Senior Year College FAQ – Fall 2016

When should I start applying to college?

Most college applications are made available August 1st. I encourage students to complete their application early to beat

the competition and to avoid having to juggle applications and senior year course work and activities.

What does a completed application include?

Most completed applications require the submission of: online application, fee, official transcript, and SAT and/or ACT

scores sent from College Board or ACT respectively. Some colleges may also require: essays, resume, recommendation

letters, SAT Subject Test (primarily highly completive universities).

When can I request a transcript? How do I request a transcript?

You can begin requesting transcripts now. Complete a Transcript Request (can be found on the PHS website under

General Info – bottom right of page) form to have it sent. Forms can be found in Student Services, the College and

Career Center and http://www.pfisd.net/Page/753 during the school year.

Should I take the SAT or ACT?

I encourage you to take both. Get a feel for both test, check out and compare your scores, and then proceed with the

one you did better on for another go around (if you think it is necessary).

How many times can I take the SAT or ACT?

You can take either test as many times as you would like. Please note you must pay to register for these test. The SAT w/

Writing is $57 and the ACT w/ Writing is $58.50. You must take the Writing portion at least once for each test and then

most colleges will accept future test scores without the writing portion, but please check with the admission office. UT

Austin, for example, will not accept any scores without Essay. SAT without writing is $45 and ACT without writing is

$42.50

When can I take the SAT and ACT? How do I register for the SAT and ACT?

Visit www.sat.collegeboard.org to see test dates, view registration deadlines, and register for the SAT.

Visit www.actstudent.org to see test dates, view registration deadlines, and register for the ACT.

I believe I qualify for a fee waiver, how can I get one?

You must qualify for Free or Reduced Lunch to receive a SAT and ACT waiver. You can visit Ms. Bazemore or email

tanesha.bazemore@pfisd.net to get the waiver code. This will waive the entire cost of the test. Each qualifying student

is eligible to receive 2 – SAT Reasoning Test waiver, 2- SAT Subject Test waivers, and 2 – ACT test waivers. If a student

registers for the SAT with a waiver they will then have 4 College Application Fee waivers that they can view and print via

the College Board website when their first set of scores are posted. Students using an ACT waiver can also receive 4

College Application Fee waivers; those must be requested from Ms. Bazemore.

When do I start applying for scholarships, and where can I find them?

Start now! There are a many awards and deadlines throughout the school year. See below to get started with your search:

The College and Career Center (CCC) advertises national, statewide, and local scholarship throughout the year, visit the center or PHS website for a listing…http://www.pfisd.net/Page/3217

College or University scholarships are merit based and departmental. Merit is awarded based on your rank, GPA, and/or test scores. Departmental awards can usually be found on the Financial Aid website. Just look for the link or use the website search engine to query ‘scholarships’.

Internet databases such as: www.scholarships.com, www.fastweb.com, www.zinch.com offer a variety of awards and narrow down your search when you create a profile. More sites can be found on the CCC website!

The Minnie Stevens Piper Compendium is another great resource. Hard copies will be made available in English classrooms, the CCC, and is also online at www.everychanceeverytexan.org.

What is FAFSA? And when can I apply?

FAFSA is the Free Application for Federal Student Aid. You must complete this application starting October 1st of every

year you plan to enroll in college to be considered for aid. Aid includes grants (free money), work study (campus

appointed jobs), loans (everyone qualifies, but you must pay back the amount borrowed), and scholarships (need based

free money). Once the FAFSA is completed the colleges listed on the application will receive your information to

determine what they can offer you in aid. Aid will vary from college to college, so this is can be a huge fact in

determining which college you will commit to.

Please note some colleges might also require the CSS Profile. It is a way for the college to get a clearer picture of your

family’s financial need. Check out the college’s application requirements on the admission page to see if this applies to

you.

How can I get information about a college?

Whenever you have a question about a college and its admission process, be sure to visit the college admission page. It

will be a great resource for deadlines, application requirements, representative contact information, campus tour

information, etc.

Throughout the school year College Reps visit our campus to share information about their respective colleges and

answer any questions you might have about their institution. I will text College Rep visit info to my Remind group, and

list it in the CCC Monthly Updates posted in classrooms and on http://www.pfisd.net/Page/3255.

