On Wednesday, Sep. 7, principal Donnie Bartlett and TCHS counselors invited seniors and their parents to Senior Summit, an informational meeting over educational options after high school. They detailed the requirements for college application, as well as their own recommendations.
First of all, the student must have 26 credits to graduate, as well as have passed the required EOC tests for English I and II, Algebra 1, Biology and U.S. History. It’s also crucial that the student complete current classes; most seniors still have a number of credits needed to graduate. Courses completed and credit awarded can be viewed on Home Access Center.
A list of required courses is listed below:
• English I, II, III, IV
• Algebra I, Geometry, Algebra II, 4th math (choice)
• Biology, Chemistry, Physics, 4th science (choice)
• World Geography, World History, U.S. History, Government/Economics
• P.E. or Equivalent (One credit)
• Fine Arts (One credit)
• Other Language (Two credits)
• Speech (One Half credit)
• Electives (Five-and-a-Half credits)
Counselors made a point for parents to monitor their student’s social media accounts. While denied credits can keep a student from being admitted to a college, so can inappropriate online content.
From April of the students junior year to October of their senior year, students are to narrow college choices and take the SAT/ACT.
It’s recommended that students view all of their options. NorTex College Fair is held on Monday, Sep. 12 from 6:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. at Golden Triangle Mall and KISD College Fair is Monday, Nov. 14 from 6:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. in the Timber Creek High School cafeteria. Students can find additional information on college or university websites and at the TCHS “Flight Zone.” If the student is unsure as to what they’re looking for in a school, they can sign up for ASVAB on campus free of charge or visit Big Future at collegeboard.org for guidance.
When looking at colleges, students are advised to consider size and diversity of the student body, location, academic programs, campus life, graduation and retention rates, and financial aid and scholarship offers. Inquire on these points with students and faculty upon visiting a school. To research college options, visit College Navigator at nces.ed.gov/collegenavigator, Big Future at collegeboard.com and any college website under “Prospective Students.”
SAT/ACT testing dates can be found on their respective websites. The next SAT is Oct. 1, for which students can still sign up for under late registration by Sep. 20, and the next ACT is Oct. 22, for which students can sign up for by Sep. 16 or Sep. 30 for late registration. While the SAT has more English related questions, the ACT has a science section; choose your test wisely.
From August to March of the senior year, students should complete college applications and provide additional documents such as transcripts, test scores, resumés, and letters of recommendation.
In order to apply to a college, students need an application, application fee, official high school transcript (found on KISD website), SAT/ACT scores, and admissions essays. In the case of an optional essay, counselors advise that the student include it in addition to the required ones. Be sure to fill out correct information, including that in the letters of recommendation, essays, and resumé. If a student changes their class schedule after sending the application, they must contact the college to inform them. Apply to schools on Common Application, Apply Texas, and other college websites. Keep a list of all ID codes and passwords for quick access.
Application fees range from $25 to $75 and can be paid online through websites such as Apply Texas or Common Application or through mail. The application itself includes:
• Choice of major (if required)
• Biographical information
• Educational background
• Residency information
• Testing information — CEED code is 443752
• Extra curricular information
• Volunteer/community service
• Talents, awards, honors
• Employment, internships, summer activities
• Essays (if required)
• Scholarship essays and short answer questions (if required)
• Transcript (from KISD homepage)
• SAT/ACT scores
• Duel credit transcripts
AP scores aren’t required for applications, but should be sent to the college once accepted. All scores must be sent directly from the College Board website.
Students should create or update their personal resumé with new community service or awards received. This makes it easier for students to fill out applications and easier for teachers, coaches and counselors to fill out letters of recommendation.
A reminder: Keep all college emails, and don’t throw any information away.
From October to June of the senior year, students should complete the FASFA and search for scholarships, the latter which can be done throughout their college careers as well.
The FASFA is available this year starting Oct. 1 and must be filled out to receive any financial aid from any school. Use 2015 taxes, and be sure to send to your university of choice. Aid is first come first serve; councilors say there will be a financial aid night soon.
For scholarship information, visit collegeguidanceconsultant.com using the username and password “Keller” for local scholarships available to only KISD and TCHS students. Remember, students can apply at any time and can continue receiving scholarships while at college.
By May, students should have selected a school and scheduled a freshman orientation. When accepted to a school, send a deposit as soon as possible, inform schools which are being declined and turn in acceptance letters to Ms. Campbell for a Flight Card. Students who apply to a school by the deadline will receive a regular decision by late March or early April, while January acceptances go out to students who apply before the deadline. Students can also receive an early decision, but while similar to early acceptances, these are binding to the college.
In the meantime, keep searching and applying for scholarships and ensure that you keep up with coursework; junior year gets you in, but senior keeps you in. Senior year can be fun, but there’s still work involved.