Kingwood High School College and Career Center 

Hello! If you have any questions regarding your future after high school, please come visit the College & Career Center. 

Located in Room 4405. Open Mon-Fri during Mustang Hour. 

Piper Kinney
College and Career Coordinator
Email Piper Kinney

Below are listed scholarships that are geared toward Kingwood High School students that have been shared with us. If you are looking for more local scholarship information, please visit the Humble Education Foundation website for other local scholarship listings. If you are looking for more specific scholarships for your prospective college, please visit the College Room or email Ms. Kinney

FAFSA Will Open on October 1st, 2022. Please Be Sure To Fill Out Your Financial Aid Application. 

Scholarships postings will be updated as information becomes available from the school and/or counselors.

Local Scholarships

(Updated 04/03/2023)

This list concentrates on Texas or Local Opportunities.  Please check national databases for additional opportunities:

• Scholarship Buddy Texas

• Scholarships.com

• FastWeb

• College Xpress 

• Raiseme.me - microscholarships to specific schools

• Download the app Scholly

Each of these sites/apps can be personalized by opening a free account.  

Potential Scholarship Sponsors: 

If you would like us to promote your scholarship to the students of Kingwood High School, please provide us with the following information in a digital format:

• Name of Scholarship

• Qualifications of Scholarship

• Due Date of Application

• Scholarship Amount

• Total Number of Awards

• Application for Scholarship 

• Scholarship Submission Preference: Physically (via personal hand-in, or mail), or Digitally (via email, Google Form, Drop Box, Website, etc.)

Please email Jenna Perkins and submit all inquiries to KHS’ College & Career Advisor.

This page serves as a timeline to help you plan for your future throughout your entire high school career. You can and should take these points into consideration every year as you begin to transition out of high school.  

Freshman Year:

• Take the CTE classes that you're interested in. Try to get experience in all of your interests so you can begin to narrow them down. 

• Consider starting to build your resume. Obtain some volunteer experience to eventually add to this resume - impress your prospective school with your extracurricular activities and experience! You will be able to add to it throughout your high school career. 

Sophomore Year:

• Start thinking about your career path after High School. Do some research on Colleges/Trade Schools/Jobs that you are interested in.

• Visit the College and Career Room to ask questions.

• Start visiting potential Universities this year. 

• Start considering if taking Dual Credit or AP courses would benefit you. 

• If you're interested in joining the military: start narrowing down which branch you would like to join. Consider the benefits of each one and start looking at what branch would be best for you. 

Fall Of Junior Year:

• Take the PSAT.

• Attend KHS’ College Night and speak with representatives. 

• Attend the Resume/Mock Interview workshops that KHS provides. You're going to want to send your potential college/employer a well written resume and impress them with your interview skills. 

Spring Of Junior Year:

• Take your college entrance exams: the SAT/ACT. 

  • You can register for these on collegeboard.org.

• If you are interested in a Military Academy, you need to apply!

• Student-Athletes: register with the NCAA Clearinghouse at ncaaclearinghouse.net if you plan to participate in NCAA sports in College. 

• Attend the Resume/Mock Interview workshops that KHS provides. You're going to want to send your potential college/employer a well written resume and impress them with your interview skills.

Spring Break/Summer:

• Visit Colleges, ask college students questions. 

• Start requesting College Applications. 

• Ensure that your high school course selections meet the requirements of college admissions. 

• Make sure you are on track to graduate the following year. 

All Year/senior Year:

• Visit the College & Career Room and gather information about colleges. 

• Visit with College Representatives when they visit - Explore your options! 

August:

• Begin applications for college. Make sure you have plenty of time for teacher recommendations and your transcripts to be processed and sent if needed. 

September-December:

• Check for Scholarship Deadlines for all of the schools you are applying to. (Many deadlines are as soon as December 1st, so please keep on top of that). 

• Apply for On-Campus Housing. 

• Determine if the University you applied to requires the SAT II (achievement tests). Applications are online on the collegeboard.org website. 

September/October:

• Take college entrance exams (TSI) if needed. 

• Attend College Night. 

• Start looking and applying to scholarships via your University, the Humble Education Foundation, and Kingwood High Schools' scholarship page.

• FAFSA usually opens in October. Make sure you fill out your forms- it is a graduation requirement in the state of Texas!

