This document provides information for seniors at New Braunfels High School regarding graduation plans, college admission requirements, the application process, financial aid, and post-secondary options. It outlines the recommended and distinguished graduation plans, lists course requirements, and details how to qualify for automatic admission to Texas public universities. It also gives dates for standardized tests, instructions for requesting transcripts and letters of recommendation, and resources for researching scholarships, grants, and loans.

1. Senior Conference 2010-2011 New Braunfels High School New Braunfels, Texas

2. Counselors Newkirk: Special Populations Jones: A - Ei McDougal: El – Lem Norman: Leo - Roc Torres: Rod - Z Lead Counselor

3. Recommended & Distinguished Graduation Plans Recommended English 4 credits Math 4 credits Science 4 credits Social Studies 4 credits Speech .5 credit PE 1 credit Second Language 2 credits Fine Arts 1 credit Health .5 credit Electives 5 credits Total 26 credits Distinguished English 4 credits Math 4 credits Science 4 credits Social Studies 4 credits Speech .5 credit PE 1 credit Second Language 3 credits Fine Arts 1 credit Health .5 credit Electives 4 credits Plus 4 advanced measures Total 26 credits

4. Science ** IPC cannot be used on the Distinguished Graduation Plan

5. Math Math Models cannot be used on the Distinguished Graduation Plan

6. Recommended & Distinguished Graduation Plans English Math Science Social Studies Subject Area Courses English I, II, III, IV Algebra I, Geometry, Algebra II and 4th math listed in NB course catalog Recommended : Biology, IPC, Chemistry or Physics and 4 th science listed in NB couse catalog Distinguished: Biology, Chemistry, Physics and 4 th science listed in NB course catalog World Geography, World History, US History Government (.5) Economics (.5)

7. Recommended & Distinguished Graduation Plans • Speech Speech or Ag. Communications • Health Health • PE PE, Athletics, Rotc, Fall only=Band, & Cheerleading • Languages Spanish, French, German, Chinese • Fine Arts Art, Band, Choir, Dance, Theater

8. Distinguished Plan Advanced Measures Any combination of the following: AP Score of 3 or above on College Board Advanced Placement Exam PSAT qualifying score for commended Nat'l Hispanic or Outstanding African American student Dual Credit A grade of 80 or higher on dual credit courses (1 measure per semster.) ISM Original research/ project conducted under direction of a mentorI

9. Gear up for the future

10. Automatic Admission to Texas Public Colleges and Universities All top NBISD high school graduates who successfully complete the Recommended or Distinguished diploma program will be automatically admitted into Texas public University or College if one of the following requirements is met: Applicant is in the top 10% of their class at the end of their Junior year or after the first semester of their senior year (as long as the college application deadlines are met. Some universities may accept 2 nd semester senior ranks—you must check each college website). OR If applying for the University of Texas in Austin, fall 2011 Freshman applicants must be in the top 8% at the end of their Junior year. The automatic admission requirements for the class of 2012 will be announced on September 15, 2010. Applicants must check the deadlines for admissions for each Texas College/University as they vary greatly. All deadline information may be found on the College/University website.

11. Application Process Write each school  Applications may be accessed and completed online. Watch out for deadlines! UT/A&M Dec.1 st Get consent from parents/guardian Complete applications using guidelines

12. Application Process Students must get transcript request forms Request forms from registrar two weeks in advance. Request can be made at the receptionist desk. Fee $2.00 Transcripts include grades, test scores, rank-in-class, grade point average and a copy of most recent report card. If counselor has a section of application to complete, submit in advance of the mailing date. AT LEAST TWO WEEKS

13. Application Process It is the responsibility of the student to mail applications and supporting documents to the receiving institutions before deadlines.

14. LETTERS OF RECOMMENDATIONS Get recommendations from people you know well. Give plenty of notice: a minimum of two weeks. Otherwise you might miss a deadline. Supply information about yourself. Pick up a parent and student brag sheet form the counseling office. Remind the adult to keep a copy in case you will be asking for additional recommendations.

