Post Secondary Planning Guide

Post-Secondary Planning Guide

2022-2023

A Publication of the RISD Counseling Services Department

District and Campus Information

Richardson ISD Vision

RISD – Where all students connect, learn, grow, and succeed.

Richardson ISD Mission

To serve and prepare all students for their global future

High School Counselors

Berkner High School

1600 E. Spring Valley Rd.

Richardson, 75081

469-593-7000

Beneia Ruttenberg

A-Car

Barbara Sucher

Car-Goe

Kelly Wallace

Gof-Len

Veronica Adams

Leo-Nic

Danielle Dabeshlim

Nid-Sal

Marie Davis

Sam-Waq

Florence Woods

War-Z

Eboni Simmons

504 Counselor

Traci Nickleberry

PTECH

Jana Anderson

Intervention

Demetra Durham

College/Career

Lake Highlands High School

9449 Church Road

Dallas, 75238

469-593-1000

Culus Williams

A-Cl

Marianna Hogue

Cm-Gon

Rhonda Boston

Goo-Lac

Velma Lopez

Lad-Nol

Judy London-Young

Nom-Sanc

Maggie Karnowski

Sand-Wh

Shameka Brackens

Wi-Z

Joycelyn Anderson

PTECH

Patty McKay

504 Counselor

Melanie Theissen

Intervention

Robin Finklea

College/Career

Richardson High School

1250 W. Belt Line Rd.

Richardson, 75080

469-593-3000

Kerri Parker

A-Cam

Colleen Monier

Can-Fa

Lauren Johnson

Fe-He

Keldrick Robinson

Hi-Je

Melissa Wolff

Ji-Mc

Nancy Thompson

Me-Pi

Laurie Laman

Pl-Sn

Brittanye Love

So-Z

Kristine Thomas-Wright

Magnet / PTECH

Joelle Goad

504 Counselor

Anita Cepeda

Intervention

Cosondra Clay

College/Career

Pearce High School

1600 N. Coit Rd.

Richardson, 75080

469-593-5000

Brooke Scoggins

A-Bail

Marsha Hardin

Baj-Er

Willa Myers

Es-Je

Tangela Spencer

Ji-Moo

Veronica Cabral

Mor-Sam

Courtney Murphree

San-Z

Kristin Cody

504 Counselor

Beth Del Valle

PTECH

Mandy Weidenheft

Intervention

Kathy Noland

College/Career

Memorial Park Academy

410 S. Greenville Ave.

Richardson, 75081

469-593-0450

Katrina McGee

BHS, PHS

Krystal Jones

LHHS, RHS

Christa McAuliffe

Learning Ctr.

900 S. Greenville Ave.

Richardson, 75081

469-593-5800

Kendyll Parker

All students

Nicolette Johnson

Intervention

Table of Contents

District and Campus Information ................................................................................................................ 2

Introduction .................................................................................................................................................. 5

How to use the Post-Secondary Planning Guide ..................................................................................... 5

High School Graduation Requirements ....................................................................................................... 6

My Graduation Checklist .......................................................................................................................... 7

*See Opt out Provision at the bottom of the previous page. .................................................................. 7

Some Helpful Checklists ............................................................................................................................... 8

Freshman Checklist – It Matters Now ..................................................................................................... 8

Sophomore Checklist – What are My Future Goals? .............................................................................. 9

Junior Checklist – Do Your Research and Prepare ................................................................................ 10

Senior Checklist – Doing the Work for Your Future .............................................................................. 12

Testing ........................................................................................................................................................ 13

2022-23 SAT Administration Dates and Registration Deadlines .......................................................... 13

Selecting the Path that is Right for You ..................................................................................................... 15

If College is Your Choice ............................................................................................................................. 17

Starting your college search ................................................................................................................... 17

Preparing for the RISD College Fair ....................................................................................................... 18

Checklist for college programs for students with learning difficulties ................................................. 20

College Selectivity – Entrance Exam Scores and GPA ........................................................................... 21

Military Academies – How to get in .......................................................................................................... 24

Admissions requirements ...................................................................................................................... 24

How to apply .......................................................................................................................................... 24

Interested in joining a branch of the US Armed Forces? .......................................................................... 25

Writing an essay they won’t forget ........................................................................................................... 27

Tips for creating your college application essay ..................................................................................... 27

Sample College Essays ............................................................................................................................ 27

Resumes – not just for jobs ........................................................................................................................ 33

Things to include in a College Admissions Resume ............................................................................... 33

Getting letters of recommendation ........................................................................................................... 33

teps to requesting your letter(s) .......................................................................................................... 34

Transcripts .................................................................................................................................................. 34

Unofficial Transcripts ............................................................................................................................. 34

Official Transcripts ................................................................................................................................. 34

College Interviews – it’s a two-way street ................................................................................................ 35

The benefits of interviewing .................................................................................................................. 35

Types of interviews ................................................................................................................................ 35

Paying for college = financing your future ................................................................................................ 35

FAFSA Forecaster .................................................................................................................................... 36

FAFSA / TASFA ........................................................................................................................................ 36

What you need to fill out your FAFSA ................................................................................................... 37

Scholarships ............................................................................................................................................ 37

. . . and finally . . . ....................................................................................................................................... 38

My Miscellaneous Notes ............................................................................................................................. 39

Introduction

The information in this book has been collected to help you find answers to questions or concerns you

may have as you begin or continue your journey to your post-secondary pursuits. Whether you plan on

going to a college or university, trade or technical school, US military or workforce, this guidebook is for

you.

Preparing to leave high school and move onto the next phase of your life can be an exciting experience –

one that is filled with opportunities and challenges. It can also be difficult and confusing as you make

decisions about your next step. The process of deciding what you will do after high school is a very

personal one, and it should begin with self-reflection. Be sure to keep in mind your goals, strengths,

weaknesses, and priorities. Be realistic about who you are and what you want.

How to use the Post-Secondary Planning Guide

We recommend that you read this guide book completely before you begin to use it as a resource. Keep

in mind that each step described may require effort over a period of time. Be aware of deadlines, but

also be patient with yourself.

We also suggest that you purchase or devise an organizational system. Keep all college information

materials together in a specific place (bin, drawer, file folders, etc.). Likewise, keep any electronic

communications together in a folder in your email inbox, or filed on your computer in an easy to find

area.

Remember that there is a path for everybody; keep an open mind when exploring. If you’re college

bound, you may want to look at schools you haven’t thought of before. It may be a college that you’ve

never heard of – it might not have a winning football team (or a football team at all) – it might be

smaller or larger than you had thought. If you are undecided about a career, talk to people in jobs that

you have not been thinking about previously.

Finally, the School Counselors and the College and Career Coordinators on your campus are there for

you and are delighted to help you throughout your journey towards post-secondary preparedness. Be

sure to visit them regularly – they are your allies!

