This document provides information for parents of seniors about the college application process. It introduces important contacts in the counseling office and lists various deadlines and requirements for things like standardized tests, scholarships, financial aid applications, and Project Graduation. Resources are shared for researching colleges, completing applications, writing essays, requesting transcripts and letters of recommendation, registering for the SAT/ACT, applying for fee waivers, and avoiding scholarship scams. Other post-high school options like the military, trade schools, or work are also briefly mentioned. The document aims to guide seniors and parents through the start of the college application journey.

1. W ELCOME S ENIOR
PARENTS!!!
The Journey Begins Here!!!

2. PARENTS…
 Is this your first child entering college?
 Are you nervous? Overwhelmed? Don’t
know where to begin?
 WE are here to help!!!
 Use your resources!
 Start Early!
 Watch those deadlines! They are closer
than you think!

3. I MPORTANT
P EOPLE !!!
 Janelle Appleby- A-Cla
 Debbie Harding- Cle-Gi
 Cindy Stanford- Gla-Le
 Kimberly Schmidt- Li-O
 Debra Roland- P-Se
 Kristina Holder- Sh-Z
 Counselor Intern- Elizabeth Jablonski

4. M ORE I MPORTANT
P EOPLE !!!
 Elsa Cruz- Go Center Technician
 Monica Bennett- Counseling
Secretary
 PTA/Project Graduation
 OC Graduates
 College Representatives
 Military Representatives

5. S ENIOR
S CHOLARSHIPS…
 Monica Bennett- Counselor Secretary- Turn in
awards to Mrs. Bennett
 Copy of confirmation letter with dollar amount is
required
 Dollar amounts are not listed or announced at
graduation or in addendum
 One scholarship will be announced at graduation
 Listen to announcements for deadlines!!!
 Report all awarded scholarships EVEN if you do
not accept.

6. P ROJECT
G RADUATION…
 PTA- Lt Col.Tommy Fisher
 Safe place to celebrate night of graduation
 Time Warner Park
 Transportation provided to and from event
 Fun games, food and prizes
 Cost- $40 (Until May 30th); $65 (May 31st)
 Sign up tonight !!!
 Register by Dec. 31st to be eligible for $100. gift card
drawing

7. 2011-2012
Sandra Day O’Connor High School
Helotes, Texas

8. I MPORTANT
I NFORMATION
 Graduation Status Report (GSR) and Transcript
 Diploma Forms
 AAR/Transcript Release Forms
 Career Information
 JR/SR Guidebook
 SAT/ACT Dates
 Senior Portfolio
 Visits to Career Center begin this week!

9. NISD
C OLLEGE N IGHT
 When: Monday, October 24, 2011
 Where: UTSA
 Time: 6:00pm-8:30pm
Come speak to College Representatives for the
schools you are interested in applying.
Wear your favorite college t-shirt to school on
Oct. 24th.

10. SAT TESTING DATES
OHS Testing Dates:
October 1, 2011
December 3, 2011
March 10, 2012
Sign Up Today sat.collegeboard.
on:

12. OHS ACT TEST DATES
ACT DATES
October 22, 2011
April 14, 2012
SO WHAT ARE YOU WAITING FOR?
ACT NOW!
You Can Sign up for the ACT at: www.actstudent.org

13. F EE WAIVERS
 Fee waivers are available for
students who cannot afford the fees
associated with the SAT or ACT.
 Fee waiver also good for college
application.
 Please see Mrs. Cruz in the Career
Center if you think you qualify.

14. Texas Higher Education Assessment
www.thea.nesinc.com
All students entering a Texas 2 or 4 Year public college
or university must take the THEA 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.
Accuplacer is the alternate form of the test. The test is
available online with immediate results.

15. AAR E XAMPLE

16. COLLEGE
APPLICATIONS
The Common Application Apply Texas
 www.commonapp.org  www.applytexas.org
 Accepted by over 400 private  Accepted by every Texas Public
and public college and University, plus some private and
universities nationwide two-year schools.
REMINDERS:
*Check websites of individual schools for deadlines & specific
information regarding scholarships, housing, etc.
*Application fees apply for each school

17. C OLLEGE E SSAY
A Reflection of You…
 Communicate effectively.
 Don’t lie, exaggerate, or make things
up.
 Always read and follow instructions.
 Avoid submitting your application late.
 Proofread your essay.

