1. SENIOR STAMPEDE
St. Edward's University
Austin College

2. OPTIONS AFTER HIGH SCHOOL
College Choices
4 yr University or College
2 yr Community College
Associate Degree
Bachelors/Master Degree
Trade Schools
Private trade
Technical
Business
Vocational Schools
Going into the Military
Can provide career skills training
Can provide funding for college
Going Immediately to Work
Research job outlook and future marketability

3. Why do I need more education?
Jobs requiring post-secondary training are growing almost twice as fast as the number of jobs that do not require additional training
Pay rates for people who go to college increase faster than those with just a high school diploma
College graduates will earn more money than high school graduates over the course of their careers

4. Types of Degrees
Bachelor’s or baccalaureate degrees-are obtained at four year colleges or universities. The bachelor of arts (B.A.) and the bachelor of science (B.S.) are the most common.
Advanced/Professional Degrees-Master’s degrees and doctorate degrees are obtained after a bachelor’s degree---lawyer, doctor, pharmacist, physical therapist, principal, school counselor

5. MAKING COLLEGE CHOICES
Revise and finalize your college list:
Select a “DREAM” school
Select at least two back up schools
Begin online admission and scholarship applications
Make college visits- two days -Counts as an excused absence when confirmed with college documentation (bring to Attendance office upon return)

6. The Common Application
COLLEGE APPLICATIONS
Apply Texas
The Common Application
Accepted by over 400 private and public college and universities nationwide
Counselor Forms
School Report
Mid-year Report
Final Year Report
Accepted by every Texas Public University, plus some private and two-year schools.
REMINDERS:
*Check websites of individual schools for deadlines & specific information regarding scholarships, housing, etc.
*Application fees apply for each school

7. Common Application Forms School Report

8. Mid-Year Report

9. Final Report

10. Applying Options
Early Decision - is a binding commitment! You may apply to other schools for regular admission but must withdraw if accepted thru Early Decision *consider financial need when applying for ED
Early Action – is non-binding. You may apply to other schools under EA (unless it’s restricted) and you have until May 1st to decide *the advantage is receiving an acceptance letter early in the year
Regular Admission-(rolling admission)
Beware of all admission deadlines!

11. ADMISSION REQUIREMENTS
What admission tests are required?
SAT I, ACT, SAT II SUBJECT TESTS,
Is an audition, portfolio or interview required?
Does the school offer an academic program to meet your needs, including research, study abroad, and internship opportunities?
Are there other areas of interest if you change your major?

12. SUBMIT APPLICATIONS APPLICATION PROCESS Complete applications online
Then request transcripts
Have tests scores sent directly from College Board or ACT.
Pay application fee
Include essays if required
Applications are incomplete until all parts are received by the admissions office

13. Other items to consider:
Should I take CLEP tests?
What AP scores will my school accept?
Do I need to take placement tests? (THEA)
Register for an orientation as early as possible… before May 1!
Send housing deposit as soon as allowed.

14. LETTERS OF RECOMMENDATION
When requesting letters of recommendation (LOR):
Complete a recommendation packet
available in counseling office
Choose teachers who know you best
Allow three weeks advance notice
Provide a stamped, addressed envelope and application deadlines
Always write thank you notes to those who provided a LOR…it is proper etiquette and it serves as a reminder

15. In Counseling Office/Online
REQUEST TRANSCRIPTS
In Counseling Office/Online
1st 3 transcripts are free
Allow 3 days for processing
$2.00 for additional copies
$5.00 for rush copies
Addressed #10 envelope required for transcripts that must be mailed
SENDedu requests (Baylor, ACU, etc) – you need to sign the request and include ID#

16. Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA)
The FAFSA is your key to getting financial aid.
Here are some things you should know in order to be ready!
After January 1st: Complete the FAFSA online at
Fill out a FAFSA even if you think you won’t qualify for federal aid. Some schools won’t consider a student for merit scholarships until the student has submitted a FAFSA! Most school scholarships require you to fill out a FAFSA!
Get a Federal Student Aid PIN at .
Write it down! You need this to “sign” your online FAFSA. Keep it safe!

17. 2011-2012 Estimated Costs Texas A & M University
*Based on 30 hours = 1 year
Cost
Tuition and Fees*
$8,648
Room and Board
8,008
Books and Supplies
1,350
Travel
550
Loan Fees 64
Miscellaneous
2,225
TOTAL
$20,845

18. Regional Office Contacts
Visit Regional Offices in San Antonio:
Texas A & M
Univ. of Texas
Texas Tech

19. Making a final decision in the Spring:
Review financial aid letters and decide which college to attend by May 1st
Make one final visit if necessary
Confirm housing arrangements
Inform the college of your choice that you accept!!!!!!
Inform the others that you’re not attending
Finally, DO NOT FORGET TO ORDER YOUR FINAL TRANSCRIPT in May.

20. Beware of the following:
What you include in your social networking websites i.e. Face Book, Twitter, etc.
addresses…1st impressions!!!
Felony convictions will eliminate federally funded financial aid options
Credit card offers
Academic probation-GPA is tied to financial aid

21. SENIORITIS Senioritis is the term used to What does this mean?
describe the slacking off
of some high school seniors
during their spring semester or
upon being accepted to college.

22. BISD College Night hosted by Boerne High School
When: Thursday, November 1, 2012
Where: Boerne Convention Center
Time: 6:30pm-8:00pm
Visit with college representatives from universities, community colleges, trades schools and the military.
Wear your favorite college t-shirt to school on Nov. 1st.

23. Senior Year Reminders
                        
Know your college application instructions & deadlines
Request test scores from testing agency
Attend the Financial Aid Information Session on
Thursday, December CHS 6:00 to 7:00
Know your financial aid application requirements & complete your FAFSA after January 1st
Request transcripts
Request letters of recommendation in a timely manner
Complete scholarship applications