1. Class of 2018
Senior Parent Night

2. Who’s Who…. Principal – Dr. Brandon Garza
Associate Principal Claudia Dominguez
Assistant Principal Jason Fojt- Seniors
Academic Counselors Lisa Kennedy (Lead Counselor) – A-K
Laura Cunningham – L-Z
College and Career Counselor – Dr. Jeanie McCusker
Student Support Counselor – Lisa Domengeaux
Student Support Coordinator – Linda Kenjura
Academic Achievement Coordinator – Janet Wilson
Assessment and 504 Coordinator- Jackie Griffin

3. IMPORTANT UPCOMING DATES
September 22 – Homecoming Court Forms due
September 27 - Homecoming Elections
September 14 - Project Prom Parent Meeting, 6:30pm
September 18 – Open House, 6:30pm
October 2 – AP/Pre-AP Drop Deadline & AP to Non-Matching class deadline
October Senior Pictures
October 9 – 13 - Homecoming Week – King and Queen voting on Oct. 11
October 14 - Homecoming Dance
November 7 – ASVAB Testing Seniors only
December 4 – 8 - EOC Retesting
April 4 - Top 10% Announcement
April 21 - Prom
April 22 - Project Prom
May 1- Awards Night
May 7-18 – AP Testing
May 15- Scholarship Night
Graduation – May 26, 3pm Reed Arena

4. Welcome to Your Senior Year! Tips for Finishing Well
Keep monitoring grades and attendance
Watch for signs of difficulty or distress and address concerns
Work on time management, balanced priorities, problem solving, and self-advocacy
Encourage each other all the way to the goal

5. GET THE HELP YOU NEED
Tutoring with your teacher – tutoring is a must if you are failing or in danger of failing!
West Hour
Before School
After School

6. DISTINGUISHED GRADUATION
 Complete High School Foundation with Endorsement Plan
 Complete and pass Algebra 2 6

7. STAAR End of Course Tests
In order to receive a Texas High School Diploma, students must pass 5 STAAR EOC assessments Algebra 1 English 1 English 2 Biology US History EOC Retesting Dates: December 4-8

8. Schedule Change Deadlines
You may drop a PAP/AP course through Monday, October 2. (Beyond that – requires a process)
Courses that do not have a comparable option (such as AP Biology) must be changed by Monday, October 2.

9. Important considerations. . .
Your grade from your AP class follows you into your new class (60 in an AP/PAP class = 60 in a non-AP/PAP class).
Schedule changes are subject to availability, prerequisites, a comparable course, and whether a course fits into your schedule.

10. Schedule Change Procedure
Pick up a schedule change form in the counselor’s office
Once it is filled out and signed by parent and teacher, return it to your Academic Counselor by the deadline.
Schedule changes are made subject to availability

11. AP Testing
May 7-18, 2018
Please watch for upcoming information regarding cost and sign up procedures

12. What is Family Connections?
Family Connections assists students in their college and career planning.
class s
college search
career profile test
personality profile test
scholarship list
community service
transcript request
GPA/class rank

13. Class Rank and GPA 1-25%: 1st Quarter 26-50%: 2nd Quarter
Percentage in class
1-25%: 1st Quarter
26-50%: 2nd Quarter
51-75%: 3rd Quarter
76-100%: 4th Quarter

14. Looking at Admission Requirements
Many colleges have tables such as the one below:
Class Rank
Test Scores*
ACT
SAT
Top 10%
No Minimum
First Quarter 
(excluding top 10%) 25
1140
Second Quarter 28
1230
Third Quarter 29
1270
Fourth Quarter
Application Review

15. Looking at Admission Requirements
A list of admission standards among popular schools is compiled on my website

16. College Acceptance Criteria

17. Automatic Admission
Top 10% Rule- Public universities in Texas will automatically accept students that are in the top 10% when class ranks are released in September
Exception is The University of Texas- Top 7.000%
Just because a student is not in top 10% does not mean they cannot be accepted
Some colleges automatically accept top 25%

18. Trade School/Technical Training
What is your next “ACT” ?
Armed Forces
College
Trade School/Technical Training

19. Apply to college early! www.applytexas.org or www.commonapp.org
Save username and password
Send transcript
Send application fee where applicable
Application fee waivers through SAT/ACT
Send SAT/ACT scores directly from test agency
Send TSI scores when available (if necessary)

20. Testing requirements Four-Year Universities Two-Year Colleges
Placement exam:
TSI (Texas Success Initiative)
TSI Exemption through EOC Scores
Admissions exam:
SAT
 Evidence Based Reading and Writing, Mathematics, and an optional Writing Test**
ACT
 English, Mathematics, Reading, Science, and an optional Writing Test

21. Applying to 4 Year College
1. College Application
Includes essays for most colleges
2. SAT or ACT Scores
3. Send in transcript (done in Family Connections)
4. Recommendations (if required)
5. Check application status

22. Step 1: Application Apply Texas - www.applytexas.org
Fill out one application
Can copy and submit to other Texas Colleges
CommonApp -
***Let me know ASAP if filling out the Common App
Other schools - individual websites
Make sure you list Dr. McCusker as your counselor

23. TEXAS Common Application
Student name and address
Educational information
Tests
Residency
Extracurricular Activities
Essay
Transcript
SAVE YOUR USER NAME AND PASSWORD!

