CCMR Readiness
CCMR Readiness
Embedded Files
Here at Van Alstyne High School, we are always working towards the future with our students by providing opportunities to be more prepared for college, a career, or the military. We hope you enjoy the Winter Edition of our CCMR Newsletter.
CCMR Coordinator: Annie Smith
Academic Counselor Last Names A-L: Bobbi Dyer
Academic Counselor Last Names M-Z: Denise Jensen
Senior Seminar Teacher and Sponsor: Dacia McBryde
Check out the CCMR Website for all your College, Career, and Military resources!!
Where do I start??
The following websites offer students and parents guidance and steps for selecting a college, career, or military branch, as well as information about scholarships, financial aid, and more!
College for all Texans Texas OnCourse
ACT Encourage College Board Big Future
Students need to log community service hours into Xello. There are links to Xello in the Grade-Level Google Classrooms, as well as on the Counselor Page.
Students need to log community service hours into Xello. There are links to Xello in the Grade-Level Google Classrooms, as well as on the Counselor Page.
College
Spring Junior College Checklist
Spring Junior College Checklist
Register for spring administrations of the ACT and SAT.
STUDY for the ACT and SAT.
Continue researching colleges that you are interested in. Be sure you are comparing college costs, location, housing, fields of study, etc. Begin making a "top 10" list.
Continue to participate in extracurricular and volunteer activities.
Continue participation in leadership opportunities.
Continue good study habits, note-taking strategies, and time management/organization techniques.
Grades matter! On most fall college applications next year, you will use your cumulative GPA from 9th-11th grade.
If you are anticipating participating in collegiate sports, be sure your NCAA portal is up to date.
Create a target college long-list of 15-20 schools you are interested in.
Line up your summer plans. Summer campus? Internships? Work?
Sophomore College Checklist
Sophomore College Checklist
Develop a list of colleges that offer a degree in your interest area(s).
Participate in extracurricular and volunteer activities.
Develop good study habits, note-taking strategies, and time management/organization techniques.
Grades matter! GPA is cumulative.
Create a resume.
Line up your summer plans. Work? Volunteering? Internships? Summer Camps?
If you are interested in Dual Credit, make sure you have completed all the enrollment steps with Grayson and VAHS.
Work with your counselor to select high school courses for next year that align with your post-secondary goals.
Freshmen College Checklist
Freshmen College Checklist
Develop a list interests and skills. Research careers related to those.
Begin researching colleges that offer majors related to the careers you listed above.
Participate in extracurricular and volunteer activities.
Develop good study habits, note-taking strategies, and time management/organization techniques.
Grades matter! GPA is cumulative.
Line up your summer plans. Work? Volunteering? Internships? Summer Camps?
Work with your counselor to select high school courses for next year that align with your post-secondary goals.
National Testing (ACT & SAT)
The SAT and ACT are standardized tests that measure college readiness. Many colleges use these scores as part of their admissions process. Although "test-optional" applications are still available, many colleges have transitioned back to requiring test scores with freshman applications. SAT and ACT scores also factor into many colleges' merit-based scholarships.
Although spring school-day registrations are closed for the SAT and ACT, student can STILL register directly through College Board (SAT) or ACT to take a weekend administration of these exams.
Remember, students "own" these scores. Students decide when and where to report their scores.
How can I study for these exams?
Check out the free study materials on the VAHS CCMR Website.
Test Prep Books are available for check-out in the VAHS library.
Use iXL for Math (check out this video) and Khan Academy
I have my scores. What now?
Both ACT and SAT have guides to help you better understand your score sheet.
PSAT/SAT scores in your College Board account can be directly linked to Khan Academy to create your own unique study plan for both Math and English/Reading.
Math scores from ACT/SAT can be entered into iXL to create a study plan for mathematics.
Testing Requirements for Dual Credit
If rising sophomores and juniors want to take academic Dual Credit courses next year, they must meet college-readiness standards. In Texas, the TSIA is also a test used to show college readiness. Students must meet "college-readiness" standards in Reading/Writing or Math, depending on the course, on the TSIA, SAT, or ACT to be able to apply to Grayson College for Dual Credit.
