Ranchview Blogs To College

2009-10-01T07:56:00.002-05:00

Seniors

All about your college application: Here are some tips for students who are gearing up for admissions applications.
Should students include other attachments like portfolios or resumes if they might help the application?

Only send schools what they are asking for. Many times, students try to get creative in submitting their applications.
Pictures are not necessary.
If the school needs additional information, they wil contact you for further information.
Focus on what is required, rather than how to supplement your application.

If a deadline passes, should students still apply?
You should still apply. Some schools have wait lists that you can be included on. It is not a guarantee, but sometimes slots open up and schools pull from their waitlists. Contact your admissions representative for details.

Where should students go if they need more help?
If you can't get help from your high school counselor, use the Internet. Log on to school admissions Web sites and get contact information. Admissions counselors are there to help you out. Their job is to recruit for universities, and they expect that their students will call upon them for help

Juniors: Take the PSAT; It is being given at Ranchview on Oct. 14th. Plan to attend PSAT/SAT practice sessions.

Keep a list of after school and work activities; record your time involved. Attend any sessions held by colleges that visit your school.
Find out about and attend college nights and fairs; ask your counselor for information.
If you are considering the military, visit with recruiters when they come to your campus.
Keep your grades up!

Sophomores and freshmen
Concentrate on doing well on your schoolwork.
Participate in class discussions.
Seek a tutor if you need help.
Seek out clubs, organizations, and projects of interest.
Read regularly.
For Take the PSAT; check with your counselor for details.
Take the PLAN, a practice test for the ACT.
Do all your homework.
Seek out clubs, organizations, and projects of interest.

There Is So Much To Do!!

2009-09-02T16:21:00.003-05:00

For Freshmen, Sophomores, and Juniors:

Purchase an organizer to record important schoolwork dates and club meetings. You'll need to keep track of all activities for your senior resume.
Listen for announcements and watch for postings of club meetings in which you plan to participate.
Listen for announcements to find out when college representatives will be visiting your high school campus.
Plan to attend the District College Night at Creekview High School, on Thurs., Sept. 17th.
Get involved in a community service cause where you can donate some of your time and talents.

For Seniors

Give teachers, counselors, and other adults any recommendation forms necessary for college applications. Don't forget to attach a resume.
Start writing your college and scholarship application essays. Find someone to proof them for you.
Start first drafts of college and scholarship applications. Go to www.applytexas.org to apply.
If you are an athlete and you are considering playing a sport at the collegiate level, obtain an NCAA Clearinghouse form from your registrar or guidance counselor.
Order transcripts as necessary.
Spend some time on weekends looking over practice test materials. Take another SAT!!!

For parents

Before it gets lost, make copies of your child's schedule, complete with subjects, teachers' names, and room numbers. Keep a copy handy at home and at work.
Record your child's locker number and combination. This is helpful if your child is ill and you need to pick up books and materials from their locker.
Provide assistance and support to your teenager in setting up study times and organizing outside activities. Students benefit from your encouragement and your interest as they try to juggle all the events in a new school year.
Attend the school's Open House Night, Monday, Sept. 14th. Once students enter high school, many parents are less inclined to participate in school sponsored evenings. Yet, it's very helpful to meet the teachers and listen to the course descriptions and expectations.

It's Time To Get Started!

2009-08-10T08:49:00.006-05:00

Seniors: Exploring your school options , When selecting a college or university, consider these things:

Does the school offer a quality education?
What are the admission requirements, and can you meet them?
How much does it cost to get an education at that particular college?
Where is the school located?
How big is the school?

How do you figure out the answers to these questions? A good place to start is the Internet. You can find out a lot about a college or university through its Web site. Some even offer virtual tours, check out Texas colleges links in our links you need section -->

Juniors: This is it, the year that counts!!

Academics are always your first responsibility in high school, in fact your grades this year will be your first impression to the college of your choice!!! Also in-depth involvement in extracurricular activities provide other learning experiences and can demonstrate who you are to your prospective colleges.

Volunteer to lead a project: Serve as a committee or project chair. Develop your problem-solving, organizational, and leadership abilities.

Know the sponsor: Interact more with the adult or faculty sponsor of the clubs or organizations you belong to. This person may prove to be a great advisor through high school

Freshmen and Sophomores:

Before the school year gets underway, you should start practicing good time management skills. If you don't already, start using a daily planner to organize your schedule and keep track of homework and other activities. Also, if you are involved in extracurricular activities, you should plan ahead so you can balance your time successfully between these activities and your school work. There are only 24 hours in a day, and your most precious commodity is time.

JOBS! JOBS! JOBS!

