Presented by the CHHS Counseling Department2014-2015

Senior Forum – A Parent’s Guide for College and Career

Recommended Graduation Program Information in the Program of Studies (online)

English 4.0 Math 4.0 Science 4.0 Social Studies 4.0 Health 0.5 PE 1.5 Technology 1.0 Speech 0.5 Foreign Language 2.0 Fine Arts 1.0

26 state credits

When will my child get a transcript with class rank and GPA?

Updated transcripts will be handed out in English classes the week of October 6th

Transcripts and GPA are confidential Rank is gone- letters will be sent to schools to inform them of this practice

Review transcript information to make sure it is correct – see your counselor if any information is not accurate

My child is taking correspondence courses, when do those need to be completed?

All Correspondence courses and exams must be completed by the end of the 1st semester.

Courses not completed by the end of the 1st semester will be added to their schedule

Don’t let unfinished courses eliminate your student from being considered for top 20 or participating in graduation exercises, Get them done now!

How do I sign up for college entrance exams?

THEA – Texas Higher Education Assessment. Must be taken before enrolling unless you are exempt.

www.thea.nesinc.com

ACT – College entrance exam www.actstudent.org

SAT 1 – College entrance examwww.collegeboard.com

Does my child need to take these exams?

SAT II – Subject tests required by SOME universities.

AP –Ask your college or university about scores and transfer of grades. Colleges and universities accept grades and credits differently. You can also refer to the counseling website for information

CLEP – Measures a student’s level of mastery. Given on college campuses. Refer to college/university

What is automatic admission -Top Ten Percent?

For automatic admission: Graduate in the top 10% (7% for UT) of his or her class at a public or private Texas high school.

Submit an application to a Texas public college or university before the application deadline.

Enroll in college no more than 2 years after graduation.

So what if my child is not in the top 10%, how will he/she get in?

Academic Review: 7 factors colleges consider Academic record Test scores Extracurricular activities and community service

Recommendations Children of alumni Work experience and leadership Interviews Correspondence

Applications Each application sent to a different school does require an application fee and a separate transcript.

Individual Campus websites – freshman admissions link

Universities prefer that you apply on line instead of a paper copy. COPY and SAVE all information sent to colleges. Saves up to a month of processing time.

Counselor forms can be completed on line or mailed.

How does my child apply on-line?

Fill out on line at www.applytexas.org Use one form to send to multiple colleges

in the state of Texas.

Fill out on line at www.commonapp.org for schools in and outside of Texas.

School specific

What are the types of Admission?

Rolling – colleges make decisions about the applicant as information is received

Early Decision – Great for students that are serious about their first choice school. Does require commitment to follow the rules set up by that college.

Early Action – Students can file many of these but should consider only if junior grades and tests are highly competitive.

Do you need a counselor recommendation? Make sure you fill out the Senior Information Sheet online. This form MUST be filled out for counselors to write your recommendation letter.

Does your child need a teacher recommendation letter?

Can the teacher add information about your learning that is not in your application?

Plan ahead. A “hurried” letter will not be as helpful as a well thought out and complete recommendation.

Give teachers anaddressed envelope of where to send the letters.

Counselor Forms Transcript Request Form: online request, free

Recommendation Letter Request: online, please fill out if you will be needing a letter for anything.

Allow up to two weeks for this process. We want to write the best possible letter but perfection takes time!

How important are college essays?

VERY!

The IMPORTANCE of a quality essay: Checks written skills Shows that you are serious about application

Allows for glimpses of your personality

May share obstacles or special talents

Leadership or history of work ethic May hurt or help “bubble” applicants

Hints for admittance… Have your child make several contacts with the school(s) of your choice. The more email admissions, calls, visits, the more interest you show. When visiting the school, dress to impress and have questions ready. Visit more than once if possible.

Proofread everything you send to the college. Paperwork is all the admissions office knows you by at this point.

Set a timetable and follow as closely as possible.

Use long weekends and holidays to finish applications.

Once you have submitted all of your applications you should feel a huge sense of relief – celebrate!!!

Prepare and Finish Early

Students should begin writing essays now. Many colleges utilize the same “type” of questions and essays. Keep copies!

