WELCOME PARENTS
of the
CLASS OF 2016
Standardized Testing
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SAT and Subject Tests
www.collegeboard.org
ACT
www.actstudent.org
We recommend taking both tests at the end of the
junior year.
Some Characteristics of
Colleges to Consider
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School Size
Type of School
Urban, Suburban,
Small Town, Rural
Distance from home
Cost / Scholarships/
Financial Aid
Student Population
Ethnic Diversity
Religious Affiliation
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Campus Atmosphere
Majors and
Requirements
Faculty
Academic Rigor
Study Abroad and/or
Other Special Programs
Housing
Athletics
Social Activities
Organizations
YOUR GUT FEELING!
Narrow Your College List
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College Websites
Talking to Students Who Attend that
College
College visits
Academic offering and degree plans
Cost of attendance
Location
College Visits
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It’s impossible to evaluate some characteristics of
a university without actually seeing the campus.
Seniors are allowed two excused days that do not
count against final exam exemptions.
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Prior approval required.
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College Visit forms are in the counselors’ office
Factors in Admissions
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SAT and ACT scores
High school course selection
GPA and class rank
Essay
Applications
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www.applytexas.org
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www.commonapp.org
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Check college websites or contact
admission offices.
Sending Transcripts
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The STUDENT must sign the transcript
request form in order to release their
information.
Transcript request form is located in
the counselors’ office at the secretary’s
desk.
Meet Deadlines
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Read each application carefully.
Some schools have different
deadlines for applications,
scholarships, and housing.
A few universities have very early
admission deadlines (TAMU and
UT)
It is very important to contact the
specific university you are applying
to for the latest updates.
Apply for Scholarships and
Financial Aid
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WHS website
WHS announcements
www.fastweb.com
www.fafsa.ed.gov
www.collegeanswer.com
College financial aid office
Parents’ or student’s employer
Local scholarships
Scholarship Scam ALERTS
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Fees
Credit card or bank account information needed
Scholarship guarantee
No parent or student work involved
No contact information for the scholarship company
Unsolicited scholarships
Pressure tactics
Claims of “exclusive” scholarships
An official-sounding name or endorsement doesn’t
automatically mean legitimacy
Your questions aren’t answered directly
NCAA
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www.eligibilitycenter.org
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Fee waiver (if qualified)
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Completed junior transcript is required
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ACT or SAT score is required
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This summer is a good time to get this
done.
Career Choices
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Explore career options before making college
decisions
Career Cruising is available for all WHS students
Access through the WHS website
Click on “student” tab
Select “Career Cruising” from drop down menu
User name is “Wy-” + student id (ex. Wy-123456)
Password is first 3 letters of last name, first 3 letters
of your first name, birth year (ex. Blajul1960)
Community College and
Technical School
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Open admissions
Financial Aid available
Cost effective
Transfer options to 4 year universities
Associate degrees, certifications and job
preparation
WHS Website
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ACT and SAT links
Scholarship info
Test prep info
Information and resources for
students and parents