JUNIOR/SENIOR Parent Presentation Classes of 2011 & 2012 September 21, 2010

1. JUNIOR/SENIORParent PresentationClasses of 2011 & 2012September 21, 2010

2. Welcome . . . • Monica McCune A-D Counselor • Teri Brownson E-K Counselor • Kelle Kipping L-Re Counselor • Jennifer Roberts Ri-Z Counselor • Ellen Bynum Sp. Ed. Counselor • Kathy Spellman Counselor’s Secretary • Lisa Regan College/Career Facilitator • Tricia Byers Registrar • Lynette Dostal Registrar’s Assistant • Irene Barr Associate Principal Please call on us. We are here to assist you and your child!

3. It’s All About Credits • 4 credits of English 4.0 • 4 credits of Math 4.0 • 4 credits of Science 4.0 • 4 credits of Social Studies 4.0 • 2 years of LOTE 2.0* • Communication Application .5 • Health .5 • P.E. 1.0 • Fine Arts 1.0 • Electives 5.0 • 26.0 *3 years of LOTE for Distinguished Achievement *Distinguished Achievement Plan also requires 4 Distinguished Achievement Measures

4. Students need more than a high school diploma!!! Post Secondary Education • More career choices • Greater earning power • Advance one’s intellectual and academic development • Opens the way for career/professional success • Encourages life-long learning Higher Education Is Important!

5. MILITARY TECHNICAL SCHOOL COMMUNITY COLLEGE UNIVERSITY WORK

6. College Applications High School ASVAB Financial Aid Deadlines Major So much to do Admissions Tests Dorm Apartment Home Resume Scholarships Social Life Employment Placement Exam

7. College Visitation DaysPick form up from Ms. Spellman in the Counseling Office • 2 Junior Year; 2 Senior Year • Must be passing all courses • Give 48 hours notice • Bring back form stamped and signed • Doesn’t count against exemptions

8. College Admissions • Automatic Admission –Class Rank/Test Scores • Admission by Review • Essay(s) • Resume/Activities • Letters of Recommendation when required

9. Top 10% Rule for Class of 2011 • Students ranking in the top 10%* of their • graduating class must be admitted to the • Texas public college or university of their • choice if they: • Apply no later than two years after graduation • from a Texas High school • and • Submit a completed application before the • expiration of any filing deadline established by the • college. • *UT exception top 8%

10. COLLEGE EXAMS PSAT/PLAN (Use as a study guide) • Entrance Exams • ACT – with writing • SAT - Reasoning • SAT II – Subject (may be required by some colleges) • Placement Exams • THEA • University Tests

11. Taking the ACT, SAT, SAT II • Registration information available in the Counselor’s Office • Complete registration online • Take ticket, picture ID, calculator (SAT & ACT), pencils, jacket, etc. to test center on test date • District Prep courses available in for SAT/ACT. Information available in counseling office BE ON TIME!!!

12. Register online . . . • For SAT, go to www.collegeboard.com and complete registration form • For ACT, go to www.actstudent.org and complete registration form • You will need high school code (445856), test center number, and code number for the colleges that are to receive your test scores, and a credit card

13. THEA • Required by all public colleges/universities in Texas unless exempt: • SAT combined Math and Reading scores of 1070 with at least 500 on each of the two parts. • ACT composite score of 23 with at least 19 on Math and 19 on English scores • TAKS exit-level Math score of 2200 and ELA score of 2200 and a Writing essay score of 3 • Register online at www.thea.nesinc.com

14. College Applications Public Colleges/Universities in Texas www.applytexas.org • Apply on-line • Admissions • Scholarships Most Private Colleges/Universities www.common.app.org • Check individual institutions for additional requirements

15. Application Process • Complete application on-line • Up to four Fee waivers are available to eligible students • Request SAT/ACT scores from testing agency – they are not a part of your high school transcript • Request an official transcript from the registrar’s office

16. Letters of Recommendation • The most effective letters share information that is not reflected on your academic record • Provide adequate information • Purpose of letter • To whom the letter should be directed • What information is requested • Mailing address/stamped envelope • Provide a resume or self-audit • Allow adequate time - at least 5 days, preferably 10 days • Follow-up

17. R e m e m b e r . . .The completed application represents YOU ! BE SURE THE APPLICATION IS: • On Time • Thorough • Grammatically Correct • Completed as Requested

18. DEADLINES • SAT, ACT, and THEA Registration • College Applications • Housing Applications • Scholarship Applications • Financial Aid (FAFSA) • Orientation Sessions • Registration for Classes

19. Lisa Regan – College/Career Facilitator Objective: to be able to provide support to every student at Foster High School in effective college and career planning Goals: • Assist students in identifying and completing college, financial aid and scholarship applications • Conduct individual student and parent conferences • Maintain and distribute materials concerning career planning, college, financial aid and scholarship application processes • Coordinate college and career days/nights, and financial aid workshops In our FALCON FLIGHT ZONE, every student will have opportunities to soar to their highest potential!!

20. FINANCIAL AID • Scholarships • Grants • Loans • Work Study APPLY!!! FAFSA • Complete FREE application for Federal Student Aid www.fafsa.ed.gov • Based on 2009 Income Tax Information • Mail after January 1, 2011 • Apply for pin # at www.pin.ed.gov

21. NCAA - Freshman Eligibility Standards It is the student’s responsibility to apply online at http://elegibilitycenter.org • Information on the following components provided on the website • SAT/ACT score requirements (Code -9999) • Core GPA requirements • Core Course requirements • NCAA information is available from your coach or counselor. • Fee waivers are applicable

22. Senior Conferences • Counselors meet with each senior individually • Review graduation plan • Classes needed for graduation • Future plans • Admission/Placement tests • Resume • Attendance • Needs/concerns

23. JUNIOR CONFERENCES CLASS VISITS • Counselors will visit Junior classes in January to review next steps in preparing for Senior year • Contact with College/Career Facilitator • Each student will meet with their counselor individually later in the Spring during the course selection process

24. SOURCES OF INFORMATION FOR POST-SECONDARY PLANS • Saturday Previews at most colleges • Campus visits • Lisa Regan College/Career Facilitator • High School Counselors • Internet • Read and keep the FHS Newsletter • Counselors’ Corner on FHS Website

25. Counselors’ Cornerwww.lcisd.org • Lamar CISD – Foster Website • Information available on: • College application process • College visitation days • Helpful web-sites • Scholarship Bulletins • SAT/ACT Dates • FAFSA information • NCAA link • College/Career Facilitator Link

26. Important Dates for Seniors January 6, 2011 Senior Class Invitations, Cap & Gown Presentation in FHS Auditorium January 11, 2011 Orders taken for Sr. Invitations, Caps & Gowns (taken during all lunches) April 11, 2011 Sr. Graduation Invitation Delivery (during all lunches) April 21, 2011 Sr. Cap and Gown Delivery May 28, 2011 – GRADUATION !!!

27. Questions ? ? ? Call the Counselors’ Office to schedule an appointment. We welcome parent conferences. (832) 223 - 3815