2009-06-03T07:57:00.001-05:00

For freshmen, sophomores, and juniors
Strong work habits begin with volunteer service or summer job responsibilities. Remember these basic rules:

Be punctual.
Dress neatly and appropriately.
Place your name tag and any other job-related materials in a location where you can easily find them before leaving the house.
Keep a list of skills that you learned or were required for your job. (This is very important)
When you receive your first paycheck, be sure to verify that all information on the check is correct.
Record the name, title, phone number, and address of your employer or volunteer supervisor. You'll need it later for job and school references.

How to Prepare for Finals .... Both in high school and in college.

2009-04-27T10:50:00.002-05:00

As you prepare for final exams over the next few weeks, remember these tips:

Organize your folders for each subject.
Look over previous tests to review the materials previously missed.
Form a study group to help you prepare.
Set aside time to study regularly.

Last-minute hints for Advanced Placement exams:

Dress in layered clothing on the day of the test. Testing rooms can sometimes be very chilly or very hot. You want to be comfortable in any temperature.
Wear a watch and monitor your time.
Take plenty of pencils and pens to the test. Check your calculator and test the battery.
Take an extra battery, just in case.
Keep your candidate pack. Place the booklet in a safe place, as you may need to refer to it later for information regarding your scores.
Remember the advice of your AP teachers.

Deep Thoughts for everyone....

2009-04-03T15:28:00.002-05:00

Have you met most of the goals that you set at the beginning of the year?
Did you establish a regular reading program?
Have your grades reflected your abilities and good effort?
Did you join one or two clubs or organizations?
Are you in the habit of using a daily planner?
Did you take advantage of teacher tutorials?
Are you pleased with your grade point average?
Have you maintained a standard study time?
Do you feel that you have developed good organizational skills?
Are you pleased with your overall performance for this year?

If you felt that you could say yes to most of these questions then you probably had a good year, if not, then you have an OPPORTUNITY to improve!!! This is simply-put, a list of what you need to do to have success in school! AND IN COLLEGE TOO!

NO SENIOR-ITIS !!!!!!

2009-03-24T15:31:00.003-05:00

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

2009-03-17T09:31:00.004-05:00

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!

2009-03-14T10:04:00.005-05:00

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!

2009-03-09T16:41:00.001-05:00

“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!

2009-03-06T17:13:00.001-06:00

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!!!

2009-03-02T15:25:00.010-06:00

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.

2009-02-26T17:21:00.003-06:00

FRESHMEN & SOPHOMORES: Summer Activities are important!

Lawn maintenance and babysitting are two popular money-making summertime options.
Check for volunteering opportunities with your local hospitals, nursing homes, animal shelters, and churches or synagogues.
Check with Mrs. Thompson about the PSAT test prep class that is offered by our district over the summer.

JUNIORS: SAT/ACT Test preparation possibilities

Books: check with your library for prep manuals
Internet: Check out the College Board's SAT Question of the Day
Classes: Check with Mrs. Thompson about SAT prep classes offered in our community.

SENIORS:

If you have been accepted to a college and are planning to attend that college, you usually have to respond back to them by a certain date. DO NOT LET THIS DATE PASS OTHERWISE YOU MIGHT NOT BE GOING!!!!!!!
You should also be looking into the deadlines for requesting on-campus housing for your college, this is usually a first come first served situation and if you don't respond you might be left off campus!!!!
If you have been notified of any scholarships that you have received, then you should contact that organization and send a thank you. Yes! You have to!!!!

All Students:

Ace Academy: want to explore careers with aviation professionals? get a behind-the-scenes look at the aviation industry and government facilities? and learn more about the high tech world of aviation? Then this summer camp is for you. Cost is FREE! Location is DFW Airport. June 9-13, 2009 (day camp) 8:00 a.m. – 3:30 p.m. Lunches and snacks are included; Call: Stacie Wooten at 817-222-5801 or email any of the following ACE Directors: Greg Mazyck: airmazyck@tx.rr.com ; Chuckie Hospers:chuckie@vintageflyingmuseum.org ; Stacie Wooten: stacie.wooten@faa.gov

Its Always Time to Prepare For College!

2009-02-13T15:45:00.008-06:00

Seniors!!! Many of you have not turned in your completed Local Scholarship Application. The deadline is Friday, Feb. 27th at 2:30 pm. NO late applications will be accepted!

Juniors and Seniors: Representatives from colleges and universities are visiting our campus. Please check with the counselors in Student Services for a complete listing.

