my college prep workbook 2018
TRANSCRIPT
VETERANS MEMORIAL EARLY COLLEGE HIGH SCHOOL
4550 US Military Hwy 281
Brownsville, TX 78520
School Code: 440903
MY COLLEGE PREP WORKBOOK 2018
College Questions Answered in One Spot
_____________________________________ ______________________
Your name Your ID#
Keep this packet in a safe place. You will use it to navigate through the
college application experience.
Do not procrastinate! Keep up with DEADLINES!
Kathy Schwartz, Senior Counselor [email protected] 956-574-5699
Celina Barrera-Scott, College Counselor [email protected] 956-574-5931
Briana Arteaga, IDEA/LEP Counselor [email protected] 956-574-5634
Cecilia Hobbs, Youth Advisory Counselor [email protected] 956-574-5621
BISD does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, sex, religion, age, disability or genetic
information in employment or provision of services, programs, or activities.
TABLE OF CONTENTS
Your Options After High School………………………………………………………………….. 1
My College Checklist…………………………………………………………………………………… 2
Entrance Exams: SAT or ACT?.......................................................................... 3
SAT / ACT Testing Dates………………………………………………………………………………. 4
TSI – Texas Success I itiati e……………………………………………………………………….. 5
The Applicatio & Essays…………………………………………………………………………….. 6
My College Access – Usernames & Pass ords…………………………………………….. 7
College Application Tracking Form………………………………………………………………. 8
Scholarship I for atio ………………………………………………………………………………. 9
FAFSA Information ………………………………………………………………………………………. 10
Letters of Reco e datio ………………………………………………………………………… 11
A ard Letters………………………………………………………………………………………………. 11
Tips for Success……………………………………………………………………………………………. 11
Helpful College Resources……………………………………………………………………………. 12
Graduatio Regalia……………………………………………………………………………………….1
Se ior Year Cale dar…………………………………………………………………………………….1
1
YOUR OPTIONS AFTER HIGH SCHOOL
Community Colleges
They offer two-year programs that will earn you an associate’s degree and the curriculum
often includes specialized career training and certification. The tuition is usually lower and
you can transfer to a university if you want to continue your education.
Career Colleges and Vocational/Technical Schools
These institutions offer specialized programs that prepare students for a specific trade or
industry. Be sure to check that the college is accredited and which classes and credits will transfer to public
colleges and universities in case you decide to go on to earn a degree later.
Public Colleges / Universities
You can earn a 4-year bachelor’s Degree and post-graduate opportunities are also available through master’s
and doctoral degree programs.
Private Colleges / Universities
Private institutions are funded primarily by organizational endowments and alumni contributions. The cost of
attending private universities is usually much higher than public colleges or universities. However, although
tuition may cost more, they tend to offer more financial aid and scholarships to offset the price.
The Military
For those inclined to serve our country, the military is definitely an option and our local recruiters can offer
more explanation of requirements and benefits.
In Our Neighborhood……
We are fortunate to have three higher education institutions nearby – UTRGV, TSC, and TSTC. UTRGV is a
university that offers bachelor’s and advanced degrees. TSC and TSTC (Harlingen) are both community
colleges that offer associate degrees and certification programs that can be completed within one to two
years. Listed below are some of the many certification programs they offer:
Accounting Technology Heating Ventilation & Air Conditioning Tech
Agriculture Technology Medical Laboratory Technology
Air Traffic Controller Nursing
Aircraft Pilot Training Paralegal Studies
Auto Body Repair Pharmacy Technician
Automotive Technology Plumbing and Pipefitting Technology
Child Care and Development Radiologic Technology
Computer Maintenance Technology Software Development
Construction Technology Solar Energy Technology
Culinary Arts Telecommunications Technology
Dental Hygiene Tool and Die Technology
Diagnostic Medical Sonography Visual Communication Technology
Digital Media Design Web Design and Technology
Drafting and Design Welding Technology
Emergency Medical Science Wind Energy Technology
2
MY COLLEGE CHECKLIST
College Application
You must create an account and keep account information.
ApplyTexas: www.applytexas.org
The Common Application: www.commonapp.com
The Coalition for Access: www.coalitionforcollegeaccess.org
Keep a tab on school’s admission deadlines and their scholarship deadlines.
Be sure to enter ALL of your activities and work experience. Everything counts!
Is an essay required? A____ B____ C____
College Scholarship Deadlines
Some colleges will have them on ApplyTexas, along with their admissions application. Others
will have different websites for scholarship application(s). Be sure to see Ms. Barrera-Scott who
is our College Counselor and scholarship specialist! ADHERE TO DEADLINES!
