1. Junior Guidance Spring 2017

2. What do I need to do to Graduate?
Complete the required courses on your graduation plan
Pass your 5 EOC STAAR Exams:
English 1
English 2
Algebra 1
Biology
US History

3. What Should I Do After College?
Enter Workforce – Start working on resume now
Military – Please notify your counselor when you enlist
Apprenticeship – Start looking for mentors now
Technical or Trade School
2 year Community College
4 year University

4. College Visits?
You’re allowed 2 college visits that will not count against exemptions (2 jr & 2 sr)
You must provide appropriate documentation from the college with the following :
Official College Letterhead
Date of Visit
College Representative Signature

5. What Tests do I Need to Take for College?
SAT and ACT (if attending 4 year University)
See counselor for Fee Waivers if you participate in Free/Reduced Lunch Program
After test waiver is used, you are eligible for 4 college application fee waivers
SAT Subject TEST (usually required for Ivy League schools)
Texas Success Initiative Assessment, “TSI” (if attending 2 year College)
See Ms. Herbst for exemptions (STAAR, SAT, ACT scores)

6. How do I Apply to College?
Most colleges offer online applications
If applying for in-state Public Colleges or Universities:
ApplyTexas
www. applytexas.org
If applying to Ivy League or Private Universities
The Common Application

7. What else do I need for my application to be complete?
Submit ACT/SAT Scores electronically via or
Official transcripts
Pay all required application fees

8. Colleges use SAT scores for admissions and merit-based scholarships.
SAT
ACT
Why Take It
Colleges use SAT scores for admissions and merit-based scholarships.
Colleges use ACT scores for admissions and merit-based scholarships.
Test Structure
Math
Reading
Writing and Language
 Essay (Optional)
English
Science
Essay (Optional)
Length
3 hours (without essay)
3 hours, 50 minutes (with essay)
2 hours, 55 minutes (without essay)
3 hours, 40 minutes (with essay)
5 reading passages
4 reading passages
None
1 science section testing your critical thinking skills (not your specific science knowledge)
Covers: Arithmetic
Algebra I & II
Geometry, Trigonometry and Data Analysis
Geometry and Trigonometry
Tools
Some math questions don't allow you to use a calculator.
You can use a calculator on all math questions.
Essays
Optional. The essay will test your comprehension of a source text.
Optional. The essay will test how well you evaluate and analyze complex issues.
How It's Scored
Scored on a scale of 400–1600
Understanding SAT scores
Scored on a scale of 1–36
Understanding ACT scores
The major differences are in red.

9. How do I Send an Official Transcript to my College(s)?
See Mrs. Valenta or Mrs. Warnack in the Registrar’s office.
Any electronic transcript sent to a college(s) in the state of Texas is free. Any transcript sent outside of Texas is $2.00 and will require an address.
If you are planning on participating in athletics in college, a final transcript will need to be sent to NCAA
The cost of an official transcript that you are mailing yourself to a college and/or scholarship application(s) is $1.00 per transcript.

10. Where can I Obtain my Rank and GPA?
You can obtain your rank and GPA from your counselor who can give you an unofficial transcript.
Rank & GPA will be updated in the summer and will include 9th -11th year’s grades.
Your final rank & GPA will be calculated using the 3rd 9 weeks grades in your senior year.

11. Example of a transcript, 2 pages.

13. Admissions Chart SEE CHART IN PACKET
Your rank directly correlates with a quartile
1st Quarter (Top 25%) = approx. students 1-102
2nd Quarter (Top 50%) =
3rd Quarter =
4th Quarter =
Admissions Chart shows the ACT/SAT required to be accepted to the corresponding school with current rank
If you do not meet requirements, your application will be reviewed to determine acceptance

14. Top 10% Rule Texas law passed in 1997.
The law guarantees Texas students who graduated in the top ten percent of their high school class have automatic admission to all state-funded universities.
University of Texas in Austin took the top 7% this year.

15. What Resources are Available at KPHS to help me Research College and Careers?
Select Information
Select College-Career Room

16. How do I Obtain Scholarships?
On the KPark front page, scholarships are posted daily
Apply for everything in which you are eligible for
Watch
For
Deadlines!

17. How do I Apply for Financial Aid?
FAFSA (Free Application for Federal Student Aid) is an application for grants, student loans, parent loans, and many scholarships.
Apply for ID
Opens October 1st

18. Some Advice…. Watch Deadlines & Websites! Apply Early!
Example: UH Application deadline is June 30th, but priority deadline
(to be considered for scholarships) is November 15
UT and A&M deadlines is December 1st – No exceptions
Apply Early!
Better chance for acceptance
Better options for housing
Colleges fill up quickly (College of Engineering, Business, etc.)
When looking at potential schools to attend:
Ensure they offer the program you’re interested in
Talk to people who attend or have attended
Visit each school
Speak to Admission Reps when they visit KPark – See Mrs. Herbst!
Ask questions! This Power Point is on our counselor website!