MHS	Counselor’s Corner
SENIOR 2008 GRADUATES’ PARENT & STUDENT HANDBOOK
MONAHANS HIGH SCHOOL GUIDANCE OFFICE
MONAHANS HIGH SCHOOL 809 S. Betty Ave. (432) 943-2519 ~~ Click bus to return to the top of page ~~
HIGH SCHOOL ADMINISTRATIVE OFFICERS
Keith Richardson, Superintendent
Kellye Riley, Principal
Kayla Lewis, Secretary Gina Dixon, Secretary
GUIDANCE AND COUNSELING
Kim Thomas, Counselor Doug Doege, Counselor
STUDENT SERVICES
Roy Rutledge, Assistant Principal Lucy Moya, Attendance Clerk

MONAHANS HIGH SCHOOL

GUIDANCE OFFICE

809 S. Betty

Monahans, TX 79756

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Dear Seniors and Parents:

            This handbook has been prepared primarily to assist high school seniors in the selection of and admission to a college or vocational-technical school.  It is not intended to take the place of a conference with your counselor.  It is a resource for your personal use and future reference.  Every effort will be made by the counselor to help you in any way possible.  If you need assistance, please feel free to make an appointment for a conference.

            The senior year is a very important and exciting time in your life as you begin the final preparations for either college, vocational-technical school, the armed services or employment.  This handbook explains and simplifies the process of college admissions and financial aid, a process that is at times mind-boggling and seems endless.  Hopefully,  this handbook will give you the assistance you need to make the transition from high school to college or vocational-technical school.

            Please visit the counseling and guidance office.  We have numerous resource guides that you may check out as well as college catalogues, applications for admission, scholarship information, test preparation materials, test registration packets, and financial aid information and applications.  Your dreams can become reality with careful planning and preparation.

                                                                        Sincerely,

Doug Doege Kim Thomas

Doug Doege, Counselor

Kim Thomas, Counselor

TABLE OF CONTENTS
~~All underlined labels are linked for your convenience~~

Recommendations for Using Handbook	5
Facing the Options	6
COLLEGE PLANNING	7
College Plan	7
Factors to Consider in College Selection	7
College Admission Checklist	8
Resumes and Letters of Recommendation	10
College Orientation	10
Testing Information	11
ACT	11
SAT I: Reasoning Tests	12
SAT II: Subject Tests	13
Advanced Placement Tests	13
Texas Higher Education Assessment THEA (TASP)	13
College Not For You?	14
Career Technology Training at Public or Private Schools	15
ACADEMICS / ROTC	16
SCHOLARSHIPS	18
FINANCIAL AID	18
Educational Expenses and Financial Aid	18
Finding Out about Student Aid	18
Sources You Should Use to Find Out About Financial Aid	19
Financial Aid for Texas Students	20
Federal Student Aid—General Information	22
Student Eligibility	22
The Application Process	22
Records Needed	23
Student Aid Report	24
Telephone Numbers	25
Financial Aid Checklist	25
TEST DATE CALENDARS	28
STUDENT HOLIDAYS	29
RECORDS RELEASE FORM	30
SAMPLE LETTERS	31
SAMPLE FINANCIAL AID APPLICATION LETTER	32
SAMPLE RESUME	33
COLLEGE FACT SHEET	34
WEB ADDRESSES	35
SENIOR CALENDAR	38
2007-2008 ACADEMIC CALENDAR	39

RECOMMENDATIONS FOR USING THIS HANDBOOK

v Read this handbook from cover to cover and become thoroughly familiar with all of the information it contains.

v Use the calendar on pages 38 to help you keep up with important dates, events, and deadlines. Write the correct date on the calendar anytime you complete a task—i.e., mail: applications, letters, test registrations, etc.

v Use the College Admission Checklist to ensure that you are completing all required forms.

v Share this handbook with your parents. Most parents want to be actively involved in college and career planning.