November:

• Attend a Financial Aid Workshop. 

• Apply for the FAFSA PIN number here.

March: 

• Humble Education Foundation scholarships CLOSE March 6th. Many local scholarships will close during the month of March, so please stay on top of your applications. 

April/May: 

• Complete all correspondence courses. 

• Make arrangements with KHS registrar to send your final transcripts to your selected College. 

This page is here to help guide you through the college admissions process. Each school is different, but this is an overall look at the basics that should be covered. 

Steps In The Application Process:

1. Take the SAT or the ACT tests and have results sent to colleges you are considering.

2. Obtain applications from colleges. For public Texas Universities, please visit applytexas.org. Complete your college application. Keep track of all user names, application numbers and passwords. Make an extra copy for your records. If you are submitting on-line do so now, and obtain transcripts and/or recommendations separately.

3. Request teacher recommendations at least two weeks in advance, provide the recommender a stamped addressed envelope to the college. Give a resume as well see resumes on this website.

4. Request transcripts from the registrar's office at least 48 hours from the time you need it. Pick up your transcript, put it unopened into another envelope and mail it to your target colleges.  You may include fee payments or any other documents needed for admissions at this time.

5. Schedule an interview with the college if one is required.

6. Do not hesitate to call the college admission counselors if you have questions. Many colleges have toll free numbers and email addresses.

IT IS YOUR RESPONSIBILITY TO WATCH THE APPLICATION DEADLINES. Letters of recommendation from the counselor's office require two weeks, and transcripts need at least 2 days, and more during busy times. THERE MAY NOT BE ENOUGH TIME TO PROCESS IF YOU WAIT UNTIL THE LAST MINUTE.

Early Decision:
Some schools make provisions for a well qualified student to apply early in the fall of the senior year and be notified of admission by mid-December. These programs are binding, meaning that if a student is accepted to a college through the early-decision process, he/she must rescind all applications to other colleges, and sign a contract to attend the college granting early admission. Students are allowed to have only one early-decision application pending at any time. Check with the college regarding Early decision, rules can vary. (Three results are possible: acceptance, rejection, and deferral to the regular admissions pool.

Early Action:
Students who apply under a college's early action plan receive a decision earlier than the standard response date, but are not required to enroll at that college, and may apply to other colleges without restriction.

Rolling Admission:
Some colleges feature rolling admissions, which means that they accept students throughout the application period. It's always to your advantage to apply early to such a program because there are more spaces open early on.

Deferred Enrollment:
This is the practice of permitting students to postpone enrollment, usually for one year, after acceptance to the college. Reasons for doing this include health, work or travel.

Other Admissions Considerations:

• ESSAYS

• Some selective colleges ask you to write a short essay to describe yourself, a significant experience or an achievement that has special meaning for you or to discuss some issue of personal, local or national concern, and its importance to you. Keep it simple and straightforward. Try not to deal with difficult ideas such as our philosophy of life or how to solve the world's problems. Don't try to con the admissions staff with high-flown statements or obvious flattery.

Personal Interviews:
A few very selective colleges require the on or off campus interview, which provides an opportunity for the college and the applicant to get to know each other better. Here are some suggestions for the admission interview:

1. Be on time for your appointment.

2. Be knowledgeable about the college; you should have read the admissions materials and the catalog before the interview.

3. Have a list of questions which are not answered in the literature. Paper and a pencil for notes may be helpful.

4. Meet your interviewer with a firm handshake and maintain eye contact as you talk and listen.

5. Don't expect trick questions, but be prepared to talk about yourself and your interest in that particular college.

6. Don't be unduly nervous; remember that the college is just as interested in selling itself as you are in selling yourself to the college.

7. Note your interviewer's name so you can later send a letter thanking him for his time.

The Resume:
There are many advantages to creating a resume. It provides a snapshot of you, your interests, accomplishments and achievements. Make several copies and update it whenever something new occurs. Give it to everyone who is involved in your search for a college, and for scholarship applications. Use parts of it to copy/paste into applications for admission or scholarships. Give a copy to your high school counselor and teachers who are writing letters of recommendation. It should be short and sweet, no more than two pages, preferably only one.