History 1301/1302 (Juniors): Reading/Writing
English 1301/1302 (Seniors): Reading/Writing
Government 2305 & Economics 2301 (Seniors): Reading/Writing
College Algebra & Statistics (Seniors): Math
Biology 1306/1307 (Seniors): Math
Registrations for the TSIA will be in March and the exam will be given at VAHS. Students can also take the TSIA at Grayson College.
How can I study for this exam?
Check out the free study materials on the VAHS CCMR Website.
Use iXL for Math (check out this video) and Khan Academy
VAHS offers Dual Credit CTE courses for Juniors and Seniors through Grayson College!!
These programs provide students the ability to earn concurrent high school and college credit. Students also have the opportunity in these programs to work toward industry certifications. If you are a rising Junior or Senior and are interested in one of these, speak to your Counselor!! TSIA is NOT required.
Vocational and Technical Programs
Vocational and technical programs offer students a pathway to become credentialed in a specific area. These programs can be academically based (associate degree track) OR certification-only based (no "basic" academic courses). Although there are many private institutions that can certify students, junior colleges also offer a a wide variety of vocational and technical programs for a more reasonable price. Some junior colleges also offer housing options. Financial Aid (FAFSA) can be applied to most vocational programs taken through Junior Colleges. Let's take a look at few fields of study!
Arts & Humanities
Animation, Interior Design, Music, Theater
Business & Entrepreneurship
Accounting Certificate, Cosmetology, Culinary Arts, Medical Billing, Photography, Real Estate
Health Science
Athletic Training, Dental Assistant, Nursing, OT Assistant, EMT, Pharmacy Tech, PT Assistant, Radiology Tech, Sonogram Tech, Surgical Tech
Industrial Technology
Advanced Manufacturing, Automotive Tech, Collision Repair Tech, Construction Tech, Electrical Tech, HVAC, Welding
Public Service
ASL, Fire Science, Paralegal, Police
STEM
Computer Networking, Customer Service Support, Cyber Security Tech
Looking for more information?? Check out these great local Junior Colleges!
Military Branches
Military Contacts for VAHS
MARINES
Valerie Trevino, Silvestra.Trevinozapata@marines.usmc.mil
ARMY
Joshua McKee, joshua.b.mckee.mil@army.mil
NAVY
Brent McClendon, usnavymcclendon@gmail.com
AIR FORCE
David Theophilos, david.theophilos@us.af.mil
ARMY NATIONAL GUARD
Michael Hawk, michael.f.hawk.mil@army.mil
STEPS OF ENLISTMENT
Meet with a Recruiter
Take the ASVAB.
Complete MEPS process.
Determine career path.
Sign oath of enlistment.
Decide when to go.
Military Academies
Service Academies: For students who want to experience a military environment while getting a first-class education, the five service academies offer a fully-funded tuition that includes books, board and medical and dental care. Graduates of all academies receive a Bachelor of Science degree and are commissioned as officers in their respective Service branches. After graduation, they are obligated to serve a minimum of five years. The first five years will be active-duty, and the next three will be on a reserve option.
US Military Academy
US Naval Academy
US Air Force Academy
US Coast Guard Academy
US Merchant Marine Academy
Want more information? Click the link below.
Senior Military Colleges: Similar to service academies, senior military colleges (SMCs) offer a combination of higher education and military instruction. They are among the most prestigious and famous education institutions in the world, and they offer financial aid packages for eligible students. Every SMC cadet must participate in the Reserve Officers' Training Corps (ROTC) program, but only those cadets who receive an ROTC scholarship are required to enter military service following graduation.
Texas A&M University Corps of Cadets
Norwich University
Virginia Military Institute
The Citadel
Virginia Tech Corps of Cadets
University of North Georgia
Mary Baldwin University
Tarleton State University
Maritime Academies: An additional option for students is a maritime academy. The United States Merchant Marine is the fleet of civilian-owned merchant ships that carry cargo and passengers on behalf of the United States. In times of war, the Merchant Marine is an auxiliary to the Navy and can be called upon to transport service members and supplies for the Military.
Massachusetts Maritime Academy
Great Lakes Maritime Academy
Maine Maritime Academy
California State University Maritime College
Texas A&M Maritime Academy
Junior College Options that can lead into Senior Military Colleges or other Military Opportunities:
Valley Forge Military College
Marion Military Institute
New Mexico Military Institute
Georgia Military College
Page updated
Report abuse