/Volunteer/Employment section

31. Apply TexasScholarship & Transfer • Scholarship Application • Personal Information • Family & Financial Information • Scholarships • Short Answer Questions • Available Scholarships • Custom Questions for the University • Transfer Application • Same information as the Freshman Admission Application • Transfer Scholarship Application as well

32. Applying to a Community College • Students apply the semester prior to attending. • Students must submit 3 items • Application • Official test scores (may be SAT/ACT/or TSI) • Students are not required to take the SAT/ACT for community colleges. TSI is the most common test. • Official transcript *Application fee may not be applicable (always check!)

33. Applying to a Technical School • Students should submit an application • Testing may vary per school requirements, and many do not require testing • Discuss financial aid or scholarship options with the school. Many will take the FAFSA. • Submit application fee (if applicable)

34. Planning to Transfer? • Always, always, always meet with BOTH institutions! • Universities have strict transfer guidelines, make sure you know them. • Will the hours transfer? This is why it is VERY important to meet with each institution for advising. • Did you know there are scholarships available specifically for transfer students? Check with the university!

35. Bacterial Meningitis • All students entering in post secondary studies are required to have a bacterial meningitis vaccination. • Refer to your college/university for their requirements of verification of your shot. Some may have specific paperwork that the physician must sign. • Depending on the college/university, there may be a fee upon submission of the shot verification. Be sure to check with each institution.

36. Housing Applications • Make sure to follow the college/university application process and housing guidelines • Some will require either an application fee (non-refundable) or a deposit (many times refundable if student attends another school) • College/universities will either allow students to apply once the application is submitted OR once the student is admitted to the college/university. • Housing can be limited at some institutions. Great incentive to apply early and ensure your spot!

37. Develop a Financial Plan • Determine all college costs – not just tuition. • Estimate your family’s expected contribution – and EFC calculator is available through • www.collegeboard.org/payforcollege • FAFSA 4Caster @ www.fafsa.ed.gov • Search for scholarships – takes planning and some luck! • Scholarships through the college/university • Local scholarships • National scholarships • Explore every opportunity! • File FAFSA. May get electronic PIN number in December. Begin filing FAFSA Jan 1st. Goal for completion – Feb 15th.

38. Compare Offers • Whew!!! You made it through the wait and the letters have arrived! (probably the most difficult part of the process ) Now compare your offers. College Board’s Big Future website has a comparison offer tool. • https://bigfuture.collegeboard.org/pay-for-college/financial-aid-awards/compare-aid-calculator • Know your options: grants, loans, work-study, etc. • File the FAFSA as early as possible (goal is Feb 15th!) • Compare all financial aid awards and determine how they fit with all other contributions • Family • Savings • Scholarships

39. Make a Decision • Decisions, decisions, and more decisions! • Try to visit colleges where you’ve been accepted if you haven’t already OR you may want to visit one last time to make a final decision • Compare financial aid packages • Let the colleges know of your decision by May 1st • Send deposits • GRADUATE! Ready, set, you’re future has arrived! 

40. May 1st Deadline • National deadline set by universities for students to make a final decision of attendance. • Students should let each university that has made an offer of admission know if they will or will not be attending that institution. • This deadline is important!

41. NCAA Clearinghouse • Students who are planning on playing college sports in a Division I or II college or university must register with the NCAA Clearinghouse as early as the spring of the junior year. • Core courses must be passed each semester. • Register online at • www.ncaaclearinghouse.net • Order an official transcript to be sent to the Clearinghouse.

42. Military Connections at THS • Representatives from all branches of the military come during lunches throughout the school year. • Information or contact information in the career center for students. • Great opportunities for students to earn an education, training, travel, and more!

43. Family Connection/Naviance connection.naviance.com/tomballhs Explore careers Research and search for colleges Take self assessments Create a resume Build a 4 Year Plan So much more!! Parents received their registration codes at open house or sent home with student at progress report time. Please e-mail Mrs. Nichols if you did not receive your registration code.

44. Helpful Websites • College and Career Center Teacher Web • www.teacherweb.com/TX/Tomball/CollegeandCareerCenter • College Board (SAT, college planning, scholarship search, etc.) • www.collegeboard.org • ACT • www.actstudent.org • Texas Common Course Numbering System • www.tccns.org • Apply Texas (College application for Texas public universities) • www.applytexas.org • Fast Web (Scholarship search) • www.fastweb.com • FAFSA (Free Application for Federal Student Aid) • www.fafsa.ed.gov

45. Upcoming Events from the Career Center • Lone Star College Tomball College Night • October 2, 2014 • Mini College Fair during lunches • October 13, 2014 • Highly Selective InstitutionsParent Info Session (***Held @ TMHS) • October 29, 2014 • Scholarships 101 Parent Info Session • November 11, 2014

46. A Good Read The Gatekeeper • By Jacques Steinberg A look into the college admission decision process from a highly selective institution. Learn about the complex process of making admission decisions through the eyes of an admission officer.

47. Thank you for coming!Please pick up a copy of tonight’s presentation. Emily Nichols College and Career Counselor emilynichols@tomballisd.net 281-357-3220 ext. 2242

48. Sign up for Remind from the Career Center! 703-665-5320 Class of 2015 Class of 2016 @291d @15d69 Class of 2017 Class of 2018 @9039f @thsclas