FACING THE OPTIONS

What Are Your Choices?

v 4 Years of College or University?

v 2 Years of Junior or Community College?

v Vocational-Technical School?

v Night classes with day employment?

v Apprenticeship?

v Armed Services?

v Full-time employment?

v Marriage?

v Any combination of these?

The Counseling and Guidance Office will be happy to assist you in looking at your options and in searching for more information.

DON’T WAIT FOR IT TO HAPPEN,

MAKE IT HAPPEN!

If you want to succeed, plan—set goals—work toward your goals. The responsibility for making your dreams a reality is ultimately yours

COLLEGE PLANS

A student who plans to enter college after high school should know the requirements for entrance into the college he / she plans to enter.  The requirements for entrance vary with different colleges and tend to change from year to year. 

Selecting the right college to meet your abilities, ambitions and needs is one of the most important decisions you will make as a young adult.  In most instances, there is a wide selection of colleges available which will meet your needs.  Selecting the college that is just right for you can be an overwhelming task unless you study the differences between colleges and set priorities that are important to you. 

FACTORS TO CONSIDER IN COLLEGE SELECTION

SIZE: Very small (500) to very large (34,000+)

LOCATION: At home, close to home, far from home, in-state, out-of-state

KIND: Public, private, church-related, 2-year, 4-year

COST: Includes tuition, fees, books, room & board, travel expenses, miscellaneous expenditures

ADMISSION What are the course requirements? Is a particular class rank

REQUIREMENTS: required? Are test scores required? Are test scores tied to class

rank—or, must you present a minimum score depending on class rank?

CURRICULUM Does the college have adequate programs of instruction in the area

& DEGREES in which you intend to major?

OFFERED:

PHYSICAL Appropriate classrooms, laboratories, libraries and dormitories

FACILITIES:

FINANCIAL AID: What financial aid is available? How much financial aid? Any special types of financial aid or scholarships unique to the college?

TRANSFER OF Will credits earned at this institution be recognized by other

CREDITS: colleges should you decide to transfer.

EXTRA- Does the college offer a variety of activities, including athletic

CURRICULAR programs, which are of interest to you?

ACTIVITIES:

COLLEGE ADMISSIONS CHECKLIST

(Hint: Check off as you complete)

____ 1. Register for and take the ACT and or the SAT Reasoning Test as early as possible during the fall semester of your senior year. This is so the processing of your applications to college will not be delayed. (It takes about 4-5 weeks to receive your test scores.)

____ 2. By early fall of your senior year, select the colleges / universities or vocational schools in which you are interested. If necessary, narrow your choices down to three or four. (See the section on selecting a college [COLLEGE PLANS] on page 7.

____ 3. Check the admission requirements for each college or vocational school you have selected. This will help you determine if you meet or will be able to meet the admission criteria.

v Required high school courses

v Required college entrance test and minimum test scores

v Required additional tests

v Vocational or Technical Aptitude Tests

____ 4. Check out the college catalogues from the counseling & guidance office. If catalogue is not available, write to the office of admissions to request one. (See sample letter on page 31.)

____ 5. Complete a COLLEGE FACT SHEET for each college you are considering. (Blank fact sheet is on page 34).

____ 6. Obtain applications for admission from the Counseling and Guidance Office or request one from the office of admissions of the college of your choice. (See sample letter on page 31).

____ 7. Complete the application for admission and mail it along with any other required forms (health forms, essays, letters of recommendation, etc.) and any applicable fees that may be required to process your application. Be sure to meet admission deadlines.

____ 8. Pick up a RECORDS RELEASE FORM (see sample on page 30) from the Registrar. Complete it and return it signed to the Registrar. The first two transcripts are free. Additional transcripts may be obtained for $1.00 each.

____ 9. If you plan to stay in the dorms, apply for housing by completing an application and submitting the required deposits and fees by the housing deadline. Remember, some colleges require freshmen to live on campus.

____10. Register to take the TASP test if you do not qualify for an exemption based on your SAT, ACT, or Exit-Level TAKS test scores. Take the THEA before enrolling in college.

