This document provides information for senior parents about the college application process. It discusses deciding on college type and characteristics. The document outlines the application timeline and types of applications. It provides information about standardized tests, financial aid, scholarships, and NCAA eligibility. Key dates and resources are listed to guide students and parents through the application process.

1. JHHSJHHS
Senior Parent MeetingSenior Parent Meeting
September 10, 2013September 10, 2013
6:30-7:30 p.m.6:30-7:30 p.m.

2. What’s in my folder?What’s in my folder?

3. What’s in my folder?What’s in my folder?
This form is two sided;This form is two sided;
please complete thisplease complete this
form before requestingform before requesting
a letter ofa letter of
recommendationrecommendation

4. Decisions to be made now aboutDecisions to be made now about
college:college:
 Type of institutionType of institution
 Geographic location (distance from home)Geographic location (distance from home)
 Size of institutionSize of institution
 Selectivity of institutionSelectivity of institution
 CostCost
 DiversityDiversity
 Extracurricular activitiesExtracurricular activities
 Housing and FacilitiesHousing and Facilities
 Retention and Graduation RatesRetention and Graduation Rates
 Specialized ProgramsSpecialized Programs

5. College ApplicationsCollege Applications
Regular AdmissionRegular Admission
Rolling AdmissionRolling Admission
Early Decision – bindng agreement with oneEarly Decision – bindng agreement with one
schoolschool
Early ActionEarly Action
Open EnrollmentOpen Enrollment

6. Categorizing Your OptionsCategorizing Your Options
Sure thing – Safety School(s) 1-2Sure thing – Safety School(s) 1-2
Challenge – Match School(s) 2-4Challenge – Match School(s) 2-4
Dream – Reach School(s) 1-2Dream – Reach School(s) 1-2

7. Trick or Treat DeadlineTrick or Treat Deadline
Suggestion: Have all college applicationsSuggestion: Have all college applications
completed and submitted by October 31completed and submitted by October 31stst
It saves anxiety and lowers your stressIt saves anxiety and lowers your stress
level if you have this done early in the yearlevel if you have this done early in the year

8. Check your application statusCheck your application status
About two weeks after submittingAbout two weeks after submitting
completed application:completed application:
Check College’s websiteCheck College’s website
E-mail to Admissions RepresentativeE-mail to Admissions Representative
Phone call to Admissions RepresentativePhone call to Admissions Representative

9.  Admission requirementsAdmission requirements
 Trade SchoolTrade School
 Official transcript orOfficial transcript or
 GED with test scoresGED with test scores
 2 year college / Community College2 year college / Community College
 High School diplomaHigh School diploma
 THEA TestTHEA Test
 4 year University4 year University
 Recommended or DAP HS DiplomaRecommended or DAP HS Diploma
 THEA TestTHEA Test
 SAT or ACTSAT or ACT

10. Military ServiceMilitary Service
High School diplomaHigh School diploma
ASVABASVAB
PhysicalPhysical

11. School Code:School Code:
444-711444-711

12.  ACT / SAT TestsACT / SAT Tests
 Either test is acceptable at 99% ofEither test is acceptable at 99% of
colleges. They are looked at equally by thecolleges. They are looked at equally by the
college.college.
 ACT has half the math and vocabularyACT has half the math and vocabulary
sections of the SAT and it also includessections of the SAT and it also includes
Science.Science.
 Both test applications may be completedBoth test applications may be completed
on-line (preferred) or by completing a paperon-line (preferred) or by completing a paper
application sometimes available in theapplication sometimes available in the
counseling center.counseling center.
 SAT Customer Service: 866-756-7346SAT Customer Service: 866-756-7346

13. ACT Basic InformationACT Basic Information
3 hour college entrance exam3 hour college entrance exam
Score range 1-36 for each areaScore range 1-36 for each area
Writing score range 2-12Writing score range 2-12
www.actstudent.orgwww.actstudent.org

14. SAT Basic InformationSAT Basic Information
3 hour and 45 minute college3 hour and 45 minute college
entrance examentrance exam
Scores range 200-800 for eachScores range 200-800 for each
areaarea
www.collegeboard.comwww.collegeboard.com

