Goldthwaite High School

Senior Scholarship

And information Guide

2015-2016

Table of Contents

Introduction

Scholarship Application Guidelines

College Application Process

Immunization Requirements

Top 10 percent admission

College Test information

College application checklist

Financial Aid

Federal Student aid Guide & Resources

Write your resume

Letter of Recommendation

College visits

Technical School

Job openings

Excuses for not going to college

Choosing a major

Blue & Gold and Red Raider program

How to succeed in College

Introduction

The purpose of this notebook is simply to provide a GUIDE for senior students and their parents.

The scholarships contained in this guide are ones that have actually come through the Counselor’s office, but there are NUMEROUS additional scholarships out there. Many scholarships go unrewarded because there are no

qualified applicants.

Please use the internet to your advantage!

There is much more information on various websites that cannot possibly be covered in this guide. An abundance of information can be found on university websites; so when you decide where you might want to apply, research the website for that university. Listed below are a few things of interest that were found.

Price calculator: an application where you can input your family income, earning statements, student merit information, etc. and the university will calculate whether you will eligible for financial aid and/ or a needs-based scholarship at that university. Look for this calculator at the college of your choice.

Texas has a Common Application for Admission to all public universities in the state of Texas. Several other states have now developed a Common Application for their state, but not all schools in that state will accept the Common Application. Please check to see if you need to apply using the Common Application or a university-specific application.

Information on admission requirements and “conditional or provisional admissions”. For example, if you are not accepted at a university based on their admission requirements, and you really want to attend that university…do not give up. You may be admitted to a “Gateway” program for that university, be reconsidered if you take summer courses, or be added to their waiting list. The website will provide you with the steps that you need to take.

Emphasis on what the admissions committee is looking for in an applicant. o For example, university A states that “high school grades carry the most weight in the

admissions decision”. Therefore, you may score a 29 on your ACT, but if you have a low high school GPA, you may be placed under “conditional admissions” requirements. A high score on the ACT or SAT will not compensate for a noncompetitive GPA.

Compare universities for the following: o Variety and options on housing and meal plans o Campus organizations and involvement o Degree programs offered o Resident or Non-resident status for tuition purposes. Many universities will offer ways in

which the non-resident tuition cost can be waived or reduced. For example

University A may waive or reduce out-of-state tuition costs if you score a particular score on your ACT.

University B may waive or reduce out-of-state tuition costs if you reside in a state that borders the state that University B is in.

Loan and loan payment programs offered State financial aid programs (instead of / in addition to Federal financial aid) Scheduling campus visits and tours All important deadlines for admissions, housing, scholarships, financial aid, etc. Please

do not rely upon this guide to be exact on deadlines. They may change from year to year and may not have been updated when this guide was printed.

Scholarship Application Guidelines In order to make the scholarship application process easier for you, the following guidelines have been established.

1. Look through the Scholarship Information Guide and mark the scholarships in which you are interested.

Take note of the requirements for each scholarship to see if you are eligible. (Ex. applicable colleges, GPA, class rank, ACT/SAT scores, and special conditions or requirements).

2. Listen to the announcements and make note of the applications that have arrived. Also make note of the deadlines. A calendar has been provided for you to write down your scholarship deadlines. Many times, when the new applications come in, the deadline may vary by a few days from one year to the next. Make note of this in your booklet. A copy of the scholarships that have been received will be posted on the senior bulletin board in the hall across from the office, along with copies in the slots below the bulletin board. If you take the last application from the slot, please let Mrs. Griffin know that we need more copies.

3. You may begin the scholarship application process right now. You will need the following for most applications.

a. Resume’ – a list of high school activities, clubs, organizations, honors, etc. along with the corresponding years. Note: 1=9th grade 2=10th grade 3=11th grade 4=12th grade Example: Basketball 1, 2, 3, 4 (this means you played basketball all 4 years.) NHS 3, 4 FFA 2, 3, 4 Also include community service work, activities that are not school related, etc. Keep in mind that

community service is extremely important for the larger national scholarships. Don’t cut yourself short…make sure you list everything. Something that you may think is inconsequential may look impressive to a large selection committee. Keep all of this information saved in your files on your computer. That way it will be easier to update your information.

b. Three good letters of recommendation i. These letters carry a lot of weight in the selection process. Be sure to ask people who know

you very well. (Teachers, coaches, sponsors, ministers, etc.) Do not wait until the last minute to ask for a letter of recommendation. People are very busy and need time to write a good letter. Also, don’t let them forget about it. Again, people are busy and will forget if not reminded often of the deadline. It will also be helpful to them if you will provide them with a copy of your awards / honors / activities/ etc. If your scholarship requires a specific type of letter, you may provide them with that scholarship information.

c. An essay: Most application require a basic essay that may include the following: i. Your need for a scholarship

ii. Why you deserve a particular scholarship iii. Plans after graduation – college/ major iv. Extenuating circumstances v. Family information

Save this essay information in your files on your computer so that you may use it for multiple scholarships.

d. If a copy of your transcript is needed for an application, then fill out a transcript request in the front office.

4. Take note whether the deadline indicates “must be postmarked by (date)” or “must be received in this office by (date)”. Many scholarship applications have been refused because deadline restrictions were not met.

5. Please, please, type all applications if possible. This looks professional and impressive to the selection committee. If you do not have access to a computer, you may use the city library or school library. There may be some applications that must be hand written. If this is the case, please write as legibly as possible.

6. You may also call the financial aid office of the school you plan to attend and ask for additional scholarships for which you can apply. There are a number of scholarships that are distributed only through the universities. Most of these scholarships are also available on-line.

***Texas College Admission***

All Texas universities are now accepting the Common Application for Admission. This application can be used to apply to any Texas public university. This application is available online at www.applytexas.org. This website also lists all of the Texas public universities along with admission requirements, application fees and deadlines, scholarship deadlines, financial aid deadlines, websites, e-mail addresses, and majors available at each university. It also contains important information regarding automatic admission for students graduating in the top 10% of their class, immunization requirements, THEA requirements, and tuition rebates.