SAT / ACT Scores
You must register ONE MONTH before the test date.
When registering, sign up to have your scores sent automatically sent to universities. Sending
them after you test?....$12 per college.
Send your scores to every school receiving an application. Look under SEND MY SCORES.
High School Transcript
Create a Parchment account and all transcript requests can be done electronically.
Be sure to send your final transcript ( wait for grades ) to the one college/university you decide
to attend Fall 2018.
College Application Fee Waiver
Did you take Dual or Concurrent Enrollment classes through TSTC, TSC, or UTRGV while in high
school?
If so, you must send every college you are applying to your college transcript. Request from the
appropriate institutions (TSTC, TSC, and/or UTRGV).
College Application Fee Waiver
If you used an ACT and/or SAT fee waiver, you are eligible for application fee waivers. Your
SAT fee waivers (4) are available through your College Board account. You can get your 4 ACT
waivers from your counselor.
UTSA, Texas State, and UNT usually require additional proof of financial need.
Financial Aid Application
Beginning in October, you need to fill out an application to get financial aid. This application is
called the FAFSA. Go to www.fafsa.ed.gov.
Even if you don’t think you will be eligible for government aid, complete the application
because colleges usually require it when deciding on grants and scholarships.
SAT ACT
3
Score Scale of 400 - 1600 Scale of 1 - 36
Information taken from The Princeton Review
Entrance Exams
SAT or ACT: What's the difference?
MathArithmetic, Algebra I & II, Geometry,
Trigonometry, Data Analysis
Arithmetic, Algebra I & II, Geometry,
Trigonometry
ToolsSome math questions will not allow
calculator useCalculator can be used on all questions.
EssayWill test your comprehension
of a source text
Will test how well you evaluate and
analyze complex issues
Reading 5 reading passages 4 reading passages
Science None 1 section
Test StructureMath, Reading, Writing & Language,
Essay is optional
Math, Reading, English, Science,
Essay is optional
Length3 hours (without essay)
3 hours, 50 minutes (with essay)
2 hours, 55 minutes (without essay)
3 hours, 40 minutes (with essay)
Date of Test Test Register by
August 26, 2017 SAT & SAT Subject July 28, 2017
September 9, 2017 ACT August 4, 2017
October 7, 2017 SAT & SAT Subject September 8, 2017
October 28, 2017 ACT September 22, 2017
November 4, 2017 SAT & SAT Subject October 5, 2017
December 2, 2017 SAT & SAT Subject November 2, 2017
December 9, 2017 ACT November 3, 2017
February 10, 2018 ACT January 12, 2018
March 10, 2018 SAT (no Subject) February 9, 2018
April 14, 2018 ACT March 9, 2018
May 5, 2018 SAT & SAT Subject April 6, 2018
June 2, 2018 SAT & SAT Subject May 3, 2018
June 9, 2018 ACT May 4, 2018
July 14, 2018 ACT June 15, 2018
4
SAT / ACT Testing Dates
SAT REGISTRATION: www.collegeboard.org ACT REGISTRATION: www.actstudent.org
Registration and practice are both available at the websites for each test. Our school code is 440903.
For assistance, stop by the Go Center.
The College Board has a very useful app called CollegeGo. It is free to download and offers
information under five general areas: Prepare for College, Discover Careers, Find Colleges, Afford
College, and Apply & Go.
5
– TEXAS SUCCESS INITIATIVE
What is the TSI Assessment?
The TSI Assessment is a program designed to help your institution determine if you are ready
for college-level course work in the general areas of reading, writing, and math. This program
also will help determine what type of course or intervention will best meet your need to help
you become better prepared for college-level course work if you are not ready. If you are an
incoming college student in Texas, you are required to take the TSI Assessment – unless you are
exempt (see below) – to determine your readiness for college-level work. Based on how you
perform, you may either be enrolled in a college-level course that matches your skill level or be
placed in the appropriate developmental course or intervention to improve your skills and
prepare you for success in college-level courses.
PASSING SCORES:
Math – 350
Reading – 351
Writing – Essay 6
Essay 5, Multiple Choice 350
Essay 5, Multiple Choice less than 340, ABE Diagnostic 4
Essay 4, Multiple Choice 340
THESE ARE UP-DATED SCORES AS OF 8/18/17!
EXEMPTIONS:
ACT - Composite score of 23 and a minimum of 19 on both English and
Math tests
SAT - Math 530, Reading/Writing 480
6
The Application and Essays
Are you staying in TEXAS? Then it’s Apply Texas for most of your application needs.
www.applytexas.org
ESSAYS Essay A:
What was the environment in which you were raised? Describe your family, home, neighborhood, or community, and
explain how it has shaped you as a person.
