1. Getting Connected to the College Application Process

2. Important People
Principal Le’Ann Downs Assistant Principals Jeri Hall (A – Fa) Michael Williams (Fe – Le) Rina Ramos (Li – Ri) Chad Van Winkle (Ro – Z)
Counselors
Lyndie Conner (A – Fa)
Tina Barnes (Fe – Le)
Glenna Pollock (Li – Ri)
Jennifer Cox (Ro-Z)
Registrar
Donna Rollins (transcripts)
Senior class sponsor
Pat McHargue

3. What are Colleges Looking For?
High School GPA/Class Rank
SAT/ACT scores
Insights from college essays
Community Service involvement
Well Rounded Student

4. What if I Want to Check Out a College?
Schedule appointment with college
Obtain college visit form from counseling office
Return signed college visit form to attendance office
State allows 2 college visits per school year

5. Where Do I Find College Applications?
Texas public colleges:
Many private colleges:
College’s website: Check for required supplements
(interviews, letters of recommendation, secondary school reports)

6. What if I haven’t signed up to take the ACT & SAT?
Sign up ASAP! Colleges will determine admission based on ACT & SAT test scores
The last chance to send a college a test score for admissions consideration is December
SAT –
ACT –

7. September Choose the colleges to which you’ll apply
Determine the application requirements and deadlines for each college
Take/ Re-take the ACT & SAT OR register for the Oct. tests
Start your applications and college essays

8. Wait, what’s the college essay?
DO NOT PROCRASTINATE!
Use correct grammar and syntax
Get your drafts edited by a parent, teacher, peer, etc.
Use your voice – do not over use a thesaurus
Answer the question in the prompt
Use a reasonable progression of ideas
Focus on quality not quantity of words
Remember you are writing to an adult
Avoid excessive use of sarcasm

9. October Ask teachers, coaches, etc. for recommendation letters
Not required for all schools
Ask if willing to write positive recommendation
Provide copy of resume and a stamped envelope
Allow 5 days
Follow up with thank you
Register for Nov & Dec ACT & SAT tests, if needed
Complete FAFSA – Opens October 1st

10. What is FAFSA & How Do I Complete it?
Free Application for Federal Student Aid
Based on family income in the year prior to college entrance
Tax information required
Complete FAFSA in October
Obtain a FSA ID
FAFSA nights: October 6, 6:00 pm, Library Lab
February 13, 6:00 pm, Library Lab

11. November
Ask the high school to send transcripts to the colleges to which you’ll apply
Registrar’s Office in Counseling Office
Include the school’s address
Allow adequate time!
Keep working on college applications
Some deadlines are the end of Nov.!

12. December Submit your completed college applications!
LAST chance to take ACT & SAT tests for applications

13. January/ February Submit any remaining applications
Thursday, February 9 - Local Scholarship Fair
Friday, February 10 - Local scholarships open in Skyward

14. March/ April
Colleges will notify you about admissions status & financial aid awards
Choose a college!
Pay attention to housing deposit and orientation deadlines
Wednesday, March 8 – Most local scholarships due

15. May
Get immunizations
Students must have received a meningitis immunization within the last five years
Schools require the immunization be given at least 10 days prior to arriving on the college campus
This is a state requirement

16. Dates to Remember
ASVAB: Wednesday, October 19 SAT: Saturday, November 5 ACT: Saturday, April 8 College Day: Wednesday, November 2 FAFSA nights: Thursday, October 6 Monday, February 13 Scholarships: Thursday, February 9 – Local Scholarship Fair Friday, February 10 – Local scholarships open in Skyward Wednesday, March 8 – Most local scholarships due