Students: Have a great senior year and be sure to visit the Career Center often. Mrs. Borton

Transcription

1 High School

2 Students: Your senior year is an exciting time as you get closer to reaching that lifelong goal of high school graduation. Walking across the stage and picking up your diploma is about to become a reality. Congratulations! Your hard work and dedication are about to pay off. Hopefully you have also taken the time to explore colleges and potential careers and job opportunities. The next steps are completing college applications, resumes, applying for scholarships, and meeting admissions and financial aid deadlines. This guidebook is designed to help you with that process. Refer to it frequently for information,guidance, and answers to your questions. Keep it where you can easily find it and use it as a resource throughout this exciting time. Choosing a college and career option is an important decision and should not be left to chance. To guide you in this process, consider the following: 1. Know your strengths and weaknesses 2. Have clear and specific goals and objectives 3. Recognize realistic options that are available to you Carefully select your best options, but along the journey, seek advice from your parents, teachers, mentors, counselors, and your college and career counselor. They want you to succeed, and have your best interest at heart. The Career Center is located in room A106 and is usually open every day. The Career Center is also a Go Center sponsored by the University of Arlington (UTA). Assistants from UTA have been trained to work with high school students. Wecan answer questions about colleges, applications, financial aid, SAT/ACT registration, college applications, dual credit, and many other issues related to colleges and careers. Make sure that you stay up to date with the daily announcements for important upcoming events. Make a regular habit to check the What s Happening wall outside of the Career Center, as well as the Scholarship Board for the latest opportunities. Frequently check your Skyward for the latest announcements. Have a great senior year and be sure to visit the Career Center often. Mrs. Borton SGP College & Career Center Phyllis.borton@gpisd.org

3 SENIOR CALENDAR CHECKLIST SEPTEMBER Narrow your selection of colleges & universities to your top 4-6 choices. o Dream School o 2-3 schools you can be admitted with a little diligence and hard work o 2 schools for a back-up plan Begin the college application process. For Texas colleges & universities: Log-in at Complete one application to submit to all Texas colleges & univiersities Plan to Attend a 4-year University: o Register to take the next available ACT or SAT if you have not taken one of these tests o Retake SAT/ACT if necessary to boost your scores for scholarship opportunities o Request copies of your transcript for college applications o Check application deadlines for Early Decision status o Submit your applications and other documents to the universities by November 1 st Plan to Attend a Community College: o Apply online at the college s website under ADMISSIONS o Study and prepare for the TSI (Texas Success Initiative) o Sufficient ACT or SAT scores can exempt the TSI test. Attend the schools district s annual College Night held each year in September Begin a diligent search for scholarships: o Register with 2-3 reputable scholarship websites o Frequently check your Skyward for the latest scholarship information o Local Grand Prairie scholarships are available at: Organize your Scholarship Binder o Request a copy of your transcript o Update your high school resume o Request Letters of Recommendation o Write your scholarship essay o Continue with the community service Use the College & Career Center for college & scholarship searches Attend & participate in scholarship & financial aid workshops, as well as college application workshops. Check in the Career Center for the latest dates & times. Register in the Career Center to visit with college reps or special college or career field trips Check high school transcript for accuracy and final graduation clearance OCTOBER Continue scholarship searches and applications Continue working on college applications Visit with college representatives when they are on campus Visit: and complete the FAFSA4caster. This will give you an estimate of the amount of federal aid you may receive. NOVEMBER Submit all applications for 4 year universities