Essay B:
Most students have an identity, an interest, or a talent that defines them in an essential way. Tell us about yourself.
Essay C:
You’ve got a ticket in your hand – where will you go? What will you do? What will happen when you get there?
Are you applying OUT-OF-STATE? Try the Common Application for private,
Ivy League, and out-of-state universities. www.commonapp.org
1. Some students have a background, identity, interest, or talent that is so meaningful they believe their application
would be incomplete without it. If this sounds like you, then please share your story.
2. The lessons we take from obstacles we encounter can be fundamental to later success. Recount a time when you
faced a challenge, setback, or failure. How did it affect you, and what did you learn from the experience?
3. Reflect on a time when you questioned or challenged a belief or idea. What prompted your thinking? What was the
outcome?
4. Describe a problem you've solved or a problem you'd like to solve. It can be an intellectual challenge, a research
query, an ethical dilemma - anything that is of personal importance, no matter the scale. Explain its significance to you
and what steps you took or could be taken to identify a solution.
5. Discuss an accomplishment, event, or realization that sparked a period of personal growth and a new understanding
of yourself or others.
6. Describe a topic, idea, or concept you find so engaging that it makes you lose all track of time. Why does it captivate
you? What or who do you turn to when you want to learn more?
7. Share an essay on any topic of your choice. It can be one you've already written, one that responds to a different
prompt, or one of your own design.
A New Option for select colleges/universities:
The Coalition for Access, Affordability, and Success
www.coalitionforcollegeaccess.org
TOP SECRET / MY COLLEGE ACCESS
WEBSITE Username Password
Apply Texas
www.applytexas.org
Application used to apply to public and
some private colleges in TEXAS.
Common Application
www.commonapp.org
Application used to apply to most private colleges
in the United States.
SAT College Board
www.collegeboard.com
ACT
www.actstudent.org
Fastweb
www.fastweb.com
Scholarships.com
www.scholarships.com
Scholarships Experts www.scholarshipexperts.com
FAFSA
www.fafsa.ed.gov
The Free Application for Federal Student Aid is the form used by the US
Department of Education to determine your Expected Family Contribution (EFC)
by conducting a need analysis based on financial information, such as
income,assets, and other information, which you will be asked to provide.
FSA ID
www.pin.ed.gov
Your FSA ID can be used each year to electroncially apply for federal student aid
& to access your Federal Student Aid records online. It serves as your electronic
signature & provides access to your personal records, so never give your FSA ID
to anyone.
NCAA www.ncaaeligibilitycenter.org
The National Collegiate Athletic Association is an organization dedicated to
safeguarding student athlete well-being and equipping them with the skills to
succeed on the playing field, in the classroom, and throughout life.
NAIA
www.naia.org
The National Association of Intercollegiate Athletics is a governing body of small
athletic programs that are dedicated to character-driven intercollegiate
athletics.
ATHLETIC
APPLICATIONS
COLLEGE PLACEMENT EXAMS
The SAT / ACT are standardized tests for most college admissions in
the United States; either test is acceptable. If necessary, the phone
contact numbers are SAT 866-756-7346 and ACT 319-337-1270.
SCHOLARSHIPS
Free online scholarship search service: Create your
account, fill out your profile and receive scholarships
through your email.
FINANCIAL AID
Keep all your account information on this page and in a safe place. DO NO LOSE YOUR ACCOUNT INFORMATION - YOU WILL NEED IT. 7
COLLEGE/UNIVERSITY
APPLICATION STATUS
List date of completion under
each section.
COLLEGE 1
__________________
________________
application deadline
_________________
scholarship deadline
COLLEGE 2
_________________
_________________
application deadline
_________________
scholarship deadline
COLLEGE 3
__________________
________________
application deadline
_________________
scholarship deadline
COLLEGE 4
__________________
________________
application deadline
_________________
scholarship deadline
COLLEGE 5
_________________
________________
application deadline
_________________
scholarship deadline
Application Submitted - including
required essays
Scholarship Application Submitted -
college scholarship
ACT/SAT Scores Submitted - SAT Subject
Scores, if applicable
Appliction Fee Submitted - or waiver if
acceppted
Official High School Transcript
Submitted - after 6th semester rank
College/University Transcripts
Submitted - Dual or Concurrent
enrollment
TSI Scores Submitted - for Texas colleges
only
FAFSA Submitted - Free Application for
Federal Student Aid
Housing Application Submitted - with
fee
Final Transcript Submitted - through
Parchment, wait for grades
COLLEGE APPLICATION TRACKING FORM
8
9
SCHOLARSHIP APPLICATIONS
Your VMECHS Scholarship Specialist is Ms. Celina Barrera-Scott.