I also encourage you to visit prospective colleges during a weekly campus tour or Open House. You can visit the College

Admission page for dates and registration information. Don’t forget you have 2 College Visit days that you can use this

year. Be sure to complete the College Visit form ahead of time and get documentation from the college to excuse the

absence.

Lastly, mark your calendars. The PfISD College Fair will be September 27th from 6pm – 8pm at HHS.

Join the CCC remind by texting @phsccc2 to 81010 or email phsccc2@mail.remind.com.

Have questions? Visit Ms. Bazemore in the College and Career Center (in the library) or email her at

tanesha.bazemore@pfisd.net.

Visit www.applytexas.org for all public and most of the private TX University applications. Other apps can be found on www.commonapp.org or a link can be found on the University Admission webpage.  

Application Checklist Answer/Check/Date

College/ University Name →

Essays

Draft and proofread essays

Have at least two people read your essays & revise

Resume

Complete an Activity Log and/or write a resume

Applications

What is the early/scholarship/priority deadline?

What is the regular admission deadline?

How much is the application fee?

Submit Online Application

Date Completed: Date Completed: Date Completed:

Pay Application Fee or send Fee Waiver

Track your application status by logging into the Admission Online Portal (e.g. MyUH or MyStatus)

Transcripts

Request high school transcript Date Completed:

Date Completed: Date Completed:

Request midyear grade reports sent (if required) Date Completed:

Date Completed: Date Completed:

Test Scores

Take required test (e.g. SAT, ACT, SAT Subject or TSI)

Send Test scores (i.e. SAT, ACT, TSI, and/or AP) Date Completed: Date Completed: Date Completed:

Letters of Recommendation

Request recommendations **Recommendation letters need to be requested 2 week in advance.**

Send thank-you notes to recommenders

Financial Aid

Submit FAFSA by Priority Deadline! Date Completed: Date Completed: Date Completed:

Accept or Decline Financial Aid Awards Date Completed: Date Completed: Date Completed:

Complete and return the CCC Survey with Fin Aid & Scholarship Info!

Once Accepted

Visit the CCC to fill out a pennant!

Sign up for Housing

Sign up for Orientation

Send in proof of Meningitis shot

Apply FAST or FASTER ! If you are an Assured Admit…

F‐Fee(CreditCardpaymentonlineormailCheck/Waiver)

A‐Application(Visitapplytexas.org)

S–Scores(Visitcollegeboard.org/actstudent.org)

T–Transcript(VisitStudentServices)

If you are not an Assured Admit…be sure to submit the following for Holistic Reviews

F‐ Fee (Credit Card payment online or mail Check/Waiver)  

A‐ Application (Visit applytexas.org)   

S ‐ Scores (Visit collegeboard.org/actstudent.org)  

T ‐ Transcript (Visit Student Services) 

E‐ Essay (even if they are optional… Essay C is a great option) 

R‐ Recommendation Letter 

Not sure of your status? Visit the College/University admissions page for their Assured Admission criteria!

 

Courtesy of UTSA Admissions 

Assured Admission Criteria 2016-2017

CLASS RANK Top 7% Top 9-10% Top 11-15% Top 16-25% Top 26-33% Top 33-50% Top 51-75% Top 76-100% UNIVERSITY SAT ACT SAT ACT SAT ACT SAT ACT SAT ACT SAT ACT Angelo State University No Min No Min 820/900 17 820/900 17 820/900 17 820/900 17 Rw Admn Rw Admn Concordia University Texas Min 2.5 GPA* / ACT 22 / SAT 1020 *Rank not used; below 2.5 GPA RW Admin

Lamar No Min No Min 850/930 18 850/930 18 930/1010 20 930/1010 20 1000/1080 21 1000/1080 21 Midwestern State No Min No Min 990/1070 21 990/1070 21 990/1070 21 990/1070 21 1070/1140 23 1110/1180 24 Sam Houston State No Min No Min No Min No Min 960/1040 20 960/1040 20 1060/1130 23 Indv Rw Stephen F. Austin No Min No Min 850/930 17 850/930 17 950/1030 20 950/1030 20 1100/1170 24 Indv Rw Sul Ross No Min No Min No Min No Min No Min No Min 920/1000 20 920/1000 20 Tarleton No Min No Min No Min No Min No Min 800/880 16 800/880 16 Indv Rw Texas A&M No Min No Min 1300/1360 30 1300/1360 30 Rw Admn Rw Admn Rw Admn Rw Admn *min 620M 660R (SAT)/27 M E (ACT)