Immunization Requirements

Colleges and universities are now requiring additional vaccinations for all student applicants. You must provide proof of immunizations with your application for admission. Most universities will not allow you to register for classes or attend orientation days until documentation is provided to and processed by the university. Some college required immunizations are conducted in a “series” over several months. Therefore, it is not wise for you to wait until after high school graduation to receive these additional immunizations. Several, (but not necessarily all), of the required immunizations for universities are outlined below. Check the websites for each of your college choices to verify the immunizations that are required. Vaccine Requirements MMR (Measles, Mumps, & Rubella) 2nd dose required Hepatitis Given in a series of 3 shots over a 4 month

completion period. Meningococcal Required if attending class and /or living on

campus. ** Texas Senate Bill 1107, passed in May 2011, requires all students entering a public, private, or independent institution of higher education in Texas as of January 2012 and thereafter to provide documentation that they have had a meningococcal (bacterial meningitis) vaccine or “booster” dose during the five-years period prior to but no later than ten days before the first day of the first semester they will enter that institution.** There are certain exemptions from the meningitis vaccine. You must meet the criteria and sign an exemption status form and provide specific official documentation before enrolling at a university. See the college website to see if you meet the criteria for exemption and to download forms for documentation.

Top 10 Percent Rule for Admissions *

Students who are in the top 10 percent of their graduating class are eligible for automatic admission to any public university in Texas.

To be eligible for automatic admission, a student must:

o Graduate in the top 10 percent of his or her class at a public or private high school in Texas, or

o Graduate in the top 10 percent of his or her class from a high school operated by the U.S. Department of Defense and be a Texas resident or eligible to pay resident tuition;

o Enroll in college no more than two years after graduating from high school; and

o Submit an application to a Texas public university for admission before the institution's application deadline (check with the university regarding specific deadlines).

o Students admitted through this route may still be required to provide SAT or ACT scores, although these scores are not used for admissions purposes. Students must also take the TSI test, unless exempted from the test requirement. Check with the admissions office regarding TSI, SAT, and ACT requirements.

After a student is admitted, the university may review the student's high school records to determine if the student is prepared for college-level work. A student who needs additional preparation may be required to take a developmental, enrichment, or orientation course during the semester prior to the first semester of college.

Admission to a university does not guarantee acceptance into a particular college of study or department, however.

* The University of Texas at Austin is an exception to this rule. UT is required to notify school counselors what the percentage will be by September 15th for that year’s junior class of students. For the senior class of 2015, that number is 7%.

For students graduating under the foundation plan with an endorsement: To be considered for top 10 percent automatic admission under the foundation plan, students must graduate with a distinguished level of achievement (requires Algebra 2).

TESTING FOR COLLEGE PLAN (Practice ACT) The PLAN test is given to all sophomores. This test measures academic skills and abilities and also serves as an interest inventory to help students identify their career interests. The PLAN test serves as a predictor of ACT scores.

PSAT/NMSQT (Practice SAT) The PSAT/NMSQT (Preliminary SAT/National Merit Scholarship Qualifying Test) measures critical reading, math, and writing skills. The PSAT is given to all juniors. The PSAT serves as a predictor of SAT scores and also allows juniors to compete for National Merit Scholarships. It is strongly suggested that students study the pre-exam materials before the test in order to increase their chances of becoming a National Merit Scholar. The results from the PSAT and the PLAN should be compared to determine whether the SAT or ACT favors the student. ASVAB- (Armed Services Vocational Aptitude Battery) The ASVAB test provides information to the students about their interests and potential careers. This test is beneficial to all students even if they have no interest in the military as a career. Recruiters are not allowed to do any kind of recruiting during the exam. Results from the ASVAB should be compared to the PLAN test from the sophomore year. TSI Assessment According to the Texas Success Initiative (TSI), students must take a reading, writing, and math skills test prior to enrolling in any college-level coursework. If one or more sections of the test are not passed, the college has the flexibility of deciding the best placement for the student. Some students may be exempt from the TSI requirement based on other test scores. Please see the counselor regarding exemptions from the TSI requirement. COLLEGE ADMISSION TESTS (ACT & SAT) The ACT and SAT are national tests that colleges use to predict a student's success. These test scores are coupled with high school curriculum, class rank, grade point average, extracurricular activities, and leadership as part of entry requirements into a university. These tests are generally not required for two-year colleges or vocational-trade schools. If you will be attending a four-year college, one or both of these tests must be taken. Most U.S. colleges accept both ACT and SAT scores. It is recommended that these tests be taken during the spring of the student's junior year or earlier.

ACT- (American College Testing program) The ACT consists of curriculum based "achievement" tests in the areas of English, math, reading, science, and an optional writing sample. Some colleges require the writing sample so check the ACT website to determine i f your college requires it. The ACT is given six times per year.

SAT- (Scholastic Aptitude Test)

The SAT consists of critical reading, math, and writing sections. An essay is required as part of the writing section. The SAT is given seven times per year. There are two different forms of the SAT. There is an SAT Reasoning Test and an SAT Subject Test. You will need to sign up for the SAT Reasoning Test. Very few colleges require the SAT Subject Test, and this is only after the SAT Reasoning Test has been taken.

You may register online (with a credit card) for both the ACT and SAT or you may pick up registration bulletins outside of the counselor's office. Study manuals are also available outside of the counselor's office. Other study materials are available upon request. ACT/SAT fee waivers are available for students who show financial need. Please visit with the counselor if you are in need of a fee waiver.

Applications College #1 College #2 College #3

Go on college website & request info

Schedule a campus visit

Look at application deadline

Fill out and double check application

Check your appplication status

Make copies of all application materials

Confirm receipt of application

Send suplemental material, if needed

Send in application fee or waiver

Grades

Request HS transcript sent

Request CTC transcript sent

Request midyear report sent

Test Scores

Send ACT & SAT scores

Send AP scores

Send SAT subject test scores* if required

Send Accuplacer/THEA scores* if required

Letters of Recommendation

Request letters or recommendation

Send thank you notes to recommenders

Essays

Write essays

Proof and edit essays

Have two people read essays

Interviews

Schedule interviews* if required

Send thank you notes to interviewers

Financial Aid

Find out priority financial aid deadline

Fill out FAFSA

Submit CSS Profile* if needed

Housing

Fill out housing application

Send in deposit

Send in meningitis vaccine

You're Nearly There!