15. DATESDATES
ACTACT
September 21, 2013September 21, 2013
October 26, 2013October 26, 2013
December 14, 2013December 14, 2013
February 8, 2014February 8, 2014
April 12, 2014April 12, 2014
June 14, 2014June 14, 2014
SATSAT
October 5, 2013October 5, 2013
November 2, 2013November 2, 2013
December 7, 2013December 7, 2013
January 25, 2014January 25, 2014
March 8, 2014March 8, 2014
May 3, 2014May 3, 2014
June 7, 2014June 7, 2014

16. SAT / ACT INFORMATIONSAT / ACT INFORMATION
Test scores must be sent to collegesTest scores must be sent to colleges
directly from ACT and /or College Boarddirectly from ACT and /or College Board
Many schools now will not accept scoresMany schools now will not accept scores
that are placed on transcripts.that are placed on transcripts.
Contact your institution to see what yourContact your institution to see what your
student needs to make on either exam forstudent needs to make on either exam for
admittance.admittance.

17. SAT Prep Boot CampSAT Prep Boot Camp
www.testprepseminars.orgwww.testprepseminars.org
Horn High SchoolHorn High School
September 24September 24thth
8:30 – 3:00 pm8:30 – 3:00 pm
$55.00$55.00

18. SAT / ACT TutoringSAT / ACT Tutoring
Revolution PrepRevolution Prep
Revolutionprep.comRevolutionprep.com
877-738-7737877-738-7737
Scholarships may beScholarships may be
availableavailable

19.  THEA TestTHEA Test
 This test is required before registration in all publicThis test is required before registration in all public
colleges (2 and 4 year) in Texas.colleges (2 and 4 year) in Texas.
 It is recommended that this test be taken during theIt is recommended that this test be taken during the
student’s senior year so you will have the scoresstudent’s senior year so you will have the scores
back before college registration times in theback before college registration times in the
summer.summer.
 Students may be exempt from the THEA if theStudents may be exempt from the THEA if the
student scored high enough on the TAKS, SAT, orstudent scored high enough on the TAKS, SAT, or
ACT.ACT.
 Contact your college choice to see scores theyContact your college choice to see scores they
require for exemption.require for exemption.

20. In general, applications may be obtained onlineIn general, applications may be obtained online
or from the college. Most colleges require anor from the college. Most colleges require an
application fee.application fee.
 Texas Common ApplicationTexas Common Application
Used by Texas public universitiesUsed by Texas public universities
www.applytexas.orgwww.applytexas.org
 Universal Common ApplicationUniversal Common Application
Used by many private universitiesUsed by many private universities
www.commonapp.orgwww.commonapp.org

21. What counts in college admissions?What counts in college admissions?
0
10
20
30
40
50
60
70
80
90
Courses
Selected
SATScores
ClassRank
Overall
Grades
Essay
Work/School
Activity
% citing “considerably important”1992 NACAC Survey
College Admissions Officials
92
46
42 39
14
6

22. Scholarships and Financial AidScholarships and Financial Aid
Most scholarship money will come fromMost scholarship money will come from
the school you choose to attend.the school you choose to attend.
That is the reason it is important to beThat is the reason it is important to be
accepted early. Once schools run out ofaccepted early. Once schools run out of
money they are out.money they are out.
As soon as your student is accepted to aAs soon as your student is accepted to a
school, call the financial aid office to letschool, call the financial aid office to let
them know you need financial aid.them know you need financial aid.

23. Financial AidFinancial Aid
Complete the FAFSA in January. (FreeComplete the FAFSA in January. (Free
Application for Federal Student Aid). ThisApplication for Federal Student Aid). This
information will allow the school of yourinformation will allow the school of your
choice to offer (if you qualify)choice to offer (if you qualify)
www.fafsa.ed.gov .www.fafsa.ed.gov .
800-433-3243 customer service number800-433-3243 customer service number
ScholarshipsScholarships
Pell Grants – government money you don’tPell Grants – government money you don’t
pay backpay back
Student Loans – low interest ratesStudent Loans – low interest rates
Parent Loans – low interest ratesParent Loans – low interest rates
Work Study Program – work on campusWork Study Program – work on campus

24. Financial Aid night will beFinancial Aid night will be
held at West Mesquiteheld at West Mesquite
High School on Feb 4High School on Feb 4thth
, in, in
the auditorium at 7:00the auditorium at 7:00
p.m.p.m.

