THE COLLEGE CENTER
COLLEGE APPLICATION PROCESS

YEAR-BY-YEAR ACTION PLANS:

There are student checklists under Prep HQ that outline what you should be doing each year and help you stay on track!

FOUR-YEAR PLAN AND GRADUATION REQUIREMENTS:

You will complete a four-year plan with your dean your FRESHMEN year and update it annually. Graduation requirements can be found on our website under Academics.

TAKING THE SAT OR ACT:

Colleges require that you take one of these standardized tests for admission (see individual school policies). WHEN? - It is recommended that students take both tests once during the spring of their JUNIOR year. (Information regarding each test is provided by Prep HQ). If you are satisfied with these initial scores, you need not test again. If you do better on one of the tests, but feel you can further improve, then take that test again when you return in the fall. **NOTE: If you are on free or reduced lunch, make sure you stop by A205 and pick up a fee waiver before you register. SAT II, (the subject tests) are required by many highly selective schools. Check to see if they are required by the schools to which you are applying. If so, take these tests during the year in which you are enrolled in the corresponding AP course.

Test Score Comparison

This chart shows comparative scores for the three major college entrance exams:
The ACT, the "Old" SAT, and the "New" SAT.

SAT: Visit collegeboard.com for more information or to register for tests.
ACT: Visit act.org for more information or to register for tests.
Our High School Code is 443522.

ADVANCED PLACEMENT COURSES AND EXAMS: Many colleges will give you credit for Advanced Placement courses taken in high school depending on the scores received on the AP exams in May. More information is available on our website under Academics. Check individual college websites to find out their credit policy.

APPLYING ON LINE (Apply Texas): All colleges prefer that students apply online. The State of Texas has an online application which is now called Apply Texas. There is also a national common application which is used by many private schools. Both are available on line and are linked to college websites. Through Prep HQ, click on “my organizer” and go to your college list. Pick the school to which you are applying and click on their website. Maximize the page and look for “Prospective Students” or “freshman admissions.” For State schools, the common application should appear. If a particular school does not use either type of application, then you will simply fill out the one provided on their website. When using a common application, remember to check which essays are required by the school to which you are applying. ALL COLLEGE APPLICATIONS SHOULD BE COMPLETED AND SENT BEFORE YOU GO HOME FOR THE WINTER HOLIDAYS!

THE ESSAYS: It is advised that you begin working on essays in the spring of your JUNIOR year. At the start of fall semester SENIOR year, have your English teacher look them over and make corrections.

CLASS RANK: A tentative rank will be issued through the Registrar’s office in October of senior year. (This is what you will use on college applications.) Final rankings will be distributed in late January/early February. NOTE: If your rank improves and places you in a higher percentile, please request a new transcript be sent to colleges immediately!

PERSONAL DATA SHEETS AND LETTERS OF RECOMMENDATION: Personal Data Sheets give deans and teachers the information they need to write your recommendation letters. They must be completed and returned to your dean before Thanksgiving Break of your SENIOR year! After it is completed, make copies to give to your teachers. If you are applying to a school “EARLY DECISION,” make sure you turn in the data sheet at least two weeks in advance. It is your responsibility to attach an addressed and stamped envelope for the recommendation needed. NOTE: Do not put your name as “sender.” This will be stamped with the Westside address.

REQUESTING A TRANSCRIPT: The School Registrar is responsible for sending a transcript to colleges. The Registrar’s office is room A116. This is located directly below the College Center. A transcript must be requested at least one week prior to the date needed. Make sure you bring the correct address of the school when you make the request. You will need to fill out a separate request card for each school. There is a $1.00 fee for each transcript.

MID YEAR REPORTS: Many colleges also require mid year reports as well as school reports, (counselor and teacher evaluations). These can often be downloaded from their admission websites. Print the Mid Year report, fill out the top section that says “Applicant” and turn it in to your Dean in January. (Remember to attach an addressed, stamped envelope). This will be sent out by your Dean as soon as final rankings become available. The initial school reports should be given to your Dean and teachers when you turn in your Personal Data Sheet.

FINANCIAL AID AND SCHOLARSHIPS: Information on financial aid, the FAFSA, and scholarships is available in Prep HQ.

BEFORE GRADUATION: At the end of your senior year (prior to senior check-out) you will be required to complete the Senior Survey in Prep HQ. You must also request a final transcript be sent to the college that you will attend.

 

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Westside High School
14201 Briar Forest, Houston, TX 77077 . (281)-920-8000 . Fax (281)-920-8059