From the Guidance Department

Third Edition 2016-2017 From the Guidance Department

This issue of “Senior Cues” provides information on many important items: - College representative visits at Madison - Off-campus college information meetings/events - Opportunities at Madison related to career and/or college preparation - College and career related test information - Scholarship information - Application deadlines

Please read the “Senior Cues” on the Madison website (www.neisd.net/madison) Academics follow to Guidance section. This monthly publication is for your use now and for future reference. Other sources of important information include the school’s announcements, Senior Bulletin Board (located just outside the Counseling Office), and the school’s Go Center bulletin board (located inside the Counseling Office). Also, notebooks with senior information are kept in the Go Center. Stop by meet and visit with your counselor:

Kim Stelter…A-Bh Rebecca Hering…Bi-Dia Lorena Tidwell…Dib-Hao Olympia Torres…Hap-Mag Laurie Guerrero…Mah-Pat Tara Hoopes…Pau-Sil Lisa Brandvold…Sim-Z

Need help with college applications, financial aid, or anything else related to college and career p reparation? Visit the Go Center where you will encounter:

. Mr. Kirk Murrell works for Advise TX College Advising Corps. He is available daily from 8:00 AM-5:00 PM to help students and parents with anything college related...SAT/ACT registration, editing college essays, assisting with financial aid and scholarships, plus much more.

. Ms. Melissa Ramos works for the San Antonio Educational Partnership. He is available on Mondays, 8:00AM-5:00PM, to help with scholarships, financial aid, and more.

. Go Center interns are students trained to help with college related material such as the ApplyTexas Application. If you feel more comfortable working with a peer, these students are available every day to assist you with college applications. . Mrs. Norma Cooper, counseling clerk, processes transcript requests and submissions, as well as scholarship applications requiring transcript copies. Also, Mrs. Norma Cooper distributes some scholarship application information such as the annual Bexar County Scholarship Clearing House, as well as a few other scholarship applications not usually accessible via Internet.

The GO CENTER is a college/career help center (located in the Counseling Office) that is facilitated by GO CENTER interns that are trained to assist with the admissions process by utilizing the Apply Texas application, ACT and SAT applications, secu ring FAFSA PIN numbers, as well as college and career searches. We will help assist students and parents with any aspect pertaining to college and/or career preparation, particularly, though not limited to, the navigation process.

The GO CENTER is equipped with computers for student and parent use for the purpose of printing material from various coll eges, and information regarding careers, scholarship information, calendars, checklist for each grade level for college preparati on, and much more.

Throughout the school year, numerous informational sessions are held that may include: college representative visits, financial aid workshops, and weekly sessions with representatives from the San Antonio Education Partnership and Advise TX College Advising Corps that can prove invaluable for students and parents.

Students may sign up to be seen in the GO CENTER by completing a Counselor Request Form online and type in GO CENT ER selection. Parents may schedule appointments with Mrs. Avalos at 356-1475.

Priority Deadline to apply for the following is DECEMBER 1, 2016: - University of Texas at Austin - Texas A&M University College Station - University of Houston

Meeting the deadline is essential, and application items MUST arrive in their Admissions Office by the due date!!!

Application items include: Official transcript SAT/ACT scores Letters of recommendation Online application (Applytexas.org) Essay (included in online application) Resume (for some universities)

 Application items submitted electronically must be submitted before midnight (central time).  Items submitted in paper format must be in an admissions office/center or in the hands of an admissions representative on the deadline date.  If you plan to submit December test scores from your senior year, visit the Testing and Test Scores page for details. (Information is provided from the UT Admissions website)

Applicants should fill out an application early. Once a student creates an account on ApplyTexas, the application can be saved and edited at any time. We recommend that the application be submitted first, followed by the other required documents.

Applicants should be thorough and paint a complete picture of their high school academics and activities. Remember to make complete copies of all application materials for your records prior to submitting the application.