For juniors
Summer pre-college programs are a good way to learn about a prospective college. Here's the scoop:

A summer pre-college program allows high school students to experience college courses in a college environment. Check Feb. 6th's posting.
There is a fee for these programs, but frequently scholarships are available.
If you have a specific college in mind, you can call that college's admissions office or check out the school's Web site.

For freshmen and sophomores
Something as simple as reading a newpaper or news magazine can help you get prepared for college:

Reading about current events will increase your vocabulary,help you understand international issues, and allow you to add to class room discussions.
You can develop your leadership skills by donating your time and effort to any one of the following organizations or activities:
Any school-sponsored clubs such as an art, drama, science, math, or service club Church youth groups; Local community center; Local Goodwill or homeless shelter; etc.
Chairing a committee for a short-term project is a good way to get experience in a leadership role.

Summer Opportunities Are Everywhere!!

2009-02-06T12:28:00.006-06:00

Attention Ladies! The 2009 Young Woman’s Political Leadership Retreat, July 15-19, at American University, Washington D.C., is open to high school sophomores, juniors and seniors. The program is FREE and travel scholarships are available! Even if you don’t think you are interested in politics, check it out and apply at www.runningstartonline.org/leadership-program/index.php . HURRY! The application deadline is Monday, Feb. 16th!

Attention Sophomores & Juniors!
Looking for an adventure next summer? There are all kinds of summer opportunities to further your education and explore different fields of interest – Oxford (England) Advanced Studies Program, USC Summer Seminar, The Naval Academy Summer Seminar and the CDC Disease Detective Camp, just to name a few. Go online to look up these opportunities!

Attention Seniors!
The Local Scholarship Application and list of available scholarships is now on the Ranchview website. Follow the instructions for completing the Local Scholarship Application and turn your completed application in to Mrs. Thompson no later than 2:30 pm on Friday, February 27. Remember, NO late applications will be accepted!

Tips: Its never too early to plan for college!

For parents
Financial aid options: As college gets closer, so does the reality of paying for it. There are many financing options available. Remember that completing the FAFSA (available online at www.fafsa.ed.gov) is always the first step in securing financial assistance.

This One's for Everyone: Don't Assume That Your Facebook/MySpace is Private

2009-01-23T11:27:00.007-06:00

A new survey of 500 top colleges found that 10% of admissions officers acknowledge looking at social networking sights such as MySpace and Facebook to evaluate students. 38% reported that what they saw “negatively affected” their views of the applicant.

Source: Wall Street Journal

I am willing to guess that those percentages will only increase, be forewarned!

Other Tidbits:

Are you planning to attend the University of Texas at Arlington? If so, their Merit Scholarship Deadline for Fall 2009 is February 16th. You must submit your application (http://www.applytexas.org/ ) by that date in order to qualify for any of these scholarships.

Calling all Environmentalists! Do you have an innovative solution to protect the environment? Planet Connect is a new online network for high school students. They are offering $1,000 awards to students who submit ideas to fix an environmental problem at your school or in your community. Apply for a grant today at http://www.planet-connect.org/. deadline is February 1st!

Carleton College’s Carleton Liberal Arts Experience is a week-long summer program for students who will complete their sophomore year by June 14, 2009. All expenses are covered, including travel. Carleton is looking for 10th grade students who are in the top 25 percent of their class, taking a challenging curriculum and been involved in their community. Students of African American descent or students interested in African American culture are encouraged to apply for CLAE. If you are interested in being nominated for this program by your counselor, please see Mrs. Thompson in Student Services to sign up. Please do so by Monday, Feb. 23rd.

Planning to attend UT San Antonio next fall? The UTSA Terry Scholarship is available to you if you have demonstrated a record of leadership and service, have strong academic abilities, and show financial need. You must apply for admission and the scholarship by Feb. 1. You may apply at www.utsa.edu and complete the scholarship application at www.utsa.edu/terryscholars/index.html .

Getting Ready For College Is For Everyone

2009-01-21T15:55:00.003-06:00

Everyone has action items they should follow to get ready for college.

Seniors:

If you are going on college interviews: dress casual but nice; iron your clothes; try not to wear jeans; bring a transcript (request one at http://www.docufide.com/ )and high school resume with you; be yourself, talk about your interests; follow-up with a thank you note.
If you are visiting with colleges at Ranchview, ask questions, be respectful but find out what makes that college appealing to you.
You need to work with your parents in filling out the FAFSA finanacial aid report. Go to the FAFSA website see Jan. 16th blog for more info.

