Mary Beth Randecker Guidance Director Plano West Senior High School

Mary Beth Randecker Guidance Director Plano West Senior High School

University of Texas Dallas University of Texas Austin Texas A&M University Texas Tech University University of North Texas Oklahoma State University University of Arkansas University of Oklahoma Baylor University Stephen F. Austin University

Oklahoma State University University of Arkansas University of Oklahoma University of Missouri University of Alabama University of Kansas Arizona State University Indiana University New York University Purdue University

Princeton Dartmouth Harvard Johns Hopkins Yale Northwestern Columbia Washington U in St. Louis Cal Tech Cornell MIT Brown Stanford Vanderbilt University of Chicago Notre Dame University of Pennsylvania Rice University of California - Berkeley Duke

United States Air Force Academy United States Military Academy at West Point United States Naval Academy Become familiar with this process as it differs from other applications. Begin now.

Four year schools Two year community or junior colleges Certificate programs Trade schools Military Workforce Gap year

Some college admissions staff check social media posts Keep your digital profile positive Avoid illegal activity, including photos of underage drinking Any form of plagiarism Vulgarity-language or photos

Student Folder Review NAVIANCE programs Begin Activities Resume in NAVIANCE Research College Attend PISD College Nights Importance of grades Rigorous curriculum Take challenging courses and perform well in those courses. Strength of curriculum is a top factor for selective colleges and universities. Rigor looks different depending on the student. Connect and Contribute

PSAT 10 th grade is the practice test Continue to make use of NAVIANCE Keep focused on academics Make meaningful contributions Research at least 10 colleges Update resume Individual Academic Conferences in spring

PSAT/NMSQT in October Attend PISD College Nights College representative visits during lunches Visit college campuses Narrow your college search-safety vs. reach Add 5-8 colleges to NAVIANCE list Take the SAT and/or ACT in spring 11 th grade academic conferences

Familiarize yourself with the types of applications used by colleges Common Application opens August 1 st Apply Texas opens on July 1 st Review essay prompts; begin writing! Do test preparation if you plan to retake SAT or ACT in fall of senior year See if your applications require recommendation letters

Complete and submit applications-watch deadlines Request transcripts Send ACT/SAT test scores to colleges Understand the vocabulary Complete the FAFSA Opens October 1 st Tour college campuses Make appointment with financial aid

Grades on college preparatory courses Strength of curriculum Admission test scores Overall grades

College Essays Counselor Recommendation Teacher Recommendations Class Rank* Student Interview Work, volunteer, and extracurricular activities Meet all deadlines and follow application directions *Importance of rank varies depending on university and state

National Collegiate Athletic Association Initial-Eligibility Clearinghouse is the organization that determines whether prospective college athletes are eligible to play sports at NCAA Division I or Division II institutions. It does this by reviewing the student athlete's academic record, SAT or ACT scores, and amateur status to ensure conformity with NCAA rules. ncaa.org/student-athletes/future

Write don t text. No matter your major of choice, having the skill to communicate effectively is critical. Take advantage of opportunities in high school to sharpen your communication skills. -Wheaton College Wheaton, Illinois

Remember the word is contributions not just a laundry list for essays or interviews ultimately the admissions officer will want to know what you will contribute to the college or university community and what you might contribute that another student might not. -Austin College Sherman, Texas

College Unranked: Ending the College Admission Frenzy edited by Lloyd Thacker Fiske Guide to Colleges by Edward Fiske Colleges That Change Lives by Loren Pope Where You Go Is Not Who ll You Be by Frank Bruni The Blessing of a Skinned Knee by Wendy Mogel

collegereadiness.collegeboard.org act.org bigfuture.collegeboard.org fafsa.ed.gov commonapp.org applytexas.org