Some colleges and universities also have STRICT DEADLINES. Explore the website of your college of interest for deadlines or visit the GO CENTER for assistance. Stay ORGANIZED. CAMPUS/DISTRICT EVENTS:

 Thursday, March 30-Summa Reception/Ceremony  April 25 – NEISD Career Night from 6:00-8:00 PM at Blossom Athletic Center  Thursday, May 11-Senior Awards Ceremony at Blossom Athletic Center  Sunday, June 4- James Madison Graduation

COLLEGE REPRESENTATIVE VISITS AT MADISON (advance registration in Counseling Office required to obtain a pass):

US Air Force 11/8 11:00 am GoCenter University of the Incarnate Word 11/9 10:00 am GoCenter University of North Texas 11/10 10:00 am GoCenter University of Texas at Austin 11/11 1:30 pm GoCenter St. Mary’s University 11/14 9:00 am GoCenter Chicago College of Performing Arts11/17 9:00 am GoCenter St. Philip’s College 12/1 10:00 am GoCenter Our Lady of the Lake University 12/2 11:00 am GoCenter Midwestern State University 1/11 9:00 am GoCenter

*Posting of college representatives visits will be posted on the Senior Bulletin located on the left wall to the entrance to the counseling office.

Off–Campus Opportunities:

Be a Longhorn campus visits – Register at: http://bealonghorn.utexas.edu/meetus/visit/freshmen

UTSA Road Runner campus visits – Register at: www.utsa.edu/welcomecenter/WCOT/Tours/Individualtours.aspx or call (210) 458-5145

Bobcat Days at Texas State University – Register at: www.admissions.txstate.edu/visit/bobcat- days/bcdsign-up.html or contact the Office of Undergraduate Admissions (512/245-2364) or the Visitors Center (512/245-8871)

Café College Workshops - San Antonio Education Partnership College Access and Success Advisors provide assistance with the following key services: College Admission Assistance, Financial Aid Guidance, Career Exploration, College Applications, Advising, SAT & ACT Preparation; Visit: http://www.cafecollege.org/events-registration

Opportunities for Honors/Awards

Wendy’s High School Heisman Award Program is a self-nominated recognition program for students who have demonstrated leadership and community service during their high school years. Visit www.wendysheisman.com for info and application.

Scholarship Websites Scholarships award money on the basis of merit, skill or a unique characteristic for post-secondary education. Scholarship monies do not have to be paid back.

The College and University websites are excellent sources for finding general and specific scholarships. Other helpful websites are:

 www.fastweb.com

 www.scholarships.com

 www.collegeboard.com

 www.salliemae.com

 www.costep.com

 www.collegefortexans.com

 www.nelnet.com

 Search www.google.com topics such as scholarships, Texas scholarships, Coca Cola scholarships, Target scholarship, Ronald McDonald scholarships, etc.

 At www.alamo.edu, click on “Financial Aid” then click on “Scholarships,” “Scholarship forms,” to download the “Alamo Colleges Scholarship Application” and the Scholarship Listing.”

2016-2017 SAT Test Dates www.collegeboard.com

Test Date Normal Deadline Late Registration* Online Score Release

October 1, 2016 September 1, 2016 Sept 20, 2016 October 27, 2016

November 5, 2016 October 7, 2016 October 25, 2016 November 29, 2016

December 3, 2016 November 3, 2016 November 22, 2016 December 23, 2016

January 21, 2017 December 21, 2016 January 10, 2017 February 16, 2017

March 11, 2017 February 10, 2017 February 28, 2017 March 28, 2017

May 6, 2017 April 7, 2017 April 25, 2017 May 23, 2017

June 3, 2017 May 9, 2017 May 24, 2017 June 20, 2017

*The late registration deadline is one week earlier if you are registering by mail.

The College Board administers the SAT on Saturdays, with more tests offered in the fall. If you can't take the test on Saturday for religious or other reasons, Sunday alternate dates are usually available. 2016-2017 ACT DATES www.act.org

Test Date Registration Deadline (Late Fee Required) September 10, 2016 August 7, 2016 August 8-19, 2016 October 22, 2016 September 16, 2016 September 17-30, 2016 December 10, 2016 November 4, 2016 November 5-18, 2016 February 11, 2017* January 13, 2017 January 14-20, 2017 April 8, 2017 March 3, 2017 March 4-17, 2017 June 10, 2017 May 5, 2017 May 6-19, 2017

Texas Success Initiative (TSI) - Placement test required by Texas law to assess entering undergraduate students’ academic skill levels in math, reading, and writing and to determine students’ readiness to enroll in college-level coursework; visit: www.thecb.state.tx.us/DE/TSI (See item #1 TSI Statute and THECB Rules Applying to Testing and Developmental Education for information; click on TSI/Exemptions as you may be eligible); consult with your college of choice for registration and information.