15. TEST DATES SAT SEPT. 11, 2010 OCT. 23, 2010 DEC. 11, 2010 Act OcT. 9, 2010 Nov. 6, 2010 Dec. 4, 2010 www.collegeboard.com WWW.ACTstudent.ORG

17. SAT vs ACT SAT Math: up to Geometry and Algebra II Reading : sentence completions, short & long critical reading passages, reading comprehension Writing : grammar, usage, word choice and a mandatory essay Penalty : ¼ of a point for each wrong answer on multiple choice Scores : 200-800 per section added together 2-12 for the essay ACT Math : up to trigonometry Reading : four passages, one each of Prose Fiction, Social Science, Humanities, & Natural Science Writing : optional essay Science : charts, graphs, and data interpretation English : stresses grammar Penalty : None Scores : 1-36 for each subject , averaged for a composite score

18. TASP THEA or Accuplacer

19. THEA/Accuplacer All students entering a Texas 2 or 4 Year public college or university must take the THEA or Accuplacer test PRIOR to enrolling in college level courses. If you feel you are eligible for an exemption from this test, visit the testing or advising office of your college choice(s) before you register for the test so that your status for exemption can be determined.

20. Types of Financial Aid Grants Scholarships Loans Work Study See MS. Truitt for more information.

21. Financial Aid Help Fill out the FAFSAWorksheet for January applications Financial-aid officers use this form to determine the amount of your financial-aid award. Remember: You must submit a new FAFSA every year you’re in college to qualify for federal aid. Fill out the paper FAFSA or fill it out online at www.fafsa.ed.gov Visit with Mrs. Truitt if you need help

22. Start with Mrs. Truitt in the Career Center or the financial-aid office at your selected college/university. The internet also offers a wealth of information about scholarships and financial-aid. WiredScholar.com and FastWeb.com are two good sites for learning about financial aid on the Web. Learn about Loans— subsidized and unsubsidized (unsubsidized accrues interest from the beginning )

23. Important Date Visit Mrs. Truitt in the Career Center for upcoming Financial Aid Day!

24. BEWARE OF SCHOLARSHIP FRAUD Claims that should raise red flags “ the grant is guaranteed or your money back” “ you can’t get this information anywhere else” “ may I have your credit card or bank number to hold this scholarship” “ we’ll do all the work “ you’ve been selected by the foundation to receive a scholarship or grant” or “you’re a finalist”

25. NCAA Clearinghouse All Student-Athletes must register with the NCAA Eligibility Clearinghouse See Mrs. Truitt for more information! Hotline 877-622-2321 www.eligibilitycenter.org.

26. OPTIONS OTHER THAN COLLEGE • Going on for Further Training – Private trade – Technical – Business – Vocational Schools • Going Immediately to Work – You should do some researching now about job opportunities in the immediate and long-range future. Visit the Career Center .

27. Thinking about a community college? You can earn:  Academic credits to transfer to a four-year college  An Associate’s degree  Or a Technical certificate Check with Ms. Truitt for college reps. visiting our campus. Your future depends on you!

28. San Antonio College Northwest Vista Northeast Lakeview College St. Philip’s College Palo Alto College Central Texas Technology

29. Going into the Military? Talk to recruiters from the various services and schedule a visit. Take the Armed Services Vocational Aptitude Battery (ASVAB). Oct. 13 2010 Gather information about specialized military opportunities such as the academies, ROTC scholarships, the national guard and reserve programs. Websites: www. goarmy.com navy.com marines.com airforce.com

30. A “Crate” Idea A “Crate” idea to help you organize for the college/career exploration process that you will be involved in during your senior year. Recommended file folders Career Planning Standardized Tests College Planning Activities Resume Campus Visits Portfolio Interview Personal Statement/Essay Scholarships Financial Aid Military/ROTC Scholarship NCAA Special thanks to Evelyn Yeagle for the documentation of this “crate” idea.

31. Senior Graduation may 26 , 2011 See you there!