The College Application Process:
How to get There from Here
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Distinguished Achievement Application
If you plan to graduate under DAP, complete an
application and turn it into the counseling office
before November 14, 2013.
DAP:
3 years same foreign language, 4 sciences not
including IPC, PLUS 4 advanced, college-level
measures (AP test scores, Dual Credit, National
Merit, Articulated CTE Courses)
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Review from 11th Grade
Three assignments from last December:
 Research colleges-you should be narrowing your
choices
 Take SAT and/or ACT with Writing
 Create and save resume
 Athletes www.ncaaclearinghouse.net
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SAT VS ACT
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(from The Princeton Review, 2013)
ACT questions tend to be more straightforward. ACT questions are often easier to understand on a first
read. On the SAT, you may need to spend time figuring out what you're being asked before you can start
solving the problem.)
The SAT has a stronger emphasis on vocabulary. (If you have a strong vocabulary, you'll love the SAT. If
words aren't your thing, you may do better on the ACT.)
The ACT has a Science section, while the SAT does not.
The ACT tests more advanced math concepts. In addition to basic arithmetic, algebra I and II, and
geometry, the ACT tests your knowledge of trigonometry, too. That said, the ACT Math section is not
necessarily harder, since many students find the questions to be more straightforward than those on the
SAT.
The 25-minute SAT essay is required and is factored into your writing score. The 30-minute ACT writing
test is not included in your composite score, but needs to be taken — schools will see it listed separately.
Most colleges require the writing section of the ACT.
The SAT is broken up into more sections. On the ACT, you tackle each content area (English, Math,
Reading and Science) in one big chunk, with the writing test at the end. On the SAT, the content areas
(Critical Reading, Math and Writing) are broken up into 10 sections, with the required essay at the
beginning. You do a little math, a little writing, a little critical reading, a little more math, etc.
 The ACT is more of a "big picture" exam. College admissions officers care about how you did on each
section of the SAT. On the ACT, they're most concerned with your composite score. So if you're weak in
one content area but strong in others, you could still end up with a very good ACT score and thus make a
strong impression with the admissions committee.
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SAT/ACT Info
SAT -$51; register at www.collegeboard.org
 October 5
 November 2
 December 7
 January 25
 March 8
 May 3
 June 7
Register by September 6
Register by October 3
Register by November 8
Register by December 27
Register by February 7
Register by April 4
Register by May 9
ACT-$52.50; register at www.actstudent.org
 September 21
 October 26
 December 14
 February 8
 April 12
 June 14
Register by August 23
Register by September 27
Register by November 8
Register by January 10
Register by March 7
Register by May 9
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College Applications/ONLINE
 Texas public 4-year colleges: www.applytexas.org
Many applications opened August 1st
 Use the Fall 2014 application for undergraduates
 Follow instructions and PROOFREAD before you hit
“submit”. Allow others to PROOFREAD.
 Use an appropriate e-mail address!
 Deadlines are extremely important!!
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Other Applications
 Out-of-state? Visit the college website
 Private? Visit the college website
 2-year? Visit the college website
 Can’t find it? See Your Counselor
 Selective/Private: www.commonapp.org
Some Texas private schools use Applytexas:
(Baylor, DBU,HBU,Schreiner,Southwestern,U of Dallas, TCU)
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Lone Star College
 No SAT or ACT test score required
 TSIA tests for placement
 Apply to: Lonestar.edu
 Lone Star Rep will be in the counseling office- sign up
with your counselor
 once a month
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Transcripts
 OFFICIAL transcripts must be sent from Klein Collins
directly to college or scholarship committee. You and
your parents may NOT hand-deliver or mail these
yourselves.
 Each transcript (even unofficial) are $1.00 each from
Mrs. Morales in the counseling office. A two week prior
notice is needed in order to meet your deadlines. Don’t
wait until the last minute!
 Request forms available online & in counseling
office
 Send transcripts for admissions now; send final
transcript when you accept admissions offer--final
transcripts are mailed in June. A final transcript must be
requested!
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GPA/Rank
 Preliminary rank: 793 seniors
 Top 10% up to rank # 79
 Top 25% up to rank # 198
 Top 50% up to rank # 396
 Our GPA scale is considered a 4.0+ weighted scale
 Final ranking released late February
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Examples
Rank and Test Score Info
UH
 Top 15% automatically admitted by Dec. 1st deadline
 Top 50% with 1100 on SAT CR+M or ACT 24
SHSU
 Top 25% automatically admitted-SAT or ACT required, but no min.