Important Things to Remember All Year

. Authorization for Release of Student Records must be turned in and kept on file with Mrs. Killough in the Go Center in order for transcripts to be mailed or released to colleges, scholarship entities, military recruiters, and others. . All official transcripts must be mailed directly by the Madison Counseling Office to the indicated destination. No one may hand-carry an official transcript. Make sure to allow at least 5 working days for processing. . Senior Information Form must be kept on file in the Counseling Office. This form serves as the key (next to your resume) to help counselors and teachers become acquainted with you, especially for scholarship consideration. . Athletes must file NCAA forms online at www.ncaaclearinghouse.net or see Mrs. Welsh, Registrar, in the Counseling Office if you have specific questions. . Register to take the SAT and/or ACT . Senior males must register with Selective Service within 30 days of their eighteenth birthday. Students may register online at www.sss.gov or at the local post office. . Remember to turn in all college admission or scholarship applications at least one week before the deadline in order to facilitate processing and mailing. . Please adhere to the Counseling Office deadlines on all scholarship applications to ensure timely processing.

Military Dependents: Students who are military dependents are eligible for free test prep software provided by NFL football players. Also check for Financial Aid Details. For more information, visit www.militarychild.org .

Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) - Complete application to determine eligibility for financial aid which includes grants, work-study, scholarships, and student loans. Apply online at www.fafsa.edu.gov ; application available NOW.

Important Local Contacts

Café College is located at 131 El Paso Street, San Antonio, Texas 78204. Visit online @ www.cafecollege.org or (201) 229-9900 Minnie Stevens Piper Foundation Student Aid Center - (210) 525-8494 - 1250 N.E. Loop 410, # 810 Texas A&M Prospective Student Center - (210) 212-7016 - 40 N.E. Loop 410 Texas Tech University SA Office -(210) 614-7576 -4319 Medical Dr 78229 University of Texas at Austin Prospective Student Center - (210) 562-4665 - 1123 N. Main Ave. Suite 200

Other Information

For graduating high school seniors wanting early admission to Medical School, TAMU has the Partnership for Primary Care Pr ogram. This is an early admissions program that guarantees a space in our College of Medicine. Students will find informatio n at this web address: http://cbhec.tamhsc.edu/hcp/early-admissions/com-ppc.html The A&M Undergraduate Universities have the JAMP program and students wishing for early acceptance to Medical School c an find information by clicking the following: http://cbhec.tamhsc.edu/hcp/early-admissions/jamp.html For the Baylor College of Dentistry early admission opportunities, you can check here for information: http://cbhec.tamhsc.edu/hcp/early-admissions/cod.html For an early admissions opportunity at the Rangel College of Pharmacy, you can check here for information: http://cbhec.tamhsc.edu/hcp/early-admissions/cop-eao.html To find information on all the Texas A&M Universities, you may go here and click on each schools website: http://cbhec.tamhsc.edu/hcp/early-admissions/colleges-and-universities/index.html For more information on the graduate school of the Texas A&M Health Science Center, you may click on the following: http://www.tamhsc.edu/ Other information useful to parents, students, and teachers. This information can be found at the following: http://cbhec.tamhsc.edu/hcp/early-admissions/index.html

Helpful Websites www.SchoolSoup.com - college search and scholarships www.fastweb.com - scholarships www.collegefortexans.com -college preparation, career planning www.MeritAid.com - scholarships www.tamu.edu - Texas A&M admissions, financial aid information http://bealonghorn.utexas.edu/freshmen - University of Texas information for prospective students https://web1.ncaa.org/eligibilitycenter/common - senior athletes planning to participate in college sports http://www.collegeconfidential.com - chat live with reps from colleges about campuses, majors, financial aid, etc. www.collegeweeklive.com – world’s largest college fair online www.findtuition.com – provides free college, scholarship, and career resources to help with college planning www.everychanceeverytexan.org/about/scholars/- Compendium of Texas Colleges and Financial Aid Calendar.