4 o Applications must be complete, including transcripts, recommendation letters, and placed in the mail before Thanksgiving break o Meeting this deadline ensures that you are considered for university scholarships Confirm all deadlines Complete and submit application for community colleges (Dallas County or Tarrant County Colleges), including high school transcripts o Prepare to take the TSI o Remember to Study & Prepare: Do your best the FIRST time. JANUARY The FAFSA application for Federal Student Aid is available January 1 st Visit website : Request a PIN for you and your parent View the FAFSA application Continue searching and applying for scholarships. You are in the peak season at this time. FEBRUARY Complete the FAFSA application as soon as your parents submit their income taxes. Closely monitor your for notices that your SAR Report from FAFSA is ready. o Download your report. Quickly make any necessary corrections and submit them. o Contact the college or university Financial Aid offices with any questions you may have. Continue to apply for scholarships MARCH & APRIL Start watching your mailbox and for college acceptance letters. Review your college acceptances and compare the colleges financial aid packages Notify the college or university you plan to attend and submit any required financial deposits such as dormitories. Many schools require notification and deposit by May 1 st. Notify schools you do not plan to attend. Planning to attend Dallas County Community Colleges: o Apply online for the Rising Star Scholarship o Request a transcript for the scholarship application. Tell the Career Center about your college choices, where you plan to attend, and the amount of money you received. This will be posted at graduation. MAY/JUNE Senior Activities Stay on top of all correspondence between you and your college of choice. Write Thank You notes for your scholarships GRADUATION --- CONGRATULATIONS!!!

5 GENERAL REQUIREMENTS FOR COLLEGE ADMISSIONS TWO YEAR COMMUNITY COLLEGES: Dallas Co Community Colleges; Tarrant County Colleges Degrees Offered: Two-Year Associate of Sciences; Associate of Arts; Technical Degrees Certification Programs: 6 months, 12 months, 18 month programs Transfer Programs to 4-year universities Requirements for Admission: Complete the Application - No Essay Required Submit an official Transcript Submit Proof of Bacterial Meningitis Vaccination Take the TSI (Texas Success Initiative) exam -- No SAT or ACT test scores are required FOUR YEAR STATE UNIVERSITIES: University of Arlington, Texas A&M University Degrees Offered: Bachelors or Arts, Bachelors of Science, Masters, & Doctorate degrees Submit an Application, Essay, & Application Fee ACT or SAT Test Scores are required High School GPA and Class Rank are considered Recommended High School Graduation Plan Submit Proof of Bacterial Meningitis Vaccination FOUR YEAR PRIVATE UNIVERSITIES: Texas Christian University; SMU, Rice University Degrees Offered: Bachelors or Arts, Bachelors of Science, Masters, & Doctorate degrees Submit an Application, Essay, and Application Fee ACT or SAT Test Scores are required High School GPA and Class Rank are considered Recommended High School Graduation Plan PROPRIETARY SCHOOLS: ATI, Lincoln Tech, UTI, ITT, DeVry University, Phoenix University, Kaplan Certification and Degree Programs Submit an Application

6 COLLEGE FOR ALL TEXANS This site has everything you need to select the Texas university, college, community college, or technical school that s best for you. This site has the tools to work out all of the details. Get all the Facts, Make a Plan, and Apply. Get All the Facts: Step One Gather important information to choose the best college such as: school with a particular major and program of study, required entrance tests, costs, application process, living arrangements, transfer policies College Locator: Find any college/university in the state College Match-Up: Describe what you re looking for in a college and get a list of matching schools. State Schools Net Price Calculator (NPC): Learn about the costs of attending Texas schools Still have Questions:Regarding applications or financial aid, Call Military and Their Families: Special information for military veterans and their families.

7 FIND YOUR COLLEGE OR UNIVERSITY Use this website to find any college or university in the United States. Search by name or by state Click on your college or university of choice The website will take you to the college/university s home page Check out FRESHMAN or NEW STUDENTS links for relevant information such as application deadlines, admission requirements, costs, programs offered, housing, visitor days & special events and activities. Things to Think About when Considering Out of State or Private Colleges: Cost: out of state colleges are three four times more expensive than in state colleges Travel: Are you ready to live hundreds of miles away and go home once a semester

8 APPLY TEXAS This site allows you to complete your college application one time and submit it to multiple Texas colleges and universities. Apply for admission to any Texas public university, as well as participating community & private colleges. Copy a submitted application to another institution Submit your application essays online Apply for scholarships from participating universities Apply for housing with participating universities Search for and view both general and university specific information

