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

 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

 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:

 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:

 Visit the WHS College Center  Explore college search websites—ie:  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

 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

 SAT Reasoning Test - (February 18 th -20 th SAT Registration Drive during ENG III class)  ACT with optional writing test -  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

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 Sum of 3 test scores ( ) Score adjusted for wrong answers SAT/ACT Registration

Test Score Comparison Old New ACT SAT SAT 36… … … … … … … … … Old New ACT SAT SAT 27… … … … … … … … … Old New ACT SAT SAT 18… … … … … … … …

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

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

 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

 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

 Completed Application: (CAN BE SUBMITTED AS EARLY AS SEPTEMBER OF SENIOR YEAR)  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:

 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:

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

 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

 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

 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

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

 Tiffany Patterson, College Counselor  Carol Faragher, Career Counselor  Turkesha Ganey, College/Career Facilitator

Q & A Session