25.  Local Scholarships…begin this processLocal Scholarships…begin this process
now. This information is located on thenow. This information is located on the
district website.district website.
 www.mesquiteisd.orgwww.mesquiteisd.org
Select STUDENTS/PARENTSSelect STUDENTS/PARENTS
Select ScholarshipsSelect Scholarships
Select Local sScholarshipsSelect Local sScholarships
Complete application, print one copy, bringComplete application, print one copy, bring
to your counselorto your counselor

26.  Counselors will copy and place applications inCounselors will copy and place applications in
the pools for which student qualifies.the pools for which student qualifies.
 Exchange ClubExchange Club
 Rotary ClubRotary Club
 PTSAPTSA
 Food ServicesFood Services
 Para ProfessionalsPara Professionals
 MEAMEA
 AmbucsAmbucs
 Booster Club is a separate application.Booster Club is a separate application.

27. Local Scholarships range fromLocal Scholarships range from
$500 - $1,000.$500 - $1,000.
One $10,000 local scholarshipOne $10,000 local scholarship
is given out.is given out.

28. Scholarship databasesScholarship databases
www.fastweb.comwww.fastweb.com
www.collegeboard.comwww.collegeboard.com
www.scholarships.comwww.scholarships.com
www.mesquiteisd.orgwww.mesquiteisd.org
www.free-4u.comwww.free-4u.com

29. As Scholarships become availableAs Scholarships become available
they are:they are:
Announced during schoolAnnounced during school
announcementsannouncements
Through their English 4 teachersThrough their English 4 teachers
Posted in the Counseling CenterPosted in the Counseling Center

30. There is no limit on howThere is no limit on how
many scholarships amany scholarships a
student can receive.student can receive.

31. Last year JHHSLast year JHHS
students were offeredstudents were offered
over $5,000,000.00 inover $5,000,000.00 in
scholarships!scholarships!

32. NCAA Guide for the College –NCAA Guide for the College –
Bound Student AthleteBound Student Athlete
 Best place for student to start to familiarizeBest place for student to start to familiarize
themselves with the rules, philosophy, andthemselves with the rules, philosophy, and
organization of the NCAA is to go online atorganization of the NCAA is to go online at
eligibilitycenter.org.eligibilitycenter.org.
 Students need to enter code 9999 for theStudents need to enter code 9999 for the
SAT to ensure that scores are sent to theSAT to ensure that scores are sent to the
clearinghouseclearinghouse
 See Coach Webb or Coach Wheeler forSee Coach Webb or Coach Wheeler for
more informationmore information

33. College BoardCollege Board
The collegeboard.com site containsThe collegeboard.com site contains
information on approximately 4000 two yearinformation on approximately 4000 two year
and four year colleges. It enables students toand four year colleges. It enables students to
explore colleges that match certain factorsexplore colleges that match certain factors
selected by students, such as degree desired,selected by students, such as degree desired,
geographic location, school size and more.geographic location, school size and more.
Once a list is obtained, students can exploreOnce a list is obtained, students can explore
individual colleges to learn about degreeindividual colleges to learn about degree
offerings, entrance requirements, student lifeofferings, entrance requirements, student life
on campus, and extracurricular activities.on campus, and extracurricular activities.

