Slide 1

Senior Steps For SuccessBrought to you by the Refugio High School Counselors Office

Created by: Jace SternadelClass of 2009

What Do I Do Now?

Military? College? Work?Self KnowledgeWhat are your-GoalsAbilitiesInterestsValuesSkillsKnow where youre going, and how you expect to get there.

College Day-November 20th Organized college visits through the counselors office.Seniors have one day of their choice to visit college campuses. Visit www.refugioisd.net for more information.

The college search beginsSAT and ACT: Tests scores are important in the application process. See the Counselors Corner on the RISD website for registration deadlines.THEA- Texas Higher Education AssessmentExemptions- SAT, ACT, or TAKS scores may exempt students from taking the THEA.Testing

1, 2, 3Two-year collegeFour-year universitiesTechnical SchoolsDoes the college you want to attend have the program you want to study?

Types of Institutions

Texas Common Application, located at www.applytexas.org.This is the only application available for 4-year public colleges in Texas, as well as most 2-year colleges.Most colleges and universities prefer online applications to traditional paper apps.

Lose the Pen and Paper

Check deadlines NOW! Many major universities use information from the Texas Common Application, particularly the essays, in the scholarship process. Scholarship offices require their own copy of transcripts, letters of recommendation, and essays.

Institution Specific ScholarshipsEmphasis on the please! Let the counselors office know at least a week before your deadline.Transcript request form is on the school website, www.refugioisd.net, under the Counselors Corner.

Transcript please!

Refugio High SchoolNow is the time to request these from teachers, administrators, and community leaders.Consider your audience.Be sure to give the author of these letters plenty of time to complete the task.Follow up with a thank you letter.Letters Of Recommendation

Admissions officers read 50 or more application essays a day. Make yours stand out.Avoid clichs. Read. Re-read. Ask an English teacher or your counselor (an ex-English teacher) to proofread and give constructive criticism. Essays

Students who: Think globally, and act locally.Can handle the academic workload.Will contribute to college life.Demonstrate the qualities of a well-rounded student.Thinks clearly, logically, creatively, and abstractly.

What are they looking for?

Be honest.Tell your story in your voice.Write about something with which you are familiar.Personalize your essay.Write authentically. Watch your tone

Be organized and consistent.Sort items by grade level (most recent first).Sort items by category.Log community service hours.Avoid repetition.

Writing Your Resume

You must complete NCAA Clearinghouse application at www.ncaaclearinghouse.org.Send transcript.Have SAT or ACT scores sent directly.Scores sent from RHS are not accepted.Athletics in College

A journey of a thousand milesbegins with a single step - Confucious