Receive Admissions Letter

Receive Financial Aid Award Letter

Notify college you will/not attend

Send final MHS transcript

Send final CTC transcript

College Application Checklist

Financial Aid information

Financial aid may be need-based or non-need based. Students’ and parents’ income and assets primarily determine need-based financial aid. Other factors considered are family size, the number of family members in college and the age of the oldest parent. Non-need based financial aid is not contingent upon financial status; it is based on criteria such as grades, musical or athletic ability, and other talents. To obtain financial assistance, contact the financial aid office at the school you are planning to attend. In order to apply for Federal Student Aid, you will need to complete a Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA). The referred method is to complete an online application at www.federalstudentaid.ed.gov or www.FSAPubs.org. However, you may obtain a paper application by calling 1-800-433-3243. Submit an accurate application early to receive maximum consideration. A brief description of the major types of financial aid follows:

Scholarships/Fellowships: Vary in amount and are awarded on the basis of achievement, talent, and personal qualities. Scholarships are gifts and do not have to be repaid. An application is usually required, and some schools may ask for references.

Grants: Vary in amount and are awarded to students based on financial need and ability to maintain satisfactory progress in a course of study. Grants are gifts and do not have to be repaid.

Jobs/Work-Study: One of the best ways to help pay a significant part of your expenses. Schools may offer employment on the campus through various work programs, or they may have a placement service to help you find a job in the community. Working while going to school may give you a new working experience or skill, along with providing you with resources to meet educational costs. An application for student employment is required.

Loans: Long term and short term loans can be made in varying amounts. Long-term loans are generally interest free while you are in school, with no payments required until you have graduated or are no longer enrolled in school. If you need a loan to help pay school expenses, borrow only the amount necessary and remember that payments will be required when your studies are completed. Interest rates differ from one loan program to another, so be sure that you understand the terms and conditions of the loan. An application for loans is required.

Parents of seniors need to get their 2013 income tax figured as quickly as possible if you are applying for financial aid grants. College financial aid deadlines are from mid-March on through the summer. The earlier you get your financial application in, the better for you. You cannot be granted financial aid unless the college has accepted you. If you wait until the last minute to apply (during the spring or summer), there may not be much money left.

Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) A financial aid representative will be scheduled to give a seminar in the library on applying for financial aid on January 28th from 5:15-6:15. The seminar is for students and their parents. The representative will have financial aid forms and will be able to walk you through the process online in an open lab. Students can also gain valuable help and information on completing financial aid forms on the website www.ed.gov/studentaid. This website provides comprehensive, up-to-date information on many financial program. A student may also check the processing status of his/her application by calling the Automated Information System at 1-800-433-3243.

New for 2013-14: Applicants are now able to access their IRS tax information and have it automatically inserted into the FAFSA. They are also encouraged to use electronic signatures in order to expedite the processing of the application. FAFSA deadline is MARCH 1st, 2015.

Write Your Resume You should write your resume as soon as possible. Remember that your resume is your way of advertising your best qualities. You will submit this resume to scholarship committees and future employers. Appearance and content are equally important in a resume. You must take care that everything is spelled and worded correctly. I will be more than happy to take a look at your resume and give you tips and suggestions, so please ask me! Items which will need updating may include the following:

Your GPA

Membership and offices held in organizations

Awards you and/or your team wins at the end of the sports seasons

Band awards

New volunteering activities

Honors received at events such as Homecoming, Sports and activities banquets

Changes in employment

The following pages include sample resumes, tips on how to word the items in your resume, along with a worksheet to help you get started. I also have example resumes in my office. Come see me for suggestions! Please note:

If you have tons of activities, volunteering, etc., you should create your resume using three text boxes, which will make it much easier to update.

If you don’t have a great deal of information to put on your resume, you should use a resume template in Microsoft Word. These are very professional looking, and all you have to do is click and type your own information.

Service to Your Community, School & Church 9th Grade:

Activity My Contribution Location Dates

From-

Thru

Number

of Hours

Served Example:

Senior Citizen Center

Volunteer

Example:

Made and delivered care

packages, visited patients

Example:

Senior Citizen Center,

City, Texas

Ex:

10/10-

3/11

Example:

50 hours

10th Grade

Activity My Contribution Location Dates

From-

Thru

Number

of Hours

Served Example:

First Baptist Church Work Day

Example:

Yearly yard clean-up,

building maintenance.

trimmed lawn, painted tool

shed, cleaned flower beds.

Example:

First Baptist Church,

City, TX

Ex:

3/11

Example:

8 hours

Service to Your Community, School & Church 11th Grade:

Activity My Contribution Location Dates

From-

Thru

Number

of Hours

Served Example:

Catholic Church Reader

Example:

Read scripture during

church services on Sunday

mornings, practiced on

Saturday afternoons

Example:

St. Mary’s Catholic

Church,

City, TX

Ex:

9/05/11

-

6/06/12

Example:

100 hours

12th Grade

Activity My Contribution Location Dates

From-

Thru

Number

of Hours

Served

Example:

Community Rehab

Example: Repaired roof,

replaced siding

Example:

City, Tx

Ex:

06/13

Example:

40 hours

EXTRACURRICULAR ACTIVITY FORM

Freshman Sophomore Junior Senior

This form was designed to help you write your resume. Check the boxes of the organizations

Yearbook Staff National Honor Society

Student Council Student Leadership Council FFA Member FFA –(offices held, awards received, etc)

FFA Judging or Leadership Teams

FFA Speaking Events FCCLA FCA Spanish Club Band Member Drum Major, Section Leader, Flag Corp, etc.

Band Solo or Ensemble Contests

Special Awards in Band Cheerleading UIL Contests (debate, lit. crit, spelling, science, speech events, math, etc.)

One-Act Play Theater Club Honor Student Award Cross-Country Volleyball

Basketball Cross Country Football Golf Tennis Track Baseball Stock Show Special Awards in Athletics – (Team Awards & Individual Awards)

Church/Youth Groups Other Organizations (specify) Honor Student Award

Achievement Awards

Awards or honors not named above

John

Student 111 N. Elm St.

