“The College Thing” Tips and Information For Seniors
Self Assessment For College http://www.collegeboard.org Occupational Outlook Handbook (US Dept of Labor career profiles) http://www.bls.gov/ooh/
Keys to Success n
n n
n
Apply Early – Get it out of the way: Most schools begin taking applications in early September. Be Truthful (they do check) Extracurricular, Volunteer work, Awards & Honors: NEVER exclude by underestimating the power of a seemingly unimportant fact. Admissions counselors DO look at the details, everything. Use the INTERNET to apply (its EASY). For most Texas schools do it at (http://www.applytexas.org). Able to copy, then edit & forward to other schools.
More Keys to Success KEEP YOUR GRADES HIGH THIS YEAR In the fall for college admission and in the spring for scholarships (steady, increasing trends favored by admissions counselors).
Keep taking SAT, and ACT to improve ACT : September, October, December, February, April, June http://www.act.org/
SAT : October, November, December, January, March, May, June https://sat.collegeboard.org/home
Apply to THREE or more schools Local, in-state, out-of-state (keep your options open)
Things to Remember n
n
n
n
Quickly identify the name and phone number of the admissions counselor in charge of your file at each University. – Understand the admissions requirements (they differ by school) – STAY IN TOUCH - CALL OR GO ON-LINE TO CHECK STATUS Letters of recommendation Have your references “lined-up”. Provide a list of activities you have participated in. Senior-level fall-semester coursework is IMPORTANT, especially for majors heavy in Math and Science subjects. Send Mid-term grades to your college admissions counselors. Those not in top 10% will go into review at competitive schools.
Complete Applications Include: n n n n n n n n n
ApplyTexas Application (or other, if applicable) Essays Official H. S. Transcript (fill out request form) Rank: unless you are top 10% or 25% Test Scores (directly from SAT/ACT) Application Fee Senior Year Schedule (on applytexas) Expanded resume (if applicable – see sample on bealonghorn.com) Major Specific items (if required)
College Admissions A college with holistic admissions is trying to evaluate the whole applicant rather than reduce the applicant to a few pieces of empirical data such as test scores and GPA. Holistic admissions are the reason why a student with a 4.0 GPA might get rejected from Yale, but a student with a 3.6 who has other impressive accomplishments might get accepted. When colleges say they are looking for well-rounded students and students with leadership potential, they are signaling that they have a holistic admissions process.
Tips to Help n n
TSI (Accuplacer) –Math/English placement test – can be exempt based on SAT/ACT scores. Essays – students should be creative and insightful tell a story. They want to know who you are, not what you’ve done. – Students should brainstorm for topics – I have examples of what the colleges are looking for – Review essay’s with someone before submitting the application (grammar, spelling, substantive, to-the-point, complete)
Essay A What was the environment in which you were raised? Describe your family, and explain how it has shaped you as a person. al Essay 1
(if applying for summer/fall 2008 & beyond) What environment
Essay B Most students have an identity, an interest, or a talent that defines them in an essential way. Tell us about yourself.
(if applying for summer/fall 2008 & beyond) Most students have an identity, an interest, or a talent that defines them I an essential way
Optional Essay C
You’ve got a ticket in your hand – Where will you go? What will you do? What will happen when you get there?
If you took the PSAT, Look at the Score Report
Your Online Access Code n
n
Create a free collegeboard.com account to access MyCollege QuickStart at www.collegeboard.com/psatextra.
KHAN Academy link to online practice.
www.collegeboard.org Free, personalized resources: • My SAT Study Plan • My Online Score Report • My College Matches • My Major & Career Matches
https://bigfuture.collegeboard.org/?navid= gh-cp
Financial Aid & Scholarships n
FAFSA - submit after October 1st. Need tax return information in order to complete the FAFSA
- Get PIN now for students & parents: www.fafsa.ed.gov n n n
Applying for aid at the college – is there a separate application? Importance of deadlines and deposits! Scholarship search begins now! (see websites)
Contact me with any questions: n Email:
[email protected] n Other important websites: – – – – –
www.applytexas.org www.collegeboard.com www.collegefortexans.com www.actstudent.org www.bacschool.org (our college code is: 444088) – www.ncaaclearinghouse.net (for athletes wanting to pursue Division I or II)