Juniors:

Check out the counselor's list of colleges coming to visit Ranchview. Make plans to attend some you are most interested in, sign-up if needed to get a pass out of class. See Ms Wilson or Mrs. Thompson to ask for these.
Some questions to ask are: "What courses are listed as "required" for admissions purposes?"; "What are your most commonly graduated majors?"; "What kinds of extracurricular activities are offered?"; " What is the range of SAT scores of student most often admitted to your school?";
For colleges you are really interested in: Find out the name and address of the recruiter and send them a thank note for visitng with you. Find out if they have any summer programs you can participate in, look these up online or ask about them in the campus visit.
Register carefully. Colleges look closely at the list of the courses taken during the senior year. Admissions representatives look for students who are taking strong academic classes in preparation for college.

Sophomores

Have some colleges in mind? Review the list of courses that the colleges say are required for a student to be considered for admission. You can find this on their website under: admissions requirements; Also look for summer programs that are offered by the colleges you are interested in. This is a great way to both visit that school and show them you are a serious prospect.
When registering for next year's classes: Take challenging classes, if you have room in your schedule add another academic class or find elective courses that will allow you to further your interests. Colleges are looking for students who are motivated, willing to work, and are passionate about following their interests.
Visit with the counselors about the colleges that are planning on visiting Ranchview. Pick a couple to visit with and find out about. Look up their website before you go to get some ideas of questions you would like to ask the recruiter.

Freshmen

When registering for next year's classes: Select classes that are both challenging and appropriate. You want to choose the most difficult class you can handle, but you also want to do well. Talk to your teachers and your parents about this.
Are you passionate about something? Find elective courses that will allow you to further your interests.
If you already have some colleges in mind, go to their website online and check them out. Look for summer programs that high school kids can attend. Talk to older students about the colleges they are interested in.

FAFSA, Scholarships, and Transcripts

2009-01-16T12:25:00.005-06:00

Time to get with it, there are many deadlines quickly approaching, it might feel like a long way away but these deadlines have a way of sneaking up on you!

To do this month:

Seniors:
If you are a senior, you and your parents need to apply for a PIN code from the U.S. Department of Education at pin.ed.gov. You'll need this number to complete and submit the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) (at fafsa.ed.gov), which you want to do as soon as possible.

Scholarships

REMINDER: The Local Scholarship Application is available now. Follow the instructions for completing the Local Scholarship Application and turn your completed application in no later than 2:30 pm on Friday, February 27. Remember, NO late applications will be accepted!

SAMMY (Scholar Athlete Milk Mustache of the Year) 2009 “got milk?” Award Program -- $7500 scholarship. You may be nominated by a coach, teacher, principal, counselor, athletic director, parent, relative or yourself! Nominees will be judged on their academic performance, athletic excellence, leadership, community service and milk experience. Apply online at http://www.bodybymilk.com/ (click on “Sammy 2009”) by March 6, 2009.

Destination Imagination Scholarship – The Trinity Valley North Central Regional Board of Destination Imagination is offering scholarships to college-bound seniors ranging from $500 to $1000. If you have participated in Odyssey of the Mind and/or Destination Imagination, either in the past or currently, you are eligible to apply. The scholarship money is to be used for college, vocational, or trade school after high school graduation. The application and instructions are available online only at http://www.tvnc.texasdi.org/ under the scholarships tab. All applications are due by February 13, 2009.

B. Davis Scholarship sponsored by ScholarshipQuestHelper.com . This $1,000 scholarship is available to Juniors and Seniors alike. Write an essay of less than 1000 words on one of the following topics:
1) Pick a controversial problem on college campuses today and suggest a solution.
Or 2) What do you believe are the two most challenging issues facing high school students today and what solutions would you offer to solve these issues?
Submit your essay by email to awards@scholarshipquest.com no later than May 30, 2009. For more details and help on finding other scholarships, visit their website at http://www.scholarshipquesthelper.com/ .

Calling all Chefs!!! Johnson & Wales University National High School Chef of the Year contest is open to all Juniors and Seniors. Your entry could win a full scholarship to Johnson & Wales University, the world-renowned culinary educator. Two grand prize winners will personally meet JWU alum Tyler Florence! Entry deadline is February 23, 2009. For more details please visit them online at http://chefcontest.jwu.edu/ .

Have you ordered transcripts yet????
Each of the colleges and universities that you apply to will require an official transcript. Many Texas colleges and universities are now using a free electronic transcript service called TRex. Check with Mrs. Alexander in Records to see if your colleges of choice (in Texas only) use this service. Otherwise you may still order through Docufide at http://www.docufide.com/ . Docufide will send your transcript electronically to any schools you request. The cost per transcript, official or unofficial, is $5.00.

Juniors:

I can't say it enough, you really need to sign up for and take an SAT test!! Now is the time! You have either finished taking (or will finish this semester) taking the classes you need to be successful, dont wait!!! Go to the College Board's website and get started. There is even an opportunity for you to do an interest survey to find colleges that you might want to attend. Check it out!