City, TX 77777

(325) 200-2222

johnstudent@hotmail.com

Education

______________ High School – City, Texas

2010-2014

GPA- 99.642/100

Class Rank: 2/40

Honors Classes: Math:Algebra 1(H), Geometry (H), Algebra 2 (H), Pre-Cal (H), AP Calculus

English: English 1 (H), English 2 (H), English 4 (H)

College Courses: College English 1301 & 1302, College Biology, College History 1301 &

1302, College Government 2301, College Economics 2301

Extracurricular Activities

National Honor Society, 2010-2012

Treasurer (2011-2012) Completed deposit slips, deposited money in bank. Kept records of all

financial transactions.

Student Council, 2009-2012

Parliamentarian (2010-2012) Displayed sportsmanship by honoring opposing teams; fundraisers

such as food drives, stockings for elderly, and coat drive.

Football, 2008-2011

Track, 2009-2012

Basketball, 2008-2012

Tennis, 2010-2012

UIL Academic Contestant, 2008-2012 (Mathematics, Science)

Achievements/Leadership

Top ten percent of class

A-honor roll

Presidential Award (Soph)

Commended Performance on all TAKS tests (Soph)

Commended Performance on the Math, Science, and Social Studies TAKS tests (Junior)

Junior Community Service Award (Junior)

Basketball 1st Team all district (Soph)

Basketball 1st Team all district (Junior)

Basketball All-Big Country Honorable mention (Junior)

Football 2nd Team all district (Soph)

Football 1st Team all district running back (Junior)

Football 2nd Team all district safety (Junior)

Football All-West Texas team running back (Junior)

Football All-State Honorable mention running back (Junior)

Football All-Big Country utility player (Junior)

Track regional qualifier for Long Jump and Mile Relay (Junior)

Community Service

NHS Blanket Project- Measured, cut, and tied blankets for needy children. (48 hrs.)

NHS Fireworks Stand- Sold fireworks to raise money for community service projects, June & July 2010

(32 hrs.)

NHS fundraisers- Sold donuts and worked concessions to raise funds for service projects, Summer 2011

(18 hrs.)

Statistician- Recorded stats for the football team, Football season 2008-2009 (40 hrs.)

Little Dribblers- Coached junior league basketball, Summer 2010 (20 hrs.)

Landscaping- Planted shrubs, mowed grass, and trimmed hedges for a neighbor, Summer 2009 (3 hrs.)

Assisted community member- Loaded/unloaded furniture into new home, Summer 2009 (3 hrs.)

Meals on Wheels- Delivered meals to elderly citizens, Summer 2010 (4 hrs.)

Booster Club- Sold membership cards to raise funds, Summer 2010 (3 hrs.)

Football Game- Chain crew, Football season 2008 (2 hrs.)

Junior High UIL- Set up and organized papers for Junior High UIL, February 2010 (2 hrs.)

St. Mary’s Church - Set up chairs and tables for meal, Summer 2010 (2 hrs.)

Mayfest Clean-up- Cleaned up after community event, May 2008 (2 hrs.)

Catholic Church Clean-up- Mowed the lawn, raked leaves, and trimmed hedges and trees, May 2011 (4

hrs.)

Elementary Track- Organized and ran events for track meet, May 2011 (6 hrs.)

Community Hospital- Made beds, filed papers, cleaned hospital rooms and organized medical supplies,

March 2011 (20 hrs.)

Student Council- Sold ads and other items to raise funds for service projects. (48 hrs.)

Work Experience

Luke Green, July 2010

Hauled Hay: Loaded hay onto trailer, transported, and unloaded into barn.

Mary Doe, June 2010

Junior High Gardening project: Replaced gravel with a flower bed-removed gravel and prepared

ground for gardening then planted flowers.

Texas Communications, Summer 2009

Facility maintenance: Mowed lawn, roofing, painted the building.

Richard Garcia, June 2009

Fencing: Marked area, drove T-post, and pulled wire to make fence.

Kelly Smith, June 2008

Landscaping: Mowed the lawn, trimmed hedges and trees, watered plants.

Special Skills

Bilingual

Microsoft Office Specialist Certification

CPR/First Aid Certified

How to Ask for a Letter of Recommendation

1. Decide who will be able to write a complimentary letter about you.

Think of teachers, coaches, principal, counselor, employers, pastor, youth leader, community leaders.

The letter writer must be able to offer specific examples of your leadership, academic ability, character, sense of responsibility, etc.

2. Fill out the Request for Recommendation Letter & write a little note at the bottom saying you appreciate the recommender and his/her time. (see following page)

o Attach your resume. o Attach the senior information form.

3. Go back to pick up the letter from the letter writer or include a stamped and addressed

envelope with your request. Request recommendations from people who know your strengths. Teachers, employers or community leaders are usually good recommenders.

Ask for recommendations early so there is enough time to get them in comfortably before the deadline. It's considerate on your part. It's also smart - waiting until the last minute may not allow the recommender enough time to do you justice and will cause you both unnecessary stress.

Additional tips for requesting recommendations:

Give your recommender a deadline, allowing at least two weeks to complete the letter.

Provide the recommender with a stamped envelope addressed to the school.

Provide a list of your activities and awards to facilitate the writing process. (Attach your resume.)

Send thank you notes to your recommenders. This takes a great deal of time and effort on the part of your recommenders. You should show your appreciation.

Let recommenders know your application results.

Senior Information for Recommendation All seniors requesting letters of rec must turn in this form along with an updated resume to your recommender.

Name: __________________________________ Today’s Date:_____________________ Email: __________________________________ Cell #: ___________________________ # of children at home: ________________ # of children in college: ___________________

Father’s name: ______________________ Occupation: ____________________________ Mother’s name: _____________________ Occupation: ____________________________

Colleges that interest you: 1. ____________________________ 3. ____________________________________

2. ____________________________ 4. ____________________________________

Careers or College Majors that interest you: 1. ___________________________ 3._____________________________________

2. ___________________________ 4. _____________________________________

Deadline for letter: ______________________

Answer the following questions as thoroughly as possible on a separate sheet and staple to this page. Feel free to type your answers.