____11. If you have earned concurrent credit through Odessa College, arrange to have your credit transferred. Request Odessa College to send your college transcript to the college of your choice. Record Release forms for Odessa College are available in the Counseling Center.

____12. Complete the College Fact Sheet for each college you apply to for admission. (Blank forms are on page 34.)

____13. Make copies of all letters and applications. (KEEP ON FILE.)

____14. If you have not heard from the college within a month or two of mailing the application, contact the Office of Admissions to verify that your application has been received and your file is complete. If your file is not complete, follow-up with whatever is missing.

____15. In January, pick up the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA). Complete it as soon as possible after your parents have completed their Income Tax Return. (Refer to page 25 for the (FINANCIAL AID CHECKLIST.)

____16. Complete all other financial aid applications and forms required by the college. Make sure you meet all the financial aid application deadlines.

PLEASE NOTE: Before any prospective student will be considered for financial aid by the college, he / she must have been accepted for admission. However, do NOT wait until you have been granted admission before applying for financial aid. Remember, an application for financial aid does not constitute an application for admission.

RESUMES & LETTERS OF RECOMMENDATION

As you apply for admission to a college, for scholarships, or for jobs, you will find that you may have to ask someone to write a letter of recommendation for you. A resume is also a very important part of the application process. It is definitely most helpful to the person whom you ask to write a letter of recommendation for you. It helps them to remember and to include or comment upon all of your accomplishments.

GUIDELINES FOR LETTERS OF RECOMMENDATION:

v Be courteous to the people you ask to write a letter of recommendation.

v Time Period – Ask the person several days in advance of the due date, or even weeks before. A good recommendation requires time and thought.

v Give them the complete information needed such as name, address and a resume.

v Furnish a stamped envelope.

*NEVER ask a person to write a recommendation letter the same day it is due!!

COLLEGE ORIENTATION

Most colleges provide orientation sessions for college freshmen during the summer prior to their attendance in the fall. Information concerning these sessions is mailed to the student upon receipt of his/her application for admission.

These orientation sessions are most valuable. Every effort is made to assist freshmen in bridging the gap between high school and college. Students are also allowed to register for fall classes and are counseled as to course selection and college majors.

GENERAL INFORMATION FOR THE ACT ASSESSMENT PROGRAM, SAT I: REASONING TESTS,

SAT II: SUBJECT TESTS,

ADVANCED PLACEMENT TESTS AND THEA

1. Before you choose a test date, consider the application deadlines of the colleges and scholarship programs that are of interest to you. It takes about 4-5 weeks after the test date for the college or scholarship agency to receive your test scores. Make sure that your scores will arrive in time to meet the deadlines.

2. If you do not score as well as you believe you can, retake the test.

3. Your test scores may be reported to colleges / scholarship agencies of your choice and may be used to determine your admission status and eligibility for scholarships

ACT ASSESSMENT PROGRAM

The ACT Assessment includes four curriculum-based tests that measure student’s educational development in English, Mathematics, Reading, and Science Reasoning. A student’s performance on these tests has a direct relationship to his or her academic development. There is also an optional writing portion.

English Test:

The English Test is a 75-question, 45-minute test that measures the student’s understanding of the conventions of standard written English (punctuation, grammar, and sentence structure) and of rhetorical skills (strategy, organization, and style.) Spelling, vocabulary, and rote recall as rules of grammar are not tested. The test consists of five prose passages, each of which is accompanied by a sequence of multiple-choice test questions.

Mathematics Test:

The Mathematics Test is a 60-question, 60-minute test designed to assess the mathematical skills that students have typically acquired in courses taken up to the beginning of grade 12. The test consists of 60 multiple-choice test questions, some of which are illustrated with a table, graph, chart, or diagram as appropriate. Questions are classified according to 6 content areas. Those are: pre-algebra, elementary algebra, intermediate algebra, coordinate geometry, plane geometry, and trigonometry.