Texas A&M Commerce No Min No Min No Min No Min 980 21 980 21 980 21 980 21 Texas A&M Corpus Christi No Min No Min No Min No Min 1000/1080 21 1000/1080 21 1100/1170 23 1200/1270 27 Texas A&M Galveston No Min No Min 920 19 920 20 1050 23 1050 24 1180 26 1180 27 Texas A&M International No Min No Min No Min No Min No Min No Min 900 19 900 19 *Top 40% no Min; Bottom 60% 900 or 19

Texas A&M Kingsville No Min No Min 740/830 15 740/830 15 830/910 17 830/910 17 950/1030 20 1070/1140 23 Prairie View A&M No Min No Min 710/800 15 710/800 15 710/800 15 710/800 15 710/800 15 710/800 15 minimum GPA of 2.5

Texas Southern University No Min No Min 820/900 17 820/900 17 820/900 17 820/900 17 820/900 17 820/900 17 minimum GPA of 2.5

Texas State No Min No Min 920/1000 20 920/1000 20 1010/1090 22 1010/1090 22 1180/1250 26 1270/1330 29 Texas Tech No Min No Min 1180 24 1180 24 1260 26 1260 26 1290 27 Indv Rw Texas Woman's University No Min No Min No Min No Min 1000/1080 21 1000/1080 21 Indvl Rw Indvl Rw minimum GPA of 2.0

University of Houston No Min No Min 1000/1080 21 1000/1080 21 1100/1170 24 1100/1170 24 Indvl Rw Indvl Rw All apps after 12/1 are indvl rw

University of Houston-Victoria No Min No Min 860/940 18 860/940 18 860/940 18 860/940 18 860/940* 18* 860/940* 18* *minimum GPA of 2.0

University of North Texas No Min No Min 950/1030 20 950/1030 20 1050/1130 23 1050/1130 23 1180/1250 26 Indvl Rw UT-Arlington No Min No Min No Min No Min 1050/1130 22 1050/1130 22 Indvl Rw Indvl Rw UT-Austin No Min Rw Admn Rw Admn Rw Admn Rw Admn Rw Admn Rw Admn Rw Admn Top 7% Fall 2017

UT-Brownsville No Min No Min No Min No Min 830 17 830 17 870 18 910 19 UT-Dallas No Min No Min No Min 1200/1270 26 1200/1270 26 1200/1270 26 1200/1270 26 1200/1270 26 UT-El Paso No Min No Min No Min No Min 920 19 920 19 970 20 1010 21 UT-Pan American No Min No Min 770 16 770 16 820 17 860 18 860 18 860 18 UT-Permian Basin No Min No Min 950 19 950 19 1000 20 1000 20 1150 24 1250 27 UT-San Antonio No Min No Min No Min No Min 1100 24 1100 24 Indvl Rw* Indvl Rw* *must meet min to be reviewed

*UT-Tyler No Min No Min 1030 20 1030 20 1070 21 1070 21 1110 22 1140 23 *West Texas A&M No Min No Min No Min No Min 820 17 820 17 940 20 980 21 *Min.GPA2.0

**SAT scores are listed as : Old SAT/New Redesigned SAT Scores***

*** Redesigned SAT Scores - SAT taken after March 2016

Compiled by V. Quach-Vu, Connally High School, 2016

* Please make sure you double-check the admission criteria on the University website*

**SAT scores are the combined scores of your verbal and math sections only***

No Min - No minimum

Rw Admn - Review Admission

Indvl Rw - Individiual Review

Plan to apply? Plan a visit!

As of 8/8/2016

Visit the College Admission page for more Open House info and/or to register. Can’t make the Open House? Colleges also have individual and group tours. Visit the admission webpages for tour

days and times.