High School Graduation Requirements

*The one-half Technology credit required for the RISD Foundation High School Program must be from Touch Systems Data Entry;

Principles of Business, Marketing and Finance; Business Information Management 1; or Principles of Information Technology.

**The one-half Health credit must be from Health Education 1, Principles of Health Science, or Health Science.

Opt out Provision allows for flexibility in a student’s course sequence to meet individual needs where appropriate. Students who

desire to opt out of certain course requirements should carefully review the implications of the action with their counselor.

Course changes could alter the graduation program designation under which the student may be eligible to graduate and could

affect eligibility for admission to the student’s chosen institution of higher learning.

FOUNDATION HIGH SCHOOL PROGRAM

Subject

Credits with

Endorsement

Credits without

Endorsement

English

• English 1, 2, and 3

•

Advanced English Course

4 4

Mathematics

• Algebra 1

• Geometry

• Algebra 2 (opt out provision) (required for STEM

Endorsement)

• Additional Math

4 3

Science

• Biology

• Chemistry (opt out provision) (required for STEM

Endorsement)

• Physics (opt out provision) (required for STEM Endorsement)

•

Additional lab-based Science

4 3

Social Studies

• World Geography/AP Human Geography

• World History (opt out provision)

• US History

• US Government (1/2 credit)

•

Economics (1/2 credit)

4 4

Physical Education 1 1

Fine Arts

Languages Other Than English (LOTE)

• Two credits in the same language OR

• Two credits from AP Computer Science, AP Computer

Science Principles, Computer Science 1, 2, and/or 3

2 2

Technology *

1/2

Health **

1/2

Electives

Total Credits

My Graduation Checklist

English



English 1



English 2



English 3



English 4/4

English

Mathematics



Algebra 1



Geometry



Algebra 2/3

Math



Math

Science



Biology



Chemistry (opt

out)*



Physics (opt out)*



Science

Social Studies/Economics



World Geo/AP

Human



World Hist. (opt

out)*



US History



Gov’t/Economics

PE/Fine Arts/Languages Other Than English



Physical

Education



Fine Arts



LOTE Level 1



LOTE Level 2

Health/Technology



.5 Health



.5 Technology

Elective/Endorsement Specific Courses



Elective



Elective



Elective



Elective



Elective

*See Opt out Provision at the bottom of the previous page.

Some Helpful Checklists

Freshman Checklist – It Matters Now

 Take your schoolwork seriously

 Make an effort to get good grades. Maintaining a high GPA (grade point average)

during your freshman year can build your potential for good academic performance

throughout high school.

 Choose your classes carefully

 Not only do you want to choose classes that will challenge you, you want to choose

classes that lead you to the Endorsement you selected in 8

grade.

 Get to know your School Counselor and your College and Career Coordinator

 These two people can play an essential role in your post-secondary exploration,

college selection, and generally guide you along the path toward your goals.

 Build relationships with your teachers

 Freshman year is a great time to start developing the ability to effectively interact

with your teachers. This will become increasingly important as you navigate high

school and beyond.

 Become active in your school community

 Get involved in an extracurricular activity (or multiple activities) following your

areas of interest. Starting early is important if you want to take a leadership role in

school. Remember that this is a great way to explore various interests and try new

things.

 Take advantage of summer

 It can be very tempting to “check out” during summer – instead, take this time to

volunteer at a local organization, take a summer school class to earn some

graduation credits, or attend a summer program on a college campus. If you choose

to take a more restful summer break, be sure to get your summer reading done –

keep your brain active!

Sophomore Checklist – What are My Future Goals?

 Maintain (and improve) your grades and extracurricular involvement

 Talk with your parents and counselor about AP, Dual Credit, and OnRamps courses

 Now is the time to prepare for rigorous college prep courses. Successful completion

of these courses can earn you college credit!

 Create a personal file and resume

 Include awards and honors, clubs and organizations, leadership positions, volunteer

work, and jobs.

 If you are college bound, begin researching college costs and financial aid

 It is not too early to think about how you will pay for college. There are many

scholarships offered to sophomore high school students. Check with your School

Counselor or College and Career Coordinator to form a list of scholarships you can

apply for. To find an estimate of financial aid you may receive, go to

https://fafsa.ed.gov/spa/fafsa4c/#/landing.

 Make time for some online exploration

 If you are college bound, visit individual college websites,

https://www.collegeboard.org/, and http://www.collegeforalltexans.com/. You can

also visit the RISD College Bound website located under the Counseling Services

department tab on www.risd.org.

 If you are unsure of your post-secondary plans or are interested in careers and the

labor market in Texas go to https://www.twc.texas.gov/students.

 Attend college and career events

 Your campus hosts visits from colleges and universities during lunch period as well

as visits from military recruiters, etc. Take time to visit with the representatives to

help you gain a better understanding of how they may fit into your plans.

 RISD Counseling Services hosts a districtwide College Fair every September where

you can visit with more than 100 colleges, universities, military academies, and

military recruiters.

 Make constructive use of your summer

 The summer following your sophomore year is a wonderful time to get a part time

job (begin saving money, practice managing money, think about getting a bank

account, etc.). You can also check into working at an internship, becoming a camp

counselor, or getting involved in a community service project. Additionally, you can

enroll in a summer course through RISD summer school, or a local college/university.

 Register with NCAA Eligibility Center

 If you are planning to play sports in college, you must register through the NCAA

Eligibility Center the spring of your sophomore year at www.ncaa.org.

Junior Checklist – Do Your Research and Prepare

 Credit and transcript evaluation

 Make an appointment to see your counselor. Evaluate your credits and review your

transcript to be sure you’re on track to graduate and earn an endorsement and/or

certification. Check your GPA. You will get much of this information during your

junior conference.

 Continue adding to your personal file and resume (or create one if you haven’t

already)

 Include awards and honors, clubs and organizations, leadership positions, volunteer

work, and jobs.

 Continue exploring opportunities

 If you’re still contemplating what career field you want to be in, consider shadowing

someone in that field, take an interest inventory or take the ASVAB (Armed Forces

Vocational Aptitude Battery). See your School Counselor or College and Career

Coordinator for more information.

 Consider Post-Secondary Options

 Consider whether you should go to a four-year university, a two-year university, a

technical school, or join the military. For help with these decisions, make an

appointment to see your counselor and/or discuss this with your parents.

 Learn more about your options - check https://www.dallascountypromise.org/

 Exams

 The PSAT/NMSQT (Preliminary SAT/National Merit Scholarship Qualifying Test) is a

standardized test that provides firsthand practice for the SAT and provides an

opportunity for juniors to qualify for National Merit Scholarship Corporation (NMSC)

scholarship programs. PSAT is administered at each high school in October on a

date determined by the College Board.