Academic: 1. What two or three (academic & personal) accomplishments are you most proud of and why?

2. What do you see as your greatest academic strengths? Weaknesses? Give specific examples.

3. Of all the classes you have taken in high school, which have you enjoyed most and why?

4. Which has been the most difficult for you and why did you take it?

5. What do you see as your greatest personal strength? Weakness? Give specific examples.

6. List three adjectives you would use to describe yourself and explain why.

7. List two adjectives your friends would use to describe you and explain why.

8. List two teachers or staff members who know you well and can speak confidently about your

academic ability. What adjectives would they use to describe you and why?

9. Discuss anything else that you consider special or unique about yourself, something that I might

not know about you.

10. Admission to college and receiving financial aid and scholarships is often affected by family

circumstances and financial need. Please describe any family circumstances, personal issues or

financial concerns you wish to share. This information will be kept confidential.

Campus Visits Campus visits are extremely important for finding the right college match. We

encourage you to make a visit to every college campus you are considering. Prior to

making a college visit, you must alert the office staff that you will be absent. In

addition, you must go on an official campus visit that you have set up through the

admissions office at the college. Most colleges have an on-line campus visit

reservation site where you can sign up for the visit and print the directions and

instructions for parking. Make sure you don’t leave the visit without an excuse for

you to give the registrar.

Campus Visit & College Fair Questions

Questions for the Admissions Office

1. Are the dorms spread throughout the campus or clustered in one area? Is there any kind of shuttle

service between classroom areas, the library, the student union, and dorms? How late does it run?

2. Is there any security system to bar outsiders from entering dorms?

3. How large is the campus security police force? Does it patrol the campus regularly?

4. What services are offered by the campus health center? How large is it?

5. Does the student health center refer students to the local hospital? Is there a nearby hospital? How

large is it?

Questions for Students

6. How many of your courses are taught by a professor and how many by a teaching assistant?

7. Is the teaching innovative and project-oriented, or is it mostly lecture-oriented?

8. Do most freshmen class lectures take place in an amphitheater?

9. What are the strong majors? The weak majors?

10. How hard do you have to work for your grades?

11. What's the reputation of the _____________ department?

12. How adequate for your needs is the campus computer network?

13. Do fraternities and sororities dominate the social life of the college?

14. What do students do on weekends? Do most go home?

15. How is the advisement system? Do you feel that your professors really care?

16. There are a lot of organizations on campus. Are they dominated by a few groups or is anyone

welcome?

17. How active is the _________ [fill in the activity in which you're interested]? Has _________ won any

national awards?

Questions to Ask Yourself About the Campus Atmosphere

18. While you were waiting for your interview in the admissions office, how did the staff members

interact with students? Were they friendly, or did the staff approach students—both potential

freshmen like you and enrolled students—as if they were interfering with the staff members' jobs?

19. Was the Admissions Office a friendly and inviting place with a great deal of information about the

school, or was it cold and sterile with little information to pick up?

20. What did your parents find out about the career planning services offered to graduating seniors

and to graduates? What do the services include?

About the Student Body

21. Do most of the students seem to be like you, or are they completely different?

22. Either way, how would you feel being in a classroom full of these students? Sharing a dorm with

them?

23. Do the students try to make you feel at home? Are they happy to answer your questions, or do

they make you feel like you're intruding? How do they interact with one another?

About the Campus

24. Does the campus seem too big? Or too small?

25. Do freshmen live in their own dorms? How do I feel about living in a single-sex or coed dorm?

26. Are the dorms quiet or noisy? Do they seem crowded?

27. How large are the rooms? Is there adequate space and light to study?

28. Does each room have access to the Internet and the campus LAN?

29. What's advertised on dorm and classroom bulletin boards? What does this tell me about campus

life?

30. How good is the lighting around each dorm and around classroom and lab buildings?

31. Do the buildings and grounds look well cared for? Or do they need painting and general repair

work?

32. Is the grass cut, and are the grounds landscaped?

33. What's the condition of the playing fields and the sports equipment?

34. How is the quality of the food in the cafeteria or dining hall? How are the sizes of the portions? Is it

healthy or fast food? Are there meal plans?

About the Nearby Area

35. Does it look like there is much to do outside of campus?

36. How easy is to get to places off campus? Are there places within walking distance?

37. Do you feel comfortable and safe?

38. Are there places to get extra furniture, like bookcases, for your dorm room?

39. Is there a supermarket nearby to stock up on snacks and soda?

40. If you move out of a dorm after freshman year, what are the options in apartment complexes or

buildings?

Should I Consider a Technical

School? Traditional Colleges vs. Technical/Career Schools: The Pros and Cons You’ve reached the chapter in your life when it’s time for you to think about your future. Some of your friends have been accepted at the local community college, or a nearby four year university. But, you just aren’t sure if that is the right option for you. Should you attend a traditional college like your friends, or enroll in a technical/career school?

Let’s face it. Everyone is not college material. That doesn’t mean you are not intelligent! It simply means that there are people who enjoy learning for its own sake, while there are others who are more focused on learning a specific skill or a trade. There’s nothing wrong with that. This is why both kinds of schools exist in order to give people a choice.

A traditional college degree or a technical/career school which will it be for you? It might be a good idea to make a list of the pros and cons of each in order to make the best decision for your circumstances. You should write down both the benefits and the disadvantages of each type of learning institution. Do you have a specific career goal? Write it down. Are there some school subjects that you just can’t stand? Make a note of them. Can you fit the rigorous schedule of a four year college or university into your life? Would you prefer classes that meet at night, or perhaps distance learning where you use a computer to study at a time and place convenient for you? What is your dream job, and what sort of training do you need to make this job happen? How much will college or technical training cost? All of these questions are important in helping you to make a decision, and only you can answer them.

In researching traditional colleges and technical schools, some things are easy to see from the start. Traditional colleges can be expensive, and demand a huge chunk of your time and life. Many have high admissions standards, and you may end up with a degree that won’t help you to find a job when you graduate. This might mean that you will have to continue your education in order to get a job in a different field.