School Name Event Name Date(s)

Abilene Christian University Wildcat Preview Day Sept. 9

Baylor University Baylor Premiere Apr. 8

Sam Houston State University Saturday at Sam Nov. 12, Apr. 8

Southern Methodist University Mustang Days Oct. 3, Nov. 7

St. Edwards University Open House Sept. 30, Oct. 10, Nov. 5, Nov. 11, Nov. 21

Stephen F. Austin State University

Showcase Saturday Nov. 12, Feb. 18, Mar. 25

Tarleton State University Texan Tour Oct. 29, Mar. 25

Texas A&M- College Station Aggieland Info Day Nov. 21

Aggieland Saturday Feb. 11

Texas A&M Corpus Christi Island Day TBD

Texas A&M Kingsville Javeline Preview Day Nov. 12, Feb. 4, Apr. 29

Texas Christian University Monday at TCU Sept. 19, Oct. 3, Oct. 24, Nov. 14, Dec. 5

Texas State University Bobcat Days Oct. 15, Nov. 19, Feb. 25, Apr. 1

Texas Tech University Texas Tech Preview Oct. 9-10

University of Mary Hardin Baylor Preview Weekend Nov. 18-19

University of North Texas UNT Preview Nov. 19

University of Houston Cougar Preview Nov. 19

UT Arlington Preview Days TBD

UT Austin Texas Preview Sept. 17

School Name App Deadline Representative(s) Contact Info (w/ Mailing Address)

Abilene Christian University

Early Action- November 1 Regular – February 1 App found on Admission Site

Allison Self aself@acu.edu

ACU Admissions ACU Box 29000 Abilene, TX 79699-9000 (P)800-460-6228 info@admissions.acu.edu

Baylor University

Early Action- November 1 Single Choice – November 1 Regular – February 1 App found on Admission Site

Brian Burris Brian_burris@baylor.edu

Undergraduate Admissions One Bear Place #97056 Waco, TX 76798-7056 (P)254-710-3435

Concordia University Regular – August 1 App found on Admission Site

admissions@concordia.edu

Concordia University Texas Office of Admissions 11400 Concordia University Drive Austin, TX 78726 (P) 800-865-4282 admissions@concordia.edu

Midwestern State University

Priority – March 1 Regular – August 1 App found on ApplyTexas.org

Makenna Doyle makenna.doyle@mwsu.edu

MSU Admissions Office 3410 Taft Blvd Wichita Falls, TX 76308-2099 (P) 940-397-4334 admissions@mwsu.edu

Prairie View A&M University Regular- May 1 App found of ApplyTexas.org

admissions@pvamu.edu

PVAMU Admissions PO Box 519 Mail Stop 1009 Prairie View, TX 77446 (P) 936-261-1000 admissions@pvamu.edu

Rice University

Early Decision- November 1 Rice/Baylor Med – Dec. 1 Music – December 1 Regular – January 1 App found on Commonapp.org and universalcollegeapp.com

admissions@rice.edu

Office of Admissions - MS 17 PO Box 1892 Houston, TX 77251-1892 (P) 713-348-7423 admissions@rice.edu

Sam Houston State University Regular – August 1 App found on ApplyTexas.org

Heidie Hegman Heide.hegman@shsu.edu

Sam Houston State University Undergraduate Admissions Office Box 2418 Huntsville, TX 77341-2418 (P) 936-294-1828 admissions@shsu.edu

Southern Methodist University

Early Action/Decision – Nov. 1 Regular – January 15 Early Decision II – January 15 App found on Admission Site, Commonapp.org, or ApplyTexas.org

Alex Munox amunoz@smu.edu

SMU Undergraduate Admission P.O. Box 750181 Dallas, TX 75275 (P) 800-323-0672 ugadmission@smu.edu

St. Edwards University

Early – December 15 Priority – February 1 Regular – May 1 App found on Admission Site, Commonapp.org, or ApplyTexas.org

Seu.admit@stedwards.edu

Office of Admissions 3001 South Congress Avenue Austin, TX 78704-6489 (P) 512-448-8500 Seu.admit@stedwards.edu

Stephen F. Austin State University

Regular – August 25 App found on ApplyTexas.org

admissions@sfasu.edu

Office of Admissions PO Box 13051 SFA Station Nacogdoches, TX 75962-3051 (P) 936-468-2504 admissions@sfasu.edu

Tarleton State University Priority – March 1 Regular – July 8

Clint Westberry westberry@tarleton.edu

Undergraduate Admissions Box T 0030 Stephenville, TX 76402 (P) 800-687-8236 uadm@tarleton.edu

Texas A&M- College Station

Early Action Engnr – Oct. 15 Regular – December 1 App found on ApplyTexas.org

Froylan Silva fsilva@tamu.edu

Texas A&M University PO Box 30014 College Station, TX 77842-3014 commonapp@tamu.edu

As of August 8, 2016… note that Representative can change and always visit the Admission Website to confirm deadlines!