Criteria For Selection:
After reviewing your school record, recommendations, testing and motivation, the college admissions committee's first concern is whether you can handle their academic program with success and reasonable comfort. In the more highly competitive colleges where academically qualified applicants outnumber the spaces available, a number of other admission factors then become important.

• Special talents - It is important to submit a tape of musical or dramatic performance, several slides of your art work, a sample of your creative writing, or evidence of exceptional athletic ability to the admissions committee. If your talent is in athletics, contact the college coach of your sport as well.

• Alumni connections - If you have a parent or sibling who attended it may help.

• Geographical mix - Colleges prefer to maintain a geographical mix in the student body.

• Exceptional academic talent - Independent research, a science fair project or National Merit recognition may the thing that singles you out as the candidate to accept.

• Extracurricular involvement - Admission committees are impressed by students having a significant commitment to one or two areas, as opposed to superficial involvement in many areas. Leadership and volunteer work also impresses the officials.

• Diversity of backgrounds and cultures.

• More about Transcripts

• A transcript contains the following information: School name and address, CEEB number, Student's demographics, GPA and Rank, Graduation plan, Course titles, Semester grades, and Credits. Standardized test scores, PSAT, SAT, ACT, TAKS, AP, and End of Course exams are listed on a separate sheet. To include these, you must indicate you want them included. 

There are two types of transcripts: Official and unofficial. The Official transcript bears the signature of the registrar, and is embossed with the school seal and must be sent directly from the Registrar's office to the institution requested. College and University admissions offices require an official transcript, and with it our school provides a school profile and grade point scale. For college visits, the student may take an unofficial transcript.

Transcript Orders:
Transcript orders are placed with the registrar's office.  There is a $2.00 fee for each official transcript sent to an out of state school. The turnaround time is usually 2 days, but at busy times it may be longer.  Some colleges require a form be sent with the transcript, so check your application packet and submit the form to the registrar when ordering your transcript.

Teacher Recommendations:
The student should submit the following to the teacher: The teacher recommendation form if there is one, a stamped and addressed envelope, full legal name, date of birth, and the date by which the recommendation must be received by the college. (Also submit a resume if you have one). Teachers should mail these directly to the college, or university.  For scholarship applications, follow instructions. Most scholarship applications require mailing everything in one mailing.  Finally, check with the teacher to see if the letter was sent, and be sure to show your appreciation. Ultimately the responsibility is yours. 

Mid-year Reports:
Some schools require a mid-year report. The forms should be submitted to the registrar along with any required secondary school counselor report forms. The cost is three dollars per transcript, payable when submitting the request. The forms will be included in your sealed official transcript. Pick up the transcript and documents and place in another envelope and address it to the admissions offices of your target colleges.

Final Transcripts:
The college that you plan to will require a final transcript to prove High School graduation. Final transcript orders will be taken by the Registrar in April and May. There is a $2 fee, payable at the time of the request, for out of state transcript requests. Final transcripts will be mailed directly to the college upon completion of High School in early June.

Note: If you have dual credits or concurrent credits with Lone Star College-Kingwood or credits at any university, you will also need to have transcripts sent from Lone Star College-Kingwood or that University, to receive college credit.

Purpose Of The Essay
College Essays can be a task that students dread, but PLEASE know that these application essays are not the same as the 12 page paper you had to write for your English class. These application essays serve as a way to show your prospective school what you bring to the table. In your essay, you should highlight your character and maturity by expressing your views on life. You should demonstrate your growth throughout high school and how you will continue to grow throughout your college years. It can be uncomfortable to talk about yourself, but these schools want to know why YOU should be accepted. 

Choosing A Topic
Make sure you read the essay prompt carefully and think about what it’s really asking. Consider writing about an obstacle that you had to overcome and how it has affected you and your personal growth or someone you admire. Be as detailed and illustrative as possible. This is your opportunity to share your values and personality. For example, if you want to showcase your leadership skills, add an example. You should offer a problem that came up, how you initiated action as a leader, and what you learned from that experience. 

Preparing To Write
Make sure your essay is personal but professional. Don’t try to write something you think the college wants. You don’t have to share every intimate detail of your life, but vulnerability in writing will always be a strength. Be aware of the purpose you want to convey, the content or examples you use, and the overall tone of your essay. Write in the style that feels the most comfortable to you. It speaks volumes about your personality and character. 

