COLLEGE PLANNING 101 By Pilar Janis Lead & Higher Education Counselor BISD Guidance and Counselin g

Why College? To prepare for your future…………

AT BISD……. We want all students to go on to college whether it be for 4 or more years or a technical college for 1 or 2 years.

Value of College Degree  High School Diploma- $1.2million  Associate Degree- $1.6 million  Bachelor’s Degree- $2.1 million  Master’s Degree- $2.5 million  Doctor’s Degree- $3.4 million  Professional Degree- $4.4 million

Careers/Salaries Accountant $63,550 Architect $73,090 Attorney $113,530 Administrator $87,760 Chef $42,480 Counselor $53,610 Dentist $149,310 Doctor $209,789 Engineer $91,150 Loan Officer $59,820 Careers/Salaries Manager $79,870 Mechanic $40,265 Paramedic $39,563 Pilot $123,477 Policeman $52,935 Reporter $46,490 Teacher $53,090 Weatherman $95,000 Webmaster $50,000 Zoo Keeper $28,000

Remember: You must prepare for your career goal by challenging yourself academically.

Graduation Plans/HB5 HB5 created a new graduation plan called the Foundation H.S. Program. The graduation plan replaces the previous Minimum, Recommended and Distinguished graduation plans. All students entering 9 th grade in and after Fall of 2014 will be required to select an endorsement pathway in Arts and Humanities, Business and Industry, Public Service, STEM (Science and Math) and/or Multidisciplinary.

Dual Enrollment You will have the opportunity to obtain college credit while in high school. Students will need to take the TSI test.

The New TSI The Texas Success Initiative mandates that students must take the TSI test(Reading-Math- Writing) before enrolling in college level courses in order to determine college readiness.

College Entrance Tests

 SAT- Critical Reading- Math- Writing  ACT –Math-English-Reading-Science  SAT SUBJECT TESTS(Required by some colleges/universities)

ADMISSIONS TO COLLEGE TOP 10% ADMITTED TO ANY PUBLIC COLLEGE/UNIVERSITY- (SB175 – allows UT Austin to set their %) CHART/TABLE - Admissions based on Rank/SAT-ACT scores reflected on college chart/table. OPEN ADMISSIONS -All who apply are admitted. ADMISSIONS REVIEW COMMITTEE- Committee makes admissions decision.

MAGIC FORMULA Colleges will look at…… GRADES AND COURSES TAKEN SCORES ON SAT/ACT TESTS EXTRACURRICULAR ACTIVITIES LETTERS OF RECOMMENDATIONS (TEACHERS, COUNSELORS, ETC.) ESSAYS YOU SUBMIT

APPLY for Apply Texas for state schools/Common App for out of state and private schools

You might have to write essays when applying to college…… Apply Texas Prompt A: What was the environment in which you were raised? Describe your family, home, neighborhood, or community, and explain how it has shaped you as a person. Apply Texas Prompt B: Some students have an identity, an interest, or a talent that defines them in an essential way. If you are one of these students, then tell us about yourself. Apply Texas Prompt C: You’ve got a ticket in your hand – Where will you go? What will you do? What will happen when you get there?

COLLEGE ESSAY……. Paints a self portrait. Captures the heart of the reader with the essay. Describes goals and dreams that have shaped you. Shows the reader what makes you tick. Is not a list of your activities. Is not longer than a page.

Financial Aid helps you find Money for College You will meet to Complete a FAFSA- Free Application for Federal Student Aid Or Complete a TASFA (State Application)

Students that are not U.S. citizens or Residents can still qualify for state monies to go to college, they must complete a TASFA application SB 1528/HB1403 Student must have resided in Texas at least three years. Graduated from a Texas public high school or received a GED. Provide affidavit that student will file to be permanent resident one day.

WHAT IS FINANCIAL AID? GRANTS –free money SCHOLARSHIPS- free money LOANS- money that must be repaid WORK STUDY- funds paid for job on campus

95% Of BISD students qualify for financial aid because about 95% of our families are economically disadvantaged.

Remember…………….. To be a good student To make wise choices To take challenging courses to prepare for your future To talk to your school counselor about your college and career plans

BISD Continues to create a College Going Culture for all students.

CONTACT PERSON: Pilar Janis, Lead & Higher Education Counselor BISD Guidance & Counseling Department