1. Senior information Night Welcome Guidance Time Line –October 10: College Fair –October 16: Senior Day Job Shadow College Visit College stuff with Mrs. B. in Library –TBA: LSC Tomball Visit –November 11: Fin. Aid Night Senior Handbook –(On Guidance Website—listed under Senior Year) _____________________ _____________________ _____________________ _____________________ _____________________ _____________________ _____________________ _____________________ _____________________ _____________________

2. 10 Tips for Parents 1.Help your student understand the college search process 2.Be realistic and non-judgmental 3.Be in the "back seat" - and not the driver - of the college search process 4.Be open to dialogue and responsive to questions 5.Be aware of deadlines and fees due 6.Know that things have changed since your college days 7.Don’t over-emphasize your own alma maters 8.Don’t compare your student with others 9.Don’t dwell on disappointments, like a rejection letter 10.Celebrate successes!

3. In-Depth Look at the College Application Process 1. College Checklist 2. Application Deadlines –Application –Scholarship –Financial Aid –Housing 3. On-Line Applications –www.applytexas.org –Www.commonapp.org –www.lonestar.edu –www.blinn.edu –Each university’s own web page Essays Helpful hints given to seniors in Junior Conference Handbook Same hints are in Senior Handbook Résumé _____________________ _____________________ _____________________ _____________________ _____________________

4. In-Depth Look at the College Application Process 4.Recommendation Letters (if nec.) –Allow minimum of two weeks for teachers/counselor to complete letters –Thank you notes, cookies, etc. are appropriate for teacher’s time *Information found in Senior Handbook on how to request them in Family Connection _____________________ _____________________ _____________________ _____________________ _____________________

5. In-Depth Look at the College Application Process 5. Transcript Requests –All requests are processed through Family Connection –Every college must receive an official transcript –Official transcripts are not given to parents/students— must be mailed directly or sent electronically –The first four transcript requests are free – after that they will be $5 each –Extra transcript fees will be billed to the account after May 1 st if necessary –See Senior Handbook for more information. ____________________

6. In-Depth Look at the College Application Process 6. SAT/ACT Test Scores –www.collegeboard.com –www.actstudent.org –Test scores must be sent directly from the testing agencies to each college Is your student applying to a Texas public college/university? –Does your student’s SAT or ACT test scores exempt him from taking a required entrance exam? –State made changes to testing requirements. Will give parents/students information soon. 7. College Interviews _____________________ _____________________ _____________________ _____________________ _____________________

7. In-Depth Look at the College Application Process 8. Financial Aid Financial Aid Night at CLHS--7 PM on Monday, November 11 th CSS/Financial Aid Profile (if req.) –Complete this application at www.collegeboard.com In December: –Parents gather tax information –Parents/Students get PIN numbers –Fill out rough draft of FAFSA form at www.fafsa.ed.gov In January: –Get taxes done By Mid-February: –Finish the online FAFSA –Money goes very quickly _____________________ _____________________ _____________________ _____________________ _____________________

8. Mrs. Brennan’s Communication Website Emails Announcements Classroom Visits Senior Handbook ____________________

9. Things to Know CLHS is a non-ranking school—we do rank the top 10% GPA – updated in Family Connection What if my student is in the first quartile and could get automatic acceptance if we ranked him/her? –Student MUST see Mrs. Brennan to request a letter to be sent with official transcript stating that if CLHS did rank, the student would be in the first quartile. Write “Thank You” notes to anyone who helped you on your college visit Senior Conferences – not req’d but highly encouraged—for students only