Counselor’s Corner
by KATHY ARENDT, College and Career Counselor
As we open a new school year in Hays CISD, I want to welcome our incoming Senior Class of 2011. This is a very important year in Texas education. This is the first class to graduate under the new guidelines of 26 credits and the increased requirement of four mathematics and four sciences to graduate. The standards are very high, but this senior class is more than up for the challenge.
College entrance standards are also increasing. Many colleges have increased their high school rigor requirements from these senior applicants. As seniors apply to college this fall, they will need to be sure and check carefully the new requirements.
Texas A&M, for example now requires four strong mathematics courses for entry into their university. The University of Texas is expecting seniors who want to enter majors such as Engineering, Business, Mathematics, or Sciences to be “Calculus ready” by their December 1, 2010 applications deadline. Calculus readiness is proven by passing a test that is a new required part of UT’s application. Texas State University is looking more carefully at the high school transcripts of those applicants that are not assured admission by their class rank and SAT or ACT test score. They really want seniors to take rigorous mathematics and science courses.
In addition to choosing their courses carefully in high school, seniors need to be registering for the fall SAT in October or the ACT in September or October to gain the highest score possible before college application deadlines. Check with the Career Counselors at the high schools for test registration information and dates.
Senior English teachers will be helping seniors with their college application essays as part of the curriculum this fall. Strong essays are an essential part of college applications. Another important part is the need to have a strong resume. Seniors need to continue to volunteer at school and in the community. They need to be very involved in high school through the end of their senior year. They are the leaders. Colleges are looking for active, involved applicants.
It is an exciting new year. I look forward to working with the seniors of 2011 this school year. They will be the most educated class to graduate from Hays CISD schools. The Career Center is always open and welcomes students each and every day. We are here to help.