On the other hand, traditional colleges and universities allow you to expand your mind and study subjects you might never get a chance to pursue again. Traditional colleges can open your eyes to the world around you. You will meet people from all over the globe who are in pursuit of the same goal as you higher education. Aside from academics, college life is an experience you won’t soon forget. Attendance at a traditional college can lend an air of prestige to a job application, something that may or may not be of interest to you.

Technical/career schools allow you to receive training or a diploma in a much shorter time than a traditional college. The classes are more focused on the subject you want to learn about without many of the other required courses that you may have to take at a traditional college. The training is hands-on, so necessary in today’s world. The class schedules are more flexible than those of traditional colleges. There will always be a need for career training. In fact, some of the fastest growing jobs do not require a four year college diploma. Medical and dental assistants, physical and respiratory therapists, medical record and environmental science technicians are just a few of these. Even though, for some reason, our society seems to feel that college is a necessity for all young people, the jobs listed above, and many more, prove that a diploma from a four-year college is not absolutely needed in order to have a well-paying job.

Ultimately, the choice is up to you. The best way to choose between a traditional college or a technical/career school is to weigh the pros and cons of each, and know what you want out of life. No matter what you choose, you can rest assured that there will be a place for you in the world after you have taken the time to further your education.

Occupations with the Most Job Openings: Graduate Degree

Occupation Total Job Openings

2008–2018

Postsecondary

teachers

553,000

Doctors and surgeons 261,000

Lawyers 240,000

Clergy 218,000

Pharmacists 106,000

Educational,

vocational, and school counselors

94,000

Physical therapists 79,000

Medical scientists,

except epidemiologists

66,000

Mental health and

substance abuse social workers

61,000

Instructional

coordinators

61,000

Occupations with the Most Job Openings: Bachelor's Degree

Occupation Total Job

Openings 2008–2018

Elementary school

teachers, except special education

597,000

Accountants and auditors

498,000

Secondary school

teachers, except special and

vocational education

412,000

Middle school teachers, except

special and vocational

education

251,000

Computer systems

analysts

223,000

Computer software engineers,

applications

218,000

Network systems

and data communications

analysts

208,000

Computer software engineers, systems

software

153,000

Construction

managers

138,000

Market research analysts

137,000

Occupations with the Most Jobs Openings: Associate's Degree or Postsecondary

Vocational Award

Occupation Total Job

Openings 2008–2018

Registered nurses 1,039,000

Nursing aides, orderlies, and

attendants

422,000

Licensed practical and licensed vocational

nurses

391,000

Computer support

specialists

235,000

Hairdressers, hairstylists, and

cosmetologists

220,000

Automotive service

technicians and mechanics

182,000

Preschool teachers,

except special

education

178,000

Insurance sales agents 153,000

Heating, air

conditioning, and refrigeration

technicians

136,000

Real estate sales agents

128,000

Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics

The 10 Most Common Excuses for NOT Going to College and Why They're All Wrong!

So you think that college isn't for you? Well, you're wrong! You don't have to be "lucky" or have lots of money to go to college. You don't have to have straight "A's" in high school or know already what you want to do with the rest of your life. You do have to really want to go to college - and be ready to work hard once you get there. Unfortunately, too many students make up excuses for why they can't go to college. If you're one of those students, here's a list of the 10 most common excuses - and why they're all wrong. Please share this with others.

EXCUSE #1: Nobody in my family has ever gone to college before. Why not be the first? It's true that being the first to do anything can be difficult and maybe even a little frightening, but being the first in your family to receive a college education should give you a sense of pride. Not going to college is the kind of family "tradition" you should break.

EXCUSE #2: My grades are not good enough for college. How do you know they're not unless you apply? Even if you haven't obtained all good grades in school, you can still be admitted to a good college that will be right for you. Colleges look at more than just grades and test scores. They look at such things as letters from teachers and other adults; extracurricular activities; jobs you might have had; special talents in art, music, and sports; and interviews. When deciding who gets in, colleges examine the whole person, not just one small part.

EXCUSE #3: I can't afford it. There's a lot of financial aid available to help you pay for college. This year alone there are about $26 BILLION waiting for students who need money for college. If you apply for aid, and you demonstrate that you need it, your chances are as good as anybody else's that you will receive help. There's money available from the federal government, from your state, from the colleges you apply to, and from thousands of grant, scholarship, and work-study programs. But you won't see any of it if you don't check it out.

EXCUSE #4: I don't know how to apply to college, or where I want to go. You're not alone. You can start by looking at college catalogs in your high school or local library, and you can talk to your high school counselor, favorite teacher, or someone you know who's gone to college. There's a lot of good advice available, but you have to ask for it. With more than 3,000 colleges to choose from, there's bound to be one that's right for you.

EXCUSE #5: I think college may be too difficult for me. Not likely, if you're willing to work hard. Thousands of students graduate from college every year, and chances are many of them were afraid college would be too difficult for them - but they made it in spite of their fears. College is a big change

from high school. The competition will be greater and the homework assignments will be longer and tougher. And it isn't always easy to adjust to strange surrounding and make new friends. But once you get involved with your work, you'll find that many of your classmates feel as you do. Who doesn't worry sometimes that they might not make it? And even if you find that you're not doing well in certain subjects, you can still do something about it. Tutoring is available from professors or fellow students, and counseling for personal problems is available on campus too.

EXCUSE #6: I'm not sure that I'll "fit in" in college. Just about any college you might attend will have students from all kinds of backgrounds, so you are sure to find other people whom you can relate to. If you're a minority student, for example, find about student clubs sponsored by African Americans, Hispanics/Latinos, Native Americans, Asians, or other groups. Such clubs can help give you a sense of community away from home. Regardless of your ethnic background, you should remember that one of the good things about college is getting to know all kinds of people. It will be interesting to learn about different life-styles and cultures, and it will help prepare you for the world you will face after graduation.

EXCUSE #7: I don't even know what I want to major in or do with my life. The great majority of college freshmen don't have a clue about these things either. Giving you choices is what college is all about. You can take courses in different fields and see what you like and what you're good at. You may be surprised to find a subject or a career field that you never would have thought of before. The biggest mistake you can make is to think that any decision you make is cast in concrete and that you can never change your major - or your life.

