1. Are You Ready? Class of 2018 Denise Keaton
Coordinator of Student Financial Aid
Guidance and Counseling Department

2. College is closer than you think!
Preparing for College
Planning for College
Paying for College

3. Preparation
Participate in extra curricular and community service activities
Continue to challenge yourself
Try an AP, Dual Credit or Pre AP class
Graduation – Foundation with endorsement
Maintain high grades – Top 10% Rule
SAT School Day Test – March 1
Link college board account with Khan Academy
Customized Practice

4. planning After School day SAT Continue to use Khan Academy.
After receipt of scores register for May or June SAT.
Take ACT test.
Research colleges and narrow down to your top 5 -7 schools.
Consider an out of state school.
Take college visits during Spring Break or the summer.
Begin researching information on financial aid.
Continue monitoring your grades.
Develop a resume that list all of your activities and awards.

5. Planning College Application Process
College applications for Texas pubic colleges and some private –
Opens July 1, 2017
Out of state colleges
Private and out of state college and universities
Coalition for Access, Affordability and Success -
49 colleges
Universal College Applications
34 colleges

6. planning ApplyTexas Essays Topic 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.
Topic B: 
Most students have an identity, an interest, or a talent that defines them in an essential way. Tell us about yourself.
Topic C: 
You've got a ticket in your hand -- Where will you go? What will you do? What will happen when you get there?

7. Letters of recommendation
Begin to ask now (Minimum of 4 persons) Not a family member
Teacher
Counselor
Principal
Assistant Principal
Community Person
Pastor
Submit a resume
Allow a minimum of two weeks
Follow up

8. Paying for college Save as you can. It is never to late to start.
Begin the Financial Aid process
FAFSA and TAFSA (Opens October 1)
FAFSA –
TASFA –
Create an FSA ID for parent and student (FAFSA only) NOW
Use prior year taxes (2016 taxes)
Visit the financial aid office of the campus you attend
Begin your scholarship search now

9. Scholarships

10. RAISE.ME scholarship Receive micro scholarships
Approximately 140 colleges
Follow by deadlines on website
Input correct information review transcript

11. Scholarship searches www.Aldineisd.org

12. Questions