This is the time to make important

Decisions! Decide:

* What are your interests? * What are your goals? * Where do I want to be 2..5..10 years from now?

Bridges Choices Explorer and Planner is here to help!

Choices Planner Choices Planner is an

online career center that helps students compare, connect and choose from a vast network of education and career options.

Choices Explorer Choices Explorer is a career exploration system which helps students determine their best education and career options. www.Bridges.com

Bridges Choices Explorer and Planner is here to help!

Go to BRIDGES.com

Students jumpstart your future, go to Bridges.com to explore:

CAREERS APPLY TO COLLEGES FIND SCHOLARSHIPS

take online SAT/ACT/PSAT test prep courses.

www.Bridges.com

BRIDGES.com

Go to www.Bridges.com Log in = humble + id number (ex: humble123456) Password = id number(ex: 123456) Click on CHOICES PLANNER or

CHOICES EXPLORER

Bridges log-in for Parents 1. Go to the Bridges website: www.bridges.com 2. On the homepage look for the Parents box, and click Sign In.

3. From the Parents page, click "Create a new portfolio”. 4. Complete the requested information using the district

site ID and password: – • Site ID: 1234944 – • Site Password : humble

This account allows you to use all of the tools that your child has access to including a personal portfolio. To access your child’s portfolio, you must login using his/her access codes.

• Certificate/License Program Cosmetology Air Conditioning • Military Career Army Navy • College: *2+ years (Associate’s Degree) *4+ years (Bachelor’s Degree) *6+ years (Master’s /PhD)

Ask yourself realistically… Which program can I Start and

Finish?

Do you meet the requirements to get into the college to which you want to apply? *GPA *Class Rank *SAT/ACT Scores *Recommended Courses

Can you get accepted?

• Compare each college’s range of tuition and fees, including books, housing, transportation, and meals. • Be sure to think long range about your costs. Realize the costs involved are not only per semester, but until the completion of your certificate or degree program.

Do you know the costs involved?

Be sure to apply to more than

one college:

#1- College should be your “Oh My Gosh” college. #2- Should be your “Maybe/Probably” college. #3- Should be your “No Problem” College.

College Application Process * Determine when the college of your choice will begin accepting applications. * Submit applications and SAT/ACT scores in a timely manner. * When writing application essays, use your best writing skills. Consider having someone proof and critique the essay before submitting. * Request transcripts and letters of recommendation well ahead of the deadline. * Maintain copies of all applications. * Be sure to apply to more than one college.

College Application Websites •Students can use one application to apply to more than one public Four-Year University by using the following applications: •THE COMMON APPLICATION. The Common Application is a not-for-profit organization that provides an admission application – online and in print – in which students may submit to ANY of the 400 nationwide associated Universities. www.commonapp.org •THE APPLY TEXAS APPLICATION Apply Texas offers a centralized means for both Texas and non-Texas students to apply to more than one University in the state of Texas. www.applytexas.org

Begin

Applying to

College

Types of Admission ROLLING – There are no deadlines, applications are accepted throughout the year. The ADVANTAGE: Students can apply anytime. The DISADVANTAGE: Once colleges have reached the acceptance limit, additional applications from Rolling Admission applicants will not be considered. Students should remember the later they apply, the less likely they will be accepted and the less likely they will qualify for financial aid.

Types of Admission EARLY DECISION- Students are permitted to apply early to only one university. If accepted, students are legally bound to attend that school and are forbidden to apply to any other school. Typically, Early Decision applications are due on November 1. The ADVANTAGE: Students are more likely to be accepted due to higher admission rates for Early Decision applicants. Students receive notice of acceptance between Dec 1st -15th. The DISADVANTAGE: Students are under contract to attend the college that accepts them even if they do not recover any financial aid. Also, if students are rejected by the school they applied to under Early Decision, they must then apply to other schools using the regular admission process. The early decision process should be used by highly qualified students who are committed to attending their first choice college/University, regardless of financial aid consideration.

Types of Admission Early Action- Students can apply to multiple schools and are not required to commit to attending a particular college until May 1. Applications are typically due Nov 1st – 15th. The ADVANTAGE: Students receive admission decisions from colleges early before the Christmas break, but do not have to commit to attend a college before May1. The DISADVANTAGE: Students will have a busy fall semester, all application documents are normally due in early to mid-November.

Types of Admission REGULAR ADMISSION- Students can apply at a later date, applications are due to most colleges between January 15 and February 1. The ADVANTAGES: Students have additional months to complete and submit their applications and they have no restrictions on the number of schools they can apply to. The DISADVANTAGES: Students are less likely to be accepted because colleges have lower admission rates for regular admission applicants than for Early Decision and Early Application applicants. In addition, students will not find out if they have been accepted until April under the regular admission process.

Requesting Transcripts

Students must see Mrs. Kelly Roark, in the Registrar’s office to complete and sign a “Request for Transcript” form. Including the name of the University or Organization. The cost is $2.00 per transcript. Cash only! All official transcripts will be electronically sent to the University or Organization designated by the student.