18. L ETTERS OF
R ECOMMENDATION
 Complete “The Packet” (available in the
counseling office or online).
 Include as much specific information as possible
(unique experiences, overcoming difficult
circumstances, etc.).
 Include a resume, student brag sheet, parent
brag sheet, teacher evaluation sheets.
 Request a letter at least two weeks in advance.
 Only send if the application requires it.

19. T RANSCRIPTS
 Request transcripts in the registrar’s office.
 Consent for Release forms must be signed by a parent if student is
under 18 years old.
 Senior Schedule will be included with transcript.
 SAT/ACT/AP test scores will NOT be included on transcript (only
included for scholarship purposes).
 Know your deadlines: 3-5 day processing time for transcripts.
 1st transcript is free, after that they are $2.00 each.
 6th semester GPA & rank used for applications will be released in
October.
 Mailing transcripts is the student’s responsibility.

20. NATIONAL COLLEGIATE
ATHLETIC ASSOCIATION
All Student-Athletes
must register with
the NCAA Eligibility
Clearinghouse
Requirements:
- Graduation from high
school
- Have a minimum GPA
of 2.0 in 14 core
academic courses
www.NCAA.org - Must take SAT or ACT

21. N ATIONAL C OLLEGIATE
ATHLETIC A SSOCIATION
NEW:
Credit Retrieval,
Night School and other
non-traditional courses
will not be accepted by
the NCAA.
Check with your
college for more
information.

22. T YPES OF
F INANCIAL A IDE
Grants
Scholarships
Loans
Work Study

23. F REE A PPLICATION FOR
F EDERAL S TUDENT A ID
(FAFSA)
The FAFSA is your key to getting financial aid.
Here are some things you should know in order to be ready!
 Fill out a FAFSA even if you think you won’t qualify for federal aid.
Some schools won’t consider a student for the school’s merit
scholarships until the student has submitted a FAFSA! Most
scholarships require you to fill out a FAFSA!
 Before January 1st: Get a Federal Student Aid PIN www.pin.ed.gov
Write it down! You need this to “sign” your online FAFSA. Keep it
safe!
 After January 1st: Complete the FAFSA online at www.fafsa.gov
 FREE Workshop – TBD in February 2012 – Watch OC webpage

24. S ENIOR P ORTFOLIO
Courtesy of the O’Connor Counseling
Department
Stay Organized!!
Don’t miss deadlines!!
 College Information  Personal
Statement/Essay
 Applications
 Campus Visits
 Standardized Test
Scores  Career Planning
 Scholarships  NCAA
 Financial Aid
 Resume

25. RESOURCES:
 Free scholarship matching service
 Matches users to scholarships based on their qualifications
 Also provides information and current news on financial aid,
scholarships, college, jobs and internships, and student life.
 Fastweb is tailored to your needs and is committed to
providing every student with the tools necessary to fund their
higher education goals.
http://www.fastweb.com

26. RESOURCES:
A new place for you with all the information and support
you need to make going to college a reality.
*College Admission Assistance
*Financial Aid Guidance
Cafécollege *Career Exploration
131 El Paso Street *College Applications
*Advising
*SAT & ACT Preparation

27. OC CAREER CENTER
RESOURCES:
eDiscover:
Interest Inventories
College Searches
Career Exploration
SAT/ACT Information
Scholarship Information
College Applications
Financial Aid
Military Careers
And Much More!!!

28. S CHOLARSHIP S CAMS
H OW TO TELL THE GOOD
FROM THE BAD !
Scammer: Legitimate Service:
 You’ve won an award for  Sends information about
which you didn’t apply. awards when you request it.
 Does not supply valid  Makes contact information
contact information. available upon request.
 Guarantees you will win an  DOES NOT guarantee you
award. will win an award.
 Requires personal financial  Should not direct you to a
information (credit card fee-based provider because
numbers, bank account they know info is available
number) to “hold” a for free.
scholarship.
Scam Site - www.fafsa.com
Legitimate site – www.fafsa.org

29. O THER O PTIONS A FTER
H IGH S CHOOL
 Going for Further Training  Going into the Military
 Private trade  Can provide career skills
training
 Technical
 Can provide funding for college
 Business
 Vocational Schools
 Going Immediately to Work
 Research job outlook and
future marketability

30. S ENIOR Y EAR
R EMINDERS
 Know your college application instructions & deadlines.
 Know SAT/ACT registration deadlines.
 Request test scores from testing agency.
 Know your financial aid application requirements & complete
your FAFSA after January 1st.
 Request transcripts (3-5 days to process).
 Request letters of recommendation in a timely manner.
 Complete scholarship applications.
 Avoid Senior Slack!!!

31. Q&A