Seventh Edition 2014-2015 From the Guidance Department May 27, 2015 This issue of “College Connection” provides information on many important items: - Summer opportunities Off-campus college information meetings/events Opportunities at Churchill related to career and/or college preparation College and career related test information Please read the “College Connection” on the Churchill website (http://www.neisd.net/churchill/consl.cfm) . This monthly publication is for your use now and for future reference. Other sources of important information include the school’s announcements. Feel free to stop by meet and visit with your counselor: Need help with college applications, financial aid, or anything else related to college and career preparation? Visit the Go Center where you will encounter: Ms. Melissa Ramos works for the San Antonio Education Partnership. She is available on Tuesdays & Thursdays: 8:30-4:00 to help with admissions applications scholarships, financial aid, and more. Parents may make appointments with her by calling 210-356-0051 Ms. Goforth, counseling clerk, processes transcript requests and submissions, as well as scholarship applications requiring transcript copies. Also, Ms. Goforth distributes some scholarship application information. The GO CENTER is a college/career help center (located in the Counseling Office) that is equipped with computers for student and parent use for the purpose of printing material from various colleges, and information regarding careers, scholarship information, calendars, checklist for each grade level for college preparation, and much more. Throughout the school year, numerous informational sessions are held that may include: college representative visits, financial aid workshops, and weekly sessions with representatives from the San Antonio Education Partnership. Seniors: Texas state law requires you to have the meningitis immunization prior to enrollment if you are attending any TX college next fall! Don’t delay in getting this done, the earlier the better! Seniors WC DATES AND INFORMATION June 3 – Senior breakfast and slide show 9am auditorium June 4 – Cap and gown delivery MPC June 10th 9am-11am Graduation rehearsal Freeman Coliseum Wednesday, June 10- 2015 Winston Churchill Graduation Commencement Freeman Coliseum 7pm. ************************************************************************ Juniors, your first preliminary official rank will be available July 7th. Please come by counseling office to request it and have your official transcript sent out to universities. Keep in mind that college admissions applications become open on August 1, 2015. ^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^ Students that took AP exams in May will be able to access scores online starting the week of July 6th. Make sure you have created your online account to do this! ^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^ Are you interested in UT Honors Business School?? The Business Honors Program (part of the McCombs School of Business) at The University of Texas at Austin may be the right school for you. BHP at UT allows students to take advantage of the resources that a large university has to offer, while providing them with the specialized attention that can be found at smaller colleges. Here are a few reasons why exceptional students are choosing BHP. · A four year major and Honors Program within the #6 ranked McCombs School of Business · A tight-knit student community with an enrolled class of approximately 110 students per year · Dedicated honors advisors who provide personal attention · Over 80 programming events per year specifically for BHP students (social, alumni and recruiter networking, academic, philanthropic) · A specialized honors career advisor from within a top-ranked career services team · Small classes that allow for networking and increased student/faculty interaction · World class Professors equipped with a combination of professional expertise in their fields as well as world-renowned research on various business disciplines and subjects · Accelerated, MBA-style curriculum that allows for case-based study in which students are simultaneously learning and applying knowledge on various subjects McCombs BHP students are receiving top internship and full-time job offers from industry leaders around the nation. Our students are heavily recruited and we are proud of the fact that 100% of our students looking for full-time employment have found a position for the past four years. We also have a number of students who go on to medical school or law school and our program has a strong reputation at the top medical and law schools in the nation. How to Apply: The application for UT and BHP opens on August 1! Full application details are on our website. There is a BHP priority application deadline of October 15, 2015 and a final application deadline of December 1, 2015. We only accept online applications. Applicants must first apply to UT Austin through the ApplyTexas application. The students MUST list “unspecified business” as their first-choice major. After completing the ApplyTexas application, applicants must submit the online honors application and indicate their interest in BHP. We require only a recommendation letter on top of what the ApplyTexas application asks for. They should spend time formatting their resume and highlight all leadership positions they have had. We look closely at their breadth and depth of involvement as well as