You should start…NOW! Where can you look?
VMECHS Scholarship Bulletin
On the school website at http://veteransmemorialearlycollegehigh.weebly.com/
Get a hard copy at the Go Center
Outside Resources:
Fastweb at www.fastweb.com
Scholarships.com at www.scholarships.com
College Financial Advice at http://www.college-financial-aid-advice.com
College Green Light at https://www.collegegreenlight.com
Popular Mega Scholarships:
Terry Scholars at www.terryfoundation.org
Coca-Cola Scholars at www.coca-colascholarsfoundation.org
Dell Scholarship at www.dellscholars.org
Hispanic Scholarship Fund Scholarships at www.hsf.net
VAMOS at www.vamosscholars.org
STARS at www.starsscholarship.org
Remember to avoid scams;
you should NEVER pay for scholarship help.
10
FAFSA – Free Application for Federal Student Aid
When?
It will be available October 1st
and the sooner
you submit the application, the better.
What is FAFSA?
Federal Student Aid, an office of the US
Department of Education, ensures that all
eligible individuals can benefit from federally
funded assistance for education beyond high
school.
How does it work?
FAFSA calculates an Expected Family
Contribution (EFC) number for every family
and student. It is a number, used by your
college, to calculate the amount of federal
aid you are eligible to receive. The lower the number, the less you are expected to be able to pay. Colleges and
universities use this number to decide how much financial aid (grants, work-study, federal loans, scholarships) to award
you.
What do I need before completing my FAFSA?
Before you file your FAFSA, you will need to apply for FSA ID number which you will use as an electronic signature. Both
parents and students need an FSA ID number to sign their FAFSA after completing it online. Students are required to
have a Social Security number to apply for FAFSA; parents do not need to be citizens.
You will also need your parents’ most recent income taxes.
How do I file my FAFSA?
Go to www.fafsa.ed.gov. Begin your online application; submit your parents’ and your information. Select the schools
you want your FAFSA sent to because if they don’t get your FAFSA, they can’t give you financial aid. Have FAFSA get
your tax information directly from the IRS and sign your FAFSA with your PIN. Wait for your SAR (Student Aid Report)
which gives you your EFC number.
What is the TASFA?
It is the Texas Application for State Financial Aid. This financial aid application is only for students who are not US
citizens or Legal Permanent Residents. The TAFSA application is available at http://www.finaid.txstate.edu/more-
info/TASFA.html.
ALL SENIORS SHOULD COMPLETE THEIR FAFSA / TASFA
APPLICATION REGARDLESS OF INCOME.
11
Letters of Recommendation
You may need letters of recommendation for many reasons during your
senior year – college applications, scholarship applications, and job
applications. Remember:
When requesting a letter of recommendation from either your teachers,
your counselor, or your administrators, it is best to give them a resume.
Give them AT LEAST one week’s notice before the letter of
recommendation is due.
Award Letters
Colleges and universities will send you letters announcing any awards (grants,
scholarships, financial assistance) they may offer you. Read the letters carefully
and give a copy to your counselor. Whether or not you
accept the offers, you earned the award and your total
amount is announced graduation night. It also goes toward
the cumulative amount that will be announced as proudly
earned by the Class of 2018, Veterans Memorial Early
College High School.
Tips for Success
Be responsible. Be proactive.
Keep track of grades and attendance; all requirements must be met in
order to graduate.
Do not procrastinate.
When applying for scholarships, turn in your applications EARLY. Do not
wait until the deadline date.
Stay off of the Senior Slide…. e ause we know what dire tion slides go!
