T HE COUNTDOWN BEGINS … The time to prepare for senior year starts NOW!

C ONTACT US … A – GONMrs. Zamora GOO – PAMMrs. Field PAN – ZMr. Orris Become a fan of the BHS Counselors Facebook Fan Page!!

G RADUATION R EQUIREMENTS – English-4 credits Math-4 credits (Alg1, Geom, Alg II) Science-4 credits (Bio, Chem, Physics) Social Studies-4 credits (WGeo, WHist, USHist, Gov/Econ) Communication Applications-.5 credits Fine Arts-1 credit Foreign Language-2 credits Physical Education-1 credit Electives-5.5 credits TOTAL = 26 Students must also pass all EXIT TAKS tests.

RIGHT NOW… Sign up to take the ACT or SAT test SATACT March 9February 9 May 4April 13 June 8 Benefits to taking the test this year: Prepared for college/scholarship applications right away Have time to retake the test if you don’t do well * Fee waivers for students who qualify for free/reduced lunch. Go to the Career Center for more information

E ARLY C OLLEGE S TART P ROGRAM Juniors still have time to take dual credit courses through ACC in the Early College Start program They can take 2 during the summer and 2 each semester in their senior year. Free college classes offered here at BHS during the day and in the evening Students may already be eligible based on past PSAT, TAKS, ACT, or SAT scores! If not, we will offer the college readiness test here. Students should meet with their counselor to discuss how to get registered.

WHAT ARE COLLEGES LOOKING FOR? GPA/Grades/Rank Courses (Rigor) Test Scores Essays Letters of Recommendation Extracurricular activities (should illustrate leadership/dedication) For the Class of 2014, UT will only automatically accept students in the top 7% of their class.

THIS SUMMER… Collect information on options after high school - Request information from colleges - Schedule campus visits to see if the school is a good fit - Research college/career options through Career Cruising Volunteer and get involved! It looks great on applications. Create or update your resume to have it ready for applications next year. -- Resume Builder in Career Cruising Retake TAKS! (if needed)

IN THE FALL… Meet with your counselor to check your credits and plan out your year. Letters of Recommendation Ask at least 3-4 people to write you one. Make sure to give them plenty of time to write it! Provide them with a resume. People to ask: teachers, administrators, counselors, club sponsors, employers, pastors, etc Scholarships Local scholarship information will be available online mid-semester on Career Cruising Other scholarships will be posted on the BISD website, on the bulletin board outside the Guidance Office, and in the Career Center

IN THE FALL… College Applications * Check on the college websites for information on deadlines * Additional sites: FAFSA (Free Application for Federal Student Aid) PIN # * Your FAFSA will be completed after Jan 1, However, each senior and his/her parent should register for a PIN # (your “electronic signature”) prior to January.

HELPFUL HINTS If you ever need your official transcript, see Mrs. Braley in the Registrar’s Office When colleges request your SAT or ACT test scores, you must request them to be sent directly from the testing company, not BHS If you have attendance hours to make up, see your AP for information on how many you owe and when you can make them up If you’re struggling in a class, attend tutorials or set up additional time with your teacher Teachers are available at least 3 times a week in the morning from 8:00-8:30 – tutorial schedules are posted outside each teacher’s door

C AREER C RUISING **Career Cruising link is on the BHS website** Create a Portfolio Save schools or careers you’re interested in to your portfolio Keep track of scholarships or colleges you’ve applied for Resume Builder Interest Inventory College/Career Exploration Four Year Plan Course Selection

J UNIOR P ARENT M EETING Thursday Feb. 7 6:30pm BHS Cafeteria