 During spring you will take your STAAR EOC test in US History. Other EOC tests that

you must pass include English 1, English 2, Algebra 1, and Biology.

those who qualify). These exams are given several times each year. All students are

encouraged to take SAT and/or ACT in the spring of their junior or the beginning of

their senior year. Visit the following web sites for applications, and remember to

send a copy of your scores to your high school as well as the colleges you’re

interested in attending.

• www.act.org

• www.collegeboard.com

Research Schools and School Requirements

 Visit each school’s website to find out more information about the school, their

requirements, location, financial aid awarded, etc. Make plans to attend the RISD

College Fair in September.

 Visit Schools

 Schedule college visits (to schools you are interested in attending) on a regular

school day in order to see a “real” day at college. Bring an official letter on college

letterhead that states you were on an official college tour to your attendance clerk.

A maximum of four college visitation days are available to students to be taken

between the beginning of their junior year and the end of their senior year - a

student may take no more than 2 days a year.

Senior Checklist – Doing the Work for Your Future

 Check your courses and credits

 Make sure your schedule has all of the courses and credits you need to graduate and

earn an endorsement and/or certification. See your counselor if you have questions

or concerns.

 Check the Junior Timeline

 If you have not completed the items on the preceding Junior Timeline, be sure to

check them off (as applicable).

 Get (and stay) organized

 Keep all of your college information together and organized, keep all paperwork and

copies of correspondence from colleges organized in a binder, folder, or even a

drawer or crate where it is easy to locate when needed.

 Dallas County Promise https://www.dallascountypromise.org/

 See your College and Career Coordinator to start your Dallas County Promise Path.

 Apply

 Begin applying to colleges using Apply Texas (for Texas public colleges and

universities), Common App, or the school’s website. Remember to include the

application fee, official transcript, and official college entrance exam scores (ACT or

SAT – sent to the school at time of the exam from the testing institution). Send

recommendation letters when requested – remember to give counselors and

teachers at least two weeks to complete the letters of recommendation.

 Transcripts

 Each college will want an official transcript sent from the high school. There are

several ways to have your transcript sent to the schools of your choice, including

Naviance, GreenLight, etc. Check with your counselor if you have questions, and be

sure to tell the counseling office where you want your final transcript to be sent.

 Complete your FAFSA at www.fafsa.ed.gov

 Starting on October 1 you will be able to fill out the Free Application for Federal

Student Aid (FAFSA). If you want to get student aid from the government or any

college institution, you must fill out the FAFSA form. The college financial aid office

will be able to answer questions you have about your application. Be sure to send

this information to the colleges you have applied to, and they will put together a

financial aid package in addition to any government monies (if applicable).

 Apply for Scholarships

 Check regularly (weekly) for available scholarships through online sites such as

www.scholarships.com, www.fastweb.com, and

www.collegeguidanceconsultants.com, etc. and by visiting the Counseling Office and

the College and Career Coordinator. You might be surprised at how much money is

available if you are willing to take the time to apply!

Testing

There are many tests that are useful for college and other post-secondary pursuits. The two most widely

used college admissions tests are the ACT and SAT. Most colleges accept either one, but some

institutions may require one or the other. It is important that you check the admissions requirements at

the schools of your choice.

The student is responsible for registering for these tests and for requesting that the scores be reported

by the testing organization directly to the institutions to which you are applying.

HIGH SCHOOL TESTING CODES

Berkner High School

445841

Lake Highlands

High School

441758

Pearce High School

445839

Richardson High School

445840

PSAT/NMSQT

The PSAT/NMSQT (Preliminary SAT/National Merit Scholarship Qualifying Test), given each fall (juniors

and sophomores can take it), is an important factor in your future college success. It measures what

you’ve learned in high school and what you will need to succeed in college. Students with top scores on

this test may be awarded scholarship money. The best way to prepare for this test is to take challenging

courses, do your homework, ask and answer lots of questions in and outside of class. You can check out

the kinds of questions asked on the PSAT by visiting www.collegereadiness.collegeboard.org

SAT

The SAT (Scholastic Aptitude Test) is a 3 hour test (with an optional 50 minute Essay). The test

components include evidence based reading and writing, math, and the optional essay. The focus is on

knowledge, skills, and understanding that is important to college and career readiness success, and

places emphasis on the meaning of words in context and how they shape meaning. Scoring for the test

ranges from 400 to 1600 (correct answers only – no penalty for guessing!) – 200-800 for

Reading/Writing and 200-800 for Math. Essay results are reported separately. There are seven testing

dates during the year under normal circumstances. It is suggested that students begin taking this test in

the spring of the junior year.

2022-23 SAT Administration Dates and Registration Deadlines

SAT Date

Registration Deadline

August 27, 2022

July 29, 2022

October 1, 2022

September 2, 2022

November 5, 2022

October 7, 2022

December 3, 2022

November 22, 2022

March 11, 2023

February 10, 2023

May 7, 2023

April 7, 2023

June 3, 2023

May 4, 2023

ACT

The ACT (American College Testing Program) is a standardized college entrance test that measures

student skills in English (45 minutes), reading (35 minutes), math (60 minutes), science (35 minutes), and

writing (optional – 40 minutes). Students in grades 11 and 12 can take the test and have their scores

submitted to their colleges of choice as part of their college application process.

2022-23 ACT Administration Dates and Registration Deadlines

ACT Date

Registration Deadline

September 10, 2022

August 5, 2022

October 22, 2022

September 16, 2022

December 10, 2022

November 4, 2022

February 11, 2023

January 6, 2023

April 15, 2023

March 10, 2023

June 10, 2023

May 5, 2023

July 15, 2023

June, 16, 2023

AP (Advanced Placement) tests are three-hour examinations given in May to students who have

completed any AP course offered at the Richardson ISD high schools. College credit may be awarded in

college depending on the school and your AP exam score. Check with your colleges of choice to review

their AP policies. There is a fee for taking these exams.

TSIA

TSIA (Texas Success Initiative Assessment) tests students in the areas of reading, mathematics, and

writing skills and provides that information to the public colleges and universities of the student’s

choice. The TSIA has been approved by the Texas Higher Education Coordination Board for use by Texas

institutions of higher education. All students applying for admission to a Texas state college must

complete the TSIA or an approved Texas Success Initiative assessment. Because there are some

exemptions to this test, it is important to check with the testing office or advising office at the college or

university you plan to attend.

ASVAB

The ASVAB (Armed Services Vocational Aptitude Battery) is an aptitude test developed by the

Department of Defense and measures the student’s strengths related to military training and potential

for success. There are two versions of the test – the enlistment version used for recruiting purposes

only, and the ASVAB Career Exploration Program used for career exploration and given in high schools,

community colleges, etc.

