Welcome Seniors!

1. Welcome Seniors! COUNSELORS Shongh Smith A-Chi Angele Fowler Chi-F Kacie Osorio G-Ko Shannon Valdivia Kp-Ob Robin Rolon Oc-Sha Cathy Cunningham She-Z Jenny Strait – Testing Facilitator

2. Post Graduation Plans • 4-Year University / bachelors degree • 2-Year School: Junior College, Community College • associates degree and/or transfer to 4-year university • Technical schools and Colleges • associates degree and/or certifications • Military • Workforce – full-time or part-time / part-time school all paths are not the same…

3. Choose your own path….not one chosen for you.

4. Take SAT/ACT? • IF you are applying to a 4-year university: • SAT: www.collegeboard.com register and sign up to take the SAT • Prep for it: use PSAT scores through college board website / khan academy for FREE prep for SAT • Use app “SAT Question of the day” FREE prep! • ACT: www.act.org register and sign up to take the ACT. ACT website has free prep. PAY attention to deadline dates and late fees CRHS School code: 443-509 Request test scores to be sent to schools to which you are applying. These scores are NOT on your transcript.

5. Take TSI? • IF you are applying to a 2-year college or technical school: • TSI – taken at testing center of college • If you have already taken SAT / ACT your score may exempt you from TSI. See TSI website for details.

6. Which school is right for you? • 4-year university • Live on campus (unless local) in dorm or apartment with roommates • Who makes you get up and go to class?? YOU • Pursue bachelors degree • 2-year school / junior college / community college (Lone Star, HCC, Blinn, etc.) • Possibly live on campus or at home if local • Classes are smaller than a 4-year university • Taking classes that would transfer to a 4-year university OR • Pursue an associates degree / certification in a specific skill • Technical School • TSTC (a local campus is located in Rosenberg) • Pursue an associates degree or certification such as electrician, HVAC, welding, cyber-security/IT, etc. • TSTC offers job placement opportunities at end of the program

7. Not sure which path is right for you??? Come to College & Career Night At the Merrell Center Wednesday, October 9, starting at 5:30 p.m.

8. How to Apply • Step 1: Complete application • Public universities, tech. schools, etc. in Texas, use www.applytexas.org • Private universities or out of state universities, use www.commonapp.org • Your counselor’s email is needed for Common Application • Essay is part of application – look up prompts/google it! (link on counselor pg)

9. CRHS Counselor web-page – Helpful links on right

10. How to Apply -Continued • Step 2: Request transcript • Registrar’s office (next door to main campus counseling) Request Form • $3.00 to mail a transcript (envelope/postage provided) • $2.00 for a personal copy • No charge if Trex/electronic (Texas Public universities) • If using Common App this step is not necessary; it is included in the Common Application

11. Transcript Request Form Available in the Registrar’s Office

12. How to Apply Continued • Step 3: Recommendation letters – ONLY out of state schools OR private schools (Baylor, TCU, etc.) require these. • MUST waive your right to see rec letter (FERPA) • Fill out Student Profile – from CRHS Counselor Webpage or Naviance. This is required – Counselors will NOT start a rec letter until this is turned in. • DO NOT ask for a rec. letter until your application is submitted. Counselors require 15 working days to complete a rec. letter…deadlines are firm!

14. Requesting a Recommendation Letter • If using Common App, put in the teacher and/or counselor’s email address in Common App. The teacher or counselor will receive an email from Common App. • Ask the teacher / counselor in person, letting them know you have completed the Student Profile. Either give them a hard copy or let them know it is complete in Naviance. • Make sure you are giving counselor and/or teacher plenty of notice, at least 15 working days (not counting holidays, ie., Thanksgiving & Christmas holidays) • If NOT using Common App, complete a Pink Counselor Request form and turn in to Mrs. Sherrill, counseling secretary. • AGAIN, do not ask for a rec. letter until application is submitted.

16. How to Apply cont’d. • Step 4: FOLLOW up, follow up, follow up! • Check application website often to ensure documents arrive.

17. College Admission Terms Early Decision – a BINDING commitment to attend the college if you are accepted. “I am only applying to you.” Early Action – simply applying early so you will receive notification early. NO commitment to attend. Wait List – Admission pending Provisional / Summer Admit – varies from school to school

18. Appeals If you don’t get accepted to the college you want, please see your counselor to discuss any appeals process that may be available.

19. FINANCIAL AID • FINANCIAL AID includes: student loans, grants, scholarships and work-study • FAFSA MUST be done first! Opens October 1st. www.fafsa.gov • Early is better – federal aid is first come, first served • Colleges will not award scholarships until student has submitted application to FAFSA • FAFSA must be completed each year in college • Specific college scholarships can be renewed each year • SCHOLARSHIPS – apply for specific college scholarships after acceptance to college • Apply for local scholarships – counseling website/Scholarship Bulletin and hard copies in counseling office. Some may require rec. letters, use same process as earlier explained. BEWARE of financial aid scams

20. Class of 2020Questions?...