EXCUSE #8: There's no way I can go to college full-time. So go part-time. Most colleges offer programs you can attend in the evening or on weekends. Some colleges even give classes where you work or in neighborhood churches and community centers. You can also study many subjects through correspondence courses in home-study programs, and a number of states have external degree programs that let you work for a degree without - believe it or not - any classroom attendance! Ask your counselor about these possibilities.

EXCUSE #9: I'm too old to go to college. Nonsense! You're never too old to learn. Even if you've been out of high school for a while, you can still go to college. Almost half of all full-time and part-time students in the country are adults older than 25 years of age. If they can do it, so can you!

EXCUSE #10: I just want to get a good job and make lots of money. College will help you with that and more. Studies have shown that a college graduate will earn several hundred thousand dollars more during the course of his or her working life than someone who has only a high school diploma. Of course, money isn't everything, but most challenging and interesting jobs with good futures require a college education. A college degree will also give you a greater variety of job choices. There's something else that college will give you: a sense of personal satisfaction, confidence, and self-respect. These are not easy to measure, but they are very important in helping you become the kind of person you want to be. There are probably many other reasons you can think of for not going to college. But why sit arouind making up excuses when you can use that time and energy to do something that will benefit you the rest of your life? Decide now that you want to go to college and then start working at it. This is the bottom line: If you are willing to give it a shot, college can be for you too.

How Does One Choose A Major?

Some have a passion for a subject. Some have an area in which they excelled in high school. Some have a career goal that will dictate the major they must take; for example, nursing, teaching, studio art, or engineering. But many students just don’t know. While they may have an idea of what they want to do after college, they might not have a clear idea what area of study will best help them reach that career goal. Nor is there usually only one major that leads to a specific career. In fact, many schools caution that choosing a career and choosing a major are two distinctly different processes.

Most educators agree that in choosing a major, students should consider what they like to do, what their abilities are, and how they like to learn. Some of the best resources for helping choose a major come from colleges and universities themselves. A large number of institutions post on their Web sites a wealth of information and tools to help prospective and current students select majors. While some Web sites focus entirely on the programs and services offered at that institution, many others post helpful information that can be applied to any college setting.

The most frequently cited advice includes:

Learn more about yourself. What are your academic strengths and weaknesses? What do you enjoy? What are your interests? What are your values? What are your immediate goals after graduating—getting a job or going to graduate school?

Take a personality or an interest inventory or assessment. I have several of these in books in my office. Please come check one out!

The book the students seem to get the most helpful info from is the Book of Majors.

Occupations and Professions These links below can assist in the awareness and exploration of occupations and professions. The

websites will provide important information about careers to assist in making personal choices.

Occupational Outlook Handbook:

http://www.bls.gov/oco/

Health Opportunities in Texas: H.O.T. Jobs:

http://www.texashotjobs.org/

Health Care Career Resource Center:

http://library.thinkquest.org/15569/

Coastal Work Force Solutions:

http://www.workforcesolutionscb.org/

College Board Major and Career Profiles:

http://www.collegeboard.com/csearch/majors_careers/profiles/index.html

Career One Stop “Career One Stop” is a website that provides short video clips viewable online and covers In-

Demand Occupations. Contains a wealth of information for students, parents, and career advisors. This website is: http://www.careeronestop.org/studentsandcareeradvisors/studentsandcareeradvisors.aspx.

JobHunter's Bible.Com This site is produced by the writers of the popular career planning book “What Color is Your

Parachute?” It is rich in career assessments and planning and exploration tools. http://www.jobhuntersbible.com/

CareerShip This Web site is primarily a source for information to career exploration. It includes excellent

information and tools to help students make important career decisions and plan ways to reach career goals: http://mappingyourfuture.org/planyourcareer/careership/

The Career Key Sponsored by the College of Education at North Carolina State University, this site provides a free

career assessment, which will aid you in choosing a career pathway: www.careerkey.org

Following are examples of two universities who provide free or discounted tuition and fees based on family income. There are many other colleges that do the same. Check the website of the university you will be attending to find out if they offer the same type of program.

Angelo State University's Blue and Gold Guarantee Program Beginning with the fall 2009 semester, ASU is implementing the Blue and Gold Guarantee Program. The program covers eight semesters (summer terms not included) of tuition and mandatory fees for students demonstrating financial need.

The Blue and Gold Guarantee covers the remaining balance of any tuition and mandatory fees that are not covered by other grants, scholarships (all sources), exemptions and/or waiver programs the applicant receives.

The program does not cover room, board, books, supplies or miscellaneous charges, including parking fees, installment plan fees, post office box rental fees, late installment fees, reinstatement fees, late registration fees, etc.

To maintain the financial support for eight consecutive semesters, students accepted into the program must meet and maintain published financial aid criteria and show satisfactory academic progress as an undergraduate student. To qualify, a student must:

1. Be a bona fide Texas resident. o Determined by the ASU Admissions Office according to state guidelines.

2. Be entering college as a first-time freshman. 3. Have a combined family Adjusted Gross Income (AGI) of $40,000 or less. 4. Be eligible for the Federal Pell Grant Program.

5. Complete all financial aid application requirements by the published priority application deadline preceding the application period.

6. Enroll in and maintain a minimum of 15 semester credit hours through the official census date (12th class day) of each semester.

7. Meet and maintain the minimum standards of ASU’s Satisfactory Academic Progress policy. These requirements are subject to change.

The Red Raider Guarantee All Texas children deserve access to higher education. In an effort to increase access to higher education, Texas Tech has implemented a plan to guarantee free tuition and mandatory fees up to 15 credit hours per semester to new entering freshmen who are Texas residents, enrolled full-time with family adjusted gross incomes that do not exceed $40,000.

Red Raider Guarantee Requirements:

To be eligible you:

Must be an entering freshman (transfer students are not eligible).

Must be a Texas resident

have an adjusted gross income of $40,000 or less

Must be enrolled full-time (12 hours) each semester These requirements are subject to change.

How to Succeed in College Strategies for Students who Want to Graduate From College

Some students fail in college. Others drop out. However, all students can do well in college and graduate if they learn the secret to succeeding in college.

