College Ready

Guidance & Counseling

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	College Ready is designed to aid Frisco ISD students and parents as they prepare for all aspects of post-secondary experience. Frisco ISD is committed to college readiness for all students. College readiness is a result of thoughtful and conscious preparations, not chance or privilege. It’s never too soon and never too late to start down the College Ready path. Here are resources to help you begin what may be the most exciting and important journey of your life!


Featured Websites Other Websites Database of Online Colleges Comprehensive and unbiased list of every accredited online colleges and universities. 100 Best Value Colleges Highlights the latest research from The Princeton Review, featuring a comprehensivelist of 50 private and 50 public four-year colleges and universities for students and parents searching for the most affordable, yet high-quality, education. Texas College and Career Website Keep track of your high school courses and credits- be sure you have what you need to graduate. Organize your test scores, awards/ honors, and personal interest. Manage and track your applications online and research/apply for financial aid. Big Future One stop shop for getting started in your college and career future. Find colleges, explore careers, tips to consider when paying for college and making a plan and getting in. NAEHCY Higher Education Assistance with issues related to students experiencing homelessness accessing higher education. Toll-free number 1-(855) 446-2673. Family Connection Excellent source for college, scholarship searches and career investigation. Contact your school counselor for login information. Centennial HS Family Connection Site Frisco HS Family Connection Site Heritage HS Family Connection Site Liberty HS Family Connection Site Lone Star HS Family Connection Site Wakeland HS Family Connection Site

*Important Dates*
SAT Link	ACT Link
SAT Test Dates Online Registration 10/6/12 Testing (Postmark registration by 9/7/12) 11/3/12 Testing (Postmark registration by 10/4/12) 12/1/11 Testing (Postmark registration by 11/1/12) 1/26/13 Testing (Postmark registration by 12/28/12) 3/9/13 Testing (Postmark registration by 2/8/13) 5/4/13 Testing (Postmark registration by 4/5/13) 6/1/13 Testing (Postmark registration by 5/2/13)	ACT Test Dates Online Registration 9/8/12 Testing (Postmark registration by 8/17/12) 10/27/12 Testing (Postmark registration by 9/21/12) 12/8/12 Testing (Postmark registration by 11/2/12) 2/9/13 Testing (Postmark registration by 1/11/13) 4/13/13 Testing (Postmark registration by 3/8/13) 6/8/13 Testing (Postmark registration by 5/3/13)


CAREER READINESS
Frisco ISD College Ready can help you to identify, define and develop your personal career goals. When applying for college admission,ask yourself these questions: What are my chances of getting the job I think I want when I graduate? How will higher education affect my career goals? How is earning potential related to higher education? How can I find a college best suited for my skills and work interests? These resources will help answer these questions as you begin mapping your career by matching your background, knowledge, and skills with career opportunities. Explore Frisco ISD’s College Ready Career Readiness to better understand the connections between higher education and your career options.

First Steps to Career Readiness College Board’s College & Career Planning Site ACT Career Planning Tips 16 Career Clusters Exploring Career Clusters (Glencoe) Steps in Researching Occupations Career Interest Survey Short online surveys designed to match student interests, talents, and skills with career options. Career Selection and Planning Guide Texas Workforce Commission Career Information Occupation Interest Survey College Board Career Study University of North Carolina Career Information	TSI State-legislated program designed to improve student success in college. Texas Success Initiative (UT Austin) Vocational Counseling Information for assisting students in choosing suitable occupations. US Dept. of Labor Occupational Outlook Handbook Career and Technical Education Web Resources Benefits of a Community College Considering a Community College


ACADEMIC READINESS

Once you begin your college career, you need to feel confident that your high school preparation was more than adequate: this is academic readiness, a crucial component for college success. It means that you can handle college course work without remediation, especially in math, reading, and writing. Think about the following while keeping up with your high school course load. Have you worked with your parents and counselor on your 4-year plan? Do you know how to calculate your GPA? Should you consider taking a college entrance exam prep course? Frisco ISD has academic course offerings to prepare you for any higher education experience. All students are encouraged to take rigorous, college preparatory courses in order to be eligible and ready for college academia.


