Senior Fall VisitPresented by the CHHS

Counseling Department 2012-2013

Transcript Check

• 26 credits needed for graduation• Check Core classes

– Q - Pre Ap– A - Ap classes– C - Correspondence– T - Credit by exam– E - Acceleration– R - Summer school– N - Night school

Transcript Check (cont.)

• Health 0.5 credit• PE 1.5 credit• Fine Art 1.0 credit• Technology 1.0 credit• Foreign Language 2.0 (Recommended)

3.0 (DAP & Community Scholar)

Transcript Check (cont.)

• If you find any errors please return your transcript to your counselor to recheck.

• Errors could include: – any grades left off from middle school– any change in level (pre Ap or AP)– summer school grades– loss of credit (* sign)– incorrect grades.

Transcript Check (cont.)

• Please report errors as quickly as possible so corrected transcripts can be sent out to colleges.

GPA Game

• What’s really important in the world of college admissions?

(We need 8 volunteers!)

Class of 2013 Where do you go from here?

Junior CollegeTrade School

CareerMilitary

4 year college or University

Junior Colleges and Trade Schools

• earn an Associates Degree, Certification or Diploma

• Gateway into a larger college or university• less expensive• Testing and career counseling are available

and are normally free of charge.

Military•Get financial help for college

•Training in almost any area that is offered in the private sector

•Military recruiters are on campus often.

• Speak with your counselor if you think the military is right for you.

Make sure you discuss this option with your parents.

Todaysmilitary.com

College or University

• More education means more options.• A Bachelor’s Degree (4 years) gives the most

options– You can pursue many different kinds of careers– You have more flexibility to change careers– May continue your education at the graduate

level (Masters, Ph.D., medical or dental school…)

So, what path is right for you?

• Junior College• Trade School• Career• Military• 4 year college or university

My next steps

• Step 1– Determine where you will apply

• Create a list of schools or companies where you feel qualified. Be sure to include 1 or 2 reach schools or careers as well

–www.collegeboard.org–www.collegeforalltexans.com–www.bigfuture.org

Bigfuture.org

My next steps

• Become familiar with the application process

–Tests–applications–Essays–Interviews

My next steps• Step 2

– Determine if your future plans require admissions or skills testing. • College admissions require the SAT or ACT -

Register online at collegeboard.org or actstudent.org

• Community College – THEA exam and/or Accuplacer –thea.nesinc.com

My next steps• Step 2 (cont.)

• Military admissions – ASVAB – aptitude test – Oct. 17th (PSAT day)– contact the counseling office to sign up.

• Military admissions may also require a fitness test

• Trade Schools & Careers – consult individual institutions or companies

My next steps

• Step 3– Become familiar with the application process

required for the school • For most Texas schools, go to ApplyTexas.com• For most out of state schools and private

universities go to CommonApplication.org• Some universities have their own applications• Check websites for application information• Make sure to complete all parts of the application• Pay attention to deadlines

My next steps

• Step 4

–Essay (if applicable)• Make sure you address the topic• Show the school why you want to be

part of their organization• Check spelling and grammar

My next steps

• Step 5– Transcripts – Most schools will require a transcript

as part of their application process.• Transcripts are requested from the counseling office.

You must complete the transcript request form and have your parents signature (if under 18). Cost is $3.00 per transcript. You must have a transcript request for each school you apply to.

• Forms are located in the counseling office and online

My next steps

• Step 5– Transcripts

• Each application you complete must have its own transcript request. Turn in to Bette Bower in the counseling office.

• Please allow 2 weeks for all transcript requests

• Emergency requests are unfair to others. There are procedures in place to ensure we get the correct information to the school.

My next steps

• Step 6– Letters of recommendation

• May be requested on the transcript request sheet

• Counselors ask for 2 weeks notice in order to write a quality letter

• Make sure your senior information sheet is complete and on file in the counseling office

My next steps

• Step 6– Letters of recommendation

• The senior information sheet gives the counselors an opportunity to read about your hopes, dreams, strengths, and interests.

• The form helps us write a better letter of recommendation for you.

My next steps

• Step 6– Letters of recommendation

• The counseling department is asked to give our honest impression of you. Make sure we have the best!

• We comment on the following for most applications:–Academic Achievement–Extracurricular accomplishments –Personal qualities and character –Overall impression

Financial Assistance

Fee waivers for students on free and reduced lunch are available for tests, college applications, and graduation costs. See your counselor for more information.

My next steps• Step 7

–Scholarships • Watch the Scholarship newsletter for

information• Gentx.org/financialaid - great resource• Check with your college or university• Fill out FAFSA forms in January (FAFSA.ed.gov)• Check with your parent’s company• Check the internet, but YOU DO NOT NEED TO

PAY for information which is free! Join PTSA - You, not your parent!!!

Scholarships

• You MUST do your part• Those that turn in applications and show an

interest will get additional help• Make copies of everything you turn in

– Makes next scholarship easier– Applications can get lost

Wrapping it up

• Community Scholar Ambassador

–You will need 100 hours of community service

–Three years of the same foreign language

–No failed classes

Wrapping it up

• Community Scholar Ambassador– Scholarships may be available for those who earn

extra hours – turn the hours in!

– Make sure to turn in hours early so they can be reviewed for qualification.

– Watch the deadline for seniors!

Wrapping it up

• Correspondence Courses– Grades from correspondence courses should be

turned in by the end of November or the course will be placed in your schedule for the spring.

– Any grade from Target or other alternative sources must be turned in before the last six week grading period begins.

Important Opportunities and Upcoming Dates

• ASVAB – – October 17th (during the PSAT test) – Sign up in the Counseling Office– Begins at 8:30 in the auditorium– FREE!• FINANCIAL AID Information Night– Nov. 5th 6:30 PM CHHS Auditorium

Facebook Info

Be sure to check the CHHS Counseling Page for more

information!http://www.gcisd-k12.org/site/Def

ault.aspx?PageID=6241