Texas A&M Corpus Christi

Priority- March 1 Regular – July 1 App found on ApplyTexas.org

Dustin Meiron Dustin.meiron@tamucc.edu

Texas A&M University – Corpus Christi Office of Recruitment and Admissions 6300 Ocean Drive, Unit 5774 Corpus Christi, TX 78414-5774 (P) 361-825-2624 admiss@tamucc.edu

Texas A&M Kingsville Regular – August 5 App found on ApplyTexas.org

Miguel Briseno Miguel.briseno@tamuk.edu

Texas A&M University Kingsville Office of Admissions, MSC 128 700 University Blvd Kingsville, TX 78363-8202 admissions@tamuk.edu

Texas Christian University

Early Decision – November 1 Early Action – November 1 Early Action II – January 1 Regular- February 15 App found on Admission Site and Commonapp.org

Dalton Goodier Dalton.goodier@tcu.edu

TCU Office of Admissions TCU Box 297013 Fort Worth, TX 761129 (P) 817-257-7490 frogmail@tcu.edu

Texas Southern University Regular – July 15 App found on ApplyTexas.org

admissions@tsu.edu

Office of Admissions 3100 Cleburne Street TSU Box 1855 Houston, TX 77004 (P) 713-313-7071 admissions@tsu.edu

Texas State University

Priority – March 1 Regular – May 1 (case by case)

App found on ApplyTexas.org

Vyasar Ganesan vyasar@txstate.edu

Undergraduate Admissions Center 429 N. Guadalupe St. San Marcos, TX 78666 (P) 512-245-2364 admissions@txstate.edu

Texas Tech University

Priority – February 1 Regular – August 1 App found on ApplyTexas.org

Emily McDonald emily.mcdonald@ttu.edu

Office of Admissions Box 45005 Lubbock, TX 79409-5005 (P) 806-834-1569 admissions@ttu.edu

University of Mary Hardin Baylor No deadline App found on Admission Site

Ben Taylor btaylor@umhb.edu

University of Mary Hardin-Baylor Office of Admissions UMHB Box 8004 900 College Street Belton, TX 76513 (P) 254-294-4520

University of North Texas

Priority – March 1 App found on ApplyTexas.org

undergrad@unt.edu

University of North Texas Office of Undergraduate Admissions 1155 Union Circle #311277 Denton, TX 76203-5017 (P) 940-565-2681 undergrad@unt.edu

University of Houston Regular- June 1 App found on ApplyTexas.org

Nick Howell nhowell@Central.UH.EDU

Office of Admissions 4400 University Drive Houston, TX 77204-2023 (P) 713-743-1010 admissions@uh.edu

UT Arlington Regular – June 1 App found on ApplyTexas.org

Shola Ijoyah shola@uta.edu

Office of Admissions Box 19114 Arlington, TX 76019 (P) 817-272-6287

UT Austin

Regular – December 1 App found on ApplyTexas.org

Catherine Rodarte (temporary) catherine.rodarte@austin.utexas.edu

Office of Admissions PO Box 8058 Austin, TX 78713-8058

UT Dallas

Priority – January 15 Regular – May 1 App found on ApplyTexas.org

Admissions-status@utdallas.edu

Admissions and Enrollment Services 800 W Campbell Rd Richardson, TX 75080-3021 (P) 972-883-2270 Admissions-status@utdallas.edu

UT San Antonio

Priority – March 1 Regular- June 1 App found on ApplyTexas.org

Ricardo Coronado Ricardo.coronado@utsa.edu

Office of Admissions One UTSA Circle San Antonio, TX 78249-0616 (P) 210-458-8000 admissions@utsa.edu