Selecting the Path that is Right for You

Deciding on a plan or path to take following high school graduation can be confusing and sometimes

frustrating. You can learn about your options by talking with your School Counselor, but below is a list of

options most often chosen. You can learn more about how to pursue these options on the pages

following this list.

College

Colleges are institutions that offer educational instruction beyond the high school level in a two-

year or four-year program. Colleges may:

• Offer on-campus housing

• Offer associates, bachelors, masters, and doctoral degrees

• Have more rigorous admission standards

University

Universities award undergraduate and graduate degrees in a variety of fields, and offer a wide

range of academic choices. Universities:

• Have on-campus housing

• Have a variety of admissions standards (some more rigorous, some less – be sure to

check the university’s website for full information on admission requirements)

• Offer associates, bachelors, masters, and doctoral degrees

Liberal Arts College

Liberal arts colleges are four-year institutions focusing on undergraduate degrees. Liberal Arts

Colleges:

• Offer more personal attention - based on smaller admission than universities, classes

tend to be smaller

• Emphasize courses in humanities, social sciences, and sciences

• Often have specific area(s) of study that is their college “major”

Community College

Community colleges are two-year institutions of higher learning that can:

• Offer the first two years of a liberal arts education

• Provide career and vocational training

• Offer associate degrees as well as certificates

• Sometimes offer on-campus housing

Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCU)

HBCUs were established specifically with the goal of increasing African American students’

access to a college education at a time when they were systematically denied access to most

other colleges and universities. Students attending these schools can and should feel

empowered by the fact that they’re actively defending and taking advantage of their rights,

while experiencing:

• A supportive atmosphere

• Classes and extracurricular activities tailored to African Americans

• Faculty mentors who encourage student success

Military Academies

The five U.S military academies (U.S. Military Academy-West Point, NY (Army); U.S. Air Force

Academy-Colorado Springs, CO; U.S. Naval Academy-Annapolis, MD; U.S. Coast Guard Academy-

New London, CT; and U.S. Merchant Marine Academy-Kings Point, NY) are federal academies for

the undergraduate education and training of commissioned officers for the United States Armed

Forces. Military academies:

• Require a nomination by a US Senator or US Representative (U.S. Coast Guard Academy

does not require a Congressional nomination)

• Help build qualities of character and leadership

• Provide a structured environment with firm boundaries and daily routines

Trade, Technical, and Professional Schools

These institutions emphasize preparation for specific careers and enroll students who have

made clear decisions about what they plan to study. These schools:

• Offer programs and certificates in many areas without requiring associates or bachelor’s

degrees

• Often do not have a core curriculum – students have classes related to the career choice

only

• Often have quality programs with high success rates –check school accreditation to

ensure you are choosing a quality school

U.S. Military Service

Enlistment in U.S. Military service can offer an unparalleled sense of patriotism, duty, honor,

and selfless service. Talk to a recruiter for specific information on each branch of the U.S.

Military. Some of the benefits to enlistment include:

• Guaranteed paycheck

• Educational benefits (you can earn college credit while in the U.S. Military)

• Option for full-time or part-time service

• Travel

Workforce

Attending college directly out of high school isn’t for everyone. Some students may want a break

before they return to full-time education, and for some high school graduates, working instead

of attending college is a monetary decision. Whatever the reason, it is important to remember

that it may be difficult to go back to school after you’ve been out for a while, so be sure to

consider this option carefully. There are some benefits to taking a break:

• Taking a year off can help you learn to appreciate school, especially if the job is tedious

• Gain life experience

• Have time to put more thought into your future career

If College is Your Choice

If you are like most high school students, you want to attend the best school for you. Finding colleges

that fit you may mean setting aside things like which school is most popular, or which school your

friends are attending, or even which school your parents went to. Try to get a feel for the college’s

personality and environment. Get an idea of how the college meshes with what you want.

So, what makes a college right for you?

First, let’s be clear, there is likely more than one “right” college for you, so when you’re searching, try to

keep in mind that a college that is right for you should be:

• a place where you can be yourself, but where you are also challenged to do better

• a place where you have opportunity to learn about things that fascinate you, work at

internships that will help you further your career plans, play the sports you love, join the

clubs that help fuel your passion for connection and commitment

• a place where you learn how to think critically, solve problems, and communicate well

• a place where you can see yourself spending the next four years of your life (you enjoy the

atmosphere and environment – ex: in a rural area, small and close-knit community; or large

inner-city campus; etc.

However, it is important to keep in mind that your future success is mainly determined by you, and not

the college you attend.

Dallas County Promise

Dallas County Promise (DCP) is a last=dollar scholarship that covers tuition at partner colleges. Dallas

County Promise helps dedicated students prepare for success in college and your career not only

through tuition assistance, but also with success coaching and advising. “Our promise is to support you

in earning your credentials whether in the form of a career certification, associate’s or bachelor’s

degree.” – DCP

Learn more about DCP at: https://www.dallascountypromise.org/

Starting your college search

The best time to start your college search is day 1 of your freshman year of high school. However, if you

are a junior or senior, don’t worry if you haven’t completed everything yet. Simply turn back to the

beginning of this handbook and start checking off boxes on the class timelines! Whenever you start your

search, there are many ways to get information to help you decide on the colleges of your choice.

Attend the RISD College Fair

By attending the RISD College Fair you have the opportunity to meet approximately 100 representatives

from around the country and the world. You can sign up to receive more information from the schools

that interest you most. You will want to ask specific questions like:

• What programs are your college noted for?

• Does your college offer special programs like independent study or study abroad?

• How do students choose classes?

• What is the surrounding area like?

• Does your university have [name of club/organization/activity]?

• What is on-campus housing like?

• Do many students live off campus?

• What is there to do during free time on and around the campus?

• What is the average financial aid package that is offered to students?

Preparing for the RISD College Fair

2022-23 RISD College Fair – Tuesday, September 20 – 6:00 – 8:00

Richardson Highs School Gym

Before You Go

 Find out which colleges will be at the fair and write down the names of the ones you want to

learn about.

 Make a list of any questions you have.

 Bring your list, a pen, paper and a bag to hold college brochures.

 Make sure the email address that you give out won’t embarrass you — remember, college

admission officers will see it.

While You’re There

 Get a map of the fair and plan a route that will take you to the booths of all the colleges on your

list. If there is no map available, do a quick survey of the room to locate your colleges.

 Visit booths and ask college representatives questions. For example, you can ask, “What kind of

student are you looking for?” or “What makes your campus special?”

 Take a minute to jot down any information you think is important before moving on to the next

booth.

 Check out some of the other booths when you’re done with the colleges on your list. You may

stumble onto a great college you hadn't considered.

 Attend an information session, if any are offered. Typical topics include applications and

financial aid. These sessions are good opportunities to get expert advice.