their SAT/ACT score and class rank. ******************For All Underclassman**************** How summer programs can further learning As a parent preparing for my child's upcoming summer vacation, I'm always on edge about the summer learning loss, also known as the infamous "summer slide." The National Summer Learning Association reports that most students lose an average of two months of grade-level equivalency in math over the summer. But that's not all. If they are not kept properly occupied, they also tend to lose precious motivation. Guidance counselors have the great challenge and privilege of aligning students with opportunities that maximize their potential, expand their horizons and meet their overarching future goals. Summer community service programs, both domestic and international, can often fit the bill for those looking for an enriching out-of-the-classroom experience. Not only do the programs look good on college resumes for the students' willingness to step outside of their comfort zones, but the right program can encourage kids to grow in more ways than they (or their parents) ever imagined. Here are some of the ways that quality summer service programs can add to a student's overall education. Although they might not be practicing math each day, they will be learning in many other ways: Learning life skills: Some summer programs include a service work element, and others really focus on it. For those that have a service component at the core, there are opportunities for kids to work on projects with lasting impacts on a community. Through construction or environmental projects, for example, participants are able to learn technical, teamwork and problem-solving skills. They gain confidence and see efforts rewarded not only by visible results of the project, but also by the gratitude and shared accomplishments of the host community. Learning about the world: Many teenagers are ready to experience cultures that are exceptionally different from their own. Kids have big hearts and big dreams, along with a drive to be involved in things that transcend the pressures of school life. Through summer service programs, teens have the opportunity to meet others from all over the world who share a passion for doing something different and making a difference. This can also help to create more knowledgeable and engaged global citizens. Learning empathy and gratitude: High school years can be full of social and academic challenges. By working on projects in areas of great need, summer service can be an extremely grounding experience, and one that gives teens an opportunity to be part of something bigger than themselves. They often return with increased empathy for people of all walks of life, gratitude for all they have at home and a desire to keep working within their own communities. Learning languages: In addition to English-speaking sites, some programs offer language immersion programs. Though these, participants have the opportunity to live and work in communities with local people who speak little or no English. These day-to-day conversations are a great complement to classroom language studies. Learning motivation, grit and determination: Working as a team with shared goals and seeing the results, not only physically, but also through the lens of a community member's gratitude, can be an extremely motivating experience for teens. Although many kids might come with an innate motivation already intact, they almost always leave quality service programs with that either elevated or recharged, making them more motivated and determined as the next school year unfolds. Excerpt from Corrine Garcia and Multi briefs Exclusive CAMPUS/DISTRICT EVENTS: Summer school is at WC this summer; parent portal is the most convenient way to register through 11:00am on May 11th. Otherwise you may come in person on May 11th to register in our cafeteria from 8am – 5pm. Please refer to the NEISD website for class selections. . Off–Campus Opportunities: ACU – Abilene Christian University – application opens July 6th, 2015 fee is $20 till August 15th. Student completing their applicaoitn by Aug. 15 th will be notified of their admission status by September 1. Visit ACU – summer preview days Monday July 6, Monday, Aug 3. ACU Purple and White party in San Antonio – learn more at ACU! Monday July 27 at 7pm, Oak Hills Church Crowndridge Student Center 19595 IH-10 West, San Antonio, TX 78257 Café College Workshops - San Antonio Education Partnership College Access and Success Advisors provide assistance with the following key services: College Admission Assistance, Financial Aid Guidance, Career Exploration, College Applications, Advising, SAT & ACT Preparation; Visit: http://www.cafecollege.org/events-registration Bard College at Simon’s Rock – opportunity for early college immediately after 10th or 11th grade. It may be an ideal match for “I am more curious” or “I am bored with my high school classes” or “I wish I could take college classes now and go full time.” Visit www.simon-rock.edu/fall_tour for more information. Hamilton College – our rep is Laura Lee Smith, llsmith@hamilton.edu. They host 9 Hamilton Saturdays in the fall. Check www.hamilton.edu/FallSaturdays for details. Summer Programs: St. Mary’s University – Pre-Engineering Program – Amp A,B,C or D runs between June 8-July 31st, 10 days each. go to http://cl.stmarytx.edu/esp/ for more details. Learn how robots work. For middle school and high school students. UTSA 2015 