As a Rising Senior (last semester of your junior year) you should definitely be connecting with your High School Counselor. Some high schools may call them College and Career Counselors or Guidance Counselors and they should be located on your high school campus. Going into your senior year, your counselor should become someone you visit with often to help pave the way in the college enrollment process. Counselors are well equipped with information to help you continue your education, so here are a few questions that you can ask them!
Can you help me with my college search?
Your counselor can help you narrow down your school choices. Most counselors receive information from colleges and universities throughout the year and are aware of which schools specialize in different programs, the geography of the school, school traditions, etc. Your counselor can help you determine a career field that you may be interested in and from there point you to a college major. By connecting your major, passions, and skills, your counselor can assist in determining what schools could be the right fit for you!
Can you help me with scholarships?
There are lots of scholarships out there, and many times it is impossible to know what your options are. Counselors can help you with local scholarships as well as different scholarship opportunities with the colleges or universities you are interested in. They know of a lot of resources to find scholarships to help you pay for college. This should ALWAYS be a question to ask your high school counselor!
For more information on Tarleton scholarships, visit here.
Can you help me with a fee waiver?
A lot of times a fee waiver can be sent to the school you are applying to from the counselor to waive application fees. At Tarleton, if you are receiving free or reduced lunch at school or have an ACT or SAT fee waiver, you could have your admissions application fee waived! Your counselor may also know if a school is offering a free application for a limited time! We know your upcoming senior year may be expensive, so make sure to ask about your options when it comes to applying to college!
What classes should I take next year?
If you have a certain major or career path in mind, it would be worth asking your counselor if there are any specific classes you should take your senior year that would assist in the college application/enrollment process. It is also important to make sure you are not missing a high school class that is needed for high school graduation, for example Algebra 2! It is always recommended to double check your transcript and prevent any situations that may keep you off track.
Do we have excused college days?
Some high schools offer excused class days your senior year to take college tours. Taking college tours is very important when choosing what college or university you want to apply to or attend. Tours allow you to picture yourself on campus, talk with faculty/staff, and see the university’s college experience first-hand! Some schools only offer a few tours on the weekend. If you can take a day during the week to see campus and talk with administration, talk to your counselor about an excused absence!
To take a campus tour at Tarleton, please visit here.
Do you know of any college fairs?
College fairs are usually hosted by your high school where colleges and universities will send a representative to answer any questions you have about their school and provide print material with school information. This is a great time to see all your options, ask specific questions about majors and programs, school traditions, student life, and the application process. You do not want to miss these, so ask your counselor and put it on your schedule!
To find your Tarleton Admission Counselor, visit here.
Can you help me sign up for ACT/SAT/TSI?
If you are wanting to take the ACT or SAT, it is better to take the exam before December of your senior year for application deadline purposes. Your counselor can help you determine when testing dates are and how to sign up. It is better to prepare your junior year, so you are ready to take the exam your senior year.
The TSI assessment is important for college placement purposes and is something that all colleges and universities need on file after you have been admitted. You will also need to take it if you plan on taking any dual enrollment courses your senior year. Ask your counselor if your high school is giving the exam or if somewhere in the area is.
What steps do I need to take when it comes time to apply and request a transcript?
Our admission application always opens July 1st each year. You are more likely to be on summer break at that time. Talk to your counselor about your transcript and what process you should use to get your transcript sent to the college or university you are applying to along with any other application items! Review this before you go on summer break!
With all that being said, your counselor can help you with so much more than this! Make their office a place you stop by frequently during your junior year. They can help you more than you know!