Although there are exceptions, most students begin college with every intention of graduating; however, according to a report issued by The Education Trust, a Washington-based nonprofit group, the reality is that only 63 percent of students who enter a four-year university will earn a degree, and it will take them an average of six years to do so. The other 37 percent will either drop out of school before finishing or else flunk out of their programs of study, according to USA Today.com. So, the question is, how can students succeed in college?

The Key to Succeeding in College So what about the 37 percent of students who actually make it through college and graduate? What do they possess that other students lack? For one, they possess the following traits and skills:

Determination Time management skills Ability to follow directions Ability to meet deadlines Communication skills Reading and study skills Critical thinking skills Technology skills Research skills Ability to follow APA or MLA guidelines Money management skills

Determination is Crucial to Success in College

Commitment is the primary characteristic of students who graduate from college, for if students are truly determined to succeed, they will not only acquire the necessary skills but also overcome all obstacles that arise, human or otherwise, that could possibly prevent their success.

Importance of Time Management in College There are only so many hours in each day, and many students work full time and/or have families, so they must set priorities and allocate sufficient time to devote to schoolwork, which means they might not have much free time while in college but this lack will greatly increase their likelihood of success.

Importance of Following Directions in College Students must follow directions for assignments and do exactly what they are being asked to do, not something else, which means they must speak up and ask for clarification if directions are unclear.

Importance of Meeting Deadlines in College Students must submit assignments by their due dates because although some instructors accept late assignments, others don’t, and even those who do invariably apply a penalty if an assignment is overdue.

Importance of Communication Skills in College Students must be able to express themselves, in writing and orally, because they have to write countless papers and essays, as well as conduct occasional oral presentations. As a result, students should purchase a good grammar text and use it, as well as avail themselves of college programs, for example, tutorials and writing labs.

Importance of Reading and Study Skills in College Students must be able to comprehend what they read because if they cannot comprehend the information, chances or slim to none they will succeed in their studies. Moreover, students need to know how to study for quizzes and exams. As a result, if they have difficulty comprehending what they read or studying effectively, students must work to improve reading comprehension and study skills.

Importance of Critical Thinking Skills in College Everyone thinks, but not everyone is a critical thinker. However, in order to succeed in college, students must learn to think critically, which involves taking time to examine issues and arguments, ask questions, validate evidence, and think outside the proverbial box.

Importance of Listening Skills in College Most people are poor listeners. Anyone, however, can become a better listener by making an effort; and students must make the effort because if they don’t, they might not hear and retain information from lectures and, as a result, will fare poorly on quizzes and tests. Moreover, they might also miss important directions for class assignments.

Importance of Research Skills in College Students must conduct research for papers and presentations, so they should learn to distinguish between credible sources and those they are questionable or dubious. Moreover, they must learn how to avoid committing plagiarism, however unintentionally, and to cite sources correctly.

Importance of Learning to Format Papers in College Students should learn to format papers correctly, and since there are so many helpful tools available, for example, websites that provide step-by-step instructions, there is really no excuse for anyone’s not learning this skill.

Importance of Money Management In College Money management is an important skill to acquire because if students are worried about finances, that worry will interfere with their ability to concentrate upon schoolwork, and if students cannot concentrate upon schoolwork, then they are far more likely to fail or dropout before graduation. In summary, although all of the skills discussed above are important, the most important is “determination,” because if students are committed enough to their own success, they will make the necessary effort to acquire the other skills, and, ultimately, they will succeed in college.

Read more at Suite101: How to Succeed in College: Strategies for Students who Want to Graduate From College http://colleges.suite101.com/article.cfm/how_to_succeed_in_college#ixzz0wxrOa6xP

5 Steps for How to Succeed in College1

1The Golden Rule: Whatever you do, DO NOT procrastinate. College academics, especially in the first and second terms, is

not meant to present itself as arbitrarily difficult. Unlike high school, college asks you to formulate your own understanding,

rather than having a teacher feed you facts for later regurgitation. Keeping caught up with your professor's lesson plan, as well

as the course material, will save later stress, anxiety, and feelings of intellectual inadequacy. 2

2Get passionate. It is crucial to establish your personal, positive frame of mind in regards to your education. Take a moment

to reflect on what you enjoy doing and studying, and what you're genuinely interested in. What are your goals? What are your

plans? Knowing yourself, and your reason for being in college, will eliminate any tinge of self-doubt or emptiness that might arise

due to an intense, seemingly cold and emotionless academic atmosphere. 3

3Appreciate your opportunities. In addition to creating and maintaining a consistent mindset, you must also not develop an

adversarial perception of learning and knowledge. Remember, you're not the only one who is beneficially affected from your

college education. Besides making you a more informed, rational, and moral human being, receiving a higher education will also

enrich the lives of your parents as they begin to feel accomplished by raising you into the knowledgeable and skilled person who

you have become. A negative, apathetic, or adversarial attitude towards your education will only prove self-defeating in the long

run. If you perceive learning as a chore, it will become a chore. So even if you are not interested in a subject or course, try to

apply your strengths and academic preferences to it. For example, if you are an Economics major and hold a grudge against

your college for requiring a physics GE, try to find ways you can apply that physics course to your own field of study. 4

4This fourth step pertains to your social life. Regardless of your perception of social situations, groups, or whether you like

them or not, it is only to your benefit to establish as many friendships as possible. Only through surveying a wide range of

associates will you find a few good friends to hold on to. Much to your surprise, a healthy relationship with new and old friends

will provide a necessary support network as well as minimize those moments of isolation or loneliness that may bring you down.

5

5Lastly, the fifth step deals with your personal finances. Depending on your financial situation, you can easily save

yourself from making wasteful, excess purchases and potential money problems if you make a conscious decision to distinguish

which resources, material goods, and services are NEEDs and which are merely WANTS. If the item you wish to buy is

necessitated by a NEED, then by all means purchase it. But, if you find yourself easily swayed by a penchant for the extravagant

pleasures and comforts of life, make sure you limit your spending on items of hedonistic WANT. If you happen to be in sound

financial shape (i.e. through parental support, scholarships, grants, financial aid) then this should not be a major concern for you.

Otherwise, a key piece of fiscal advice is to SAVE, SAVE, SAVE!