A Grade-by-Grade Checklist A checklist for Students Basic College Vocabulary Common terms used by many institutions of higher learning. Glossary of College Terms (UNT) College Prep Glossary College Survival Vocabulary ACT College entrance exam published by American College Testing that measures a student's ability in math, verbal comprehension and problem solving. American College Testing Test Prep College Requirements General College Admission Requirements PSAT/NMSQT PSAT is a preliminary standardized test, a shorter version of the SAT, which can determine eligibility for academic scholarships. Preliminary SAT/National Merit Scholarship Qualifying Test AP Exams and AP Courses College-equivalent courses offered in high school. Students can earn credit at most colleges and universities from AP Exams which are correlated to AP courses. Advanced Placement Courses Information Plan Pre-ACT Test ACT's College Readiness Test for 10th Graders Readi Step An eighth-grade assessment that provides early feedback — and helps put students on an early path to college success. Developed by College Board professionals in partnership with middle school teachers and other education experts, ReadiStep helps identify the skills students need to develop, and identifies students who are ready for more challenging course work. ReadiStep	4-Year Plan A student’s written high school plan of academic courses. Academic Planning (US Dept. of Education) College Board High School Planning Worksheet College Prep Timeline ACT College Planning Checklist Senior Year Plans College Planning Calendar for Seniors Middle School Guidance Middle School Timeline ACT College Readiness Test (Explore) *GPA* Grade Point Average—a numerical value assigned to your scholastic record. Calculate Your GPA Grade Point Average Calculator TOEFL (Test of English as a Foreign Language) English proficiency test for non-native speakers. Education Testing Service TOEFL Information Dual Enrollment (Concurrent) Opportunities Qualified students may be enrolled concurrently with an FISD high school and Collin County Community College. Students in dual credit classes will earn both high school and college credit. Admission requirements include successful completion of the THEA test or proof of exemption from THEA. Students are responsible for paying the tuition, books and fees. Transportation is not provided to or from classes. Student must meet admissions requirements. See counselors for details. EXPLORE The EXPLORE® program is designed to help 8th and 9th graders explore a broad range of options for their future. EXPLORE prepares students not only for their high school coursework, but for their post–high school choices as well. It marks an important beginning for a student's future academic and career success. EXPLORE



*PERSONAL READINESS*
One important component of being College Ready is personal readiness--your ability to carry out your mission to successfully complete a college education. In addition to a stong commitment, think about these questions as you prepare for higher education. How are your time management skills? Do you have a support network? Do you know where to go? Who to ask? When you need help? It is your individual responsibility to develop skills and good work habits during high school that will pay off long into the future. Use these resources to ensure your success after graduating from Frisco ISD.

First Steps to Personal Readiness Building Your Educational Future Why Go to College? Getting Ready for College Early Preparing for College Texas Scholars Interactive Guide Students’ Rights & Responsibilities in the College Admission Process Getting Ready for College Timeliness Efficient use of time and importance of meeting personal and college admission deadlines. Personal Time Management Tool High School Timeline Time Management Tips For High School Students Academic Competitions Opportunities for students to extend the knowledge and skills they have acquired through their curriculum subject matter. Official UIL Calendar Texas Academic Competitions	Parental Expectations and Support College Planning Advice for Parents 20 Ways to Stay Involved in Your Child's Education Common Questions from Parents and Applicants Talking with Parents and Family 10 Steps to Prepare Your Kids for College Student Organizations & Clubs Importance of non-academic activities in the college admissions process. Extracurricular Activities Extracurricular Advantages College Searches & Visits College Visits College Searches Athletics Special Information for Athletes Commitment Good Work Habits Essential Skills Sets


FINANCIAL READINESS
While finances should never get in the way of a college education, Frisco ISD is aware that money matters. The two main financial considerations for higher education are tuition fees and living costs, and these can vary vastly from college to college. Careful research and preparation can help you find financial aid from many sources: the government, grants, scholarships, and the universities themselves. While considering a college, ask yourself-- Can my parents afford to pay for any or all of my college experience? What grants, loans, and scholarships am I eligible for? How do I apply for a student loan? Should I consider a private or public college? Most students need financial help to some degree, whether from parents or outside sources. Frisco ISD College Ready Financial Readiness has resources to help you best handle the financial burden of university life.