When You Get Home

 Ask yourself which colleges stood out and why.

 Organize the college material and information you collected and review it that week while it’s

fresh in your mind.

 Go over any notes you took during the fair.

 Throw out the pamphlets of or notes about colleges you’ve ruled out so you can focus on the

colleges you’re interested in.

 Do more research on the colleges you’re thinking about attending. Explore websites, contact the

admission office or plan a campus visit. If you liked what you saw at the fair, it may be time to

see the college in person.

Taken from: bigfuture.collegeboard.org/find-c

olleges/

Checklist for college programs for students with learning difficulties

We suggest that you print this page and have it handy as you attend the RISD College Fair.

Write the name of each college at the top of the columns in the table below. Write “yes” or “no” as the

answer for each question when speaking with the admissions/recruiting officer or college

representative.

Be sure to check in with the

campus Disability Services Office

(some colleges have a different

name for this office) as soon as

possible.

Example University

Are the following items used to

evaluate students for admission?

• Untimed SAT or ACT

yes

• Autobiographical statement

yes

• Psychoeducational report

yes

• Personal interview

Is diagnostic testing available?

yes

Is subject-area tutoring available?

yes

Is basic skills remediation available?

Are academic advisors available to help the

student plan their academic program?

yes

Are special courses available?

(eg. remedial math)

Are the following auxiliary aids and services

provided?

• Audio textbooks

yes

• Audio recording devices

• Computers

yes

• Alternative exam arrangements

yes

• Notetakers

• Advocacy

yes

Are the following counseling services available?

• Individual

yes

• Small group

• Advising

yes

• Career

yes

Take advantage of times when college come to you!

College representatives from various campuses will visit your high school throughout the year. This is a

great time to meet informally with them during lunches. Some will provide more formal sessions in the

evening (on financial aid, college interview, essay writing, etc. You can ask some of the questions

mentioned above, or form some of your own.

Make college visits

Campus visits are an important part of your college search. If you’re not sure what you’re looking for in a

college campus, start by walking around one of our communities several nearby campuses – it can help

you begin to formulate what you do (and don’t) want in a college experience.

After you have narrowed your college list to a manageable number, make arrangements to visit your top

choices in person – it is best to visit on a week day if possible. A visit can help you get a sense of what

life is like on the campus and whether or not it matches what you want and need in a college

experience.

Check with your high school counselor or College and Career Coordinator about college visits and school

attendance requirements.

Check out individual college websites and their social media

Once you have a list of potential schools, check out their individual websites – many offer virtual tours.

The website will provide you with basic information about academic majors, an overview (profile) of the

student body, admission requirements, accreditation, financial aid, and more. College social media

presence can help you get a feel for the environment and personality of the school. Spending time

checking a college out online will often help you determine if the school matches your college search

criteria.

People

People you know – School Counselor, College and Career Coordinator, alumni, older friends in college,

your parents, etc. – can often give specific information that you may not ask the college representative.

Take advantage of the specific kind of knowledge the people around you can offer!

College Selectivity – Entrance Exam Scores and GPA

The table below shows categories for access to college types based roughly on student GPA and

SAT/ACT scores. This table provides general information and is not meant to be a firm indication of the

type of college you should apply to.

To use this table, find your entrance exam score on the left, and move to the right to find your GPA. The

intersection of those two pieces of data indicates the type of college you are likely to be eligible to

attend.

Example: Jack earned 1070 on the SAT. His GPA is 3.2. He is likely eligible for admission to a Selective

college or university.

ACT

SAT

GPA

<2.0

2.0-2.4

2.5-2.9

3.0-3.4

3.5+

24+ 1090+

Somewhat

Selective

Somewhat

Selective /

Selective

Very

Selective

Very

Selective

21-23 980-1080

Somewhat

Selective

Somewhat

Selective

Selective Selective

Very

Selective

18-20 870-970

Non-

Selective

Somewhat

Selective

Somewhat

Selective

Selective Selective

16-17 790-860

Two-year

College

Non-

Selective

Somewhat

Selective

Somewhat

Selective

<16 or No

ACT

<790 or No

SAT

Two-Year

College

Two-Year

College

Non-

Selective

Somewhat

Selective

Somewhat

Selective

General Random Sampling of Colleges and Selectivity Type

Two-Year

Non-Selective

Somewhat

Selective

Very Selective

Military Academies – How to get in

There are five United States Military Service Academies that provide undergraduate education and train

future commissioned officers for service in the United States Armed Forces. Applying to a Military

Service Academy is a highly competitive and time-consuming process. Service academies rank among

the top universities in the nation. Students pay no tuition and have free room and board while at the

academy. Students are required to serve in the military upon graduation. The five United States Service

Academies are:

The United States Military Academy

(USMA) located in West Point, NY

The United States Naval Academy (USNA) located in Annapolis, MD

The United States Coast Guard Academy (USCGA) located in New London, CT

The United States Merchant Marine Academy (USMMA) located in Kings Point, NY

The United States Air Force Academy (USAFA) located in Colorado Springs, CO

Admissions requirements

• Be a United States Citizen

• Be unmarried with no dependents

• Be 17-23 years of age by July 1 of the year you enter

• Meet academy standards for

o physical wellness/fitness

o tattoo placement

o to find the most up-to-date list of standards, visit the academy website listed above

How to apply

Application

It is best to begin the application process early in your junior year of high school. You must open a

Candidate Profile through the respective academy’s website in order to initiate the application process.

Nomination

Obtaining a congressional nomination from your congress woman or man, one of your two state

senators, or the Vice President of the United States is the most critical step in the process. You can

contact your local congressional representative as well as your state senators’ offices to get information

on the application process for nomination. While you only need one nomination, it is best to apply

through all sources – you must have a nomination before a service academy will look at your candidate’s

application profile.

Additionally

Candidates are expected to be athletes, scholars, and leaders in their school or community. They must

have letters of recommendation, strong SAT / ACT scores, and a robust GPA. If attending a service

academy is your goal, be sure to take a leadership position at school. And – if you don’t get accepted the

first time, apply again. Many have been appointed to an academy having applied more than once.

Learn more at: https://militarybenefits.info/how-to-apply-to-a-military-service-academy/#ixzz6SqtyGiaO

Interested in joining a branch of the US Armed Forces?

Do some research

Enlisting in the military is a big decision; you should start by doing some research. You will have

important choices to make when you sign up, so it’s best to “know before you go”.

The United States Military has five branches: Air Force, Army, Navy, Marines, and Coast Guard. As an

enlisted member of the military you will be trained for a job specialty. The contract for military

enlistment is generally four years of active service and four years of inactive service.

If you know someone who is in or has been in the Military, spend some time with them talking about

their experiences. You can also check the branch websites:

• https://www.goarmy.com/

• https://www.airforce.com/,

• https://www.navy.mil/,

• https://www.marines.com/,

• https://www.uscg.mil/.