ACTCost: $58.50 (w/ Writing)/ $42.50 (no Writing)

Register: www.actstudent.org

Test Date Registration Deadline Late Registration

September 10, 2016 August 5, 2016 August 6 - 19, 2016

October 22, 2016 September 16, 2016 September 17 -30, 2016

December 10, 2016 November 4, 2016 November 5 -18, 2016

February 11, 2017 January 13, 2017 January 14 -20, 2017

April 8, 2017 March 3, 2017 March 4 -17, 2017

June 10, 2017 May 5, 2017 May 6-19, 2017

SATCost: $ 57 (w/ Writing)/ $45 (no Writing)

Register: www.collegeboard.org/sat

Test Date Registration Deadline Late Registration

October 1, 2016 September 1, 2016 September 2 - 20, 2016

November 5, 2016 October 7, 2016 October 8 - 25, 2016

December 3, 2016 November 3, 2016 November 4- 22, 2016

January 21, 2017 December 21, 2016 December 22, 2016 - January 10, 2017

March 11, 2017 February 10, 2017 Febrary 11 - 28, 2017

May 6, 2017 April 7, 2017 April 8 - 25, 2017

June 3, 2017 May 9, 2017 May 10 - 24, 2017

Test Prep Options SAT Prep from Khan Academy Students have access to this FREE study tool to prepare for the SAT. Complete one of three options to receive a personalized study plan. They simply visit https://www.khanacademy.org/test-prep/sat. UT Outreach Offering FREE SAT and ACT prep. Students will need to complete an UT Outreach application to participate. Applications are available in the College and Career Center. Email patrickkpatterson@austin.utexas.edu for more info and to register. More Than a Teacher Offers PSAT/SAT/ACT courses at area high schools. The cost is $379 for PISD students. Parent or students should call 512-453-7272 to register. Visit http://www.morethanateacher.com/programs/sat/ for more information. Kaplan FREE Prep from Kaplan, just follow these steps:

Visit kaplanatschool.com/pflugervilleisd, you will see in the top right corner “Click here for your free promo code”, click on link.

Copy Promo Code and click on SAT/ACT. Paste Promo Code in box and click Apply Coupon. Log In or Create an Account Click Save & Continue, once the Order Confirmation has been received you will be able to log

into the prep.

Kaplan also offers PSAT/SAT/ACT prep courses online and at various locations you can visit http://www.kaptest.com/index.jhtml to explore different prep opportunities. Their course cost range from $199- $1000. Sylvan Offer onsite SAT courses at a group (at least 3 students) and individual rate. Group is $895 and individual is $1500. Visit http://tutoring.sylvanlearning.com/roundrocktutoring/index.cfm for more info. Princeton Review Offers a variety of PSAT/SAT/ACT prep options including one on one tutoring, small classroom instruction, crash course, and more. Program cost ranges from $599 - 6600. Visit http://www.princetonreview.com/ for more info. House or Tutors Offers PSAT/SAT classes and tutoring. Cost is $899. Visit www.houseoftutors.com to register and for more info. Catalyst Offers SAT/ACT prep individually, small group, or boot camps. Cost is from $165 – 3,499. Call 800.235.0056 or email info@catalystprep.com for more info.

College Admission Essays 2016-2017

Apply Texas (www.applytexas.org)

Apply Texas is an online application that allows you to complete your admission applications for most Texas public and private 

universities (check https://www.applytexas.org/adappc/html/research_your_options.html to see if the school you are interested 

in allows you to complete an application through Apply Texas). If you plan to apply to a university in Texas, you will need to 

complete the admission application on ApplyTexas.org and write at least one of these essays: 

 

  

 

 

 

 

Common Application (www.commonapp.org)

The Common Application is an online application for private schools and schools outside of Texas. Not all schools will accept an 

application through the Common Application. For a list of schools, check out: 

https://www.commonapp.org/CommonApp/Members.aspx . Essays on the Common App should be between 250‐650 words. 

The essay topics on the Common Application are: 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Essay B: 

Some students have an identity, an interest, or a talent that defines them in an essential way.  If 

you are one of these students, then tell us about yourself. 

Recount an incident or time when you experienced failure. How did it affect you, and what lessons 

did you learn? 

