2. Graduation Requirements Page 4 of Handbook English I, II, III, IV World Geo, World Hist, US Hist, Gov/Eco 4 Science 4 Math 1.0 of P.E. 0.5 Communication Applications (Speech) 1.0 Fine Art (1 full year of the same class) 2.0 Foreign language (of the same language)

3. Education Beyond High School Trade and Technical schools Community Colleges 4 year colleges/Universities www.collegeforalltexans.com

4. Four Year Schools Students can earn a bachelor’s degree or further their studies with a masters or doctorate program. Bachelor’s degree: 4 + years Master’s Degree: 2-3 years above bachelors Doctorate Degree: 2-3 years above Master’s Private and Public Colleges Available

5. Community College Provide students with Career Preparation programs. Students may earn certificates or Associate’s Degrees. Students can use credits earned to transfer to a four year school.

6. Vocational/ Trade Schools Provide specific career training, usually requires 2 years or less. Public Technical Schools- there are 4 in Texas. Texas State Technical College or TSTC. The closest one is in Waco. Private Technical and Trade Schools- Examples- Art Institute of Dallas, DeVry, ITT, Ogle school of Hair Design

7. The Junior Timeline page 18 and 19 in Handbook March and April Register for AP tests Create a Personal File including transcripts, list of awards and honors (including dates), community service hours, a list of employers- UPDATE this each semester Register for the NCAA clearinghouse if candidate for college athletics

8. Junior Timeline Page 18 and 19 in Handbook May and June Take the SAT and/or ACT Take AP exams Obtain a summer job or internship Look for volunteer opportunities Save money for college and senior expenses Select the top 5-10 colleges that meet your needs

9. Start of Senior Year Page 20 and 21 in Handbook August and September Update your personal file Make plans to attend the Nortex college Fair (end of September) Ask for letters of Recommendation Begin applications Continue to search and apply for scholarships For more timeline, see your handbook

10. ACT vs. SAT Achievement Test Highest Score- 36 Average- 20-21 Tests English, Math, Reading, Science and has an optional writing portion www.act.org Aptitude test Highest Score- 2400 Average Score- 1500 Some colleges only look at scores of two of three categories. Tests Writing, Reading, and Math www.collegeboard.com Page 35 and 36 in the Handbook

11. The THEA Test This is a Placement Exam- it does not determine whether or not you are accepted, but what level of English and Math you take Freshman year. You can be exempt! – A student with an SAT I score of at least 1070 (math +critical reading) and a math score of at least 500 is exempt from the math requirement. – A student with an SAT I score of at least 1070 (math + critical reading) and a verbal score of at least 500 is exempt from the reading and writing requirements. – A student with an ACT composite score of at least 23 and a math score of at least 19 is exempt from the math requirement. – A student with an ACT composite score of at least 23 and an English score of at least 19 is exempt from the reading and writing requirements. – A student with a TAKS math score of at least 2200 is exempt from the math requirement. – A student with a TAKS English/language arts score of at least 2200 and an essay score of at least 3 is exempt from the reading and writing requirements.

12. Scholarships Local Scholarships- Ones only available to NISD students. These are all accessible by visiting the “scholarship drawer” on the counseling website! www.nisdtx.org/nhscounseling National Scholarships- databases such as fastaid and fastweb Colleges often have separate scholarship applications to win money from the university you plan to attend. Make sure when you complete your admission application that your submit the scholarship application as well.

13. Texas Scholars page 11 in the handbook Apply Senior year – application available from your counselor – Requirements Graduate on the recommended or distinguished plan Participate in at least 1 extra curricular activity (school related) for 2 consecutive years Complete two courses eligible for college credit

14. Top 10% Rule page 10 of your handbook Being in the Top 10% of your graduating class will get you automatic admission into any Texas public university. – UT Austin is the exception to the rule. Brand new scholarship attached to this as well, currently worth $2000. This is for use at public in-state schools only. It is renewable each year of college. You apply by filling out your FAFSA by March 1st of your senior year. May be based on financial need. More information will come from your counselor next year.

15. Grade Point Average Weighted- This is used only to calculate GPA for class rank purposes. Unweighted- This is a GPA you will use to apply for college and scholarships. It is based on a 4.0 scale.

16. And Now….. It’s game time!