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Counselor » Counselor's Corner

Counselor's Corner

Welcome to the Counselor's Corner!
 
 
Here you will find valuable information to help you get a jump start on life after high school including the college application process, scholarship information, financial aid, ACT testing, and more.  Please see the categories on the right for specific information.
 
If you have any questions about the following  information, please email [email protected]. 
 
 
 
 

Senior Monthly Planner


August/September


  • Ask your counselor for information on college entrance exams, ACT, SAT, and register to take the appropriate test(s). I also will have study guides available.
  • Use the Texas Common Application for admission if you are applying to one of the 35 public universities in Texas: www.goapplytexas.org. Applying online can save you time; complete the application once and send it directly to as many of these public universities as you choose. There’s an application fee for universities. If you are on free or reduced lunches, you may qualify for an application fee waiver. You can also apply to many junior colleges through Apply Texas.

  • Tell your counselor when you apply to an institution so that school records and test scores can be sent
  • If you’ve taken dual credit classes, you will need to request those transcripts to be sent to the school where you’re applying. 
  • Schedule tours to visit the university/college(s) you are interested in. You have two college days for this purpose. You must bring back something from the campus you visit and give to Mrs. Ragland for attendance purposes.
  • Set up Fastweb account

October


  • Plan to submit the FASFA as soon as December. We will have a FAFSA night to complete together. The sooner you submit your FASFA, the better the chance for a good financial package. You can also use your 2023 tax information to complete this year’s FAFSA.
  • Apply at www.fasfa.ed.gov
  • Keep track of college application deadlines. Some universities set deadlines in early December. Fill out the application carefully. Check to see if an admission essay is required at the institution which you are applying to. 
  • Build your resume. You will need one! You can add to it throughout the year. Come see me if you need help.
  • Be thinking about people you would want to be your references. Some colleges and most scholarship applications want reference letters from two to three teachers. Pick teachers who you know well. Don’t wait until the last minute to ask for letters of recommendation. Be sure to thank those people who wrote letters for you.




November

  • If the college you are applying to has a December deadline, complete your application. Give the teachers who are writing letters of recommendation a stamped, addressed envelope for mailing your reference letters if they need to be mailed separately.
  • Check into the housing requirements of the college you plan on attending and consider sending in your housing deposit as soon as possible to reserve the dorm you would like.

December


  • Check Deadlines for applications and scholarships.
  • Finish all college applications, despite later deadlines.

January


  • Check with the counselor to see if you need to take the TSI or retake any sections you did not pass.
  • Get your meningitis shot this semester, if you have not already. All colleges/universities require this immunization before a student can begin classes on campus.

February

  • Work on scholarship applications! Many state and local scholarships are due in February, March, or April. Again, ask for letters of recommendation EARLY.

March

  • Continue working on scholarship applications
  • Continue sending out any information that your college requests.

April 

  • You should hear if you’re accepted to the school of your choice by now. If you applied to other schools, contact the admissions office to let them know you will not be attending by letter or email. This will open up your admission spot to another student who wishes to attend that college or university.

May

    • The college you plan to attend will send you information on orientation dates, housing deposits, course schedules, and information on enrolling. Plan to attend orientation sessions to which you are assigned (some schools let you pick the date).
  • GRADUATION

*****Remember to reapply for federal financial aid (FAFSA) each fall and continue to apply for scholarships.


I am usually on campus Monday and Tuesday of each week. Parents, feel free to call me at school (325)282-2311. I also check my email on a daily basis and will get back to you as soon as I can: [email protected].