Science Academy’s “Junior Night” A road map to your senior year!

1. Science Academy’s “Junior Night”A road map to your senior year! Presented by: Science Academy’s Counselors and Guest Speakers

2. Agenda Welcome by Mr. Michael J. Aranda, Principal ●Science Academy Counseling Department ●Angelica Buitron, UTPA Go Center Mentor ●Mrs. Cindy Keller, STISD Partnership Coordinator ●Mrs. Tricia Givilancz-Cisneros, Texas A&M University’s Admissions Counselor ●Mr. David Garcia, University of Texas at Austin’s Admissions Counselor ●NROTC Scholarship, Mr. De Luna, Marine Staff Sergeant

3. Graduation Requirements • Graduation Plans – Recommended (28) Distinguished (28) • What are the differences between both? A) Foreign Language Credits B) Elective Credits • Measures needed for graduating Distinguished (4) A) AP exam with a grade of a 3,4, or 5 B) Dual class with a grade of an “80” or higher C) Concurrent class with a grade of an “80” or higher D) PSAT score that classifies you as a National Merit Scholar, a National Hispanic Scholar etc., your counselor will inform you of this distinction E) RIT exam through your technology classes, ask your technology teachers for further information F) EDD presentation must have a panel of judges and must be done following a certain format, ask your EDD teacher your senior year for further information) • Grade Classification (12th-20) (to graduate 28)

4. Additional Important Info. ●SAT/ACT Waivers(2 SAT, 2 ACT, 2 Subject Tests) ●Application Fee Waivers (4) ●Continue with your 75 hours of community service which are due in May of your senior year ●Importance of extra - curricular activities ●Importance of getting involved in summer programs or internship ●Importance of starting a resume ●As a reminder always ask your counselor if you have any questions. The last thing we want is for you to get the wrong information!

5. Counselor’s Recommendations ●If you expect to ask your counselor for a letter of recommendation, we will need a copy of your senior questionnaire and resume before you leave for summer break. Letters of recommendations are “original” so this questionnaire and resume will help us create a well written letter ● Official transcripts can be picked up from Mrs. Macias in the counseling department. Students must fill out the transcript order form requesting how many transcripts are needed and by what date. We ask that a week notice be given in order to have all transcripts ready for pick up. If several items are being mailed (letters of recommendation, resume, application fee waiver etc.) you will need to request a large envelope. ●In reference to letters of recommendation it is up to the student to ask their teacher for this letter, provide the teacher with a copy of his/her resume, and provide their teacher with a self addressed envelope with the correct mailing address. If applying through the Common Application (out of state/private schools) teacher/counselor recommendation, transcript, secondary school report is done online. ●A letter of recommendation can be from a teacher, a counselor, a supervisor from a community service organization, a sponsor of a club you are active in etc. The main factor to remember is to ask a person that knows you well enough to write a thorough letter (two to three letters of recommendation are suggested)

6. Counselor’s Recommendations ●Remember each university has different application deadlines so check online to see when it is the earliest that you can start doing your college applications and essays! Always have either an English teacher or a good writer check your essays! The key is to not procrastinate! ●Scholarship applications are passed out as they become available through the English IV classes for seniors ●A “Financial Aid Night” occurs in January of your senior year to go over the process and procedures of filling out the FAFSA. A FAFSA submission night occurs in February to complete/submit online. A pin # must be established before submitting the FAFSA online (website provided has been provided in junior folder) ●A college representative comes at the beginning of each school year to meet with our senior class and help fill out the Apply Texas Application. This application can be done once and sent out online to multiple Texas colleges. ●Remember we are always here to help and guide you!

7. “GO Center” Angelica Buitron (Our UTPA Representative) will be here Every Tuesday(morning) and Thursday(morning) Students can set up an appointment with Angelica at anytime, just stop by the counseling office Assistance is given in the areas of : University Research College Catalogs College Search Financial Aid Help Career Search Scholarship Search SAT/ACT info. & Registration Help Transitional help from high school to college

8. Questions