College of Architecture, Construction and Planning Summer Career Academy in Architecture and Interior Design - Admission is first come-first serve. Contact Prof. Stephen Temple 210-458-3023 or Stephen.temple@utsa.edu Application deadline is April 1, 2015 Total cost is $650 includes $50 nonrefundable reg. fee. Dates are June 8-19th,2015. Exclusive summer camp: at CCP College Prep Programme – they have prepared high achieving high school students with the academic, cultural and social opportunities necessary to help them succeed in college. Courses offered are writing a successful Common application Essay for US Universities, How to Write a college essay, How to apply to UK Universities such as Oxford, Cambridge and St. Andrews and Mock Interviews for successfully applying to all UK Universities. Go to www.ccpcollegeprepprogramme.org for more information and to apply!! Norwich University Future Leader Camp – www.bit.ly/FL2015 or 802-485-2531 for more information. They offer adventure training, survival training, team challenges and leadership instruction. University of Alabama Early College – for highly motivated sophomore, junior and senior students who are prepared for the rigor of college study and demonstrate maturity for a vibrant summer college experience. Must have 3.0 or higher GPA since ninth grade, passed the prerequisite Gateway class. Apply at http://uaearlycollege.ua.edu Call 877-823-8759 and speak with a rep. Summer I term May 25-June25. Summer II Term June 30 – July 31. Northwestern University – 5 week summer programs in film or theatre. Visit www.nhsi.northwester.edu/nhsi for more information and application. Financial aid available. Oxbridge Summer Programs – for grades 10-12, 3 different programs, look at www.oxbridgeprograms.com for details on each. Harvard summer School – June 20-august 8, 2015. Take college courses, prepare for college, meet people and make friends, first-rate Harvard facilities. Visit www.summer.harvard.edu/ssp for more info! Tufts Summer Study – for complete course listing visit www.go.tufts.edu/summer courses range from exploring a possible major, preparing for college admission and earn college credit. There are 5 pre-college programs as well. Dates are June 30- August 7, 2015. Financial assistance available for students with need. Hillsdale College Study Abroad and domestic study programs – for rising juniors, seniors and graduates. Travels take to England, France and Italy. Visit www.hillsdale.edu/admissions or 517-607-2325. Otis College of Art and Design – summer of Art – 4 week college prep program. July 6th – 31st, 2015. Ages 15-18. Scholarships are available. Visit www.otis.edu/soa for details and application. Northfield Mount Hermon – College Prep program June 27-Aug.1, 2015 for student entering grades 10-12. Visit website for more info, application material and financial aid forms. www.nmhschool.org/summer Barnard Summer in New York City – www.barnard.edu/summer for 10th and 11th grade girls, liberal arts options, leadership and gender studies, dance, STEM, scholarships available. University of Southern California – an offering of balanced academic and college life thru a 4 or 2 week courses in a variety of subjects. Visit www.summer.us.edu for more information and instructions on how to apply. Abilene Christian University – Summer Honor Academy for High School Students – June 21-26, apply by Feb. 1 and receive $50 off the application fee. Go to www.acu.edu/academics/honor/honors-academy.html for registration and more information. Subiendo – Intensive 5 day leadership academy created at UT Austin to prepare the next generation of leaders to address critical issues facing Texas. June 14 – 18, 2015. On – campus dorm experience, mentorship with college leaders during and after academy Current 11 th should apply. Applications are evaluated on academic achievement, community involvement and leadership, essay questions and a teacher recommendation. Free for students. Apply online http://mymccombs.force.com/subiendo_register Washington University in St. Louis – summer scholars program – enroll in 2 undergraduate courses while living on campus. Earn college credit and get an early taste of college life. www.summerexperiences.wustl.edu UT Austin Pre-college Summer Program – for grades 9-12, June 28 – July 17, 2015. Discover career interests prepare for college be inspired. Register at www.summerdiscovery.com/u-texas-austin . University of Notre Dame – Summer Scholars- applications due Jan.30, 2015 – a 2 week program for rising juniors and seniors. Leadership Seminar – applications due Jan.23, 2015 – 10 day all expenses paid program for advanced students who wish to hone critical thinking and expressive skill- for rising seniors only. Study Abroad: Rome- applications due Jan.16, 2015 –This 12 day program will immerse student in the history and culture of the Eternal city for rising seniors only. ALL APPLICATIONS AVAILABLE AT www.precollege.nd.edu Rochester Institute of Technology – Explore Your Future – 6 day program for rising juniors and seniors learn about their career options after high school Session 1: July 11-16, 2015. Session 2: July 18-23, 2015. For specific application requirements or to apply online, visit www.rit.edu/NTID/EYF Duke University – for current 10th and 11th graders Summer College; Summer Academy for students in 9th12th grade. Competitive application opens up December 2, 2014. Email summercollege@duke.edu or summeracademy@duke.edu with any