24. Essay Topics
Essay 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.
Essay 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.
Essay C- You’ve got a ticket in your hand-Where will you? What will you do? What will happen when you get there?
Depending on where you apply, you may have additional essays or short answers to submit as well.

25. ESSAYS Personalize Handicap overcome? Challenging experiences?
Setbacks?
Unusual situations?
Motivation to succeed

26. ESSAYS Essay requirements depend on the school
Examples:
Texas, A&M, Tech- require 2 essays
SHSU, Baylor, others- require no essays
Write in Word or GoogleDocs
I’m happy to read for content
Ask English teacher to check for grammar and punctuation

27. Step 2: Register for SAT/ACT
All online registration
Next SAT: Oct. 7th (late registration by Sept. 22nd)
Nov. 4th (register by Oct. 6th)
Next ACT: October 28th (register by Sept.22nd)

28. Testing dates ACT Test Dates 2017 - 2018 www.act.org Test Date
Deadline
Late (
Fee Required)
Sept. 9
Aug. 4
Sept. 1
Oct. 28
Sept. 22
Oct. 6
Dec. 9
Nov. 3
Nov. 17
Feb. 10
Jan. 12
Jan. 19
Apr. 14
Mar. 9
Mar. 23
June 9
May 4
May 18

29. Testing dates 5 SAT Test Dates 2017 - 2018 www.collegeboard.org
Deadline
Late (Fee Required)
Oct. 7
Sept. 8
Sept. 27
Nov. 4
Oct. 5
Oct. 25
Dec. 2
Nov.
Nov
. 21
Mar. 10
Feb.9
Feb. 28
May 5
April
. 6
April . 25
June 2
May 3
May. 23

30. Fee Waivers
Students who receive Free or Reduced Lunch can qualify for fee waivers to take the college entrance exams (SAT & ACT)
Students are allowed up to 2 for the SAT and 2 for the ACT depending on availability
If students use fee waivers for SAT/ACT, then they will qualify for 4 college admission fee waivers

31. Sending SAT/ACT Scores
Students are allowed to select 4 colleges to send their scores to for free when they register for the test
After the test, students will have to pay $12 for EACH school they wish to send their scores to

32. SAT Preparation
Khan Academy
Collegeboard.org

33. Step 3: Sending a Transcript
Log into Family Connections
Click “Colleges” tab
Click “Transcript” link
Choose “Send to College”
Choose colleges you wish to send to (must be places you’re applying to. We don’t send for recruitment.)
Or, “For scholarship”
Enter your name as recipient. After filled, can be picked up from Registrar’s Office
Can take 1-2 weeks to be sent from MWHS
Can take 4-6 weeks for college to process

34. Step 4: Recommendation Letters
MANY colleges do NOT want recommendation letters, however, scholarships do
Complete Recommendation Request Form
Bring to Dr. McCusker for copies
Deliver to teachers for letters of rec
Allow several weeks - do not rush teachers

35. Step 5: Check Your Status
1-3 days after you have applied, you’ll receive an account to check your application status
YOU are responsible for making sure everything has been received
Transcripts take time
DO NOT PROCRASTINATE
Notify me of all acceptances and scholarship offers- even if you don’t go!

36. Junior/ Community College
1. Complete Application
2. Send Transcript (through Family Connection)
3. Visit campus and get registered for TSI
4. Take Texas State Initiative-TSI (if required)
Students may be able to exempt based on high EOC score or high SAT/ACT score
Test is taken on college campus
Will place them in the level of class they are prepared for
Can retake a section of the test if needed

37. Junior/ Community College
Does not require SAT/ACT
Lone Star visits MWHS monthly
They will assist students in completing application
Complete Lone Star College Meeting request form with Dr. McCusker for a visit
Next visit, September 27th

38. TSI EXEMPTIONS Students may be exempt from one or all TSI assessments
Old/New SAT
ACT
Composite
1070 23
Reading/English
500/480 19
Math
500/530
Students may be exempt from one or all TSI assessments
Dual Credit & TSI
If your student has taken and passed a dual credit class they have likely met the requirements for TSI. See Counselor.

39. Military Recruiters visit monthly
ASVAB will be given on November 7, 2017.
ASVAB is required by military but is actually one of the best career assessments available
Free to students; Sign up with Dr. McCusker

40. Welding
The TULSA School of Welding will come to our campus and visit Welding classes in October.
During this visit, your student will have the opportunity to ask questions, talk about financial aide options and requirements with a Tulsa School of Welding.

