post-secondary planning guide
TRANSCRIPT
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Post-Secondary Planning Guide 2020-2021
A Publication of the RISD Counseling Services Department
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District and Campus Information
Richardson ISD Vision
RISD – Where all students learn, grow, and succeed.
Richardson ISD Mission
To serve and prepare all students for their global future
High School Campus Counselors
Berkner High School 1600 E. Spring Valley Rd. Richardson, 75081
469-593-7000
Traci Nickleberry A-Bi
Florence Woods Bj-Can
Barbara Sucher Cao-Es
Servando Quintanilla Et-Herm
Jana Anderson Hern-Lo
Veronica Adams Lp-Ng
Britney Arrington Nh-Rob
Marie Davis Roc-Ter
Paul Bowie Tes-Z
Demetra Durham College/Career
Lake Highlands High School 9449 Church Road Dallas, 75238
469-593-1000
Patty McKay A-Bi
Marianna Hogue Bj-Dem
Shameka Brackens Den-Et
Rhonda Boston Eu-Hes
Culus Williams Het-Lew
Velma Lopez Lex-Mun
Judy London-Young Muo-Ra
Joycelyn Anderson Rb-Sto
Maggie Karnowski Stp-Z
Robin Finklea College/Career
Pearce High School 1600 N. Coit Rd. Richardson, 75080
469-593-5000
Nicole Jones A-Cam
Courtney Murphree Can-Foj
Willa Myers Fol-Hud
Crystal Epps Hue-Many
Jamie Nabors Manz-O
Kristin Cody P-Rat
Chris Wolff Rau-Stot
Geri Kellogg Stou-Z
Kathy Noland College/Career
Richardson High School 1250 W. Belt Line Rd. Richardson, 75080
469-593-3000
Kerri Parker A-Bram
Colleen Monier Bran-Dial
Keldrick Robinson Diam-Esti
Paula Moore Estj-Herm
Melissa Wolff Hern-Lop
Nancy Thompson Lop-Ngo
Joelle Goad Ngp-Rie
Laurie Laman Rif-Str
Annette Baumgartner Sts-Z
Cosondra Clay College/Career
Career and Technical Education 403 W. Campbell Rd, Ste200 Richardson, 75080
469-593-9975
Kristie Szafranski CTE Programs
Memorial Park Academy 410 S. Greenville Ave. Richardson, 75081
469-593-0450
Kristin Summers All students
Christa McAuliffe Learning Ctr. 900 S. Greenville Ave. Richardson, 75081
469-593-5800
Lauren Johnson All students
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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
Some Helpful Checklists .......................................................................................................................... 8
Freshman Checklist .............................................................................................................................. 8
Sophomore Checklist ........................................................................................................................... 9
Junior Checklist.................................................................................................................................. 10
Senior Checklist ................................................................................................................................. 12
Testing .................................................................................................................................................. 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
College Selectivity – Entrance Exam Scores and GPA .......................................................................... 21
Military Academies – How to get in ...................................................................................................... 23
Admissions requirements .................................................................................................................. 23
How to apply ..................................................................................................................................... 23
Interested in joining a branch of the US Armed Forces? ....................................................................... 24
Writing an essay they won’t forget ....................................................................................................... 26
Tips for creating your college application essay ................................................................................. 26
Sample College Essays ....................................................................................................................... 27
Resumes – not just for jobs ................................................................................................................... 32
Things to include in a College Admissions Resume ............................................................................. 32
Getting letters of recommendation ...................................................................................................... 32
Steps to requesting your letter(s) ...................................................................................................... 33
Transcripts ............................................................................................................................................ 33
Unofficial Transcripts ......................................................................................................................... 33
Official Transcripts ............................................................................................................................. 33
College Interviews – it’s a two way street ............................................................................................ 34
The benefits of interviewing .............................................................................................................. 34
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Types of interviews ............................................................................................................................ 34
Paying for college = financing your future ............................................................................................ 34
FAFSA Forecaster ............................................................................................................................... 35
FAFSA / TASFA ................................................................................................................................... 35
What you need to fill out your FAFSA ................................................................................................ 35
Scholarships ...................................................................................................................................... 36
. . . and finally . . . .................................................................................................................................. 36
My Miscellaneous Notes ................................................................................................................ 37
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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!