34. Quest Bridge National College MatchQuest Bridge National College Match
Helps outstanding low-income high schoolHelps outstanding low-income high school
seniors gain admission and full four-yearseniors gain admission and full four-year
scholarships to some of the nation’s mostscholarships to some of the nation’s most
selective colleges.selective colleges.
 Partners with 26 collegesPartners with 26 colleges
 Go to www.questbridge.org for more informationGo to www.questbridge.org for more information

35. Transcript RequestsTranscript Requests
 students sign up for number of transcripts at Mrs.students sign up for number of transcripts at Mrs.
Methered’s (counselor’s secretary) deskMethered’s (counselor’s secretary) desk
 transcripts can be picked up after 24 hourstranscripts can be picked up after 24 hours
 it is your responsibility to mail the transcripts toit is your responsibility to mail the transcripts to
the collegethe college
 first five transcripts are freefirst five transcripts are free
 Additional transcripts are $1.00 eachAdditional transcripts are $1.00 each

36. College DaysCollege Days
 Juniors and Seniors are allowedJuniors and Seniors are allowed
two college days per year.two college days per year.
 Before the visit inform theBefore the visit inform the
Attendance OfficeAttendance Office
 Return a letter of verification of theReturn a letter of verification of the
visit on college’s letterhead to thevisit on college’s letterhead to the
Attendance OfficeAttendance Office

37. College AcceptanceCollege Acceptance
When student has been accepted into anWhen student has been accepted into an
institution, bring letter to counselor to post.institution, bring letter to counselor to post.
This will ensure they are invited to theThis will ensure they are invited to the
2014 Senior Letter Breakfast.2014 Senior Letter Breakfast.
Deadline for submitting is April 15Deadline for submitting is April 15thth
..

38. Additional InformationAdditional Information
When students receive scholarshipWhen students receive scholarship
offers please notify Mrs. Westbrook.offers please notify Mrs. Westbrook.
Deadline to submit scholarship offersDeadline to submit scholarship offers
and to be included in the Seniorand to be included in the Senior
Awards Assembly is April 12Awards Assembly is April 12thth
..
Access the Senior Calendar on theAccess the Senior Calendar on the
JHHS website.JHHS website.

39. College NightCollege Night
September 16September 16thth
Eastfield CollegeEastfield College
6:00 – 9:00 p.m.6:00 – 9:00 p.m.

40. GraduationGraduation
Sunday, May 25Sunday, May 25thth
 2:00 P.M.2:00 P.M.
Curtis Culwell Center inCurtis Culwell Center in
GarlandGarland

41. Top 5 signs that Mom and DadTop 5 signs that Mom and Dad
are losing it…are losing it…
Dig out old report cards to calculate child’sDig out old report cards to calculate child’s
GPA to .000000001 accuracyGPA to .000000001 accuracy
Revive friendship with an obnoxious in-lawRevive friendship with an obnoxious in-law
who is an alum from Yalewho is an alum from Yale
Send chocolates to the phone receptionistSend chocolates to the phone receptionist
at A&M, Tech, and UTat A&M, Tech, and UT
Tell friends that “we” are applying toTell friends that “we” are applying to
Harvard and PrincetonHarvard and Princeton

42. We are looking forward to a great yearWe are looking forward to a great year
with the class of 2013!with the class of 2013!
 Bruce PerkinsBruce Perkins PrincipalPrincipal 972-882-5201972-882-5201
 bperkins@mesquiteisd.orgbperkins@mesquiteisd.org
 Ahnekii TannerAhnekii Tanner Registrar / Assistant PrincipalRegistrar / Assistant Principal 972-882-5263972-882-5263
 atanner@mesquiteisd.orgatanner@mesquiteisd.org
 Madelyn HillMadelyn Hill Counselor A-DCounselor A-D 972-882-5223972-882-5223
 mhill1@mesquiteisd.orgmhill1@mesquiteisd.org
 Paul BallardPaul Ballard Counselor E-KCounselor E-K 972-882-5222972-882-5222
 wballard@mesquiteisd.orgwballard@mesquiteisd.org
 Karri PritchardKarri Pritchard Counselor L-RCounselor L-R 972-882-5243972-882-5243
 kpritchard@mesquiteisd.orgkpritchard@mesquiteisd.org
 Tonia WestbrookTonia Westbrook Counselor S-ZCounselor S-Z 972-882-5221972-882-5221
 twestbrook@mesquiteisd.orgtwestbrook@mesquiteisd.org
 Yolanda DeatherageYolanda Deatherage Career and TechnologyCareer and Technology 972-882-5224972-882-5224
 ydeatherage@mesquiteisd.orgydeatherage@mesquiteisd.org