Seniors, 2011

Your senior year at IWA is fast approaching. What should you be doing?

The fall semester is a time for applying to colleges.  There are many things in the next months that you will need to accomplish. The best way to do this is to be organized, and do not procrastinate.  Here are some things to consider:

• Check out all college websites that you are interested in
• Write down their due dates for application and scholarship application
• Finish up that revised resume
• Ask for letters of recommendation from teachers, community members for whom you have completed service hours, church contacts, etc.  Give them a copy of your resume to make their letter easier for them to write.  Give them ample time to write a quality letter for you.  Always ask, do not assume, that they have time or want to write a letter of recommendation for you.
• Start working on those essay questions ASAP!  Remember that your essay needs to be a good representation of your ideas, experiences, and what you can offer the university to which you are applying.
• Keep a spreadsheet of what you have done for each university, so that you do not get confused.
• Fill out the green transcript request form and return to Mrs. Novak.  List all colleges to which you plan to apply. 
• Do not wait until the spring to start working on that ApplyTexas form.  That is too late! 
• If you have any questions and need help, visit one of your counselors.  We are here to help!

GOOD LUCK!

Also check out:

·         FAFSA4caster is an online tool that helps students and parents determine their current eligibility for federal student aid. Students and parents are encouragee to check out www.fafsa4caster.ed.gov to learn how much aid they would receive if they applied today.

      ·         MyFSA is an online account that provides students with access to college and scholarship searches, career and self-assessment tools, and other valuable resources regarding college and financial aid. Students can learn about MyFSA's various functions and set up MyFSA accounts at www.FederalStudentAid.ed.gov/myfsa.

All students are encouraged to make the most of their semesters and summer.  To get the most out of your time, be active and spend your time doing something productive such as working, volunteering, or planning for college.

• Find a job - If possible, find a job that you enjoy and will help you with your long term career aspirations.  For example, if your goal is to be a teacher, look for jobs that will allow you to work with students in some capacity like a student tutor or camp counselor position.  Only take on a job if your grades will not suffer.  Grades are of utmost importance to college acceptance.
  
• Volunteer - Volunteering is a great way to help your community, enhance your skills, improve your resume, and add experiences to your college and scholarship applications.  You can find opportunities at food banks, homeless shelters, hospitals or anywhere else in your community.
  
• Create a resume - This should be a record of your accomplishments, activities, and work experiences since you began high school.  Include your volunteering experience and any awards or recognition you have received.  Leadership positions in clubs or organizations should also be listed.  A resume is vital when you ask faculty or friends for letters of recommendation.  If they have all of the information about you at their fingertips, the letter they write for you will benefit.
  
• Plan for college - The summer is a good time to research schools and narrow you options.  Search various college and university websites for general information about schools, admissions requirements and tuition costs.  Download applications and make a note of due dates and essay topics.  Remember - there is never an "optional essay" - always do it!
  
• Visit the colleges you have narrowed your search to.  By doing this you can learn more about their academics, student and campus life, financial aid options and to get a more intimate feel for the campus. 
  
• If you need to improve your SAT and/or ACT scores, use the summertime to do it.  Take a prep class and register for a test date.  Test scores weigh heavily in college acceptances.
  
• Consider this when you are applying to schools:  Even if you know exactly where you wish to attend, and you know you will get accepted, DO NOT only apply to one school.  According to the College Financial Advisors, applying to 6-10 schools will increase your likelihood of receiving scholarships from colleges. 

REMEMBER:

In the College Board's Annual Survey (Fall 2006), 1,946 four-year colleges rated six factors as "very important or important" in being indicators of success in college.

                                   School Achievement          89%

                             Test Scores                         85%

                             Recommendations             48%

                             Essay                                   43%

                             Interview                            31%

                             Activities                            30%

Percentages are based on the number of institutions identifying the factor as a priority.

Incarnate Word Academy / 609 Crawford Street / Houston, Texas 77002 / 713.227.3637 / fax: 713.227.1014