First Steps to Financial Readiness Saving Money for College Student Aid Chart for Undergraduates Cash for College Financial Aid Resources (National Association of College Admission Counseling) Texas Financial Aid Programs National Association of Student Financial Aid Administrators Understanding College Costs Average College Prices Award Analyzer Federal Student Aid US Government Comprehensive Student Finance Guide Tuition Tools Student loan comparison tool to help students and their families make informed borrowing decisions. Simple Tuition Financial Terms Glossary of Terms (US Dept. of Education) Financial Glossary (U of North Texas) Tuition Calculators Student Loan Calculator College Financing Calculators 4 Calculators for College Costs Interactive Savings Plan Calculators Student Loans Low interest loans offered by the federal government. Applying for Federal Student Aid Financial Aid Publications (US Dept. of Education) College Board Student Loan Calculator Financial Aid Forecasting Tool Selecting a Financial Aid Package Understand the Loan Process Military Scholarships Higher education funds available to ROTC students and current military dependents Military Financial Benefits Financial Aid for Military Careers Military Financial Aid Options & Explanations Texas Military and Veterans College Opportunities Hazlewood Exemption for Veterans and Dependents	Scholarships Funds awarded by colleges, universities, government, or outside sources on the basis of academic merit or financial need. Scholarships are generally used to waive tuition or fees. Scholarship Awards Database National Merit Scholarship Programs PSAT/NMSQT Scholarship Qualifying Test Texas Health Career Awards, Fellowships, Grants, & Scholarships Athletic Scholarship Questionnaire Avoiding Scholarship Scams NAACP Scholarship Information Packet My College Dollars US Government Resourses Official government websites designed for students and families Income Based Repayment Plan for Federal Loans Students.Gov Education Savings Plans Savings plans operated by a state or educational institution designed to help families save for college. Participants may receive tax benefits if basic plan requirements are met. Texas Tomorrow's College Investment Plan 529 College Savings Plans Student College Savings Guide Grants Monetary aid for higher education that does not have to be repaid Federal Education Grant Program Federal Pell Grant Texas Grant Program Work-Study Programs Jobs (on or off campus) provided by the federal government for eligible college students with financial need. Federal Work-Study Program Parent Information Financial advice from National Association for College Admission Counseling 7 Easy Steps in Applying for Financial Aid


ADMISSIONS READINESS
While you are working on your GPA, taking entrance exams, and searching for the right college, colleges are looking for the most qualified applicants by sifting through information from thousands of students. Keep a personal checklist handy so you don’t miss any personal or college application deadlines. Some of the items on your list should include-- admissions deadlines for the colleges you are interested in college entrance exams registration dates campus visits plans advice from your high school counselor The process of getting into college spans several months. The resources at Frisco ISD’s Admission Readiness will help you learn about all the admission factors you need to consider when choosing the right college.

First Steps to Admissions Readiness The College Admissions Process College for Texans College Admissions Guide Advice for Taking Entrance Exams College Match Quiz College Admissions Process Admission Factors College Requirements College Application Requirements Admissions Terms Glossary of Admission Terms Admission Terms You Should Know Counselors Utilizing your high school counselors to help plan your college experience. 20 Questions to Ask Your Counselor Advice for Counselors Admission Testing Calendars SAT Tests, PSAT/NMSQT, AP, & CLEP Testing Schedule 2009–2010 ACT Test Dates Early Decision Some colleges and universities have an Early Decision admission policy. Students are limited to one Early Decision application and are committed to that school once they have received their letter of acceptance, usually no later than January of their senior year. Early Decision, Early Action Early Admission Timeline College Timeline College Application Calendar (College Board) College Application Timetable (U of North Texas) CollegeCalendar College Essays Writing College Essays College Applications Texas Common Application Common College Application Submitting Applications	College Search Sites Search colleges by type, location, and cost, with direct links to college websites Finding the Right College . America's Best Colleges (2009) Researching Colleges US Universities by State College Search by Name or Description Top Hispanic Colleges ACT College Search Find a College (College Board) Common Application Colleges and Universities College Search by State or School College Fairs College fairs are sponsored by participating colleges and universities. They are free and open to the public and allow students and parents to meet with representatives from a variety of post-secondary institutions. College Visits College Visits: A Planning Checklist Preparing for Campus Visits College Interviews Practicing for Your Interview 12 College Interview Questions Choosing a College How to Choose a College Discover Your Perfect College Fit How to Select Colleges Find the Right Colleges for You College Matchmaker Community College 6 Benefits of Community Colleges Community College Finder NCAA Clearinghouse Information for prospective student-athletes intending to enroll in an NCAA Division I or II college National Collegiate Athletic Association Activities Resume Resume Writing 101