Preparing for College: A Comprehensive Guide for Class of 2014

1. Class of 2014 “Plan for the future because that’s where you are going to spend the rest of your life.” ~ Mark Twain ~

2. AGENDA • Transcripts (academic record) • GPA & Rank • Graduation requirements • Texas Scholar requirements • Recommended timeline • Dual credit • Testing requirements • Financial Aid • Naviance

3. TRANSCRIPTS • Ways to request an official transcript: • Online – www.alvinisd.net, College & Career Center, Resources, Forms, & Transcripts • Complete & submit online Transcripts can be sent electronically or by mail.

4. Transcript sample

5. GPA & Rank • An updated grade point average (gpa) and rank will be calculated in June after grades have been transcripted. • The gpa will include the first SIX (6) semesters of high school. • Use this gpa & rank to submit to colleges, Fall 2013, to apply for college admission. • Request a transcript this summer to view the most current gpa and rank. • The top 10% students will receive a letter.

6. Graduation Requirements Recommended program DistinguisHed Achievement Program • English 4.0 credits • Math 4.0 credits • Science 4.0 credits • Social Studies 4.0 credits • Languages other than English 2.0 credits • PE 1.0 credit • Fine Arts 1.0 credit • Speech 0.5 credit • Electives 5.5 credits • TOTAL: 26.0 credits • English 4.0 credits • Math 4.0 credits • Science 4.0 credits • Social Studies 4.0 credits • Languages other than English 3.0 credits • PE 1.0 credit • Fine Arts 1.0 credit • Speech 0.5 credit • Electives 4.5 credits • 4 advanced measures • TOTAL: 26.0 credits

7. Texas Scholar Program • Recommended or DAP plan • Complete at least 2 courses eligible for college credit (AP, dual credit, or certain articulated CTE courses) • Complete one full credit of math beyond Algebra 2 • Obtain the appropriate grade points: 5.0 out of 6.0 (end of junior year GPA; 6 semesters of high school) • Complete 100 hours of community service by the end fall semester of senior year. Benefit: qualify for possible state financial assistance for college

8. Graduation Credits/Requirements Review in individual meetings with student’s counselor. Students must pass and attend school in order to earn credit. GRADES and ATTENDANCE are very important.

9. 2013 TIMELINE • Spring 2013 (Junior Year) • Research colleges & careers • Take college tours & visits • Take college admission exams • Summer 2013 • Athletes – complete NCAA Clearinghouse by 7/1/2013 to be eligible for athletic recruitment • Get ORGANIZED!!! Use NAVIANCE… • College applications • Resume • Recommendation letters

10. 2013 TIMELINE… • Fall 2013 (senior year) • Complete and mail/submit admission applications by the appropriate DEADLINE • Attend the AISD College Night, if not sure of college(s) • Contact local college representatives • Re-take the SAT I or ACT (if necessary to raise score) • Spring 2014 • Parents complete 2013 federal income tax • Attend Financial aid meetings • Apply for Financial aid (www.fafsa.gov) • Apply for academic scholarships

11. 2013 TIMELINE… • Spring 2014… • Attend local scholarship meeting • Apply for local scholarships • Apply for academic/college scholarships • Take the THEA (if required for Texas colleges) • Reserve a dorm room and place a deposit (if required) If YOU complete all paperwork in a TIMELY manner, YOU will enjoy summer 2014!!!

12. ALVIN COMMUNITY COLLEGEDual Credit Program Manvel High School Get a jump on your College Education!

13. ACC/MHS Dual Credit Program • Course selection (no more than 2 classes) • Complete ACC Online Application/Early Admission Contract/Shot Records • Testing (THEA/COMPASS) • Attend Dual Credit Orientation • Pay for courses and purchase books • DC Courses are $25 per credit hour; approximately $75 per course Steps to getting Started…

14. ACC/MHS Dual Credit Program *Dual Credit courses will have DC next to them. *Students may select up to 2 dual credit courses per semester. *Additional courses per semester require a 3.0 ACC GPA or 85+High School GPA. Select up to 2 dual credit courses

