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College/University Enrollment
College/University Enrollment
Search colleges and career on Schoolinks:
Search colleges and career on Schoolinks:
*Note to parents/families: This platform is a great way to help navigate any all college/university/trade schools/careers.
Pathway to Schoolinks:
Go to your Canvas account and search Schoolinks. Complete any questions. Use the College tab on the left to search. Use the Career tab on the left to search.
Common App Step-by-Step Guide that walks students step-by-step through each question of the Common Application, including why it’s asked and how to best answer. Here is the link https://www.standoutcollegeprep.com/common-app-guide/
College Application
College Application
The College Application Process typically begins on July or August 1st immediately before the student's senior year. Typically a student will use either the Apply Texas application, Common Application, or a home-grown application directly on the institution's site. We encourage you to set up an individual meeting with a member of the College and Career Team before starting the process. Please keep in mind that we highly encourage all students to complete at least one application before graduation. The pictures to the left will take you to each application we suggest using.
Below, you will find some helpful tips in applying.
Apply to 4-8 institutions
Use the Copy Feature on the Apply Texas to save time when applying
Build a Spreadsheet or Calendar to Stay Organized Here is one you can use!
Take Your Time (Save and Come Back Multiple Times)
Fill Out the Entire Application Completely
College Application Fee/Fee Waiver
College Application Fee/Fee Waiver
Typically College Applications do have a fee associated with applying. This fee typically helps them provide services to High Schools and Families in the enrollment process. However, most institutions offer a fee waiver to students on Free or Reduced Lunch at Weiss High School. If you qualify for a fee waiver, please check the school website to see which form they require and see Mrs. Honey for more information!
If you do not qualify for Free or Reduced Lunch, please pay for the Application Fee directly in the application you are using (i.e. Apply Texas, Common Application, School Website). Some institutions do waive your application fee for using a specific application or applying by a certain date.
SAT/ACT
SAT/ACT
Currently, the SAT and/or ACT is still recommended by most institutions. Even if an institution has gone "Test Optional", it may be in your best interest to send those scores. This may be because of automatic admission, scholarships, honors programs, etc. To learn more about college entrance exams, please visit the links below. Please remember that if you qualify for Free or Reduced Lunch at Weiss High School, you do receive two free SAT & two free ACT exams in your Junior and Senior year. Email Mrs. Honey or visit the College and Career Center for the fee waiver.
College Essay/ Short Answer
College Essay/ Short Answer
Your College Essay or Short Answers can help a College or University Recruiter learn more about who you are. The more insight they have into your story, the better chance you have of admission to that institution. Below you will find the Essay Topics for the Apply Texas Application and National Common Application. You will also find some general advice when writing your college essay.
At this time, very few public institutions require an essay for admission. However, in most cases it is strongly recommended. Please remember that Mrs. Honey (and other WHS staff) are always here to help. We can assist you in brainstorming essay ideas, reviewing/editing, etc.
Currently, we recommend that a student complete Essay A on Apply Texas first as this essay is the one most-widely used by Colleges/Universities in Texas. It can also work for the National Common Application. If you have more information to give, feel free to write Essay B. However, we do not suggest writing Essay C for Texas institutions. For the National Common Application, please feel free to choose any of the 7 topics. However, Essay A will work for this application as well.
You can submit the same essay to multiple schools.
The College Resume can highlight how you have chosen to spend your time in and outside of Weiss High School. We encourage you to stick with just your high school career unless there is a significant program/organization/job/award you may have received earlier in life.
The resume should highlight:
Organizations you have been involved in
Community Service you may have completed
Jobs/Internships/Summer Camps, etc. you may have participated in
Awards you may have won
*Do not forget to think outside the box. List anything you may spend your time on.
Although you may choose the format of your resume, we do encourage you to always stay professional. Please build three different resumes for the College Application process.
Application Resume (filled out directly on the college application)
One page Resume (this is typically what most institutions prefer)
expanded resume (Can be 2+ pages and goes in great depth about your involvement)
Letters of Recommendation/College Interview
Letters of Recommendation/College Interview
Letters of Recommendation can add another positive layer to your college application. However, please check your institution's specific website for any advice or "rules" regarding these letters. For example, an institution may require a letter of recommendation be submitted by a specific teacher or may only accept the first two letters they receive.
If the institution does not require a letter of recommendation or specify who it should come from, please think about the people in your life that may know you best (teacher, coach, employer, religious figure, etc.).
General Letter of Recommendation Tips:
Pick someone that can write a positive letter on your behalf.
Make sure the individual recommending you, knows you well. If a counselor letter is not required, we typically suggest not asking your counselor (or Mrs. Honey) unless you know them well.
Give the individual recommending you at least 3 weeks to write your letter.
Thank them and keep them updated when you hear a decision from your institution.
If you are asked to complete a College Interview (for admission or scholarship), please note that this is just an opportunity for them to get to know you better. The Interviewer will not ask you to solve a calculus problem, but might ask what book you loved in HS. Please make sure you respond quickly to a request for an interview.
The Counseling & College/Career Team are available to conduct practice interviews with you. Please email one of us to set something up!
***This is a reference only. Make sure you double check all university websites!
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