9 ACT & SAT TESTINGDATES SGP SCHOOL CODE: A maximum of TWOtesting fee waivers for each test are available to qualifying students based on financial need. Students must be currently approved for Free or Reduced Lunch. Fee waivers are used for ON TIME registrations only.late fees or other services may require additional payment. The WAIVER IS considered USED once you register for a test, even if you do not test on the requested date. ACT Register online at: REGISTRATION FEES: Regular Registration $54.50 Late Registration: $78.50 TEST DATE REGISTRATION DEADLINE LATE REGISTRATION September 13, 2014 August 8, 2014 August 22, 2014 October 25, 2014 September 19, 2014 Oct 3, 2014 December 13, 2014 November 7, 2014 November21, 2014 February 7, 2015 January 9, 2015 January 16, 2015 April 18, 2016 March 13, 2015 March 27, 2015 June 13, 2015 May 8, 2015 May 22, 2015 SAT Register online at: REGISTRATION FEES: Regular Registration $52.50Late Registration $80.50 TEST DATE REGISTRATION DEADLINELATE REGISTRATION October 11, 2014 September 12, 2014 September 30, 2014 November 8, 2014 October 9, 2014 October 28, 2014 December 6, 2014 November 6, 2014 November 24, 2014 January 24, 2015 December 29, 2014 January 13, 2015 March 14, 2015 February 13, 2015 March 3, 2015 May 2, 2015 April 6, 2015 April 21, 2015 June 6, 2015 May 8, 2015 May 27, 2015

10 WHAT IS THE DIFFERENCE BETWEEN THE ACT and SAT COLLEGE TESTS? SAT ACT Testing Day: Saturday Testing Day: Saturday Fee Waiver: 2 total Fee Waiver: 2 total Testing Time: 4 hours Testing Time: 4 hours Test Breakdown: Test Breakdown: Math 50% Math 25% No Science Science Reasoning: 25% English 50% English 25% No Reading Reading 25% Writing Section*: Yes Writing Section*: Yes Guessing Penalty: YES Guessing Penalty: NO Accepted by ALL Colleges Accepted by ALL Colleges Scores: Scores: 1 36 Average Score: 990 Average Score: 21 Writing score should NOT be added into the total score. It does not count towards college admission; however, colleges require the writing test. It s taken into consideration when students are border line for acceptance. JUNIORS should take these tests during their spring semester. CEEB CAMPUS CODE: Enter the following code when you register South Grand Prairie HS

11 DALLAS COUNTY COMMUNITY COLLEGE Not sure you want to spend four five years in college to earn a bachelor s degree? Perhaps an associate or technical degree or a certificate program more closely matches your career goals. To find associate, technical degrees or certificate programs Go to Click on CLASSES & DEGREES You can search by subject, degree, or college campus OR type the name of the program into the box on the right Search this Site Every field of study lists the degree offered as well as available certificates. Degree plans list the courses required each semester for the degree or certification. Certificate programs do not require ACT/SAT scores or TSI scores. They are generally six twelve month programs. DALLAS COUNTY COMMUNITY COLLEGE offers more than 250 degree and certificate programs.