Reading Test:

The Reading Test is a 40-question, 35-minute test that measures the student’s reading comprehension as a product of skill in referring and reasoning. The test comprises four prose passages that are representative of the level and kinds of texts commonly encountered in college freshman curricula.

Science Reasoning Test:

The Science Reasoning Test is a 40-Question, 35-minute test that measures the student’s interpretation, analysis, evaluation, reasoning, and problem-solving skills required in the natural science. The scientific information is conveyed in one of three different formats. Those formats include: data representation, research summaries, and conflicting viewpoints.

Writing Test (Optional):

The Writing Test is a 30-minute essay test that measures your writing skills – specifically those skills emphasized in high school English and entry-level college courses.

SAT I: REASONING TEST

The SAT I: Reasoning Test is a three-hour test, primarily multiple-choice, that measures critical thinking and mathematical reasoning abilities related to successful performance in college.

Mathematical

The mathematical test consists of two 30-minute sections plus one 15-minute section. Calculator use is permitted, but they are not required. Ten questions require students to produce their own responses and enter them in special grids on the answer sheet. Emphasis is on data interpretation and applied math questions. There are 60 questions total.

Critical Thinking

The critical reading section of the SAT contains two types of questions:

· Sentence completion (19 questions)

· Passage-based reading (48 questions)

Writing

The writing section includes both multiple-choice questions and a direct writing measure in the form of an essay. The multiple-choice questions will test:

· Improving sentences (25 questions)

· Identifying sentence errors (18 questions)

· Improving paragraphs

SAT II: SUBJECT TESTS

Some colleges require the Sat II: Subject Tests for admission. Some require one or more of these tests; some require various combinations of tests; others permit students to choose. A student should check the entrance requirements of the colleges of his/her choice. Some institutions use the Subject Tests for placement and guidance—some use the scores from these tests for placement in guidance discussions with incoming students to help them select courses.

The Sat II: Subject Tests measure your knowledge or skills in a particular subject and your ability to apply that knowledge. All Subject Tests take one hour of testing time, and all consist entirely of multiple-choice questions, except the Writing Test, which consists of a 20-minute essay and 60 multiple-choice questions. The use of a calculator is prohibited on all subject tests except Mathematics Level IC and Level IIC.

ADVANCE PLACEMENT TESTS

Advanced Placement examinations are given in May each year to allow honor students who do well on tests to receive college credit and /or advanced standing for work done while in high school. Examinations are available in many different subject areas. Most AP exams consist of both objective and essay questions and are several hours long. Each college treats AP exams differently, but some will grant college credit for scores from 3 to 5.

TEXAS HIGHER EDUCATION ASSESSMENT (THEA) formerly called TASP

TEXAS ACADEMIC SKILLS PROGRAM (TASP)

All students entering Texas public colleges since the fall of 1989 must take the THEA test before enrolling. A high school student becomes eligible to take the THEA once he has mastered all four sections of the TAKS. There are some exemptions in place. Check with your counselor to see if you qualify for an exemption.

All students in Texas seeking admission to a state approved teacher education program are required to perform satisfactorily on the THEA.

The THEA consists of three sections: writing, reading and math. A student may take one, two, or three sections at a given test administration. You will have five hours to complete the test. You do not need to retake any section you have already passed.

Reading:

The reading section consists of approximately 40 multiple choice questions matched to about seven reading selections of 300 to 750 words each. The selections represent a variety of subject areas and are similar to reading materials that students are likely to encounter during their first year of college.

Mathematics:

The mathematics section of the TASP Test consists of approximately 50 multiple-choice questions covering four general areas: fundamental mathematics, algebra, geometry, and problem solving. The test questions focus on a student’s ability to perform mathematical operations and solve problems. You may use a calculator for this test.

Writing:

The writing section consists of two subsections: a writing sample subsection and a multiple-choice subsection. The writing sample subsection requires students to demonstrate their ability to communicate effectively in writing on a given topic. The multiple-choice subsection includes approximately 40 questions assessing students’ ability to recognize various elements of effective writing. You are scored first on the writing sample subsection. If your score on the writing sample subsection is neither a clear pass nor a clear fail, the multiple-choice subsection contributes to your passing status.