questions. http://summersession.duke.edu/high-school-students Yale Young Global Scholars Program - Intensive academic summer experience for outstanding high school student leaders. June 23-July 6 = Politics, law and economics. July 9-22 = International affairs and security. July 25-aug 7 = Science, policy and innovation. Open to current 10 th and 11th grade students. Visit www.globalscholars.yale.edu or more information. Applications due February 26, 2015. Need-based financial aid is available. Pre College Programs Carnegie Mellon June 27 – August 8, 2015 Advanced Placement/Early Admission Fine Arts: Architecture / Art & Design / Drama / Music / National High School Game Academy www.admission.enrollment.cmu.edu/pages/pre-college Smith College Precollege Summer Programs – for academically talented girls who will enter grades 9, 10, 11 and 12 in fall 2015. Selective admissions process, based on a student’s academic performance, written essay and a teacher recommendation. Students must have a strong record of academic achievement, a high level of motivation and a willingness to explore. 5 different options available. Applications online at www.smith.edu/summer George Washington University Pre-college Program – in Washington D.C. – College Intensive program for rising juniors and seniors, offering college credit, a 6-week, a 3week and 6-week online session are options. Various majors offered. Summer immersion – is a full-day non-credit program for rising sophomores, juniors and seniors. 2 week programs. For application and details visit www.precollege.gwu.edu (Early application is strongly encouraged) Please sign up to receive “remind” messages: Seniors: Enter #: 210-348-3806 Text message: @mrsdimal Underclassman: Enter #: 210-348-3806 Text message: @jdimaline Underclassmen: Information on tests in the fall!!! SAT Suite of Assessments The College Board is launching new and redesigned exams in fall 2015 and spring 2016. The redesigned PSAT/NMSQT and the new PSAT™ 8/9 — for eighth- and ninth-graders — will launch in October 2015. The new PSAT™ 10 — for 10th-graders — will launch in February 2016 and the redesigned SAT in March. These exams work together as the SAT Suite of Assessments. Closely aligned to challenging classroom work, the suite will focus on the few things that evidence shows matter most for college and career readiness. The exams will be clearer and more open than any in the College Board’s history. Students and teachers will know what is covered on the exams. Learn About the Redesigned SAT Suite of Assessments Recent SAT results tell a troubling nationwide story about students’ readiness for success in their postsecondary endeavors. More than half of the students who take the SAT are not prepared for college. And, even among those who are ready, many low-income and minority students do not take advantage of the opportunities they have earned. Recognizing that we must do more to help all students be ready for and succeed in college and workforce training programs, the College Board is committed to propelling students into the opportunities they have earned. Redesigning the SAT is one of the major components of the commitment we are making to support students’ college and career success. Learn about the changes the College Board is making to the SAT, PSAT/NMSQT, PSAT 10, and PSAT 8/9. Start Practicing When students engage in challenging course work, they give themselves the best chance to succeed — not just on the SAT, but also in college and career. Practice for the redesigned SAT and PSAT/NMSQT and the new PSAT 10 is not just test preparation — it is an instructional experience that will benefit students' academic and professional lives. Dynamic, interactive study tools developed in partnership with Khan Academy launch in early June 2015. Students can try sample questions now. About Your PSAT/NMSQT Scores Students who completed the PSAT/NMSQT in fall 2014 can learn more about 2014 scores; students who will be taking the PSAT/NMSQT in fall 2015 can learn more about the redesigned exam. 2015-2016 SAT Test Dates www.collegeboard.com First test will be Oct.3rd 2015-2016 ACT DATES www.act.org Test Date Registration Deadline (Late Fee Required) September 12, 2015 August 7, 2015 August 8–21, 2015 October 24, 2015 September 18, 2015 September 19–October 2, 2015 December 12, 2015 November 6, 2015 November 7–20, 2015 February 6, 2016* January 8, 2016 January 9–15, 2016 April 9, 2016 March 4, 2016 March 5–18, 2016 Test Date June 11, 2016** Registration Deadline May 6, 2016 (Late Fee Required) May 7–20, 2016 Texas Success Initiative (TSI) - Placement test required by Texas law to assess entering undergraduate students’ academic skill levels in math, reading, and writing and to determine students’ readiness to enroll in college-level coursework; visit: www.thecb.state.tx.us/DE/TSI (See item #1 TSI Statute and THECB Rules Applying to Testing and Developmental Education for information; click on TSI/Exemptions as you may be eligible); consult with your college of choice for registration and information. Important Things to Remember All Year Authorization for Release of Student Records must be turned in and kept on file with Ms. Goforth in the in order for transcripts to be mailed or released to colleges, scholarship entities, military recruiters, and others. All official transcripts must be mailed directly by the Churchill Counseling Office to the indicated destination. No one may hand-carry an official transcript. Make