College
Admissions
The college admissions process can be a monstrous task
without careful planning and attention. Requests for transcripts,
teacher and counselor recommendations and meeting the
application deadline are just some of the issues delt
with during the already hectic senior year. At Plano though,
our dedicated staff works assiduously in assisting students
with their quest for a higher education. From preparation
with college essays in English class to meetings with
guidance counselors, Plano students are by far the most
informed on preparing for a higher education.
The Basics
The
college admissions process begins far ahead of one's senior
year. Depending on which college a student plans to attend,
there are several requirements that students should be
informed of. As a general rule of thumb, students themselves
should research the specific requirements and expectations
necessary for admissions, including:
Class
Credits
eg. # of foreign language credits |
School
Involvement
eg. School sponsored clubs |
State/National
Exams
eg. SAT Reasoning & Subject Tests, ACT, TAKS, TSI |
Extracurricular
Activity
eg. Volunteer services |
Entrance
Essays
eg. "Describe your aspirations" |
Financial
Requirements
eg. Tuition |
Recommendation(s)
eg. Teacher or Counselor |
Deadlines
and Dates
eg. Early Decision |
Many colleges in today's high-tech society have provided
for prospective students a gateway of information through
their websites. So do a little research ahead of time
to keep your senior year free of stress and hassle!
For students who plan on applying to any Texas college,
visit www.applytexas.org
for up-to-date information on your favorite college.
College Planning Calendar
Your
Junior Year:
- Take the PSAT.
- Attend College & Financial Aid Nights.
- Develop your list of potential colleges and majors.
- Memorize your social security number.
- Be well rounded and get involved!
- Write colleges to get specific information.
- Go on college visits.
- Take the SAT Reasoning or ACT in Spring.
- Consider a college visit in conjunction with any summer
travels you (and your family) may take.
Your
Senior Year:
- Reduce your preliminary college list to approximately
four to five colleges.
- Get application forms and
Financial Aid information (Online for Each College).
- Re-take the SAT Reasoning/ACT, if needed.
- Visit Colleges.
- Take the SAT Subject Tests, if needed.
- Fill out your Counselor Recommendation Packet, if you
will be needing one.
- Check college deadlines carefully.
- Complete and mail the FAFSA form, and if required, the
CSS.
Requesting a Transcript
For information about transcripts, go to the Registrar's Page.
Requesting a Counselor/
Teacher Recommendation
Follow
the following steps, if you need a counselor recommendation:
1)
Print the application(s) from
the college(s).
2) Pick up a Blue Packet from your counselor, counseling
receptionist or fill it out online. Be sure to read instructions
carefully before filling it out.
3) Complete your part and distribute the Teacher
Reports. Teachers need three weeks to fill
out their part of the Teacher Report. Remember
this is not the same as asking them to write you a letter
of recommendation.
4) If you ask your teacher to write you a letter of
recommendation please give them a stamped, addressed
envelope. Ask them to mail the letter directly to the
college by the application deadline. Have them include
your full name and social security number on their letter.
5) Be sure the counselor has all the above
information before requesting a counselor recommendation.
6) Complete your part of the Counselor Recommendation
form from the college application and give it to your counselor
at least three weeks prior to the deadline.
Submitting the Application
A)
If the college requires all application materials to be
mailed together...
- Take your completed application to the Registrar’s
Office.
- Fill out the Transcript Request form.
- Check the "Hold for Counselor" box to indicate
that more material is being added.
- Once the Counselor Recommendation goes to the Registrar,
the transcript will be added and all materials
will be mailed together.
B) If you mail the application materials...
-
Request the transcript and check the "Hold for Counselor"
box.
- Make sure you indicate that an application WILL NOT
be added before mailing.
- The Registrar will mail the Counselor Recommendation
with the transcript.
C) If the college does not require all application
materials to be mailed together...
- Fill out transcript request in the Registrar’s
Office.
- The Registrar will mail your transcript.
D) Colleges that require Mid-Year Reporting...
- Fill out your part of the Mid-Year report.
- Turn in the form to your counselor AFTER winter break.
- Include a stamped, addressed envelope.
