MY COLLEGE PREP WORKBOOK 2018

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.