1. College Admissions 101

2. Types of Colleges Four Year University State schools and private schools, offer a bachelors degree and graduate degrees in many choices of majors Ex. State schools: Texas A&M, UT, Texas Tech Private schools: Baylor, ACU, TCU

3. Types of Colleges Community College offers two-year associate degrees that prepare you to transfer to a four-year college to earn a bachelor's degree. They also offer other associate degrees and certificates that focus on preparing you for a certain career. Community colleges are often an affordable option with relatively low tuition. Ex. Temple College, Blinn College

4. Types of Colleges Technical Schools offer specialized training in a particular industry or career. Possible programs of study include the culinary arts, firefighting, dental hygiene and medical-records technology. These colleges usually offer certificates or associate degrees. Ex. Texas State Technical College

5. Which College is Right for YOU? Picking a college is like picking a second family. What’s right for one senior may not be right for another. It’s about “FIT”. Does the environment feel like a place you will be happy and grow? Prioritize what factors are most important to you:

6. Top 10% Texas Education Code (TEC), §51.803, A student is eligible for undergraduate admission in ranked in the top 10% of their class Top 7% for UT Fall 2015; Top 8% for UT Fall 2016 Graduate on the Recommended or Distinguished plan

7. Parts of the College Application The Application ApplyTexas at www.applytexas.orgwww.applytexas.org Most Texas schools use the ApplyTexas application The Common App at www.commonap.orgwww.commonap.org Many private schools and out of state schools use the Common Application Individual college applications – many institutions have their own unique application available on their website

8. Parts of the College Application The Application Fee Amount varies – may use a fee waiver if you used a fee waiver on the SAT or ACT, or if a school official writes a letter for you. Some schools require a copy of parent’s tax return. Schools have the option to accept fee waivers or not.

9. Parts of the College Application Test scores Either SAT or ACT – many schools require these scores to come directly from Collegeboard or ACT Students on free/reduced lunch may see Mrs. Stephens for a fee waiver to take both tests for free. Note: Take ACT Plus Writing – most schools require the writing portion also

10. Parts of the College Application Official High School Transcript Fill out a Transcript Request Form in PEIMS Office – see Mrs. Motl

11. Parts of the College Application Essays The college essay is your chance to make a personal statement. Trip Gabriel, in his article “The Almighty Essay” says, “The personal essay …. is the one element where a student’s own voice can be heard through the fog of quantitative data.” Tell a story that reveals something uniquely about you. Could your parent pick your essay out of a stack? Do you come across as an interesting person the admissions officer would like to know better?

12. Parts of the College Application Letters of Recommendation Not all colleges require or will read recommendation letters. Generally, public universities do not require one; often private universities do. Read the application thoroughly. Follow the directions implicitly. If they ask for two letters, don’t send more. If you are a review candidate, it is a good idea to include a letter of recommendation.

13. Parts of the College Application Letters of Recommendation Counselor letters of recommendation describe the student holistically as a person. When requesting a counselor letter of recommendation, please fill out the Counselor Recommendation Packet (available in the Counseling Center) and give to your counselor two weeks before letter is needed.

14. Parts of the College Application Letters of Recommendation Teacher letters of recommendation describe the student as a learner in the classroom. Highly selective schools and some scholarships require two teacher recommendations. One should come from a junior or senior core academic teacher, a teacher with whom they have developed rapport. The second should come from someone who presents a different dimension (UIL sponsor, sports, band, church, employer, etc.). Don’t forget to write a thank you note to anyone who writes you a letter of recommendation!

15. Parts of the College Application This is the total application and your file will NOT be considered complete until all parts have been received. The sum of these parts should provide a portrait of YOU!

16. Application Deadlines Don’t Miss the Deadline Application deadlines are non-negotiable. If one part of the application is not in by the deadline, the application will not be reviewed.

17. Helpful Hints Visit the college campuses where you are applying. Go to college preview days for those schools you are interested in. Meet with college reps when they come to Belton High School. They are here to help you – ask questions. Attend Mid-Tex College Night. Attend Belton’s Best College Showcase.

18. Mid-Tex College Night Thursday, September 25 6:30 – 8:30pm Bell County Expo Center Approximately 100 Universities, Colleges, and Vocational schools Register at

19. Belton’s Best Thursday, October 30 7:00 – 9:00pm Belton High School Commons Come meet with reps from the schools where our students most frequently attend.

20. Counselors We are here to help! Lead Counselor / A – CBeverly Stephens Beverly.stephens@bisd.netBeverly.stephens@bisd.net / 215-2215 D – JLaura Schuler Laura.schuler@bisd.netLaura.schuler@bisd.net / 215-2297 K – QHolly Mayes Holly.mayes@bisd.netHolly.mayes@bisd.net / 215-2217 R – ZSusan Holmes Susan.holmes@bisd.netSusan.holmes@bisd.net / 215-2213

21. College Pictures 1.Texas A&M 2.Temple College 3.Texas State Technical College 4.Stephen F Austin 5.Baylor University 6.Rice University 7.Texas Tech 8.University of Texas 9.Abilene Christian University 10.Texas State University