Writing The Essay
When you write your first draft, concentrate mostly on the content. Determine what specifics will make your essay stand out. Set it aside for a while before returning to the essay, and read it with fresh eyes. See what changes need to be made and then create a final draft to submit. 

If you would like to bring your essay to the College Room, I would be more than happy to look over it for you and offer any suggestions. 

Key points to remember: 

• Write about something you are familiar with.

• Let your personality shine through. 

• Show rather than tell.

• Use anecdotes and examples.

• Write in your own "voice" and style.

• Be proud of your work!

Financial Planning for Your Future

• How to fill out the FAFSA

• After you have completed the FAFSA

• Helpful Link for Loan, Scholarship and FAFSA information: Madison Trust Company

TYPES OF FINANCIAL AID

You can continue your education after high school even if you and your parents can't meet the total educational costs whether it is college, university, vocational or technical institute. Money is usually available on a first come first serve basis to those who apply and qualify. Always check with the financial aid office of the institution. Financial aid takes on many forms:

Scholarships
A type of financial aid that does not require repayment or employment and is usually awarded to students who demonstrate or show potential for achievement, usually academic, at that institution. They may be merit-based and/or need-based. You do not necessarily have to be a straight "A" student.

Awards/Grants
These are awarded for specific reasons (minority, contest award), based on need or merit, and do not have to be repaid. Many grants are government awarded and require the filing of the FAFSA application. (Pell Grant, SEOG Grant)

Work Study
This is an arrangement where the student combines employment and college study. The employment may be an integral part of the academic program (internships or cooperative education) or simply as a means of paying for college. The Federal work-study program requires filing of the FAFSA.

Educational Loans
Educational loans can be from various sources: Banks, foundations, unions, etc. These loans usually have a low rate of interest and must be repaid, usually after you have completed your education. REMEMBER: Borrowing for educational expenses may be a necessity, but it may be the best investment you will ever make!

ABOUT FAFSA

FAFSA is a form completed by all applicants for federal student aid. Some colleges also employ this form for their financial aid programs. Forms are available in high schools, the public library, financial aid offices in colleges, and online. They may be filed any time after January 1 of the year for which one is seeking aid (e.g. after January 1, 2012, for the academic year 2012-2013, your freshman year). FAFSA Student Guides are available in the College Resource Center. New paper application forms usually arrive in late November, but the current online form is not available until January 1. The following is from the FAFSA web site.

Why Fill Out a FAFSA?
To apply for federal student financial aid, and to apply for many state student aid programs, students must complete a Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA). The information you provide on your FAFSA determines if you are eligible for financial aid.

What are the benefits of using FAFSA on the Web?

• FAFSA on the Web is faster than applying for aid by paper.

• FAFSA on the Web uses skip logic based on your particular information, so you will need to answer fewer questions than on the paper application.

• FAFSA on the Web checks your answers before you submit your application, so there is less chance your application will be rejected because of missing or conflicting information.

• You can save application information so that it can be completed and transmitted at a later time.

• FAFSA on the Web can be used on Windows or Macintosh computers, using the most popular Netscape and Microsoft browser versions.

• FAFSA on the Web doesn't require software to be installed, so it takes less time before you can actually use the application.

• You can access FAFSA on the Web from anywhere, including school or home, making it more convenient to complete the application.

• FAFSA on the Web can support an unlimited number of users, allowing thousands of students to apply at once.

The FAFSA is used for the following federal programs.

Federal Pell Grants
Federal Stafford Loans
Federal PLUS Loans
Campus-Based Programs
Federal Supplemental Educational Opportunity Grants
Federal Work Study
Perkins Loans

Federal Student Aid PIN Registration site
Getting your PIN early before Christmas will hasten the application and determination process with the FAFSA. Corrections and updates are much easier too.

FAFSA
Has online forms and filing with information about FAFSA

Students Gateway to the Government

The Student Guide
A comprehensive resource on student financial aid from the U.S. Department of Education. Updated each award year, The Student Guide tells you about the programs and how to apply for them.