sure to allow at least 5 working days for processing. Senior Information Forms are available in the Counseling Office. This form serves as the key (next to your resume) to help counselors and teachers become acquainted with you, especially for scholarship consideration. Athletes must file NCAA forms online at www.ncaaclearinghouse.net Register to take the SAT and/or ACT Senior males must register with Selective Service within 30 days of their eighteenth birthday. Students may register online at www.sss.gov or at the local post office. Remember to turn in all college admission or scholarship applications at least one week before the deadline in order to facilitate processing and mailing. Please adhere to the Counseling Office deadlines on all scholarship applications to ensure timely processing. Military Dependents: Students who are military dependents are eligible for free test prep software provided by NFL football players. Also check for Financial Aid Details. For more information, visit www.militarychild.org. Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) - Complete application to determine eligibility for financial aid which includes grants, work-study, scholarships, and student loans. Apply online at www.fafsa.edu.gov ; application available Jan. 1, 2015 Important Local Contacts Café College is located at 131 El Paso Street, San Antonio, Texas 78204. Visit online @ www.cafecollege.org or (210) 2299900 Minnie Stevens Piper Foundation Student Aid Center - (210) 525-8494 - 1250 N.E. Loop 410, # 810 Texas A&M Prospective Student Center - (210) 212-7016 - 40 N.E. Loop 410 Texas Tech University Remigio Del Río González 10000 Research Blvd, Suite 250, Austin, TX 78759 806.834.3484 remigio.rio@ttu.edu University of Texas at Austin Prospective Student Center - 210-804-BEVO (2386)- 4040 Broadway, Suite 310 San Antonio, Texas 78209 Open weekdays 8 a.m. to 5 p.m Other Information For graduating high school seniors wanting early admission to Medical School, TAMU has the Partnership for Primary Care Program. This is an early admissions program that guarantees a space in our College of Medicine. Students will find information at this web address: http://cbhec.tamhsc.edu/hcp/early-admissions/com-ppc.html The A&M Undergraduate Universities have the JAMP program and students wishing for early acceptance to Medical School can find information by clicking the following: http://cbhec.tamhsc.edu/hcp/early-admissions/jamp.html For the Baylor College of Dentistry early admission opportunities, you can check here for information: http://cbhec.tamhsc.edu/hcp/early-admissions/cod.html For an early admissions opportunity at the Rangel College of Pharmacy, you can check here for information: http://cbhec.tamhsc.edu/hcp/early-admissions/cop-eao.html To find information on all the Texas A&M Universities, you may go here and click on each schools website: http://cbhec.tamhsc.edu/hcp/early-admissions/colleges-and-universities/index.html For more information on the graduate school of the Texas A&M Health Science Center, you may click on the following: http://www.tamhsc.edu/ Other information useful to parents, students, and teachers. This information can be found at the following: http://cbhec.tamhsc.edu/hcp/early-admissions/index.html Helpful Websites www.SchoolSoup.com - college search and scholarships www.fastweb.com - scholarships www.collegefortexans.com -college preparation, career planning www.MeritAid.com - scholarships www.tamu.edu - Texas A&M admissions, financial aid information http://bealonghorn.utexas.edu/freshmen - University of Texas information for prospective students https://web1.ncaa.org/eligibilitycenter/common - senior athletes planning to participate in college sports http://www.collegeconfidential.com - chat live with reps from colleges about campuses, majors, financial aid, etc. www.collegeweeklive.com – world’s largest college fair online www.findtuition.com – provides free college, scholarship, and career resources to help with college planning www.everychanceeverytexan.org/about/scholars/- Compendium of Texas Colleges and Financial Aid Calendar. Study Abroad websites: Ambassador Scholarships www.rotary.org SIT Study Abroad www.sit.edu Rhodes Scholarships www.rhodesscholar.org Institute of International Education www.iie.org General Scholarship Websites Scholarships award money on the basis of merit, skill or a unique characteristic for postsecondary education. Scholarship monies do not have to be paid back. The College and University websites are excellent sources for finding general and specific scholarships. Other helpful websites are: www.fastweb.com www.collegeboard.com www.costep.com www.collegefortexans.com www.nelnet.com Search www.google.com topics such as scholarships, Texas scholarships, Coca Cola scholarships, Target scholarship, Ronald McDonald scholarships, etc. www.scholarships.com www.salliemae.com At www.alamo.edu, click on “Financial Aid” then click on “Scholarships,” “Scholarship forms,” to download the “Alamo Colleges Scholarship Application” and the Scholarship Listing.” Remember you do not need an appointment to see your counselor before school, during lunch or after school. Marianne Rodriguez A-Ci mrodri102@neisd.net _______________ Cl – Gl Seth Sampson Go – Lat ssamps@neisd.net Felipe Cardenas Lav – Ov fcarde@neisd.net Rose Garcia Ol-Pul rgarci3@neisd.net Cynthia Patterson Lopez Pur- Sol cpatte2@neisd.net Jeannie Dimaline Som – Z jdimal@neisd.net Beth Fox STAN efox@neisd.net