41. Auto Technology
UTI (Universal Technical Institute) will be coming to our school to offer student information regarding requirements, financial aide, programs offered and general information.
Turner School - Hennessey Performance will also be coming to our school to discuss program options, requirements and opportunities for students.
Both schools are hoping to come in October or November.

42. The Benz School of Floral Design at Texas A&M University.
Certification in Floral Design
To Be Determined visit date to MWHS

43. Scholarships
National Scholarships are listed in Family Connection under College tab
Local scholarships will be listed in Family Connections and announced in Spring 2018
Scholarship Stampede – Mid-January…more information to come
Colleges award merit scholarships based on SAT/ACT, GPA, Class Rank, etc.
Many college freshmen scholarships are due in late fall/early spring. Students need to plan to get acceptance early so they will be eligible.

44. College Athletics
“If you are planning to continue with athletics at the collegiate level, you must complete the NCAA or NAIA clearinghouse requirements. Research your college choices now so you are prepared to register for the correct clearinghouse. This allows college recruiters to ensure that high school athletes have met all academic standards and are eligible to participate.”

45. Financial Aid
Financial Aid application will become available in October.
We will have a Financial Aid presentation in October/November – Date and Time TBA
Students must complete FAFSA (Free Application for Federal Student Aid) for grant and loan awards
Some scholarships require FAFSA be completed even if student does not qualify for grant money

46. FAFSA Free Application for Federal Student Aid
10 million students a year apply, with 8 million awarded some type of aid
$3 billion available each year
Awarded on first-come, first-served basis
Do not pay for FAFSA services.
FSA ID has replaced the PIN, effective May Users can electronically access personal information as well as electronically sign a FAFSA.
Must have parents’ tax return.
Use 2016 tax return for fall 2018.

47. College funding FAFSA Parent Plus Loans Texas Grant
Grants
Work study
Student Loans
Parent Plus Loans
Texas Grant
Loan Forgiveness Programs
Tuition and fee exemptions
Tax credits

48. Possible Tuition exemptions
Foster Care
Adoption
Valedictorian
Blind
Deaf
Hazlewood Act

49. 5 Common scholarship mistakes
Only applying for private scholarships
Most people think of scholarships as something offered by a private organizations. Check locally and nationally for scholarships
Applying for too few scholarships
Getting lots of small scholarships adds up. Smaller scholarships are often less competitive, so you have better chances of winning an award
Not following instructions and other application mistakes
Always double check your work, or even better, get someone else to look over your work. A second pair of eyes can help catch careless mistakes.
Not paying attention to deadlines
Missing a deadline is the biggest mistake you can make. Apply before the deadline hits. It really doesn’t pay to procrastinate.
Looking for only a few weeks
Start your search as early as you can, which will allow you more time to complete applications and earn scholarship awards.

50. Scholarships based on merit

51. College Visits You get 2 college visit days as a Senior
You are responsible for setting these up
You do not need to notify MWHS ahead of time
Bring a note from the college showing the date of your visit to turn into Attendance to correct your absence

52. College Deadlines November 1st December 1st January 15th February 1st
Abilene Christian University
December 1st
Texas A&M, University of Texas at Austin
January 15th
Southern Methodist University
February 1st
Baylor, Southwestern, Texas Christian University
March 15th
University of North Texas
April 1st
University of Houston
May 1st (or later)
Texas State, Texas Tech, Mary Hardin-Baylor, Houston Baptist, Lamar, Sam Houston, Prairie View, Stephen F. Austin. Tarleton, TAMU Branch Schools, UT Branch Schools

53. Community Service
You do not need community service hours to graduate, but it is highly recommended.
For 50 to 99 hours, you receive 1 cord at graduation; for 100 hours, you receive 2 cords. 
Hours must be entered into x2VOL (through Family Connections or the app) by the end of Spring Break

54. Colleges Visiting MWHS
9/14 – Texas A&M - West Hour
9/19 – Baylor – West Hour
9/20 – University of Texas – Advisory
9/22 – TX Lutheran College – West Hour
9/27 –Lone Star College - Advisory/West Hour
10/4 – University of Houston – Advisory/West Hour
11/8 – Sam Houston State University – Advisory/West Hour
TBA – Stephen F. Austin State University
TBA – Texas State University
TBA – Lamar University
TBA – Houston Baptist University
ALL VISITS WILL BE IN THE MWHS COLLEGE & CAREER ZONE

55. Resources www.collegefortexans.com www.fastweb.com www.bigfuture.org

56. PROJECT PROM MEETING SENIOR HOOF PRINTS Wednesday, September 13th
6:30pm in College and Career
$50! Pick up order forms
SENIOR HOOF PRINTS

57. Get Connected! Text “@mwhs18” to 81010
on Twitter
on Twitter
Like “Magnolia West HS” on Facebook
Follow Magnolia West HS on Instagram
Download the Magnolia West App from iTunes and GooglePlay stores
My contact information – Dr. Jeanie McCusker ext. 7209