CAUTION!! AVOID Scholarship and Financial Aid Scams

Spotting a Scam
Scholarship or financial aid scams can be hard to spot because promoters often imitate government agencies, legitimate grant-giving foundations, education lenders, or scholarship matching services. They may use words like "national," "federal," "foundation," and "administration" in their titles. Their letters may be printed on red, white and blue letterhead and contain official-looking seals. They may make false claims of approvals or affiliations with government agencies, Chambers of Commerce or Better Business Bureaus. And they may make statements like these:

• "The scholarship is guaranteed or your money back." Says the FTC: No one can guarantee that they'll get you a grant or scholarship. And the refund guarantees that are offered usually have so many conditions or strings attached that it's almost impossible for consumers to get their money back.

• "You can't get this information anywhere else." Scholarship information is widely available for free from financial aid offices and on the Internet, if you're willing to get it.

• "We'll do all the work." Only parents and students can determine and provide the financial information needed to complete the forms. And to apply for scholarships, students generally are required by the scholarship provider to be part of the process.

• "You've been selected by a national foundation to receive a scholarship." If you haven't entered a competition sponsored by the foundation, view this claim with suspicion.

• "May I have your credit card or back account number to hold this scholarship." This is never a requirement for a legitimate scholarship offer.

• "The scholarship will cost some money." Legitimate scholarship offers never require payment of any kind. Free money is free money, unless it's a loan. If it is a loan, any fees that may be charged, such as the origination and guarantee fees, are taken out of the disbursement check.

"And", says Gregory Ashe, an attorney in the FTC's Bureau of Consumer Protection, "Scam artists often will urge you to sign up on the spot, explaining that 'the company won't be back in the area again' or 'the offer is good for today only.'" "In our experience, a legitimate company lets you have time to make up your mind," he says. "A fraudulent company is more interested in getting your money." If a company makes these types of claims, the FTC says steer clear.

Investigate Before You Invest

If you're considering a financial aid service, it's always best to check it out first:

• Ask the financial aid counselor at your school (in high schools, it may be the guidance counselor) for a reference on the company and its offer.

• Ask the company for the names and telephone numbers of other parents or students near you who have signed on with the company. Call these people and ask how they rate the company and its services.

• Contact the Better Business Bureau in the area where the company is based and the area where you live to see whether the company has a history of unresolved complaints. When checking on a prospective company, keep in mind that while a complaint record may indicate questionable business practices, a lack of complaints doesn't necessarily mean the company is without problems. Unscrupulous dealers often change names and locations to hide a history of complaints.

• Verify that the scholarship service is a corporation, if that's what it claims. FinAid, a website on student financial aid (www.finaid.org), suggests that you verify that claim with your state's corporation bureau, usually within the Attorney General's office or the Secretary of State's office. The bureaus can tell you whether a business in incorporated and give you details about the organization, such as its date of incorporation, the corporate address and the names of company principals. You may discover that the company's claims don't hold up.

If your investigation turns up no suspicious behavior about the company and you are comfortable with its offer, get the refund policy in writing before you sign anything and give up any money or account information.

The FTC works for the consumer to prevent fraudulent, deceptive and unfair business practices in the marketplace and to provide information to help consumers spot, stop and avoid them. To file a complaint or to get free information , visit FTC or Call toll-free, 1-877-FTC-HELP (1-877-382-4357); TTY: 1-866-653-4261. The FTC enters Internet, telemarketing, identity theft and other fraud-related complaints into Consumer Sentinel , a secure, online database available to hundreds of civil and criminal law enforcement agencies in the U.S. and abroad.

Our goal at Kingwood High School is to provide students with the opportunity to gain experience in the field that they are interested in. We would like all Kingwood HS graduates to complete at least one internship related to their personal career path. By connecting industry to learning, we are exposing our students to career experiences and a world of opportunities. Our aim is to prepare students for college, career, and life after high school.

For more information and local job opportunities, please visit our Moonshot Website to learn more! 

If you have any questions, or would like to find an internship that works for you:

Please Contact:

• Email Jenna Perkins

• Email Anisha Razo

• Email Danielle Ray

The College-Bound Student-Athlete

This page is designed to help students that want to become college athletes. Please use this guide, along with the advice of your counselors, coaches and trainers to take the steps necessary. If you have any questions in regards to the application process, please shoot me an email or visit room 4405 so I can help you. We want to see you succeed!