12 DO YOU NEED Page 1 of 2 MONEY FOR COLLEGE? Federal Student Aid at a Glance WHAT is federal student aid? Federal student aid comes from the federal government specifically, the U.S. Department of Education. It s money that helps a student pay for higher education expenses (i.e., college, career school, or graduate school expenses). Federal student aid covers such expenses as tuition and fees, room and board, books and supplies, and transportation. Aid also can help pay for a computer and for dependent care. There are three main categories of federal student aid: grants, work-study, and loans. Check with your school s financial aid office to find out which programs the school participates in. Details about the federal student aid programs are on page 2 of this document. WHO gets federal student aid? Our most basic eligibility requirements are that you must demonstrate financial need (for most programs to learn more, visit StudentAid.gov/how-calculated); be a U.S. citizen or an eligible noncitizen; have a valid Social Security number; register (if you haven t already) with Selective Service, if you re a male between the ages of 18 and 25; maintain satisfactory academic progress in college or career school; and show you re qualified to obtain a college or career school education by - having a high school diploma or General Educational Development (GED) certificate or - completing a high school education in a home-school setting approved under state law. Find more details about eligibility criteria at StudentAid.gov/eligibility. HOW do you apply for federal student aid? 1. Complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA SM ) at If you need a paper FAFSA, you can get one from our website at where you can download a PDF, or our ED Pubs distribution center at or toll-free at For the award year, the FAFSA is available from Jan. 1, 2014, to June 30, But you need to apply as soon as you can! Schools and states often use FAFSA information to award nonfederal aid. Their deadlines are usually early in the year. You can find state deadlines at or on the paper FAFSA. Check with the schools you re interested in for their deadlines. 2. Review your Student Aid Report. After you apply, you ll receive a Student Aid Report, or SAR. Your SAR contains the information reported on your FAFSA and usually includes your Expected Family Contribution (EFC). The EFC is an index number used to determine your eligibility for federal student aid. Review your SAR information and make any corrections or changes, if necessary. The school(s) you list on your FAFSA will get your SAR data electronically. 3. Contact the school(s) you might attend. Make sure the financial aid office at each school you re interested in has all the information needed to determine your eligibility. If you re eligible, each school s financial aid office will send you an aid offer showing the amount and types of aid (from all sources) the school will offer you. You can compare aid offers from the schools to which you applied and see which school is the most affordable once financial aid is taken into account. HAVE QUESTIONS? Contact or visit the following: StudentAid.gov a college financial aid office studentaid@ed.gov FED-AID ( ) toll-free (toll-free TTY for the hearing impaired)

13 Federal Student Aid Programs DO YOU NEED MONEY FOR COLLEGE? Page 2 of 2 Program Type of Aid Program Details Annual Amount Federal Pell Grant Grant: does not have to be repaid For undergraduates with financial need who have not earned bachelor s or professional degrees; in some cases, however, a student enrolled in a postbaccalaureate teacher certification program might receive a Federal Pell Grant. A student can receive a Federal Pell Grant for no more than 12 semesters or the equivalent (roughly six years). Up to $5,645 for the award year For the award year amount, visit StudentAid.gov/pell-grant. Federal Supplemental Educational Opportunity Grant (FSEOG) Grant: does not have to be repaid For undergraduates with exceptional financial need; Federal Pell Grant recipients take priority; funds depend on availability at school. $100 $4,000 Teacher Education Assistance for College and Higher Education (TEACH) Grant Grant: does not have to be repaid unless student fails to carry out service obligation, in which case student must repay TEACH Grant as Direct Unsubsidized Loan with interest accrued (accumulated) from date grant was disbursed (paid out to student) For undergraduate, postbaccalaureate, and graduate students who plan to become teachers; recipient must sign Agreement to Serve saying he or she will teach full-time in a high-need field for four complete years (within eight years of completing the academic program) at an elementary school, secondary school, or educational service agency serving children from low-income families. Up to $4,000 Iraq and Afghanistan Service Grant Grant: does not have to be repaid For students who are not Pell-eligible due only to having less financial need than is required to receive Pell funds; whose parent or guardian died as a result of military service in Iraq or Afghanistan after the events of 9/11; and who, at the time of the parent's or guardian's death, were less than 24 years old or were enrolled at least part-time at an institution of higher education. A student can receive an Iraq and Afghanistan Service Grant for no more than 12 semesters or the equivalent (roughly six years). Up to $5, for the award year For the award year amount, visit StudentAid.gov/Iraq-Afghanistan. Federal Work-Study Money earned while attending school; does not have to be repaid For undergraduate and graduate students; jobs can be on campus or off campus; students are paid at least federal minimum wage; funds depend on availability at school. No annual minimum or maximum amounts Federal Perkins Loan Loan: must be repaid with interest For undergraduate and graduate students with exceptional financial need; must be repaid to school that made the loan; 5% interest rate. Undergraduate students: up to $5,500; graduate and professional students: up to $8,000 Direct Subsidized Loan Loan: must be repaid with interest For undergraduate students; U.S. Department of Education pays interest while borrower is in school and during grace and deferment periods; student must be at least half-time and have financial need; 3.86% interest rate for new loans made on or after July 1, 2013, and before July 1, 2014; visit StudentAid.gov/interest for latest information on interest rates. First-time borrowers may not receive this type of loan for more than 150% of the length of their program of study; and U.S. Department of Education may stop paying their interest if they exceed that limit. Up to $5,500 depending on grade level Direct Unsubsidized Loan Loan: must be repaid with interest For undergraduate and graduate students; borrower is responsible for all interest; student must be at least half-time; financial need is not required; 3.86% (undergraduate) and 5.41% (graduate or professional) interest rates for new loans made on or after July 1, 2013, and before July 1, 2014; visit StudentAid.gov/interest for latest information on interest rates. Up to $20,500 (less any subsidized amounts received for same period), depending on grade level and dependency status Direct PLUS Loan Loan: must be repaid with interest For parents of dependent undergraduate students and for graduate or professional students; borrower is responsible for all interest; student must be enrolled at least half-time; financial need is not required; 6.41% interest rate for new loans made on or after July 1, 2013, and before July 1, Maximum amount is cost of attendance minus any other financial aid student receives. Note: The information in this document was compiled in fall For updates or additional information, visit StudentAid.gov. Printed: December 2013 LOOKING FOR MORE SOURCES OF FREE MONEY? Try StudentAid.gov/scholarships for tips on where to look and for a link to a free online scholarship search.