Requirements for Enlistment

• must be a US citizen or lawful permanent resident with a valid Green Card

• you can enlist at age 17 (with parental consent) or at age 18 or older (without parental consent)

• there are age limits for enlisting

o Marines – 28

o Coast Guard – 31

o Army – 34

o Air Force – 39

o Navy – 39

• high school diploma (or GED, but your options may be more limited in some branches)

• take the ASVAB (see testing section on page 14)

• pass a physical exam and meet weight limits for your preferred branch

Steps for Enlisting

• Contact a Recruiter

Now that you’ve done your research, it’s time to talk to a recruiter for each branch you’re

interested in to get answers to your questions. It is fine to bring a parent or friend with you for

support. It is also a good idea to make a list of questions to take with you to the recruiter.

• R

eport to MEPS

The Military Entrance Processing Station (MEPS) is the place recruits go to finish the enlistment

process. You should be prepared to spend the day there. You will take the ASVAB, have a

physical exam, meet with a career counselor; and if you’re accepted, you’ll take the oath of

enlistment!

• O

rders for Basic Training

You’ll receive orders for basic training within a few weeks (or if you enrolled in the delayed entry

program, within a year).

To learn more or to find a recruiter, go to www.usa.gov/join-military

Writing an essay they won’t forget

Most selective colleges require an essay as part of your application process, and admissions officers

have to read hundreds of them. This is your opportunity to set yourself apart from the other candidates.

You are unique, with your own personality, background, experiences, and interests that uniquely yours –

so tell your story. Be sure to be honest and genuine. Write about a subject you care about. Don’t try too

hard to sound smarter than the rest, sound like yourself.

Tips for creating your college application essay

• Write about something that is important to you – for some it is tempting to write about

something they think will be important to the admissions officers. It is much better to write

about an experience, a film, a person, an activity etc. that had a significant impact on your life.

• Be careful about comedy. It is good if you can make an admissions officer chuckle; it is a

memorable aspect of an essay. However, be careful when it comes to writing something funny,

because it is easy to fall into the trap of sounding like a comedian. Remember that this is an

essay, not a stand-up comedy script, so try to avoid one-liners, etc. Again, be your genuine self.

• Refer to the question being asked frequently as you write in order to stay on track.

• Don’t just give facts, reflect. It is okay to write about how you hiked part of the Appalachian Trail

last summer, but be sure that you focus on how that experience changed you – what you

learned about yourself, your goals, or life in general.

• Start your essay early. Remember the rules you likely learned in elementary school – write,

review, edit. Is the essay interesting? Is it written in your own voice? Does it share something

about you? Do your ideas flow naturally and logically? Write, review, edit.

• Have someone or several people review your essay – a teacher or counselor is a good option.

Finally, double or triple check for grammatical or spelling errors before sending it off.

Sample College Essays

Following are four sample essays that followed these tips and helped the authors get into the

colleges of their choice. (Essay samples taken from Shemmassian Academic Consulting,

https://www.shemmassianconsulting.com/)

Essay Sample #1

“I believe that humans will always have the ability to rise above any situation, because life

is what you make of it. We don’t know what life is or why we are in this world; all we

know, all we feel, is that we must protect it anyway we can. Buddha said it clearly: “Life is

suffering.” Life is meant to be challenging, and really living requires consistent work and

review. By default, life is difficult because we must strive to earn happiness and success.

Yet I've realized that life is fickler than I had imagined; it can disappear or change at any

time. Several of my family members left this world in one last beating symphony; heart

attacks seem to be a trend in my family. They left like birds; laughing one minute and in a

better place the next.

Steve Jobs inspired me, when in his commencement address to Stanford University in

2005, he said "Your time is limited, so don't waste it living someone else's life. Don't be

trapped by dogma--which is living with the results of other people's thinking." I want to

make mistakes, because that is how I learn; I want to follow the beat of my own drum

even if it is "out of tune." The important thing is to live without regrets, so when my heart

ceases to beat, it will make one last happy note and move on.

I want to live my life daily. Every day I want to live. Every morning when I wake up, I want

to be excited by the gift of a new day. I know I am being idealistic and young, and that my

philosophy on life is comparable to a calculus limit; I will never reach it. But I won't give up

on it because, I can still get infinitely close and that is amazing.

Every day is an apology to my humanity; because I am not perfect, I get to try again and

again to "get it right." I breathe the peace of eternity, knowing that this stage is

temporary; real existence is continuous. The hourglass of life incessantly trickles on and

we are powerless to stop it.

So, I will forgive and forget, love and inspire, experience and satire, laugh and cry,

accomplish and fail, live and die. This is how I want to live my life, with this optimistic

attitude that every day is a second chance. All the time, we have the opportunity to renew

our perspective on life, to correct our mistakes, and to simply move on. Like the phoenix I

will continue to rise from the ashes, experienced and renewed. I will not waste time for

my life is already in flux.

In all its splendor

The Phoenix rises

In a burst of orange and yellow

It soars in the baby blue sky

Heading to that Great Light

Baptized in the dance of time

Fearless, eternal, beautiful

It releases a breathtaking aurora

And I gasp at the enormity”

Essay Sample #2

“When I was thirteen and visiting Liberia, I contracted what turned out to be yellow fever.

I met with the local doctor, but he couldn’t make a diagnosis simply because he didn't

have access to blood tests and because symptoms such as “My skin feels like it’s on fire”

matched many tropical diseases. Luckily, my family managed to drive me several hours

away to an urban hospital, where I was treated. Yellow fever shouldn’t be fatal, but in

Africa it often is. I couldn’t believe that such a solvable issue could be so severe at the

time—so I began to explore.

The exploration led me to the African Disease Prevention Project (ADPP), a non-profit

organization associated with several universities. I decided to create the first high school

branch of the organization; I liked its unique way of approaching health and social issues.

Rather than just raising money and channeling it through third parties, each branch

“adopts” one village and travels there to provide for its basic needs. As branch president, I

organize events from small stands at public gatherings to 60-person dinner fundraisers in

order to raise both money and awareness. I’ve learned how to encourage my peers to

meet deadlines, to work around 30 different schedules at once, and to give presentations

convincing people why my organization is worth their donation. But overall, ADPP has

taught me that small changes can have immense impacts. My branch has helped raise

almost $3,000 to build water sanitation plants, construct medical clinics, and develop

health education programs in the small village of Zwedru. And the effect doesn’t stop

there—by improving one area, our efforts permeate into neighboring villages as they

mimic the lifestyle changes that they observe nearby—simple things, like making soap

available—can have a big effect. The difference between ADPP and most other

organizations is its emphasis on the basics and making changes that last. Working

towards those changes to solve real life problems is what excites me.