IMPORTANT Internet LINKS

NCAA - NCAA Guide for the College-Bound Student-Athlete to view and/or save to your computer. OR - Call the NCAA publications hotline at 800/638-3731 and ask for a free copy of the "Guide for the College-Bound Student-Athlete" which contains a student release form and a Clearinghouse brochure.

NCAA Clearinghouse for Online Registration
The NCAA Sports Library
Official Publications of the NCAA

NJCAA
National Junior College Athletic Association NAIA -
National Association of Intercollegiate Athletics
List of member NAIA schools Student/Athlete Educational Association

Important Documents to Note

• Printable Guidelines

• Sample Resume

• Sample letter of Introduction

• Worksheet for College Choices

FRESHMAN YEAR

Get Ready!

With the help of your high school counselor and parents design a college prep program to fit your needs. Picking the right core classes is important. (See current guidelines for your graduating class in the NCAA Guide for the College-Bound Athlete) Call the number above for your own copy, get new copy every year to keep updated or download from their website. The Guide lists core courses that must be taken to be able to participate in NCAA Sports. Check out on-line for requirements for the NAIA or the NJCAA.

IMPORTANT!!! Put academics high on your priority list. You may be a great athlete but you will never be looked at or even considered if you do not have a good G.P.A. in High School.

Make the best use of your off-season time: Go for exposure, experience, skill improvement, weight training, camps, tournaments, etc. One recommendation is to attend the sport camp sponsored by the top colleges on your list. In this way you gain exposure and familiarity with the coaches, in addition to skill enhancement.

SOPHOMORE YEAR

Get Set!!

If you are interested in sports in college you are now a 'prospective student-athlete' or PSA.

Begin to think about and evaluate the colleges of your choice. Visit us in the College Resource Center for a list of colleges that suit your needs. Obtain the names, addresses, telephone numbers, and e-mail addresses of the coaches you will be contacting. Remember these change often.

Choose your sport: If you are participating in several sports, now may be the time to focus in on one or two sports. If you are the all-around athlete, and want to play Division I or II, you may want to consider a less popular sport such as rowing. Some sports are based on walk-on athletes, someone having no prior experience in the sport.

Keep newspaper articles that are written about you in a file for future use.

Ask your Coach/Trainer for help in these areas:

• Get an objective skills evaluation, get several opinions.

• Check with your coach and/or trainer and/or trainer about the colleges that interest you. Ask your coach and/or trainer if these are realistic choices based upon your academic and athletic record. (Or ask your coach and/or trainer about possible colleges you would be a good athletic match with and then research these colleges to see if you are interested!)

• Ask you coach and/or trainer to write you a letter of recommendation explaining your potential, accomplishments, work ethic, etc.

• Ask your coach and/or trainer for suggestions on any information to include in your athletic resume.

• Begin developing an athletic video. Digital is easier to edit and cheaper in the long term. This video should highlight your skills including close-ups of you hitting, throwing, running, etc. Include your uniform number or identifying characteristics. If you are on a team, include some footage showing how you work with teammates. This video should be no longer than 5 minutes. Ask you coach and/or trainer for suggestions on what else to include in this video.

A Good Summer project is to build your athletic resume packet: create or gather the following items.

1. Letter of Introduction from you, from your coach (consider asking your coach to contact a coach of a school you are serious about) Sample Letter of Introduction

2. Athletic Resume/ Profile. Sample Resume .

3. Athletic Accomplishments and Honors

4. Academic and Extra-Curricular Profile

5. Current high school or club game schedule

6. Letters of reference from coaches.

7. Press Clippings

JUNIOR YEAR

The MOST important year in preparing for college sports!!! Start early!!!

Academics: Take PSAT in the Fall. Take the ACT/SAT during your junior year. (You can retake the test the fall of your senior year, if you want to improve your scores). Check to see if some of your college choices require SATII exams. Keep up with your studies and once again review the NCAA requirements to make sure they have not changed. Continue investigating colleges and send out additional resumes if needed, especially if you are contacted by a school.

Send out athletic resumes (profile) in your junior year before your season begins. You need to be the initiator. Choose which colleges you would like to attend, academically and athletically. DiSalvo says: "Play offense. You find the schools. You contact the school. Then you sell your talents in the places you want to be." DiSalvo, pg. 40.