15. ACC/MHS Dual Credit Program • About the Exam… • Paper & Pencil Exam; approximately 10 days for scores to return • 3 sections: Math (230); Reading (230); Writing (220) • 5hrs to complete in any order (Suggested order: Reading/Writing/Math) • $39.00 ($10.00 to register and $29.00 day of exam) • Future exam dates: • 2/16 @ NRJH • 4/6 @ MHS • 4/13 @ AHS COMPASS *On Computer *Scores back immediately *only offered at ACC *$39.00

16. ACC/MHS Dual Credit Program Alvin Community College Dual Credit Orientation YOU MUST ATTEND 1 OF THE 5 AVAILABLE SESSIONS

17. Requirement As of January 1, 2012, all entering college and university students are required to show proof of an initial meningococcal vaccination or a booster dose during the five-year period before enrolling. They must get the vaccine at least 10 days before the semester begins. (Chapter 21, Subchapter T, Sections 21.610 through 21.614) www.CollegeVaccineRequirements.com

18. OPTIONS… • 4-year University or College • 2-year colleges (technical, junior, or community) • Military (must take the ASVAB) • Offered to seniors in October

19. Top 10 Percent rule for automatic admission (Texas colleges only) • Student must complete admission application • Student must take the SAT or ACT • Student must submit ALL required documents • Enroll in college no more than two years after HS graduation • UT-Austin will automatically accept the top 7%, effective class of 2014

20. Testing Options • SAT • www.collegeboard.org • $50.00 • 3 hours 45 minutes • ACT • www.actstudent.org • $50.50 • 3 hours 45 minutes (includes writing) • THEA (Texas Higher Education Assessment) • $39.00 • ACC or College/University attending

21. Fee Waivers (if eligible) • Eligible for free or reduced lunch • 2 SAT • 2 ACT • 4 college applications • 1 NCAA Clearinghouse

22. ACT Test Date April 13, 2013 June 8, 2013 * *at MHS Deadline March 8, 2013 May 3, 2013

23. SAT Test Date May 4, 2013 June 1, 2013* * at Alvin HS Deadline April 5, 2013 May 2, 2013

24. Common Errors on college applications • Applicant FAILED to meet deadline • SAT or ACT not sent directly from the testing agency • Official transcripts not sent within deadline • Questions on the application are left blank • Failure to hit “submit” after completion

25. College Applications • Texas College Application (www.applytexas.org) • Texas Private Universities & out of state schools (www.commonapp.org) • College website

26. Recommendation Letters • Give NOTICE (minimum 2 weeks) • Go back and give reminders • Bad planning on YOUR part does not constitute an emergency for recommenders

27. E-Scholarships USA • www.collegeguidanceconsultants.com • User Name – manvel • Password – manvel Click on the “Download to Excel” link above the table

28. Financial Aid • FAFSA – federal PELL grant www.fafsa.ed.gov • State Aid priority deadline – March 15 • After March 15, first come first served • Student loans (last resort) • B-On-Time Loan Program (www.HHLoans.com) • Many different loans available The amount of aid given is at the discretion of the college based on availability of funds.

29. NAVIANCE • A web-based program that can be used at home or school to: • Create 4-year plans • Sign up to visit colleges • Sign up for Career Fair • College & Career searches • Manage your college choices • http://connection.naviance.com/manvel • Username: student ID • Password: INITIALS for first & last name, 4 digit year of birth (FL1994)

30. 27th Annual Career & Education Day • Date: February 9, 2013 • Time: 8:00 – 3:00 • George R. Brown Convention Center • www.hispanic-forum.org • Free admission • Educational workshops • Explore career paths • Obtain financial aid information • Apply for college admission • Bilingual representatives

31. College Transition • One semester state elective (0.5 credit) • 11-12 graders • Designed to equip students with the knowledge, skills and abilities necessary to be active and successful learners in both high school and in college. • Students examine numerous research-based learning strategies that are proven to lead to academic success such as goal-setting, effective time management, handling stress, note-taking, active reading, test-taking strategies and conducting research. • This course provides the means and training for students to research financial scholarships and grant opportunities, complete applications and explore technical schools, colleges and universities.

32. Remember… • The student is RESPONSIBLE for completing all required paperwork. • The student is RESPONSIBLE for submitting documents according to set DEADLINES. • Arrange college tours now • Meet with college admission staff • DEADLINES are non-negotiable. • ATTEND the senior meetings to be held during senior year.

33. APPOINTMENTS Sign up to meet with your student’s counselor