 Top 50% 960 SAT CR+M or 20 ACT
Texas State
 Top 10% automatically admitted-SAT or ACT required, but no min.
 Top 50% Sat 1010/ACT 22
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Letters of Recommendation
 These are not mandatory; check the college requirements
 Select someone that knows you well!
 Fill out the Student Information Form (BLUE) completely
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Available in the counseling office or on the KCHS website
 Give a copy of the BLUE form to each person from whom you
request a letter—2 week advance notice!!!
 Keep a copy for your files
 Provide a STAMPED, ADDRESSED envelope
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Financial Aid
 Loans: you pay back/must qualify
 Grants: you do not pay back/must qualify
 Work Study—employment through the university/must qualify
 www.fafsa.ed.gov apply January 1st—parents/students must
have tax info ready.
 www.pin.ed.gov NOW get PIN for you and a parent to sign
application electronically
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Scholarships
 Scholarships: FREE money—you do not pay back
 KCHS List: Posted online: http://kleincollins.kleinisd.net
 Subscribe to elist: Email gadams@kleinisd.net with
“subscribe” in the subject line—when new lists are generated,
they will be emailed to you.
 USE www.fastweb.com
 Search: employers, churches, college financial aid offices,
organizations, etc.
 There are few “Full Rides”—many students borrow and work
while in college
 “If it sounds too good to be true, it probably is.”
 Beware of scams!
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SCHOLARSHIPS
 Be Proactive
 Be Persistent
 Be Positive
 It is very important that you stay organized and
complete applications on time and thoroughly—
CAUTION: make sure the essay addresses the topic!
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To Do List:
 Register & take the ACT/SAT immediately
 Request Test scores be sent. (SAT/ACT)
 Apply for admission/housing/scholarships
 HAVE A BACK-UP SCHOOL!! “Plan B”
 Meet All Deadlines! General Rule: Apply before October.
Check all dates!!
 Request official transcripts be sent well before deadlines.
(Including Dual credit from Lone Star) www.lonestar.edu
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UT-Austin
 New: ONLY Top 7% auto admit now
 For the 2014 Senior class, this would be those students
ranked number 1-55
 Engineering—SAT Subject Test Math required/Math
Readiness Scores
 Dec.1st scholarship deadline received by
 Dec.1st application deadline received by
www.bealonghorn.utexas.edu
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Texas A&M
 Top 10% qualify for automatic admissions
 Top 25% must have:
 1300 SAT (600 CR/math) or 30 ACT (27 English and math)
 50% of admitted class is Top 10%
 85% were top 25%
 Dec. 1st application deadline
(rec’d by)
 Dec. 1st scholarship deadline
(rec’d by)
www.tamu.edu
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How Much Does College Cost?!
 Average Tuition and Fees in 2013-14: (in-state); Books, Room and Board,
Other Expenses Total Cost (based on 15 credit hours in fall/spring):
 Lone Star College= $2,744 (for tuition/books only)
 Sam Houston State University = $22,216 yr.
 Texas A&M University= $21,581 yr.
 Texas State University = $20,710 yr.
 The University of Texas at Austin = $26,148 yr.
 Stephen F. Austin State University= $22,994
 University of Houston= $27,188
 Baylor University= $54,152
 Rice University = $54,891
 Texas Christian University= $52,068
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More:
 “Lisa”: Stu Co President, number one in her class,
started college a semester late because she missed the
UT deadlines/had no back-up! (NOT a KCHS student)
 “John”: Top 12%--did not take SAT until January of his
senior year—no chance at A&M or UT—his first two
choices (KCHS)
 Plan, organize, execute
Don’t just think about it!
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ASVAB TESTING
Coming soon: October in the Teaching
Theater
 Please sign up with Mrs. Tye in the Counseling Office
 The ASVAB measures abilities and helps predict future
academic and occupational success.
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College Reps @ KCHS
 9/20
NOTRE DAME 12th graders Top 10%
4th period (Teaching Theater)
**PASS NEEDED-See Mrs. Jennings
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HARN (Houston Area Recruiters Network)
9/27
10 colleges will be in the cafeteria during lunches
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10/2
LSU- during lunches
 10/8
TCU- during lunches
 10/9
University of Arkansas- during lunches
 10/10
COLLEGE NIGHT @ CFBC church 6:00 PM
Financial Aid presentations for parents/students
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10/17
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11/1
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SHSU Mobile Go
Lone Star – Mobile Go
Pay attention to the loop/announcements!!!!!!!!
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Questions?
 Check the KCHS website!
 See Your Counselor
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