Parent Night

C O L L E G E P L A N N I N G

Agenda

• Important Tests

• College Planning

• Financial Aid & Scholarships

• Grade Level Breakout Sessions

El Paso High Webpage

https://elpaso.episd.org

Announcements

PSAT & SAT – October 15th

(Regular Schedule)

TACRAO – October 20th 1pm – 3pm

(Small Gym)

IMPORTANT STANDARDIZED TESTING FOR COLLEGE

Prepare for Important Tests• EOC exams - Graduation Requirement

• Take advantage of teacher assistance and before or after school tutoring. • Algebra 1, Biology, English 1, English 2, and US History

• PSAT 10th and 11th Grade Year• National Merit Recognition Program• National Hispanic Recognition Program• National Achievement Scholarship Program

• ACT and SAT: • Should take after Algebra 2, or Spring of Junior Year, which ever comes first. • Counts for College Admissions and Scholarships.

• ASVAB: • Career Decision tool and can be used for Military Enlistment• 11th and 12th Grade Year • Test is being held October 28th at 8:00 am.

Prepare for SAT / ACTwww.collegeboard.org and www.act.org

• PSAT Study companion• utilize the free service offered by College Board• Available on student report.

• Attend PSAT Summer course provided by Princeton Review.

• Schedule ACT prep course in Junior schedule.

• Utilize www.number2.com to create study plans and improve current scores.

• Utilize www.march2success.com to prepare for SAT/ACT.

SAT Subject Tests• Can increase college admission chances.• Students should take tests that correlate to AP courses.• SAT Subject test can provide colleges with a better picture of

applicant’s potential and improve admission chances. • Required by many Ivy League Schools as part of the admissions

process.• Can provide placement beyond freshmen level courses.

Note:

3 subject tests can be taken during one administration

Subject tests are not given on every SAT date

SAT and SAT Subject Tests cannot be taken on the same day.

SAT / ACT DeadlinesSAT ACT

Test Date Registration Deadline

Test Date Registration Deadline

November 8 October 9 October 25 September 19

December 6 November 6 December 13 November 7

January 24 December 29 February 7 January 9

March 14 February 13 April 18 March 13

May 2 April 6 June 13 May 8

June 6 May 8 No Date

At time of registration, student can request scores to be sent to 4 schools at no charge. After registration, each request is $12.Students on free or reduced lunch can receive 2 SAT and 2 ACT Fee Waivers, student should see their counselor.

What Do Colleges Look For?

HOW TO PREPARE FOR ADMISSIONS

Top Ten Strengths & Experiences

1. A rigorous high school curriculum with AP and Dual Credit.

2. Grades that represent strong effort and an upward trend.

3. Solid scores on SAT / ACT.

4. Passionate involvement in a few activities.

5. Letters of recommendation that give evidence of differential.

6. A well-written essay that demonstrates student’s unique personality, values and goals.

7. Special Talent that will add to well-rounded student body.

8. Demonstrated leadership activities.

9. Demonstrated intellectual curiosity.

10. Demonstrated enthusiasm to attend, often demonstrated by campus visits and an interview.

Extra Curricular Tips

• Consider you interests and abilities first.

• Go for depth, not breadth.

• Keep your balance.

• You don’t have to be a star: just contribute something significant.

• Working or volunteering counts too! (30 hours of community service per year is now required for graduation. episd.org/service)

Summer Programs“Nothing is a waste of time if you use the experience wisely.”

Auguste Rodin

Internships• El Paso Electric

College Vists• Summer Vacations

• Virtual Opportunities

Volunteer Opportunities• In field of interest

College Admissions

WHAT TO EXPECT

Narrow College Choices

• Begin discussion early.• Location, Size, On campus living, Financial Aid,

Majors, Strong Application Candidate, look for rankings by majors

• Mutually agree between student and parent

• Build a mutual understanding of various expectations of student / parent

• Start conversation on realistic financial support / aid expectations

Free & Reduced Lunch

WHY IT’S IMPORTANT

Free or Reduced LunchStudents on Free or Reduced Lunch receive the following: • 2 ACT Waivers ($102)• 2 SAT Waivers ($104)• 2 SAT Subject Test Waivers ($104)• 8 College Application Waivers ($240)

• 4 ACT & 4 SAT Waivers

• NCAA Clearinghouse Waiver ($65)• NAIA Clearinghouse Waiver ($70)• Apply for free and reduced lunch – it could save you

$685. Application at https://elpaso.episd.org/welcome/index and click on the Eat Smart application.

Financial Aid

WHAT TO EXPECT

WHERE TO START

Financial Aid/Scholarships – Where to Apply?

Federal AidFAFSA

Pell GrantsWork-Study

College Foundation / Aid

Merit-BasedNeed-Based

CollegeDistribute Funds

for Federal & Foundation/Private Aid

Student

Community Scholarshipsi.e. Community

Foundation,Rotary Club,

EPHS Alumni, Athleta, etc.

National Scholarships

i.e. Gates, Dell, Coca Cola, etc.

How Parents / Guardianscan help students Succeed!

• Discuss college / university options with students and gain a better understanding of child’s plans vs. parent’s plans.

• Keep a posted and highly visible calendar of deadlines to remind students (and parents) of upcoming deadlines including testing, scholarship and important documents. Keep on track!

• Stay up-to-date with information by visiting the EPHS website, EPHS Facebook.

• If you have questions, reach out to your student’s counselor or Ms. Goldfarb.

• The College Admission Process may be a difficult time. We are here to help!

• Ms. Goldfarb, College Readiness Coordinator, cpeckgol@episd.org

• Ms. Avila, School Counselor At-Risk, cavila2@episd.org

• Mr. Cobos, School Counselor A-D, facobos@episd.org

• Ms. Tejeda, School Counselor E-K, kmtejeda@episd.org

• Ms. Belli, School Counselor L-P, mmbelli@episd.org

• Ms. Espinosa, School Counselor, ceaguil1@episd.org

Grade Level Break Out Sessions

Check out our school website: https://elpaso.episd.org/

Check out our college readiness website: ephscollege.weebly.com

Check out our Facebook:

www.facebook.com/EPHS counseling center