12
Helpful College Resources
Information about Financial Aid
Guide to Federal Student Aid
www.studentaid.ed.gov/guide/
Fastweb
www.fastweb.com
FinAid
www.finaid.org
College Goal Sunday
www.collegegoalsundayusa.org
Mapping Your Future
www.mappingyourfuture.org
Federal Student Aid for Students
www.studentaid.ed.gov
FTC Project Scholarship Scam
www.ftc.gov/scholarshipscams
Financial Aid Calculators
www.finaid.org/calculators
Financial Aid Applications
CSS / Financial Aid PROFILE
Profileonline.collegeboard.com
FAFSA
www.fafsa.ed.gov
FSA ID Registration
www.pin.ed.gov
FAFSA 4Caster
www.fafsa4caster.ed.gov
Choosing a Major and Career
Bureau of Labor Statistics
www.bls.gov
Occupational Handbook
www.bls.gov/oco
Texas Reality Check
https://texasrealitycheck.com
MONEY College Planner
www.time.com/money/best-colleges
College Admissions & Testing
ACT (American College Testing)
www.actstudent.org
AP (Advanced Placement)
www.apcentral.collegeboard.com
SAT (Scholastic Assessment)
www.sat.collegeboard.org
College Search
www.fastweb.com/college-search
Sources of Aid
Scholarship Search
www.fastweb.com
Student Loans
www.studentloans.gov
Americorps
www.americorps.gov
General Information
Social Security Information
www.ssa.gov
Selective Service
www.sss.gov
Study Abroad
www.studyabroad.com
US Department of Education
www.ed.gov
13
GRADUATION REGALIA
Listed below are the cords, stoles, and collars that can be earned to wear on
graduation night:
GOLD CORD
Students who are in the Top 5% of the graduating class
SILVER CORD
Students who are in the Top 10% of the graduating class
PURPLE CORD
Students who have earned 3 to 5 Performance Acknowledgements
LILAC CORD
Students who have earned 1 to 2 Performance Acknowledgements
TEAL CORD
Students who have completed a coherent sequence of three courses in a career
pathway
RED, WHITE, AND BLUE CORD
Students who have completed a coherent sequence of three credits (80 or above
average) in a career pathway with at least two credits being articulated or dual
ORANGE CORD
Students who have completed all requirements for their certification program
ORANGE AND WHITE CORD
Students who have completed a Pharmacy Tech certification program
STAMP MAGNET STOLE
Students who have been in the STAMP program and met all the requirements
during their four high school years
NATIONAL HONOR SOCIETY COLLAR
Students who are members of the National Honor Society
14
SENIOR YEAR
August – September 2017
____ Research colleges and universities.
____ Begin a file for each of the colleges you are interested in; use the College Tracking Form.
____ Continue your involvement in extracurricular activities.
____ Register for SAT or ACT (send scores to colleges while registering).
____ Know your social security number; it is requested on some applications and FAFSA.
____ Request letters of recommendation at least one week prior to date needed; supply a resume.
____ Keep up with announcements and counselor emails.
October 2017
____ Apply for your FSA ID; you and your parents will each need one (for FAFSA).
____ Send your official high school transcript to colleges through Parchment.
____ Send your official college transcripts (if you have taken Dual Enrollment through TSC, TSTC, UTRGV) to
the colleges you apply to.
____ Apply for scholarships. Register at www.FastWeb.com and visit counselor’s office often for updated
listing.
____ Take the TSI if you are planning to attend a public school in Texas.
____ Begin to work on application essays.
____ Keep up with announcements and counselor emails.
November – December 2017
____ Try to complete your college applications during the first semester.
____ Remember that the application deadline for UT and Texas A&M is December 1, 2017.
____ Watch deadlines for Early Action or Early Decision if you are applying for them.
____ Check with your prospective colleges about additional financial aid application forms and requirements.
____ Keep copies and record dates for completed college and scholarship applications.
____ Contact the undergraduate admission offices and be sure to regularly check your college portal.
____ Keep up with announcements and counselor emails.
15
January – February 2018
____ Monitor your grades and attendance; make sure you are headed toward graduation.
____ Review the SAR (Student Aid Report) and EFC (Estimated Family Contribution) sent by FAFSA to
determine your college/university choice.
____ Continue to apply for scholarships; we have many local scholarships offered during the Spring.
____ Regularly check your email account and respond to college requests.
____ Keep up with announcements and counselor emails.
March – May 2018
____ Keep focused on your goals.
____ Compare your admissions offers; most colleges ask that you choose by May 1.
____ Turn in any scholarship or grant offers to your counselor – even if you are not planning on attending that
school. Remember, submit all offers!
____ Check with the college you plan to attend for orientation sessions and requirements.
____ Go on to your Parchment account and ask that your final transcript ( wait for grades ) be sent to the
college/university of your choice.
____ Make sure that you have completed the necessary forms for housing and financial aid.
June 10, 2018
____ CONGRATULATIONS --- IT’S TIME FOR YOUR GRADUATION!
And Always Remember…..
Overthinking is stressful. Lack of planning is also stressful.
Opinions don’t define your reality. You only fail if you quit.
Everyone’s journey is different. Smiles are contagious. Kindness is free.
Nearly all things get better with time. Positive thoughts create positive things.
The past cannot be changed, but the future can. Happiness is found within.