1. Send letter of introduction to each coach, with Athletic Resume, and game schedule if you have one. Personalize the letter of introduction to the coach, show that you have interest in their program, that you know something about the team and the school. If your coach is willing, have them write a letter of introduction for you and include that as well. Sample letter of introduction and resume is attached to this packet. Keep it simple, more details about you can be sent after they express some interest.

2. After two weeks, e-mail the coaches, ask if they received your Athletic Resume, mention something about their schools and your interests in every correspondence. Ask any questions you have about their program. It is important to make it seem personal. Send your game schedule if you haven't already done so.

3. Complete and return any request from a coach immediately. If a coach is asking for more information then you are probably being considered so carefully prepare all replies. if necessary have someone help you.

4. Send thank you notes for every reply you receive, even if the reply is that they can't use you. You never know when things might change, and they go back to that nice athlete who bothered to write a thank-you note.

Once they respond with a reply, it is important to maintain contact with the coaches. Continue correspondence with coaches with updates on your accomplishments, press clippings, perhaps a video. Keep college coaches informed of:

• Playing schedules, tournaments, and any summer tournament schedules.

• Any questions you may have about the school.

• Updates as your season closes. Include your new stats and any special recognition's you may have earned.

• Notification of completed NCAA Clearinghouse registration.

Some Universities have Sport Recruiting Questionnaires online that you can fill out and submit to the athletic department. File these in addition to sending a letter and profile (if you fill out their profile, you might mention it in the letter). University of Oklahoma has a prospective student-athlete site. Having your resume ready will facilitate filling this out. It is well worth your time to investigate every college on your list, check out their website for prospective athletes.

Prepare video tape to be sent when requested.

Narrow down your college list. Plan some campus visitations to the schools you plan to apply. Limit to about 10 schools with at least 2 back-up safety schools you know you can get into. They will quickly narrow down further, and others will probably be added on later.

• You can make as many unofficial visits as you want.

• Plan to meet with a student in your sport, ask lots of questions.

• Do the campus tours.

• Do your research about the school via the web.

• Make a file for each school to keep all your materials in.

Register with the NCAA Clearinghouse at the end of your Junior Year. Student-athletes must be certified by the NCAA Clearinghouse before receiving an athletics scholarship, practicing and competing at a Division I or II institution. You can register online NCAA.

• Follow instructions online, and print up a copy of the form to order an official transcript. (NOTE: this is in addition to transcripts sent to colleges for admission and coaches for official visits).

• Submit ACT or SAT scores to the Clearinghouse. (When you register to take the ACT or the SAT, you can mark code 9999 so that the clearinghouse will be one of the institutions receiving your scores; or alternatively, you can submit a request (and fee) for an "Additional Score Report" to the appropriate testing agency by indicating code 9999 on your request form)

Get a copy of your year end unofficial transcript (ask for test scores page too). You'll need it to send to coaches for official visits. Check it for accuracy. NCAA rules state the school must have a transcript and SAT/ACT/PSAT or equivalent scores before inviting you for an expense paid official visit.

Try to watch some local college games in your sport, especially if one of the schools you are interested in is playing close by.

In July, after completion on your Junior year, phone contact with college coaches is permissible. Check the regulations. Begin heavy contact with the schools you are interested in, even making a few phone calls (but remember that coaches cannot call you back until July 1 after you complete your junior year). Update your academic information with the Clearinghouse. If your top choices of colleges have not panned out send info to your second and third choices. Send out your club schedule ASAP. Make more unofficial visits to schools that interest you.

Good Summer project:

• Send for college applications, or download from websites. There will be forms you need for teacher recommendations, school reports, etc.

• Set up a file for each school to which you are applying. Keep copies of everything in this file. For the schools you are serious about it will need to be a large file with several pockets.

• Write up some generic essays, so you are practiced, making the actual process easier.

• Make an academic resume. Click here for instructions on an academic resume. This will organize all your achievements, etc. making it easier to fill out college applications. It's easy then to cut and paste. A resume impresses college officials and scholarship sponsors.

SENIOR YEAR

GO!!!! Remember to have fun!!!!

Obtain an unofficial copy of your transcript, check it over to make sure everything is correct, and make copies for yourself, coaches, and some scholarship applications. Get a new copy at mid-year and do the same thing.