COLLEGE NOT FOR YOU?

If academic interests do not have a strong appeal to you, this does not mean that you have no need for further training. In our changing world, the largest increase in job opportunities occurs in fields that call for technical skills and semi-professional abilities. Training is available from various sources—The Texas State Technical College, junior colleges, vocational schools and private schools.

There are three hundred (300) junior colleges and tech schools in Texas and all of them offer two types of education:

1. Vocational/ Technical Courses

2. Regular academic College Courses

The state schools are less expensive to attend than private ones and are accredited by the Texas Education Agency. So, check first to see if the training you want is available at a school before enrolling in a private school.

The SAT and ACT are not usually required for Tech-Prep training. Check the school’s catalog for specific information about which tests are required or accepted at their college

CAREER TECHNICAL TRAINING AT

PUBLIC OR PRIVATE SCHOOLS

Are you considering a career in a vocational or technical area? If so, where could you go for this type of training? Generally, people think first of only private schools for vocational or technical training. Two-year public schools such as junior or community colleges offer a wide variety of certificate types programs as well as an academic program.

It is no longer true that only academic studies are offered in the junior colleges; rather these colleges are rapidly becoming training centers which provide excellent training in almost any area desired from refrigeration to dental assistant. The list goes on and on.

The financial aid administrators are well trained. They offer the same expert services and assistance to vocational/technical school students as is provided for academic students. Vocational scholarships are available as well as state and federal grants.

If you are considering vocational/technical training, it would be wise to consider a cost comparison. Usually public schools cost about one fourth as much as the private schools for tuition and fees.

Investigate all phases of the school such as program content, facilities, job placement services, and whether or not it is state approved before making a decision between a public and private school. It may be that the course desired is offered only at a private school, but know the facts and then make a decision.

ACADEMIES/ROTC

Air Force ROTC

HQ Air Force ROTC Recruiting Division

551 E Maxwell Blvd.

Maxwell AFB, AL 36112-6106

Army ROTC

Gold Quest Center

P. O. Box 3279

Warminster, PA 18974-9872

Navy-Marine Corps ROTC

College Scholarship Program

Commander, Navy Recruiting Command

801 N. Randolph St.

Arlington, VA 2203-1991

QUALIFICATIONS: Generally (may vary with branch of service), U.S. citizen, male or female, at least 17 years of age, moral integrity, physically qualified, enrolled or accepted at a college which hosts the ROTC Program, sign a service agreement (varies with each branch of service, but usually a minimum of six years…four active, two reserve) to follow graduation from college, be able to complete degree prior to reaching 25 years of age on June 30 of graduation/commissioning year. ROTC pays tuition, books, fees of an instructional training. Applications may be obtained from the addresses above, local recruiting offices, reserve units, high school counselor’s offices, and the ROTC units at various colleges and universities. Obtain application early!! TAKE REQUIRED SAT /ACT EARY DEADLINE FOR RECEIPT OF COMPLETE APPLICATIONS.

ACADEMIES

AIR FORCE

Director of Admissions (RRS)

2304 Cadet Drive, Suite 200

USAF Academy, CO 80840-5025

A candidate must obtain a nomination in a category authorized by law before he/she can be considered for appointment. Applicant must be between 17 and 23 years of age, a U.S. citizen, unmarried, qualified academically, medically, and in a physical aptitude. Apply to your congressman.

ARMY

Director of Admission

United States Military Academy

West Point, NY 10996-1797

Admission based on academic merit, athletic achievement, and record of extra-curricular activities, and upon congressional nomination; must be between 17 and 23 years of age on July1 of year admitted, U. S. citizen, unmarried with no legal obligation to support a child or children; must pass medical, physical and aptitude examinations. Tuition, room and board are no cost; uniform and books paid for by cadets from cadet salary. Graduates receive a Bachelor of Science degree and commission as a 2Lt. of the US Army, in which all who graduate must serve on Active Duty for 5 years.