Letters of Recommendation Should be written by someone who knows you very well. Provide a copy of your resume or submit and Autobiography to the person writing the letter. Give that person 2-3 weeks notice.

Letter should accurately validate or certify leadership, talents, community service, and extra curricular activities. You may need at least 2-3 letters of recommendation.

College Application Completion Checklist

1. ACT/SAT Scores. 2. Official High School Transcript. 3. Application & Application Fee. 4. Include any necessary essay(s) or optional resume/letters of recommendation. 5. Print and keep a copy of EVERYTHING!!! 6. Mail documents using U.S. Certified Mail

with a Return Receipt.

SAT – ACT THEA

College Admission Testing

SAT and ACT

* The purpose of the college entrance exams is to provide the college admissions officers with a common measure of ability in order to understand and compare applicants from varying educational backgrounds.

* The admission office may use a formula that combines your SAT or

ACT score with your high school grade point average (GPA) to determine your probability of success on the campus.

* Register online (SAT - College Board Online www.collegeboard.com or ACT online www.act.org).

* The Atascocita High School College Board Campus code is 443583.

Difference between the SAT and ACT Tests?

* ACT – The ACT tests a student’s acquired skills. English, Math, Reading, Science, and Writing (optional) Assessment. Composite scores range from 1 to 36. * SAT I – The SAT tests how well students reason. Critical Reading, Writing, and Math Assessment. Highest composite score is 2400. * SAT II – Subject tests (The more selective & competitive colleges require/recommend one or more subject test). Highest composite score is 2400. Colleges and Universities require an official score report.

You may not attend any four year college or university as an incoming freshman without taking the SAT or ACT! There are only a few exceptions to this rule.

EXCEPTIONS!

* You may enter a community college without taking the SAT/ACT. * You may transfer later from a community college to a university without taking the SAT/ACT (typically if you have enough credits to be considered a sophomore).

Fee Waiver

Don’t let registration fees stand in the way between you and going to college!!!

Please see your counselor to verify if you are eligible to receive a fee waiver.

A limited number of fee waivers are available for: * SAT Registration (2 total) * ACT Registration (2 total)

* College Application Fees (max 4)

(All students on Free/Reduced Lunch Qualify)

Athletes…Don’t Forget… *You will need to complete the necessary NCAA Clearinghouse forms! *Student-athletes must be certified by the NCAA Clearinghouse before receiving an athletics scholarship, practicing and competing at a division I or II institution.

*You can apply on-line at www.ncaaclearinghouse.net *See your coach for details.

Scholarships Scholarships may be awarded on the basis of: *Academic Merit *Financial need *Talent *Miscellaneous scholarship criteria

Scholarships Where do I look? * AHS scholarship website * Internet * College/University website * Local business advertisement * Parents place of employment * Research other available scholarships via the reference books, or private sources. * Watch the calendar closely for application deadlines. * Scholarship applications take time and effort but, it is well worth it!!!!!!!

APPLY, APPLY, APPLY!

Scholarship information for college

Financial Aid

FAFSA * FAFSA – Free Application for Federal Student Aid applications are available

online at www.fafsa.ed.gov. * How and when do I apply? Even if you haven’t been officially accepted for admission, you should complete and submit the FAFSA during the spring semester of your senior year in high school. The FAFSA helps colleges and universities determine your eligibility for financial aid.

* Students and parents can sign applications electronically by applying for a PIN number. This will speed up the application process. Apply for a PIN now!

* It is highly recommended that parents have their 2014 Income Tax Returns completed before attempting to complete this form.

* After your FAFSA is processed, you’ll receive a Student Aid Report (SAR). The information from your FAFSA will be sent to the colleges you listed on the form, and they will send you an award letter identifying the aid for which you qualify.

Begin the FAFSA process @ www.fafsa.ed.gov

TAFSA * TAFSA- Texas Application for Student Aid * Allows non-citizen students to pay in-state tuition at a Texas public university and to qualify for state

financial aid. * Fill out the TASFA form in January and submit directly to the financial aid office at the institution you will be attending. * The TASFA form is available at

www.collegefortexans.com

Sources of Financial Aid

* Grants – Need based; do not have to repay as long as you maintain a certain GPA. * Loans – Must repay once you finish college. * Work Study Program – Job housed on campus arranged by college. * Scholarships- Free money

How can we help your senior…

Senior Meetings

Who: Senior and Counselor When: October thru December Why: Evaluate transcript, discuss plans post-high school, answer any questions you might bring to the meeting for discussion.

Resources One of your greatest resources is the AHS

website.

We are committed to providing you with the resources necessary to help you achieve your

goals, NOW…

What are YOU prepared to do for yourself and your future?

You can make it to Graduation… And Beyond!!!

THANK YOU!!!! * Thank you for attending Senior Parent Night. * You can find a copy of this presentation on the

AHS website. * We encourage you to contact us with any

questions regarding your senior. * Please remember that deadlines are crucial.