COLLEGE AND CAREER READINESS INITIATIVE

THREE IMPORTANT STEPS

• Choosing the right school for you

• Admissions Requirements

• Entrance Exams

WHAT IS COLLEGE?

Any education AFTER High School.

Certificate Programs (e.g. CNA, Pharmacy Tech, Automotive)

Associate’s Degree (AA, AS)

Bachelor’s (BS, BA, BBA, BSN)

Master’s Degree (MA, MS,MEd, MBA)

Doctorate (PhD, JD, MD, PharmD, etc.)

COLLEGE TERMS

• Cost of Attendance• Private and Public Universities• SAT/ACT• Application Fees• Fee Waivers (How do they work)• Apply Texas www.applytexas.org• Common App (Usually used by Private

Schools) www.commonapp.org

WHAT SCHOOL IS BEST FOR YOU?

• Four year University

• Junior/Community College

• Vocational/Technical School

MAKING A COLLEGE LIST

Make a list of 4 schools you wish to attend

Some things to consider: Public ( state funded, has lower tuition) vs. Private

( privately funded, relies on tuition cost, and alumni) Cost of Attendance Campus Size City Size Distance from home Academic majors offered Housing (Dorm, off-campus) Student body (All female, all male, coed) Activities (Clubs, Greek Life, Intramural sports) Athletics (Division I, II, or III)

FOUR YEAR UNIVERSITY

• Offers a Bachelor of Arts or Science degree

• Generally large, offering more majors and research facilities.

• Variety of extracurricular activities and organizations.

CAMPUS HOUSING

Studies have shown that students who live on campus are more likely to graduate.

CAREERS YOU CAN PURSUE WITH A FOUR YEAR DEGREE

• Teacher/Coach• Accountant• Engineer• Journalist• Probation Officer• Nurse

BEYOND A FOUR YEAR DEGREE

• Lawyer• Doctor • Professor• Counselor• Veterinarian

JUNIOR/COMMUNITY COLLEGES

• Broad range of two year educational programs (Associate Degree)

• Flexible programs that enable students to explore different areas.

• Open admissions

• Helps strengthen basic skills to prepare students for university course work.

CHECK THIS OUT……

The average community college graduate will earn $300,000 more in a lifetime than someone with just a high school diploma!

CAREERS YOU CAN PURSUE WITH A TWO YEAR DEGREE

• Computer Tech

• Licensed Vocational Nurse (LVN)

• Dental Hygienist

• Hotel/Restaurant Manager

• Automotive Tech

COMMUNITY COLLEGES

• Houston Community College- Several Different Branches

• Loan Star College

• Wharton County Junior College

VOCATIONAL/TECHNICAL COLLEGE

• Specialized career training

• Short-term (six to twelve months)

• Industry job placement

• Open Admissions

• Flexible hours

CAREERS YOU CAN PURSUE WITH A VOCATIONAL/TECHNICAL CERTIFICATION

• Aircraft Technician • Medical Assistant

• Accounting Specialist

• Welding Technician

• Cosmetologist

TECHNICAL/VOCATIONAL SCHOOLS

Visit the Texas Trade Schools and Colleges and Universities website for list of all schools!

www.trade-schools.netYou may also visit the Texas

Workforce Commissionwww.twc.state.tx.us/

COLLEGE ENTRANCE EXAMS

THEA- TAKEN WHEN YOU HAVE BEEN ACCEPTED TO A SCHOOL

• State of Texas Exam

• If you obtain a 90% on reading and math section of TAKS, then you are exempt.

• Tests covers English, Math and Writing

• This test determines if remedial courses are needed

• Cost of test: $45

ACT

• Test covers Math, Reading and Science Reasoning (Writing is optional).

• Determines students’ ability to complete college level work.

• Most widely accepted college entrance exam

• Score composite ranging from 1-36• Cost plus writing portion: $52.50

ACT TEST DATES

SAT

• Measures Verbal Reasoning, Critical Reading, and Math Problem Solving skills.

• Determines how students use these skills in and out of school.

• Predicts first year college grades. • 200-800 point scale• 2400 Max• Cost of test: $52

SAT TEST DATES

WWW.APPLYTEXAS.ORG

2014-2015 ESSAY TOPICS

Essay A:Describe a setting in which you have collaborated or

interacted with people whose experiences and/or beliefs differ from yours. Address your initial feelings, and how those feelings were or were not changed by this experience.

Essay B:Describe a circumstance, obstacle or conflict in your

life, and the skills and resources you used to resolve it. Did it change you? If so, how?

Essay C:Considering your lifetime goals, discuss how your

current and future academic and extra-curricular activities might help you achieve your goals.

MYTHS ABOUT APPLYINGI have to take my SAT/ACT before I can apply. False!

I have to send off all my application materials at the same time. False!

I should focus on only scholarships now. False!

I can wait until right before the deadline to apply. Also, false!

SCHOLARSHIPS

http://www.collegeguidanceconsultants.co

m/

WHAT I SHOULD BE DOING RIGHT NOW…

1.Check to see if you qualify for a fee waiver!

2.Complete 3 Essay Topics on Apply Texas and save in a word document for submission.

3. Complete admission applications for at least 3 schools.

4.Pay application fee or request College Application Fee waivers from Counselor

5.Provide official H.S. transcript via Naviance

6.Provide SAT, or ACT scores to selected schools

MESSAGE FROM YOUR COUNSELORS

Transcript Request –Naviance Recommendation Letters- Recommendation

Sheets need to be turned in ASAP. Allow 2 weeks minimum to receive your letter.

Pay ATTENTION to College Admission Deadlines Senior parent Night at BHS on September 30,

2015 Please Attend- FBISD College Fair October 5,

2015 @ Austin HS Set up Senior conferences with Parents

NO PIE UNTIL YOU APPLY!

QUESTIONS

If you have any questions, please feel free to contact me:

Ms. Kinney Rm. #J106

Tiffani.jenkinskinne@fortbendisd.com

281-634-6182

Twitter: @broncogoCCR

REMIND 101

YOU CAN SAY THAT YOU ARE SUCCESSFUL…

If you work with CCR

When Your Time at Bush High School is Complete

You Will be Able to Say….