I found that the same idea of change through simple solutions also rang true during my

recent summer internship at Dr. Martin Warner’s lab at UCLA. Dr. Martin’s vision involves

using already available digital technologies to improve the individualization of healthcare.

By using a person’s genome to tailor a treatment for them or using someone’s personal

smartphone as a mobile-monitor to remotely diagnose symptoms, everyday technology is

harnessed to make significant strides forward. At the lab, I focused on parsing through

medical databases and writing programs that analyze cancerous genomes to find

relationships between certain cancers and drugs. My analysis resulted in a database of

information that physicians can use to prescribe treatments for their patients’ unique

cancerous mutations. Now, a pancreatic cancer patient does not need to be the “guinea-

pig” for a prototype drug to have a shot at survival: a doctor can choose the best

treatment by examining the patient individually instead of relying on population-wide

trends. For the first time in my science career, my passion was going to have an

immediate effect on other people, and to me, that was enthralling. Dr. Martin’s lab and

his book, Digital Healthcare: A New Age of Medicine, have shown me that changing

something as simple as how we treat a disease can have a huge impact. I have found that

the search for the holy grail of a “cure for cancer” is problematic as nobody knows exactly

what it is or where to look—but we can still move forward without it.

Working with Project ADPP and participating in medical research have taught me to

approach problems in a new way. Whether it’s a complex genetic disease or a tropical

fever, I’ve found that taking small steps often is the best approach. Finding those steps

and achieving them is what gets me excited and hungry to explore new solutions in the

future.”

Essay Sample #3

“My fingers know instinctively, without a thought. They turn the dial, just as they have

hundreds of times before, until a soft, metallic click echoes into my eardrum and triggers

their unconscious stop. I exultantly thrust open my locker door, exposing its deepest

bowels candidly to the wide halls of the high school. The bright lights shine back, brashly

revealing every crevice, nook, and cranny, gleaming across its scintillating, bare

surfaces. On this first day of senior year, I set out upon my task. I procure an ordinary

plastic grocery bag from my backpack. The contents inside collectively represent

everything about me in high school – they tell a story, one all about me.

I reach in and let my fingers trail around the surfaces of each object. I select my first prey

arbitrarily, and as I raise my hand up to eye level, I closely examine this chosen one. A

miniature Flamenco dancer stares back at me from the confines of the 3-D rectangular

magnet, half popping out as if willing herself to come to life. Instantly, my mind

transports me back a few summers before, when I tapped my own heels to traditional

music in Spain. I am reminded of my thirst to travel, to explore new cultures utterly

different from my familiar home in Modesto, California. I have experienced study abroad

in Spain, visited my father’s hometown in China five times, and traveled to many other

places such as Paris. As a result, I have developed a restlessness inside me, a need to

move on from four years in the same high school, to take advantage of diverse

opportunities whenever possible, and to meet interesting people.

I take out the next magnet from my plastic bag. This one shows a panoramic view of the

city of Santa Barbara, California. Here, I recall spending six weeks in my glory, not only

studying and learning, but actually pursuing new knowledge to add to the repertoire of

mankind. I could have easily chosen to spend my summer lazing about; in fact, my

parents tried to persuade me into taking a break. Instead, I chose to do advanced

molecular biology research at Stanford University. I wanted to immerse myself in my

passion for biology and dip into the infinitely rich possibilities of my mind. This challenge

was so rewarding to me, while at the same time I had the most fun of my life, because I

was able to live with people who shared the same kind of drive and passion as I did.

After sticking up my magnets on the locker door, I ran my fingers across the bottom of the

bag, and I realized that one remained. It was a bold, black square, with white block

letters proclaiming my motto, “Live the Life You Imagine.” In my four years at Cornell

University, I will certainly continue to live life as I imagine, adding my own flavor to the

Cornell community, while taking away invaluable experiences of my own.”

Essay Sample #4

(Note: This is a supplemental essay example)

“In most conventional classrooms, we are taught to memorize material. We study

information to regurgitate it on a test and forget it the following day. I thought this was

learning. But this past summer, I realized I was wrong.

I attended the SPK Program, a five-week enrichment program with New Jersey’s best and

brightest students. I lived on a college campus with 200 students and studied a topic. I

selected Physical Science. On the first day of class, our teacher set a box on the table and

poured water into the top, and nothing came out. Then, he poured more water in, and

everything slowly came out. We were told to figure out what had happened with no

phones or textbooks, just our brains. We worked together to discover in the box was a

siphon, similar to what is used to pump gas. We spent the next weeks building solar

ovens, studying the dynamic of paper planes, diving into the content of the speed of light

and space vacuums, among other things. We did this with no textbooks, flashcards, or

information to memorize.

During those five weeks, we were not taught impressive terminology or how to ace the AP

Physics exam. We were taught how to think. More importantly, we were taught how to

think together. Learning is not memorization or a competition. Learning is working

together to solve the problems around us and better our community. To me, learning is

the means to a better future, and that’s exciting.”

Resumes – not just for jobs

Resumes are not just for people applying for jobs; high school student resumes give colleges a

quick snapshot of your achievements, hobbies, work history, and more. They can also be

helpful to give to teachers to help them prepare for writing your letter of recommendation.

Below are some tips to making resume writing a breeze.

Things to include in a College Admissions Resume

• Heading with your name, address, and email address

• Graduation date, GPA, and SAT/ACT scores

• Academic awards and other achievements

• Extracurricular activities

• Leadership positions (in school and in your community)

• Work and volunteer experience

• Special skills such as second (or more) language fluency, coding expertise, etc.

• Academics

• Athletics

• You can order your resume:

o By activity (most important first)

o Chronologically

• Format your resume so that it is easy to scan. Use clear headings to separate sections,

bulleted lists, etc.

• Keep your resume concise

• Focus on depth and length of commitment when deciding which activities to include. It

is better to share at greater depth about a couple of key experiences than list multiple

activities that you were not involved in for very long.

• Try to keep your resume to 2 pages maximum

• Update your resume every semester so that it is ready to go at any time

Getting letters of recommendation

Many colleges and universities require letters of recommendation as part of the application

process. As a student in RISD, it is easy to request your letter(s) through your Naviance account.

Be sure to give the people you request a letter from at least 3 weeks prior notice to prepare

your letter.

Steps to requesting your letter(s)

• Meet with your teacher(s) or counselor to ask if they would be willing to write a letter of

recommendation on your behalf

• Log into your Naviance account and select the Colleges tab

• Under the Colleges tab, click on the link titled Letters of Recommendation

• On the recommendation request page, click on the blue Add Request button to submit

a request – submit one teacher at a time from the drop-down list.

• Check one or more colleges from your Colleges I’m Applying To list to indicate where

the teacher should be sending the letter of recommendation.