Create a file for each college you apply to. Keep copies of every letter and application that you submit along with any information they send you.

If essays or extra opportunities are offered through the application as optional, do them.

How do I know which colleges offer a specific degree program?

Narrow your choices by using the Internet

Great sites on the Web: www.collegeview.com www.collegefortexans.com www.petersons.com www.usnews.com www.collegeboard.com/collegesearch

Does this apply to you?

If you qualify for free or reduced lunches, check with the college or university for fee waivers on application fees, housing and orientation.

You may also be eligible for fee waivers to take the SAT and ACT. See your counselor for this form.

How do I calculate the cost for a year of college?Cost is per credit hour Tuition, room and boardApplication fees and “other fees”DepositsTravel expensesResident vs. Non residentPersonal expenses

What Types of Aid are there?

Free Money Grants based on financial need Scholarships based on talent/merit

Loans Subsidized – government pays the interest

Unsubsidized – student pays the interest

College Work Study Part-time jobs provided by the college

How does my child get Financial Aid?Attend the financial aid programs at GHS or the College Fair at CHHS.

Sign up NOW for a Pin number for FAFSA.

Complete the FAFSA form after Jan 1 at www.fafsa.ed.gov ***Applying for financial aid is FREE, do NOT pay to complete this form!

Want to know what your projected aid will be? Log onto www.fafsa.ed.gov and click on “fafsa4caster”

Financial Aid Websites * www.thecb.state.tx.us* www.collegeboard.com* www.studentloan.com* www.collegefundingco.com* www.collegefortexans.com* www.finaid.org* www.fastweb.com

Where can my child find scholarships? There is a scholarship tab on the counseling website with applications all online!!

Each college has their own scholarships – be sure to note those application deadlines!

Sign up for national scholarships through search engines like www.fastweb.com

So…What do I do first? Create a master list or calendar

that includes:1. Tests you need to take, fees, and

registration deadlines2. Dates that College reps are at

CHHS3. College application due dates4. Scholarship application due dates5. Financial aid application forms

required and deadline dates

Things for students to do:August – SeptemberGo to: Collegeboard.com and register for SAT if needed. This web site is full of excellent information for students and parents

Actstudent.org to register for ACT

Make a College Action plan

Things to do:September – DecemberComplete college applications

Fill out the senior self assessment

Contact individuals for letters of recommendation

Contact institutions about scholarship process

Continue to work hard in classes.

Things to do:January - May

Receive letters of admittance from colleges and universities

Fill out scholarship applications

Study for AP exams

Make final decision about college choice

What to expect… The Fall is VERY busy

Applications (3-5), letter of recommendations, deadlines, testing

Try to complete all applications by Thanksgiving. A huge load will be lifted…

Winter Submit mid-term grades in February Look for Scholarships Make final decisions – apply for housing (depends on college)

Spring Make contact with chosen school Decline other offers AP tests!

Summer Send final transcript Attend orientation PACK!

What is Counselor’s Corner?www.gcisd-chhs.org

Scholarship Information Transcript forms Presentation material –

Powerpoints, handouts, flyers Upcoming events Registration information Care Team forms Community Scholar Ambassador forms

What is the Community Scholar Ambassador Program?

3 years of the same foreign language

100 hours of community service and no failed courses. All hours due at the end of March.

Information and cards in counseling office and on line.

ASVAB

October 15th – Information will be coming soon. Students may sign up in the counseling office.

FINANCIAL AID WORKSHOPTrudy Conner, TCU Where: CHHS AuditoriumWhen: Nov. 3rd 6:30 PM – 8:00

College Night Tuesday, October 21st at the PDEC

Financial Aid presentation

Many local, state and national colleges and universities attend

Military representatives attend

Parent Support Struggling with your students Senior year?

Stressed about all that the future holds?

Join Counselor, Lindsey Hopkins, and other senior parents for our very 2nd year of… Senior Parent support group.

1st Thursday of the Month

Please remember to Join the Colleyville Heritage Counseling Center Facebook Page.

Check out the Counselor’s Web pages for more important information.

Update your email address in Skyward for the Principal’s Panther Pause email.