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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 1 1
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 1/2
Health ** 1/2 1/2
Electives 5 3
Total Credits 26 22
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My Graduation Checklist
English
English 1 English 2 English 3 English 4/4th
English
Mathematics
Algebra 1 Geometry Algebra 2/3rd
Math
4th Math
Science
Biology Chemistry (opt
out)*
Physics (opt out)* 4th 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.
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Some Helpful Checklists
Freshman Checklist
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 8th 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!
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Sophomore Checklist
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.
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Junior Checklist
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.
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. Register for the SAT and/or ACT (Fee waivers are available from your counselor for 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
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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.
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 junior year at www.ncaa.org.
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Senior Checklist
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.
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. Please allow
10 school days for each transcript to be processed and sent. Transcripts for Texas colleges are sent electronically. 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!
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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.
2020-21 SAT Administration Dates and Registration Deadlines SAT Date Registration Deadline
August 29, 2020 July 31, 2020
September 26, 2020 August 26, 2020
October 3, 2020 September 4, 2020
November 7, 2020 October 7, 2020
December 5, 2020 November 5, 2020`
March 13, 2021 February 12, 2021
May 8, 2021 April 8, 2021
June 5, 2021 May 6, 2021
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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.
2020-21 ACT Administration Dates and Registration Deadlines
ACT Date Registration Deadline
September 12, 2020
August 14, 2020 September 13, 2020 (Sunday)
September 19, 2020
October 10, 2020
September 17, 2020 October 17, 2020
October 24, 2020
October 25, 2020 (Sunday)
December 12, 2020 November 6, 2020
February 6, 2021 January 8, 2021
April 17, 2021 March 12, 2021
June 12, 2021 May 7, 2021
Jul7 17, 2021 June 18, 2021
AP
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.
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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
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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
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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.
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 generally between 150 and 200
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?
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Preparing for the RISD College Fair We suggest that you print this page and have it handy as you
attend the RISD Virtual College Fair.
Registration opens on September 1. Check with your school
counselor, College and Career Coordinator, or the RISD
College Bound site for the link to register.
Before You Go
Find out which colleges will be at the fair (a list may be posted on the fair’s website) 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-colleges/
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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 Virtual 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. N
ame
of
Sch
oo
l
Exam
ple
Un
iver
sity
Are the following items used to evaluate students for admission?
Untimed SAT or ACT yes
Autobiographical statement yes
Psychoeducational report yes
Personal interview no
Is diagnostic testing available? yes
Is subject-area tutoring available? yes
Is basic skills remediation available? no
Are academic advisors available to help the student plan their academic program?
yes
Are special courses available? no (eg. remedial math)
Are the following auxiliary aids and services provided?
Audio textbooks yes
Audio recording devices no
Computers yes
Alternative exam arrangements yes
Notetakers no
Advocacy yes
Are the following counseling services available?
Individual yes
Small group no
Advising yes
Career yes
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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!
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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
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
Selective
<16 or No ACT
<790 or No
SAT
Two-Year College
Two-Year College
Non-Selective
Somewhat Selective
Somewhat Selective
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General Random Sampling of Colleges and Selectivity Type
Two-Year Non-Selective Somewhat Selective
Selective Very Selective
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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
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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.
Report 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
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physical exam, meet with a career counselor; and if you’re accepted, you’ll take the oath of enlistment!
Orders 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
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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.
Following are four sample essays that followed these tips and helped the authors get into the
colleges of their choice.
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Sample College Essays (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
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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
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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
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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
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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.”
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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.
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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
All official transcript requests for college admission must be made in 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
Transcripts are only sent on days when the school is open – typically Monday-Friday, except for
holidays, etc. Students should check their college and scholarship deadlines carefully. If a
deadline is after a long break, students should not make a transcript request directly prior to
the break with the expectation that the counseling office will be sending transcripts during that
time or immediately upon return.
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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
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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
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
36
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