• Click the SAVE button at the bottom of the screen which will return you to the

recommendation status page. You will see the status for all teacher recommendations

requests here.

Transcripts

Unofficial Transcripts

Students may need to request unofficial transcripts for scholarships, summer camps, to have

for their own records, or for employment. The counseling office at your school can process your

request. Check with your counselor about the process to request an unofficial transcript.

Official Transcripts

Requesting a transcript through Naviance:

• Select the Colleges I’m Applying To tab

• Click Request Transcripts located above the list of colleges

• Check the box for the college or university you want the transcript sent to

• Select Request Transcripts at the bottom of the page

• Complete a Transcript Request Form in the counseling office and pay the appropriate

fee

Requesting a transcript through GreenLight:

GreenLight Locker is an “electronic locker” that empowers students to upload records required

for college – like vaccinations, FAFSA, and other documents – and then send those records, plus

their official transcript, to more than 5,000 colleges. Each high school student will receive a

FREE GreenLight Locker. In the past, transcripts have only been sent on days when the school is

open. GreenLight now allows the high school student to send transcripts over weekends and on

break days.

If a parent chooses to not utilize GreenLight, they can opt out using this form:

https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSdQLetUrhXobACHcFBym6XtnGeDE8ZRPcWzXu

OVtlqkl3mYww/viewform

For more information, visit: https://web.risd.org/counselingservices/greenlight-transcripts/

College Interviews – it’s a two-way street

The benefits of interviewing

Not all colleges require interviews, in fact, some may not offer them at all. If the college you’re

applying to has mandatory or even optional interviews, take the opportunity to show that

you’re more than test scores, grades, and accomplishments. This is a good opportunity to let

the admissions officers know who you are and to find out more about the school. Interviews

give you the chance to:

• Show that you are seriously interested in attending their school

• Convey what you can bring to their campus community

• Learn more about a college’s programs

• Explain variations in your record (for example, changes in your grades, etc.)

Types of interviews

Interviews vary depending on the college, student, and particular situation. Most “formal”

interviews last between 30 and 60 minutes and can be held with:

• Admissions officer

• Student

• Alumnus

There are also less “formal” interviews. You may have the opportunity to participate in a group

information session with admissions staff members and current students. Additionally, you

have the opportunity to meet with admissions representatives at the RISD College Fair and

campus college rep. visits.

Be sure to ask questions. Asking questions shows that you’re interested in the college and what

the admissions officer has to say. You should try to ask questions that indicate you’ve done

some research about the college and know why you consider it a good fit for you. Additionally,

asking questions can help you discover characteristics that colleges can’t convey in a catalog or

on a website.

If you intend to attend a music, drama, or dance institute, you should plan on performing an

audition or submitting a portfolio in addition to taking part in any necessary interview.

Paying for college = financing your future

Many students will receive financial aid and loans from the government in order to attend

college. To receive any financial aid, you must fill out the FAFSA (Free Application for Federal

Student Aid). FAFSA applications are available on October 1, so go to

https://studentaid.gov/h/apply-for-aid/fafsa to apply for financial aid as soon as possible after

September 30. Remember to indicate your college(s) of choice on your application. Most

colleges will take information from the FAFSA to offer additional school-based financial aid.

In order to plan for the future, you can estimate how much you will be expected to pay using

the resources below.

FAFSA Forecaster

If you know you will be applying for financial aid, and you want to get an estimate of how much

you will be paying, you can fill out the FAFSA forecaster. It will show you how much the

government expects your family to pay for college. This will help plan for the future.

https://www.aidcalc.com/calculators/efc/#

https://bigfuture.collegeboard.org/pay-for-college/paying-your-share/expected-family-

contribution-calculator

Additionally, many colleges and universities have a “net price calculator” on their website. After

you’ve gotten your median Expected Family Contribution (EFC), with a little information from

you, the net price calculator will give you:

• The average grant and scholarship aid the school awards to students like you

• The school’s “net price” (the difference between the total cost of attendance and the

average aid awarded by the school). This is the amount you will pay for your freshman

year – you can meet this financial requirement through a combination of cash, student

loans, grants, and scholarships

Dallas County Promise

Dallas County Promise (DCP) is a last=dollar scholarship that covers tuition at partner colleges. Dallas

County Promise helps dedicated students prepare for success in college and your career not only

through tuition assistance, but also with success coaching and advising. “Our promise is to support you

in earning your credentials whether in the form of a career certification, associate’s or bachelor’s

degree.” - DCP

Learn more about DCP at: https://www.dallascountypromise.org/

FAFSA / TASFA

You should fill out a FAFSA if:

• You are a US Citizen

• You are a Permanent US resident with Alien Registration Card (I-551)

• You are a Conditional Permanent US Resident with visa type I-551C

• You are an eligible noncitizen with an arrival/departure record showing one of the

following: refugee, asylum granted, parolee (min one year), or Cuban-Haitian entrant

You should fill out the TASFA:

• If none of the above apply to you, but you are classified as a TX resident and therefore

are eligible to pay the TX in-state tuition

• See your College and Career Coordinator for this paper application

What you need to fill out your FAFSA

• The first thing you will need to do is long onto https://fsaid.ed.gov to create a FSA ID

(Federal Student Aid Identification). Students, parents, and borrowers are required to

use the FSA ID made up of a username and password to access certain U. S. Department

of Education websites (parents and students will need individual ID numbers). Your FSA

ID is used to confirm your identity when accessing your financial aid information and

electronically signing your federal student aid documents.

• Your Social Security Number

• Your Alien Registration Number (if you are not a U. S. Citizen)

• Most recent tax returns

• W-2 forms

Scholarships

Another way to get money for college is through scholarships. Debt.org tells us that almost $50

billion is awarded in scholarships and grants each year. Scholarships are often based on your

achievements in things like academics, athletics, extracurricular activities, etc. However, there

are many that are based on a variety of special interests.

There are many sites that can help you find scholarships that are right for you. Some that may

be helpful in your search are:

• https://www.fastweb.com/

• https://www.salliemae.com/college-planning/tools/scholarship-search/

• https://finaid.org/scholarships/

• https://bigfuture.collegeboard.org/scholarship-search

• https://www.niche.com/colleges/scholarships/

Tips when applying for scholarships:

• Check scholarship websites weekly

• Keep a notebook or file of scholarships you’ve applied for as well as deadlines for others

you will be applying for

• Avoid companies claiming to guarantee scholarships for a fee – it is a scam!

. . . and finally . . .

Remember that, whatever your plans are – college, enlisted military, military academy, work

force, your School Counselor, College and Career Coordinator, teachers, administrators, and

parents are here to help you meet your post-secondary goals.

Dream big, and remember to always make your effort match

the dream!

My Miscellaneous Notes