Sophomores and Freshmen:

Now is the time you should be getting yourself organized and saving important papers and tests like your PSAT results for future use. Get some new spirals, organize your binder, find and use your planner. Start off the spring semester in an organized manner, it is good practice for college!

Mid-Week points of interest: Scholarships and Camps

2009-01-09T11:25:00.001-06:00

As I have mentioned before, one way to get yourself more noticed by the college of your choice is to participate in camps that they offer. Here are a few that are interesting:

Texas A & M is hosting their Whoopin’ Weekend 2009, February 19-21. All sophomores, juniors and seniors are invited to come experience Aggieland firsthand. Register online today! http://arc.tamu.edu/

Attention Junior and Seniors! Texas A & M University is hosting the Student Leaders of Tomorrow (SLOT) Conference. This year’s theme is SLOT 2009: Cruising into Leadership and will be held February 20-22, 2009. The conference is designed to enhance traits of leadership and personal development, besides giving you a first-hand experience at college life. The cost is $90 and covers the conference, meals, room and board and a t-shirt. For registration and other information visit their website http://slot.tamu.edu/ . The deadline for registration is January 15, 2009.

Washington University in St. Louis offers a High School Summer Scholars Program for students who have completed their sophomore or junior year. Get an early taste of college life at Washington University. For more info. go to www.summerscholars.wustl.edu .

The DFW Chapter of the Florida A & M University National Alumni will host a trip to FAMU Annual Spring Preview scheduled for Saturday, March 28th. Juniors and seniors are invited to attend. Scholarships will be awarded, on-the-spot, to qualifying students. If you are interested in participating please reply to Mr. Terrance Hunt, President of the DFW Alumni Chapter, at dfw_famu_alumni@yahoo.com or 214/708-5390.

Scholarhsips are for more than just seniors here are a couple that might be of interest!

Attention Juniors! Discover Financial Services offers a scholarship worth $30,000 (up to 10 awarded) for those of you who have a GPA of 2.75 or higher, can demonstrate accomplishments in Community Service and leadership, and have faced a significant roadblock or challenge. Apply by January 31st at http://www.applyists.net/ .

Best Buy offers a scholarship program open to ALL high school students with solid grades and community service or work experience. Apply online at www.bestbuy.com/scholarships or http://www.at15.com/ .

Wolfie Resolves to Prepare for College!

2009-01-05T15:15:00.000-06:00

Each week I will try to publish a few new pointers for students who are college-minded and just need a few ideas to get them started. The goal is to try to provide college-bound hints for each grade level as we progress through-out the year. I want to answer any questions you may have and hopefully give you some ideas for college preparations! So here goes!

Seniors: BE AWARE!!!

Most colleges have already started accepting applications and some, like A & M and Texas actually close their application period on January 15th!!! Check out: http://applytexas.org/
Ask your favorite teachers for a letter of recommendation, please be very nice and go in prepared with a personal resume' to help your teachers write you a good letter. Most teachers will really appreciate stamped and addressed envelopes to send your rec letters off in. Remember they are doing you a BIG favor!!
Carrollton-Farmers Branch ISD's local scholarship deadline is right around the corner and you should be fillling out the paper work for this go to http://sasiportal.cfbisd.edu:2222/localscholarship/localscholarshiprlt.asp to get the information you need.

Juniors: HEADS UP!!

Have you signed up for an SAT yet? If not now's the time go to http://www.collegeboard.com/student/testing/sat/reg.html to get started with SAT registration! You should definately take at least one SAT test before the end of your Junior year!!
Have you started thinking of schools you might like to attend? If not why not make a trip to local schools like UNT or SMU over spring break? Bring your parents and your friends too! I bet they'd really like to find out about schools as well!
Did you know that schools pay attention to who is attending their summer camp programs? It is a good idea to try to attend at least one of these before you apply. How about UTA? or UTD?

Sophomores: TIME TO GET STARTED!

Organize your important school papers. Include your report cards, PSAT and other test results.

Mark your planner with important upcoming school projects or events that you will be particpating in, this planner should be your basis for beginning your Personal Resume. Don't know what a personal resume is? Check out this example: Resume

Freshmen: WHAT? YOU THOUGHT WE MIGHT FORGET YOU!?

Review your fall extracurricular school activities. Did you balance your activities well with your study time? Were you over-involved or under-involved? Do you want to choose a new activity to join? How about Stuco? Or Leo Club? Or Eco-club?

Resolve to volunteer. Each community has many worthwhile programs that need volunteers.