Welcome to the Counselor's Corner! |
ATTENTION SENIORS & PARENTS Start planning early! Seniors are allowed 2 college days to go visit campuses they may be interested in attending. Doing this early can help narrow down your search. Be sure to pay extra close attention to application and scholarship deadlines for the schools you are interested in. |
SCHOLARSHIP OPPORTUNITIES |
SCHOLARSHIP INFORMATION WILL BE AVAILABLE HERE AS IT BECOMES AVAILABLE. CHECK BACK OFTEN.
Financial Aid Monthly Action Plan - Knowing what to do when to maximize financial aid is difficult. Many consultants charge thousands of dollars to help students/parents follow a plan. There has been a newsletter created that gives specific instructions each month on exactly what to do- what forms to fill out, what research to do, what actions to take, etc. You can see the first issue at http://financialaidtips.com/FinancialAidTips.htm . You can sign up to receive it free at www.newsletter.financialaidtips.com . Also new is the Free "Scholarship of the Day" . Because scholarships are becoming more difficult to find, a "scholarship of the day" is being posted that provides a quick overview to one specific scholarship each day. Students/parents can go to a website to find it or track each day via Facebook (become a fan of FinancialAidTips.com page), Twitter (ScholarshipFund) or view directly at www.scholarships.financialaidtips.com . While not all scholarships will apply to all students, this will give you a way to determine in about 20 seconds if the day's posting is one they should pursue. Many that are posted are little-known which means less competitive.
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HELPFUL LINKS FOR THE COLLEGE BOUND STUDENT |
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CAREER PLANNING |
Explore Careers, College Majors, and Interests by visiting CareerCruising.com Username: MCLEOD Password: 75565
Career and Technical Education is designed to help educators promote student success by making strong connections between learning and life. It is based on the philosophy that a student's achievement will improve when there is internal motivation and relevance. That motivation is likely to increase if there is a strong connection between the classroom and the student's world of reality.
CAREER AND TECHNICAL EDUCATION MISSION STATEMENT Our mission is to provide opportunities for students to acquire 21st century academic and technical skills needed for entry into the global workforce and/or postsecondary education and prepare for their future roles as citizens, leaders, and contributors within the global community. For detailed information regarding career clusters go to www.achievetexas.com. Some of the Career Clusters offered at McLeod High School: Agriculture, Food & Natural Resources Arts, A/V Technology & Communications Business, Management & Administration Health Science Human Services Science, Technology, Engineering, & Mathematics |
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2010-2011 ACT & SAT TESTING INFORMATION |
ACT and SAT registration packets will be available in the counselor's office in the fall or can be completed on-line now. UPCOMING TEST DATES: ACT TEST DATES / REGISTRATION DEADLINE September 11, 2010 / August 6, 2010 October 23, 2010 / September 17, 2010 December 11, 2010 / November 5, 2010 February 12, 2011 / January 7, 2011 April 9, 2011 / March 4, 2011 June 11, 2011/ May 6, 2011 SAT TEST DATES / REGISTRATION DEADLINE
What are the differences between the ACT and SAT? |
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EXPLORING, PLANNING, & PREPARING FOR COLLEGE |
JUNIORS
Fall Begin thinking about your abilities, preferences, and personal qualities Begin searching colleges on-line and in person Take either the ACT or SAT (or both) Attend college/career fair at Texarkana College Create an account at www.ACT.org or www.collegeboard.com to help you get organized Share your college plans with your high school counselor Sign up to take the PSAT/NMSQT at school Begin taking practice ACT/SAT tests Plan to attend the Financial Aid workshop in the area if available. Winter Review your PSAT/NMSQT score report in December or January Continue seeking information on possible college majors and college choices at either www.ACT.org or www.collegeboard.com Use this time to organize a portfolio of school activities and accomplishments Study for exams and keep up your GPA Spring Visit several local colleges to get a feel for what works for you Develop a list of 3-5 colleges you are seriously considering Take another ACT or SAT Sign up for classes your senior year that are challenging Increase community service hours by volunteering at local charities Summer Integrate campus tours into your vacation plans Request applications and financial aid information from the colleges you are serious about Check important dates at those colleges; some colleges have early deadlines or rolling admissions SENIORS Fall Register for either the ACT or SAT Begin taking practice ACT/SAT tests Narrow your college search to 3 colleges Create a calendar with important dates from those colleges *test dates, fees, and deadlines *application due dates and fees *financial aid deadlines *recommendations and transcripts due dates *high school transcript request deadlines Request a copy of your transcript from the counselor Visit the colleges you are seriously considering in person Ask for recommendations. Give each person your resume and any forms Write first drafts of your application essays and ask teachers, parents, and friends to read them If applicable, register with NCAA Winter Go over all applications to ensure that you know what information must be submitted Remember that most regular applications are due between January 1 and February 15. Honors colleges may have earlier deadlines Keep copies of everything you send to colleges Have your high school counselor send your official transcript to colleges Remind your parents to file their taxes early so that you can send in the FAFSA Keep copies of everything Check McLeod website for scholarship information Spring Receive acceptance letters and financial aid offers by mid-April Evaluate financial aid offers from colleges with the expected cost of living Visit your final choice before accepting, if you haven't already Set up a meeting with the Financial Aid department at that college Set up an appointment with the Housing Department Make a calendar of due dates for fees and deposits Summer Have your high school send a final transcript to your college If applicable, send a final transcript to NCAA Finalize financial aid paperwork Read all orientation materials Spend time with your family and get ready for the exciting year ahead! |
Nyla Dowd, Counselor K-12 ♦ 903-796-7181 x1006 ♦ ndowd@mcleodisd.net |