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.

College Essay Writing Tips

This handout includes information found in The College Application Essay, by Sarah Myers McGinty and tips from Charles McGonigal, former UT Scholarship Reader.

Essays are going to play different roles for different applications. Sometimes they’ll be tiebreakers, sometimes only the best/worst will matter, and for some scholarships especially, they are the key element. But essays are always important because of the opportunity they give YOU.

Application essays are your chance to demonstrate your own style, the part of you the rest of the application can’t show. They can give the reader a picture that they will remember more clearly than your activities or transcripts. Spend time building the picture you want – here’s some tips to help.

CONTENT Fill the Gaps Read the rest of your application. What’s missing? This is the chance to explain what you did with your leadership positions, or how you helped someone with your efforts, or how you pushed your boundaries above and beyond an assignment. Make sure the essay tells the reader something they won’t find otherwise.

Make It Personal Everyone has made a model for a class project. Everyone has read a book. What about YOUR project, or YOUR reading experience, tells the reader something unique about you?

Be Yourself Your readers have probably been reading applications since before you were in high school. They can tell when you are revealing your thoughts, or playing to an audience. You also don’t always know the audience, so it is best to just be yourself.

Focus on One Point Each essay must prove a single point. The reader should be able to identify and follow your main idea from beginning to end. Have someone read just the introduction to see what she thinks your essay is about.

Leave a Vivid Impression

If you’re explaining the fundraiser you organized, describe the signs or money-buckets you created, describe the long weekend of putting everything together, and the look on everyone’s faces when you reached your goal. When a reader sees you or your work in their mind, they’re much more likely to remember you.

Avoid Arrogance You have to promote yourself in your essay, but be careful not to get arrogant – your readers have also accomplished a lot. If you’re not sure, most parents or teachers will be happy to identify any problems for you.

TECHNICAL Be Concise Yes.

Be Specific Avoid clichéd, generic, and predictable writing by using vivid and specific details.

Proofread Have at least one person proofread each essay – computers don’t catch everything and neither do you.

Letter of Recommendation rev.0409 JB-S

LETTER OF RECOMMENDATION / REFERENCE Student Information Sheet

TAKE THE TIME TO BE THOROUGH & COMPLETE IN YOUR RESPONSES All Information Requested On Pages 1 - 4 of this Form

MUST BE PROVIDED for the Letter of Recommendation to be Completed

Date Received: ____/____/____

Student: _______________________________________________ Student ID #________________

Please allow a minimum 2-week turnaround timeframe for completion of your request. Due to the high volume of

requests received as well as the increased demands of counselor responsibilities at certain times of the year, there

are times that a one-month turnaround is required. Please plan accordingly!

Letter of Recommendation/Reference is needed by this date: ____/____/____

PURPOSE OF LETTER: Job Scholarship College Admissions

Award Other ___________________________________________________

ACADEMIC: SAT Scores: Critical Reading: ______ Math: ______ ACT Scores: ______

FUTURE PLANS: Attend College Attend Trade/Technical School Join Military Other _______________

If you plan to attend college or a trade/technical school, what is your intended major or course of study?___________________

ACADEMIC RECOGNITION: Include awards such as Scholar Athlete, medals, certificates, nominations by teachers, or any other honors earned at school. (Attach additional sheets as necessary.)

Name of Award School Year Received

Letter of Recommendation rev.0409 JB-S

Giving Back to the SCHOOL/COMMUNITY Activities: Include volunteer work, church-related activities, service

clubs, Scouting, etc. (Attach additional sheets as necessary.)

Organization Description of Activities Dates

EXTRACURRICULAR ACTIVITY: Include AWARDS for sports, clubs, fine arts, employment, etc.

Type of Activity Dates Participated Awards/Recognition?

Membership in clubs/organizations: Spanish Club, FCLA, NHS, etc.

Name of Club Dates Participated Description of Involvement

Leadership: positions held in student government, clubs, on sports teams

Type of Activity Dates Participated Description of Involvement

Letter of Recommendation rev.0409 JB-S

Personal Responses

(Feel free to attach additional sheets or use the back of this page.)

Have there been any family challenges or special circumstances that have caused you to develop as a person?

