1. Simplify the College Planning Process
College opportunities exist for everyone. These four steps can help simplify the planning process:

2. First Steps Understand Admissions factors
Learn about testing requirements
Explore college options
Develop a financial plan

3. Step 1: What Colleges Consider for Admissions
Primary Factors
Quality/Rigor of Academic Courses
Academic Performance/Grades
Test Scores (SAT, SAT II, ACT, AP, IB, etc)
Extra Curricular Activities
Additional Factors
Extracurricular activities
Essays
Letters of Recommendation
Demonstrated interest

4. Grades and Coursework Colleges look at the following:
Your high school academic record is one of the most important factors in college admission.
Colleges look at the following:
Course Selection: Challenge yourself with a rigorous course load and high level classes, including AP, IB, or honors courses.
Grades: Every year counts, starting with freshman year
GPA trends/Class Rank: Keep improving throughout high school
Do you know your GPA/ Class Rank?
Students should see the Registrar before school, at lunch and after school for their GPA and Class Rank

5. Other Considerations Essays, Essays, Essays
Demonstrating writing ability and self-expressions
A demonstrated interest that shows your enthusiasm for the colleges to which you’re applying
Common App Writing Prompts
Extracurricular activities, including participation in sports, performing/visual arts, volunteering, etc.
Community involvement, part-time work or internship
Interview (if applicable)
Positive recommendations from educators and mentors

6. Step 2 About Testing SAT/ACT
SAT measures what you know and how well you apply that knowledge
SAT has three sections: critical reading, mathematics, and writing
ACT has four sections: Reading, English, science reasoning, and mathematics.
Some schools require SAT II Subject tests. You must investigate this ASAP. Remember, you cannot take SAT I and SAT IIs on same day

7. SAT II Verify if schools your are applying to require SAT II’s
For admission, certain schools require them as part of the admission process
For placement and advising, some schools utilize scores to place you out of beginner level courses or help you select appropriate courses

8. SAT & ACT Test Dates SAT Dates ACT Dates Test Dates Registration Dates
August 25, July 27, 2018
October 6, September 7, 2018
November 3, October 5, 2018
December 1, November 2, 2018
March 9, February 8, 2019
May 4, 2019 April 5, 2019
June 1, May 3, 2019
ACT Dates
Test Dates
Registration Dates
September 8, 2018
August 10, 2018
October 27, 2018
September 28, 2018
December 8, 2018
November 2, 2018
February 9, 2019
January 11, 2019
April 13, 2019
March 8, 2019
June 8, 2019
May 3, 2019
July 13, 2019
June 14, 2019

9. PSAT and SAT (Juniors will take the PSAT October 10th)
11th -PSAT –National Merit Scholar Qualifier
(Juniors will take the PSAT October 10th)
EPISD will be paying for all Juniors to take an SAT exam in the Spring!!
Test day will be March 6th, 2019

10. Where will your scores take you?
SAT CR READ SAT Math SAT Writing ACT Comp. GPA of Class Rank
% in top 10th
Baylor University N/A %
UT Texas-Austin N/A %
Texas A&M N/A %
Rice University N/A %
Harvard % %
U of San Diego % %

11. Scores needed for admission
Look under counseling center documents

12. Preparing for Standardized Tests
If possible, take an SAT or ACT prep course
Review your PSAT score report and access KHAN ACADEMY
(20 hours spent on test prep =100+ point gain in score)
College Board website has daily SAT questions
The more you read, the higher your scores
SAT section scores ( )-Evidence Based Reading & Writing (EBRW) & Math (*essay optional)
ACT scores 1-36 (4 sections-math, reading, writing, science reasoning, *essay optional)

13. College Readiness Means: Are you reading at a College Level
College Readiness Means: Are you reading at a College Level? Can you write a College Level Essay? Are you ready for College Level Math?
SAT Scores: Evidence Based Reading and Writing
530 Math
ACT Scores: Composite with a 19 in English and 19 in Math
TSI Scores: Reading
340 Writing with essay score of a 4 or higher
350 Math

14. TSI TESTING-What is it?
The TSI Assessment (TSIA) is part of the Texas Success Initiative program designed to help your college or university determine if you are ready for college-level course work in the general areas of reading, writing, and mathematics.
Areas tested include Math, Reading, Writing (multiple choice), and an Essay.
If you are an incoming college student in Texas, you are required to take the TSI Assessment — unless you are already exempt.

15. Step 3: Choosing Colleges
What to consider?
Academic programs
Financial aid and scholarship opportunities
Size and diversity of student body
Location
Campus life—athletics, activities, housing
Graduation and retention rates
**Most importantly, think about where you will be the most happy and successful in your college life!

16. College Night Campus Visits October 23, 6:00 – 8:00 p.m
Coronado Cafeteria
Campus Visits
Visit campuses if possible
Take a campus tour
Speak with an admission counselor
Ask about financial aid opportunities
Sit in on a class of interest
Read the student newspaper
Talk to students and faculty

17. College Visits at Coronado
Hosted throughout the school year
Posted on Coronado’s website
Unable to visit campuses go to: youniversitytv.com

18. Applying Narrow and categorize your choices
More than likely colleges (1 or 2)
Good match colleges (2 to 4)
Reach schools (1 or 2)
Review scholarships/financial aid
Is the school need based or merit based?
Review application essays and share drafts with a trusted teacher, adviser or family member

19. Get to Know Your Counselors
Lilia Poissant Secretary
Blanca Loubriel (A-Ce)
Dawn Cornell-Stufflebeam (Ch-Gi)
Sylvia Marti-Luna (Go-Li)
Jennifer Arias (Ll-O)
Margarita Arguelles-Hernandez (P-San)
Patricia Olvera (Sap-Z)
Sharon Uribe Counselor (Academic/Testing)
Lauri Ortiz Counselor (Academic/Testing)
Gilbert Andrews IB Coordinator

20. Applying
Ask for recommendation letters with plenty of time! Do not ask for a letter a day before it is due!!!!!
Request transcripts in a timely fashion…REMEMBER, your emergency is not the registrar’s emergency! Give Mrs. Medrano at least one week’s notice.
Schedule interviews if needed

21. Step 4: Develop a financial plan
Know your options: grants, loans, work study, etc.
In October of your senior year, you should begin filling out the FAFSA application. This is important even if you do not believe you will qualify. Some schools require FAFSA in order to award you any scholarship or grant
CSS Profile: verify if your school requires this additional financial aid application. This is the one financial aid application that you pay for and you will usually apply during the first semester.

22. Scholarships Service Academies/ROTC Scholarship Programs
At the beginning of the next school year, you will be asked for your address so your counselor can send you scholarship lists
Become a PTSA member so you can apply for the Coronado PTSA scholarship
NEVER pay to apply for a scholarship
Service Academies/ROTC Scholarship Programs
If you are interested in applying to West Point, the Naval Academy, Coast Guard Academy or the Air Force Academy, begin the process NOW. See your counselor if you have questions about the process
There are also ROTC scholarships through the Armed Forces that allow you to attend college first, then join the military
GI Bills

23. What if I am not ready for a four year college?
Explore community college as an option
Explore technical schools
Explore trades
Military options

24. Recap Begin your research now! PSAT TESTING DAY – October 10th
College Visits and College Fair/Night October 23rd
PSAT TESTING DAY – October 10th
11th grade SAT March 6th, 2019

25. QUESTIONS??
This presentation can be found on the CHS Counseling center website.