1. College opportunities exist for everyone. These four steps can help simplify the planning process: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2AB- 5dCFQrs

2.  Understand Admissions factors  Learn about testing requirements  Explore college options  Develop a financial plan

3. Primary Factors  Quality/Rigor of Academic Courses  Academic Performance/Grades  Test Scores (SAT, SAT II, ACT, AP, IB, etc)  Extra Curricular Activities

4. Your high school academic record is one of the most important factors in college admission. College will look at a few aspects:  Course Selection: Challenge yourself with a rigorous course load and high level classes, including AP, IB, or honors courses.  Grades: Every year counts, starting with freshman year

5.  GPA trends: Keep improving throughout high school  Class rank ◦ Do you know your GPA/ Class Rank  Students should see the Registrar before school, at lunch and after school for their GPA and Class Rank

6.  Essays, Essays, Essays ◦ Demonstrating writing ability and self-expressions ◦ A demonstrated interest that shows your enthusiasm for the colleges to which you’re applying ◦ Common App Writing Prompts

7.  Extracurricular activities, including participation in sports, performing/visual arts, volunteering, etc.  Community involvement, part-time work or internship  Interview (if applicable)

8.  SAT measures what you know and how well you apply that knowledge  SAT has three sections: critical reading, mathematics, and writing  ACT has four sections: Reading, English, science reasoning, and mathematics.  Some schools require SAT II Subject tests. You must investigate this ASAP. Remember, you cannot take SAT I and SAT IIs on same day

9.  11 th -PSAT –National Merit Scholar Qualifier  12 th - District Sponsored SAT Testing Day ◦ Seniors will take the SAT during a school day in the fall of their Senior year ◦ October 14 th is PSAT / SAT testing day at Coronado

10.  What to consider? ◦ Academic programs ◦ Financial aid and scholarship opportunities ◦ Size and diversity of student body ◦ Location ◦ Campus life—athletics, activities, housing ◦ Graduation and retention rates **Most importantly, think about where you will be the most happy and successful in your college life!

11.  Narrow and categorize your choices ◦ More than likely colleges (1 or 2) ◦ Good match colleges (2 to 4) ◦ Reach schools (1 or 2)  Review scholarships/financial aid ◦ Is the school need based or merit based?  Review application essays and share drafts with a trusted teacher, adviser or family member

12.  Ask for recommendation letters with plenty of time! Do not ask for a letter a day before it is due!!!!!  Request transcripts in a timely fashion…REMEMBER, your emergency is not the registrar’s emergency! Give Mrs. Medrano at least one week’s notice.  Schedule interviews if needed

13.  Important dates to be aware of: ◦ During October representatives from UTEP and EPCC assist Apply Texas application completion ◦ October 20 th is Assist Day at Coronado

14.  Know your options: grants, loans, work study, etc.  In January of your senior year, you should begin filling out the FAFSA application. This is important even if you do not believe you will qualify. Some schools require FAFSA in order to grant you any scholarship or grant  CSS Profile: verify if your school requires this additional financial aid application. This is the one financial aid application that you pay for and you will usually apply during the first semester.

15.  FAFSA Night at Coronado High School ◦ Members from the UTEP and EPCC Financial Aid Office here to assist ◦ February 3 rd in the GO Center ◦ 5:00 – 8:00 P.M.

16.  Provides resources and information to help students and parents prepare and plan for college  The GO Center is dedicated to the goals of College Readiness in that it provides the necessary resources and support to search for a chosen career pathway  Assist with the completion of College applications  Financial Aid/Scholarship support

17.  Work with students on an individual basis ◦ Based on Student needs ◦ Academic Needs ◦ Career Research and planning  Provide students with college and school personnel guidance  Coordinate College Visits to Coronado  Coordinate Career Fair ( Spring 2016)

18.  Hosted throughout the school year  Posted on Coronado’s website coronado.episd.org

20.  Explore community college as an option  Explore technical schools  Explore trades  Military options

21. Begin your research now ! ◦ College Visits and College Fair/Night October 27th TESTING DAY – October 14th  11 th graders will take PSAT – NMSQ  12 th graders will take SAT UTEP Scholarship Presentations- October 15 th Financial Aid Night  12 th Apply TX application day October 20 th  12 th graders- FAFSA Night February 3 Senior Packets

22.  http://youcango.collegeboard.org/stories/gr ades/student-story/ http://youcango.collegeboard.org/stories/gr ades/student-story/