14 FAFSA TIP SHEET: FREE APPLICATION FOR FEDERAL STUDENT AID WHAT DO I NEED TO COMPLETE THE FAFSA APPLICATION? PIN NUMBER: Go to to apply for TWO PIN numbers: One PIN is for you and the Second PIN number is for your parent. You will use these personal identification numbers to sign your FAFSA application. TODAY Gather your parents 2013 IRS Income Tax forms, as well as your Social Security number or your Permanent Resident number Go to Click on Thinking About College and complete the FAFSA4caster using your parents 2013 Income Tax information. This will give you an estimate of your Expected Family Contribution (EFC), as well as any federal grants, loans, or work-study for which you may qualify. FAFSA4caster will also provide you an estimated dollar award amount for each type of federal aid. FEBRUARY Collect your parents 2014 IRS Income Tax information Go to and complete your FAFSA online. Use yours and your Parent s PIN number to sign the application. TAFSA: If you DO NOT have a social security number or permanent resident number, you will need to complete the TAFSA Texas Application for Student Aid. You must submit a paper copy. Do NOT apply for FAFSA. The TASFA application is available online at

15 SCHOLARSHIPS Private money donated by individuals or groups who have an interest and desire to help students go to college. Grand Prairie ISD is fortunate to have numerous businesses, nonprofits, schools, and individuals who support their graduates with generous scholarships. LOCAL SCHOLARSHIPS can be found at: Pay close attention to all requirements and deadlines. PATH TO SCHOLARSHIPS Everyone can apply for scholarships but winning scholarships takes planning and organization. Path to Scholarships located at the website is an effective program that guides students step by step through the scholarship process. Click on GET STARTED to create your scholarship portfolio and begin creating your successful scholarships essays and applications.

