SENIOR STAMPEDE

St. Edward's University

Austin College

OPTIONS AFTER HIGH SCHOOL

• College Choices– 4 yr University or College – 2 yr Community College– Associate Degree– Bachelors/Master Degree

• Trade Schools– Private trade– Technical – Business– Vocational Schools

• Going into the Military– Can provide career skills

training– Can provide funding for

college

• Going Immediately to Work– Research job outlook and

future marketability

Why do I need more education?

• Jobs requiring post-secondary training are growing almost twice as fast as the number of jobs that do not require additional training

• Pay rates for people who go to college increase faster than those with just a high school diploma

• College graduates will earn more money than high school graduates over the course of their careers

Types of Degrees

• Bachelor’s or baccalaureate degrees-are obtained at four year colleges or universities. The bachelor of arts (B.A.) and the bachelor of science (B.S.) are the most common.

• Advanced/Professional Degrees-Master’s degrees and doctorate degrees are obtained after a bachelor’s degree---lawyer, doctor, pharmacist, physical therapist, principal, school counselor

MAKING COLLEGE CHOICES

Revise and finalize your college list:

Select a “DREAM” school Select at least two back up schools Begin online admission and scholarship

applications Make college visits- two days -Counts as an

excused absence when confirmed with college documentation (bring to Attendance office upon return)

COLLEGE APPLICATIONS

The Common Application• www.commonapp.org

• Accepted by over 400 private and public college and universities nationwide– Counselor Forms

• School Report• Mid-year Report• Final Year Report

Apply Texas• www.applytexas.org• Accepted by every Texas

Public University, plus some private and two-year schools.

REMINDERS:*Check websites of individual schools for deadlines &

specific information regarding scholarships, housing, etc.*Application fees apply for each school

Common Application FormsSchool Report

Mid-Year Report

Final Report

Applying Options• Early Decision - is a binding commitment! You may

apply to other schools for regular admission but must withdraw if accepted thru Early Decision *consider financial need when applying for ED

• Early Action – is non-binding. You may apply to other schools under EA (unless it’s restricted) and you have until May 1st to decide *the advantage is receiving an acceptance letter early in the year

• Regular Admission-(rolling admission)• Beware of all admission deadlines!

ADMISSION REQUIREMENTS

What admission tests are required? SAT I, ACT, SAT II SUBJECT TESTS,

Is an audition, portfolio or interview required? Does the school offer an academic program to meet

your needs, including research, study abroad, and internship opportunities?

Are there other areas of interest if you change your major?

SUBMIT APPLICATIONSAPPLICATION PROCESS

Complete applications online Then request transcripts Have tests scores sent directly from College

Board or ACT. Pay application fee Include essays if requiredApplications are incomplete until all parts are

received by the admissions office

Other items to consider:

• Should I take CLEP tests?• What AP scores will my school accept?• Do I need to take placement tests? (THEA)• Register for an orientation as early as

possible… before May 1!• Send housing deposit as soon as allowed.

LETTERS OF RECOMMENDATION

When requesting letters of recommendation (LOR):

Complete a recommendation packet available in counseling office

Choose teachers who know you best

Allow three weeks advance notice Provide a stamped, addressed envelope and application

deadlines

Always write thank you notes to those who provided a LOR…it is proper etiquette and it serves as a reminder

In Counseling Office/Online• 1st 3 transcripts are free

• Allow 3 days for processing

• $2.00 for additional copies

• $5.00 for rush copies

• Addressed #10 envelope required for transcripts that must be mailed

• SENDedu requests (Baylor, ACU, etc) – you need to sign the request and include ID#

REQUEST TRANSCRIPTS

Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA)

The FAFSA is your key to getting financial aid.

Here are some things you should know in order to be ready!

• After January 1st: Complete the FAFSA online at www.fafsa.ed.gov

• Fill out a FAFSA even if you think you won’t qualify for federal aid. Some schools won’t consider a student for merit scholarships until the student has submitted a FAFSA! Most school scholarships require you to fill out a FAFSA!

• Get a Federal Student Aid PIN at www.pin.ed.gov .Write it down! You need this to “sign” your online FAFSA. Keep it safe!

2011-2012 Estimated CostsTexas A & M University

*Based on 30 hours = 1 year Cost

Tuition and Fees* $8,648

Room and Board 8,008

Books and Supplies 1,350

Travel 550

Loan Fees 64

Miscellaneous 2,225

TOTAL $20,845

Regional Office Contacts

Visit Regional Offices in San Antonio:

• Texas A & M 210-212-7016• Univ. of Texas 210-804-2386• Texas Tech 806-834-1927

FINAL DECISION

Making a final decision in the Spring:

Review financial aid letters and decide which college to attend by May 1st

Make one final visit if necessary Confirm housing arrangements Inform the college of your choice that you accept!!!!!! Inform the others that you’re not attending Finally, DO NOT FORGET TO ORDER YOUR FINAL

TRANSCRIPT in May.

Beware of the following:

• What you include in your social networking websites i.e. Face Book, Twitter, etc.

• E-mail addresses…1st impressions!!!• Felony convictions will eliminate federally

funded financial aid options• Credit card offers• Academic probation-GPA is tied to financial

aid

What does this mean?

Senioritis is the term used to describe the slacking off

of some high school seniors during their spring semester or upon being accepted to college.

SENIORITIS

BISDCollege Night

hosted by Boerne High School

• When: Thursday, November 1, 2012• Where: Boerne Convention Center• Time: 6:30pm-8:00pm Visit with college representatives from universities,

community colleges, trades schools and the military.

Wear your favorite college t-shirt to school on Nov. 1st.

Senior Year Reminders

              

                        

Know your college application instructions & deadlines

Request test scores from testing agency

Attend the Financial Aid Information Session on

Thursday, December 6th @ CHS 6:00 to 7:00

Know your financial aid application requirements & complete your FAFSA after January 1st

Request transcripts

Request letters of recommendation in a timely manner

Complete scholarship applications