COAST GUARD

Director of Admissions

U.S. Coast Guard Academy

15 Mohegan Avenue

New London, CT 06320-4495

Appointment based solely on the basis of annual nationwide competition. Competition is open to any young American who meets the basic eligibility requirements. Candidates are selected on the basis of either SAT or ACT results, high school class standings and leadership potential. Must be a high school senior or graduate, between the ages of 17-22, a U.S. citizen, unmarried and of good moral character. Applications for appointment must be submitted prior to December 15th of the year prior to entry.

MERCHANT MARINE

Director of Admissions

The United States Merchant Marine Academy

Kings Point, NY 11024

A candidate must obtain a nomination (Congress or Senate) to be considered for an appointment, U.S. citizen, 17-25 years old, male or female, good moral character, physical aptitude, and academically qualified. Write to admission’s office for detailed information on nomination procedure.

NAVY

Southwest Regional Admissions Director

United States Naval Academy, 117 Decatur Road

Annapolis, MD 21402-5018

A candidate must obtain a nomination to be considered for an appointment as a midshipman. Nominations may be obtained from U.S. senators and representatives, the President, the Vice-President, and the Secretary of the Navy. Candidates must be at least 17, must be single and have no children, women candidates may not be pregnant. All candidates must be U.S. citizens. Selection based on candidate’s school records, SAT/ACT scores, recommendation from school officials, extra-curricular activities, and other evidence of character, leadership potential, academic aptitude, health and physical fitness.

SCHOLARSHIPS

Several local organizations and individuals annually offer a number of scholarships to deserving students to help defray expenses of college or professional training. Any senior who is interested in applying for one of these MUST complete the LOCAL SCHOLARSHIP APPLICATION. Forms should be completed by March 8.

(Applications will be distributed in February.)

EDUCATIONAL EXPENSES AND FINANCIAL AID

The cost of education varies greatly from school to school. Generally, state supported colleges are less expensive than independent (private) colleges. The full cost of college must include direct costs such as tuition, fees, books and supplies, as well as indirect living cost such as room and board, transportation, and personal expenses.

The primary responsibility for paying for college falls on the student and his/her parents. Family income and assets are evaluated in the financial aid process to determine student’s eligibility. As you prepare for college, you may find that your own financial resources—including help form your parents are not enough to meet the costs of the college which you plan to attend.

It is the difference between costs to attend college and the family contribution that can be met with financial aid:

Therefore: . . . Total educational expenses for an academic year

Less: Expected Student/Family Contribution

Equals: Financial Need

FINDING OUT ABOUT STUDENT AID

This section tells you about federal student aid programs and how to apply for them. Education or training after high school costs more than ever, and you need to learn about as many sources of aid as you can. The best way to start is by checking the free information sources listed on the next page.

Money is available on a first-come-first-served basis to those who apply. This financial assistance may be in the following forms:

Scholarships: These are generally awarded based on academic ability; results of standardized tests (SAT, ACT, or PSAT, etc). These do not have to be repaid, and a student does not necessarily have to be a straight “A” student to qualify.

Awards/Grants: These are awarded for specific reasons (minority student, winning a photography contest, speech contest, etc.). These do not have to be repaid.

Jobs/Work-Study: Employment on or off-campus. Wages paid directly to the student or credited to his/her account.

Educational Loans: Educational loans are from various sources. Banks, foundations, unions, etc., also have loan programs. These loans usually have a lower rate of interest, and must be repaid. Some loans will not require repayment until after you have completed your education.

If you are thinking about paying a scholarship search organization for student aid sources, you should know that over 80 percent of all aid awarded comes from federal and state programs. Another 19 percent comes from institutional and other sources of aid. You can find out about all of these sources yourself. If a scholarship search organization guarantees its services, find out what you have to do to get a refund if the guarantee is not met.

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