1. Preparing parents and students for senior year and post-secondary planning

2.  Identify the challenges seniors face in balancing the senior year  Understand the post-secondary planning process  Simplify college search and application process  Assist parents in becoming an informed support for your son or daughter in planning for the senior year and the year following graduation  Provide resources for parent questions Junior Parent Night Goals

3.  Help your student plan for next year’s commitments now  Reach out to your academic counselor to find out graduation plan, scheduling, class rank, etc.  Anticipate conflicting emotions with upcoming change  Reassure students that parents, administrators, counselors, and teachers are there to help provide support A Well-balanced Senior year Student responsibilities are split between planning their futures and working on high school demands:

4.  Begin the college search process with parent support  Plan for deadlines in the post-secondary planning process  Survive and thrive throughout the senior year The following 8 steps will help your student:

11.  Visit the WHS College Center  Explore college search websites—ie: www.college.gov  Write a resume  Look for schools with a good range of programs in an area of interest 1. Match aptitudes and career goals with schools and programs

12.  Core academic courses  Coursework beyond minimum college entrance requirements  Advanced classes/course studies  Elective classes in areas of interest 2. Register for a rigorous and balanced senior course schedule

13.  SAT Reasoning Test - www.collegeboard.org (February 18 th -20 th SAT Registration Drive during ENG III class)  ACT with optional writing test - www.act.org  Both are tests of college readiness (Junior took PSAT in October; results are available)  Recommended Spring of Junior year  Last testing opportunity Fall of Senior year 3. Sign up for College Entrance Exams

14. ACT  25% English  25% Mathematics  25% Reading  25% Science Optional Writing Test Subtests range from 1-36 Composite of 4 test scores (1-36) No penalty for guessing SAT  33% Critical Reading  33% Mathematics  33% Writing Subtest range from 300-800 Sum of 3 test scores (600-2400) Score adjusted for wrong answers SAT/ACT Registration

15. Test Score Comparison Old New ACT SAT SAT 36…1600 2400 35…1580 2340 34…1520 2260 33…1470 2190 32…1420 2130 31…1380 2040 30…1340 1980 29…1300 1920 28…1260 1860 Old New ACT SAT SAT 27…1220 1820 26…1180 1760 25…1140 1700 24…1110 1650 23…1070 1590 22…1030 1530 21….990 1500 20….950 1410 19….910 1350 Old New ACT SAT SAT 18….870 1290 17….830 1210 16….780 1140 15….740 1060 14….680 1000 13….620 900 12….560 780 11….500 750

16. 4. Build a list of schools/programs to research Gather information about: Location Size Admissions Requirements – test scores/GPA/rank Academic Offerings – majors/programs Expenses – tuition, travel to/from school Financial Aid Housing Campus Visits

17. Assured Admission Standards TX State University Class RankSAT I*ACT Top 10% Required, but no minimum First Quartile 92020 Second Quartile 101022 Third Quartile 118026 Fourth Quartile 127029

18.  Walk around campus  Attend a class  Interview admissions officers  Spend a night in the dorm  Talk with other university students  Use campus comparison form as a tool 5. Plan school visits

19.  Discuss the college comparison data and get feedback from others  Students should talk with parents, counselors, advisors, teachers, and friends  Help your son or daughter examine their goals, thoughts and feelings so that they may choose schools for application  Build a well-considered, reasonable list of schools for application 6. Build a list of schools for application

20.  Completed Application: www.applytexas.org (CAN BE SUBMITTED AS EARLY AS SEPTEMBER OF SENIOR YEAR)www.applytexas.org  Official Transcript  Test scores (SAT or ACT)  Application Fee Waiver (student can receive up to four waivers)  Teacher recommendation (if applicable) 7. Submit applications Application elements:

21.  Ask someone who knows them well  Choose teachers of classes where they were most engaged intellectually, showed creativity, or completed a special project or independent work  REMEMBER: LETTERS OF RECOMMENDATION ARE STRONGLY ENCOURAGED IF STUDENT GOES UNDER REVIEW To receive letters that add depth and excitement to an application students should:

22.  Match between college needs and student characteristics  Colleges provide admissions statistics range of GPA and test scores  Holistic review process College admission decisions

23.  Opportunity for lower tuition costs while exploring academic interests  Small setting to solidify academic record or learn a trade  Admissions consist primarily of biographical information and proof of high school equivalency Community Colleges

24.  Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) and CSS profile  Factors that determine a families financial strength  Schools determine distribution of funds as financial aid packages  Research independent sources of scholarship funding  Athletes should register with the NCAA Eligibility Center

25.  Do learn about the college admission process  Do discuss restrictions up front  Don’t limit choices based on fees  Do remind your child of deadlines  Do listen and offer advice when asked  Don’t make decisions for your son or daughter  Do encourage and celebrate NACAC tips for parents: Do’s and don’ts for college admissions

26. Academic Counselor Contact Info *** Kellye Jackson—A-C Arturo Cano– D—G Tiffany Thompson H—Mc Annette Benavidez—Me—R Betty Osborne—S—Z *** Lead Counselor

27.  Tiffany Patterson, College Counselor tpatterson@judsonisd.org  Carol Faragher, Career Counselor cfaragher@judsonisd.org  Turkesha Ganey, College/Career Facilitator tganey@judsonisd.org

28. Q & A Session