How would you describe yourself? Use at least 5 descriptive adjectives, then expand on those adjectives/explain

why they describe you. Be sensibly confident.

What things about yourself would you like for the Counselor to include in your letter? Why should you be

considered for acceptance/admission/award, etc.? Include specific incidents that support your level of worth.

List any special interests or hobbies you may have and why that area or activity is appealing to you.

Letter of Recommendation rev.0409 JB-S

Choose a parent, family member or someone who knows you well to write a brief description of what they would

want your counselor to know about you to be included in your recommendation. (More than one person may

reply to this section. Please use additional paper or the back of this form as needed for additional responses.)

I give my permission for any information I provide on this form to be used in my letter of

reference.

Student Signature

Parent Signature (for student younger than 18)

Unfortunately, money does not grow on trees, and families that have not saved

for college must find other routes to financing the ever increasing cost of a college education.

There are various ways to pay for college: scholarships, grants, and other aid.

Scholarships are free money, meaning that you do not have to pay it back, but there may be a few

strings attached (e.g. good academic standing). In the end, the benefits of scholarships far outweigh any negatives you might attribute to the process in obtaining and maintaining the award. The application process depends on the benefactor.

Grants are free money from the federal or state government or university that is awarded according to criteria set by the awarding entity (e.g. need based grants are awarded to those that have demonstrated financial need). Complete the FAFSA (Free Application for Student Aid) to apply.

Other aids, such as loans, are obtained through the Federal Stafford Loan program or private entities that must be repaid after graduation. Complete FAFSA to apply for Federal aid, private entities have their own application process.

Searching and applying for scholarships and financial aid can feel like a daunting process, if you let it overwhelm you, but anyone can do it! Read on to learn more!

1. GET A PIC Some scholarships require a photo. Get them now for scholarships that will be listed throughout the year. 2. FIND SCHOLARSHIPS A variety of scholarship listings, databases, websites exist. See below to get started with your search:

The College and Career Center (CCC) advertises national, statewide, and local scholarship throughout the year, visit the CCC or http://www.pfisd.net/Page/3217 for the listing.

College or University scholarships are merit based and departmental. Merit is awarded based on your rank, GPA, and/or test scores. Departmental awards can usually be found on the Financial Aid website. Just look for the link or use the website search engine to query ‘scholarships’.

Internet databases such as: www.scholarships.com, www.fastweb.com, www.zinch.com offer a variety of awards and narrow down your search when you create a profile.

The Minnie Stevens Piper Compendium is another great resource. Hard copies will be made available in English classrooms, the CCC, and is also online at www.everychanceeverytexan.org.

3. MARK YOUR CALENDAR Scholarship deadlines vary by award; it is important to note the deadline to avoid missing out on free money!

FAFSA is available October 1st, and should be completed by March 15th for many colleges. Visit www.fafsa.ed.gov to apply. ** Please do not be fooled by sites that ask you to pay to complete the application, it is free and there is not strategy to earning more. **

Some schools may require the CSS Profile in addition to FAFSA to determine your need and award. Visit https://profileonline.collegeboard.com to apply. Deadlines vary by college.

4. APPLY An application is a presentation. Be sure that it is neat, accurate, and appropriate.

DO NOT WRITE IN PENCIL. The submitted application should be typed or written in black or dark blue ink.

If you plan to write out the responses… be sure that your handwriting is legible.

Keep the audience in mind when responding to questions. Think… how would you respond if your grandmother or some other respected adult asked you these questions? Try to avoid offending the reader.

5. ACCEPT or DECLINE Generally, only selected recipients will receive a response from a scholarship, and all admitted students will receive a Financial Award letter after their FAFSA and verifying documentation is received.

With scholarships and financial aid award letter in hand you can determine which awards you would like to accept. Generally, students accept all scholarships and grants (free money). Federal loans must be repaid, but sometimes students have no choice but to accept those if no other financial resources are available.

If possible, avoid private loans, they are offered by outside (not state/federal) lenders at a higher interest rate and do not have safeguards that federal loans possess (e.g. forbearance of deferment due to hardship).

For other options to cover College Cost visit www.hhloans.com (Be On Time Loan and CAL Loan) for Texas Colleges and Universities.

Have questions? Email Tanesha.bazemore@pfisd.net.