Exploring Life After High School at Flower Mound High School

Flower Mound High School COUNSELING CENTER Life After High School: Finding the Best Match (This power point will be posted on the FMHS website)

FMHS Counselors Connie Maloney Lead Counselor Celeste Boggs Michelle Derebeew Leanne Cottrell Chasity Lansdell Amy Berry A B C-F G-KILL KIM-M N-SHE SHF-Z

Step 1: Consider your options Gap Year Workforce Career/Technical School Military Enlistment/ROTC Scholarship/Academies Two year Community College Four Year University

Step 2: Discover Your Resources and Start your Research FMHS Website: www.fmhs.lisd.net Junior/Senior Handbook Consider Military Academies (pg. 32-35 Jr/Sr Handbook) FMHS College Forum Cafeteria/Commons Thursday, May 3rd 6:-8:00 pm

Step 3: Take advantage of College admissions representatives on the FMHS campus during lunches College Forum May 3rd Check the counseling website for participating universities.

Step 4: Make your senior year count Senior year an opportunity to strengthen skills and broaden experiences in school and out Colleges pay particular attention to the senior schedule and performance Attendance clean up any absence fails Review your transcript and make sure you have met all graduation requirements and there are no errors.

Top Factors that Influence Admissions The top factors in the admission decision: grades in college preparatory courses, strength of curriculum, standardized test scores, and overall high school GPA. Among the next most important factors: the essay, teacher and counselor recommendations (when required by the school), class rank, and the student s demonstrated interest.

How does FHSP impact admissions? For a Texas university you need: FHSP, ONE Endorsement and DLA. (Algebra 2) The Number of Endorsements you earn will not influence you being admitted to a university. Outside of Texas you need: A valid high school diploma and that you have met their admission requirements.

What Else Are Colleges Looking For? Extracurricular Activities Community service or volunteer work Be careful with Social Media

How To Select The Right College For You Think about your interests Do your homework Consider geography and size Visit the campus Don t be swayed by a school s reputation or status Do not go to a school because of your friends Use the college searches available on web Talk to your school counselor

College Admission Procedures Start a college planning folder to get organized Apply using Common Application or Apply Texas Write, Re-write Essays available now Take SAT or ACT (Have official scores sent) College Visits Schedule with admissions and financial offices Update resume of all activities, awards, and jobs Obtain a summer job that might be related to your career interests Apply and search for scholarships Beat deadlines

College Admission Testing Information SAT & ACT tests require pre-registration SAT June 2nd, Aug. 25th ACT June 9th, July 14th, Sept. 8th Registration website online www.collegeboard.org www.actstudent.org

Tips for the College Application Read instructions carefully - If you are given an option of electronic or paper, choose electronic. Use Common Application or Apply Texas www.commonapp.org www.applytexas.org (If given a choice, choose Common App.) Practice first on a COPY of the application Ask someone to review the draft FMHS School Code: 442434

How to Order Transcripts Official transcripts are sent electronically from the FMHS registrar s office. Students are allowed 5 free and 1 Final transcript at no charge. Any requests beyond the first 5 will require a $3.00 fee. (Common App are free) Pick up a transcript request form in the registrar s office or go to: http://fmhs.lisd.net/counseling/transcripts.htm SAT/ACT scores are not included on your transcript. You will need to have OFFICIAL scores sent directly from testing agency.

Recommendation Letters Choose someone carefully Give person writing letter at least a 2 week notice (Aug./Sept. will need more time) Fill out senior/parent information forms (available in the counseling office or online) before requesting a letter Follow up with a

How to Pay for College Fill out the FAFSA form whether you will qualify or not This is used for college scholarships and even NCAA purposes. Talk to a financial aid officer at the university Check on when applications are due for scholarships. Not all admissions and scholarship applications have same deadlines. Check the FMHS website for additional scholarship information. FAFSA opens Oct. 1st we will have a workshop to help with completing the application.

Scholarship Success Search for scholarships weekly Apply, Apply, Apply- The more you apply for the better your chances of receiving one Plan ahead- it takes time to get transcripts and letters of recommendation Be organized- Keep your resume up to date and meet deadlines Follow directions- Correctly Fill Out Forms! Proof read Beat deadlines Check the counseling portion of the FMHS web site for scholarship information

Other Summer Activities Take a class at community college Do community service, internship, apprenticeship, look for a leadership position. FMHS website Counseling Summer Opportunities Attend a Summer Program at a university (Pg. 61 -- 11/12th Handbook) Get a paid job Visit colleges Research, research, research!

What can Parents do to Help? Be a weekly visitor to our website Talk with your child about what they may be thinking about doing after graduation. Be open to all options. Offer support and encouragement Educate yourself about the college process Help keep track of important dates and deadlines Attend Parent Nights, College Nights, Financial Aid Nights Monitor your child s stress level Ask Questions Be a weekly visitor to our website