NO SENIOR-ITIS !!!!!!

It's your senior year and you may be thinking, "I'm outta here!" But if you plan on going to college, here's why you should stay focused:

• Colleges accept students contingent upon "successful completion of the senior year."
  Admissions personnel watch for dramatic grade drops on midyear reports and final transcripts.
• Should your grades reflect a steep decline, the school may request a written explanation describing the reasons for the poor performance.
• Occasionally, a college may require a student to attend summer school or be placed on academic probation for the first semester of the freshman year.
• In rare instances, a selective college may actually revoke a student's acceptance if his/her grades drop in the final semester.

Seniors: What To Do If You Are Wait-Listed

Colleges may place you on a wait list if you meet the academic requirements but they have already accepted the maximum number of applicants. Here are some things you can do:

• Write a letter to the admissions counselor to further showcase your non-academic factors that make you a good choice.
• When speaking with the academic counselor, ask if the wait list is prioritized and where you fall on the list.
• Study hard and stay involved, they will probably check on your final two 9 weeks before making a decision.
• Ask for another interview, this might be the attention you need to push you the top of the list.
• Reconsider the other colleges that have already accepted you. Maybe one of these might actually be a better fit for you. Students on the wait lists won't be notified of their acceptance until after the May 1st deadline. If you'll be just as happy with your 2nd choice, then send in that deposit, once you have made the decision you'll feel much better.

THIS IS ONE THING YOU CAN DO TO DIRECTLY IMPACT WHETHER YOU GET INTO THE COLLEGE OF YOUR CHOICE!!!: Raise your SAT/PSAT scores this summer!

Sophomores and Juniors!!
Learn techniques and strategies for answering the questions on the verbal, math, and writing parts of the PSAT and SAT. Recieve an extensive notebook, practice on 6 different College Board practice exams, and receive expert help from experienced PSAT/SAT teachers. Classes begin in early May and continue through October. Location is Newman Smith High School and there are three different daily times available. Cost is $150 (this is very reasonable). For Information and registration, please go see Ms. Wilson or Ms. Thompson in student services as soon as possible, spots will fill up and you REALLY need to do this to prepare!!!!

More Financial Aid Ideas!

“Seniors! Don’t overlook your college as a source of funds! Oftentimes, a college with low regional enrollment will offer incentives to get students in the door (like SHSU is offering to Ranchview students RIGHT NOW!). Sometimes a college will offer incentives to students who wish to pursue a less well known major, or a major in a field that is in very high demand.
You need to know that you actually need to SEARCH for specific scholarships offered by the college you plan to attend.
You can also CALL the admissions office, your academic advisors and/or your department chair’s secretary (if you’ve chosen a major) to get more information about possible scholarships that the college offers.”

Attention Senior Athletes! The Field & Mary Scovell Scholarship offers $3,000 grants to 15 seniors who demonstrate leadership abilities, high moral character, demonstrated financial need and a connection to sports. You must plan to attend a college or university in the state of Texas or at a Big 12 Conference or Southeastern Conference university. You can apply online at www.scovellscholarships.com . Check it out today – the application deadline is Saturday, March 21st. You need a transcript and two teacher recommendations before we go on Spring Break!

There are so many summer opportunities, check them out at the college you are interested in!

New Summer Opportunity for all high school students – Brown University offers the Brown Leadership Institute for students who are respected by their peers, interested in community service and social change, and are academically motivated. Find out more at www.brown.edu/summer

Seniors: Its financial aide time!!!

Seniors:


You should be working on your FAFSA right now. Colleges use this to determine your family's finanacial contribution and your financial aid. It is easy enough to do once your parents complete their taxes. Go to http://fafsa.org/ and begin the process. The sooner, the better, colleges view this as a first-come-first-served situation.


Juniors:


Visit the college campuses you are considering applying to. There are 2 reasons: to let them know you are interested and to learn more aobut them to make an informed decision. Go to your college's websites and search for "campus vists". You will be able to arrange to get a guided tour and learn about things like dorms, dining halls, classes, requirements for your intended major, etc. Now is the time! you should not wait until next year, you will run out of time.



Sophomores and Freshmen:



Volunteer!! I can't say it enough. You need volunteer hours!! Check with worthy organizations that you might already know in your community. Start with your church, then maybe assisted living centers, day cares, community rec centers, the SPCA. Try to pick an organization that you have an interest in, it will help you learn more to make better, well-informed future choices.