16 Important Steps for Successful Scholarship Searches 1. Start Searching Early. There are many scholarships available to students in grades 9, 10, 11, not just for high school seniors. There are even scholarships available for students in grades K 8. Continue searching even after you enroll in college through your senior year. Some scholarships are general and open to all students of different majors and class levels. Others have very specific criteria such as major or field of study. 2. Use a FREE Scholarship Search Service like Fastweb.com. New scholarships are published and updated daily. Scholarship search engines will e mail notifications of new scholarships that match your personal background profile. 3. Answer all of the optional questions on a scholarship matching website to double the number of matches. 4. Apply to EVERY scholarship for which you are eligible. Pursue less competitive scholarships, such as small awards and essay contests. They are easier to win and the money adds up. 5. Be Aware of Deadlines. You can miss out on great opportunities if you wait too long to apply. Scholarship committees rarely make exceptions for late applications. 6. Before you begin looking, know what you are looking for. For example, if you are going to be an undergraduate student, do not spend time researching financial aid for graduate programs. 7. Search everywhere and dig for all sources of funding for your education. The following are some resources that can help in the scholarship search: high school counselors, community organizations, school clubs, parents workplaces, college financial aid and admission offices, libraries, and most importantly, the Internet. 8. Understand the Mission and Purpose of the Donor s Organization. Spend time researching information about the organization. Why are they providing the scholarship money? What is their focus? Who is on the selection committee? 9. Review the Eligibility Requirements. Learn the criteria the scholarship programs consider such as academic achievements, hobbies, leadership accomplishments, and community service. Many programs look for students who are well rounded and are not interested in students with only good grades and academic standing. 10. Follow the Directions. Pay attention to the small details of eligibility requirements and the application. Put the materials in the requested order. Do not include things that are not requested. Do not use a special folder, unless instruct to do so. 11. Be Professional. Use a formal e mail address. Do not use something that could be considered offensive. 12. Google your name & make sure you have a professional online profile. Clean up the content of your Facebook account, removing in appropriate & immature material. 13. Demonstrate confidence but remain polite and courteous. It is important to project a self image that is confident and outgoing. It is also very important to demonstrate interest in the assistance, but always with respect and courtesy. 14. Do not pay for scholarship searches. There is a strong possibility you will receive offers in the mail or by phone to help find scholarship money for a fee. You do not need to pay for a service that you can do yourself. Source: Fastweb.com December

17 DUAL CREDIT Earn high school credit while taking college credit classes. DCCCD: Mt. View Community College Free College Credit: DCCCD does not charge high school students for tuition for college classes Limited to 11 th and 12 th students (Juniors & Seniors) DCCCD Course load shall not exceed two college classes per semester Classes are offered at the college campus AND high school campus How to Apply o Complete the DCCCD application packet available in the Career Center or online at o Send a copy of high school transcript & meningitis vaccination current within the last 5 years o Demonstrate College Readiness via the TSI or SAT/ACT scores Tarrant County Community College Tuition for all college classes: $73 per credit hour, non-tarrant Co. residents; pay $258 for 3 credit hour course plus books Limited to 11 th and 12 th grade students (Juniors & Seniors) TCC Course load shall not exceed two college classes per semester Classes are offered only at the TCC campuses; they are not offered at SGP Application packet is required available online at dual credit link Send a copy of high school transcript & meningitis vaccination current within the last 5 years Demonstrate College Readiness via the TSI or SAT/ACT scores; TSI Fee $29 University of Arlington -- Honors Academy Dual Credit/Early Admissions Program Limited to 11 th and 12 th grade students (Juniors & Seniors) Tuition: $50 per semester hour or $150 per three hour course. Books and parking are extra How to Apply: Complete and submit the following prior to the deadline o Common Texas Application Form available at o Submit an official High School Transcript including SAT or ACT, and TAKS scores o Application Fee: $50.00 payable to UTA o Early Admissions Agreement and the Course Selection Form available on UTA s website o Send a copy of high school transcript & meningitis vaccination current within the last 5 years Demonstrate College Readiness through ONE of the following o SAT score of at least 1070 (Reading + Math) with at least 520 in each subject OR o ACT composite score of 23 with at least 19 in Math and English