Know the recruiting rules in the NCAA Guidelines. You become a "recruited prospective student-athlete" at a particular college if any coach or representative of the college's athletics interests (booster or representative) approaches you (or any member of your family) about enrolling and participating in athletics at that college.

1ST SEMESTER:

• Send in applications for admission to all colleges remaining on your list. Be open to invitations to other schools, but do your research, be sure it meets your academic needs, first and foremost.

• Apply for your PIN for FAFSA, if you will be applying for financial aid. Check for university deadlines for academic scholarships. Many have December 1 deadlines.

• Contact the coaches as soon as you send in your applications, telling them you have applied to their school, and inquiring about what sources of financial aid may be available to athletes. This will put you on their short list, since you are serious about their school, and show that you are interested in some sort of aid.

2ND SEMESTER:

• File the FAFSA.

• Contact and establish a relationship with the financial aid officers at schools that you have been accepted.

• Check the School or Department of your intended major, they may have some scholarships. (for example the School of Business or Department of Fine Arts).

• Continue to update coaches on your progress.

• Weigh your offers carefully before signing. Any commitment you make now is not binding until you sign a national letter of intent (NLI), and an offer of financial aid. If you sign and then change your mind you will lose at least 1 year of eligibility. The college is also not bound by anything they have said or offered you until after you have signed.

   

SCHOLARSHIPS:

There are basically three kinds of financial help a coach may offer. Inquire early because when the money is gone, it's gone.

• Athletic scholarships: NCAA and NAIA permit a limited number of athletic scholarships for each sport, in each division, for men and women. They can be full, or partial, depending on how the coach wants to split them up. Division I has more scholarships than Division II. Renewal of these scholarships may depend on your value to the team. Find out what happens to the scholarship if you become ill or injured.

• Merit Award scholarships: Based on your academic skills. Awarded by the University or individual sponsors. Renewal of these scholarships may depend on maintaining a certain GPA., find out what the requirements are.

• Financial Need-Based scholarships. Based on your ability to pay for college, may require a report from FAFSA. Renewal may be based on continuing need, other scholarships you earn may change this need.

More Internet Links for the College-bound Student-Athlete as listed by the NACAC  (National Association for College Admission Counseling

(Note: NCAA rules prohibit scouting services from receiving payment based on the amount of your college scholarship. The NCAA does not sanction or endorse any scouting service.)

(Note: NCAA rules prohibit scouting services from receiving payment based on the amount of your college scholarship. The NCAA does not sanction or endorse any scouting service.)

• American Sport Education Program

• Athletic Information

• Campus Champs

• For College Athletes

• National Association of Collegiate Directors of Athletics

• National Recruiting Network

• National Scouting Report

• Varsity Edge

References used in this Report

• DiSalvo, Jack M.A. & Theresa Foy DiGeronimo M.Ed. College Admissions for the High School Athlete: a Step by Step Guide. 2nd Edition. New York: Checkmark Books, 2001. ISBN 0-8160-4406-6

• "Guide to getting Recruited"

• Herb, Jim. The Athletic Resume

• Gross, Jennifer. "Exercising Your Options: Tips for Student-Athletes" National Association for College Admission Counseling http://www.nacadc.com/ 2002. 

If you are interested in pursuing a career in the Military, please note that most U.S. Service Academies require a nomination from your congressmen and women, preferably during the spring of your Junior year or earlier. Click here to determine who are your representatives and type in your address and zip code. 

Military Service Academies

It is recommended to begin the process of applying to Service Academies in the Fall of your Junior Year. Except for The Coast Guard, nominations are required.

• Air Force Academy

• Coast Guard Academy

• Merchant Marine Academy

• Naval Academy

• US Military Academy (West Point)

Senior Military Colleges

For students who would like to experience a military environment while getting a first-class education, a Senior Military College (SMC) offers the best of both worlds. SMCs are among the most prestigious and famous education institutions in the world. You can learn more about each SMC by visiting their official Web sites:

• Norwich University

• Virginia Military Institute

• The Citadel

• Virginia Tech Corps of Cadets

• North Georgia College & State University 

• Texas A&M Corps of Cadets

• Mary Baldwin Women's Institute for Leadership

ROTC

• Air Force ROTC

• Army ROTC

• Naval ROTC

The Department of Defense

General Military Links

• Military Careers - Contains ASVAB preparation, educational options, pay charts, benefits and careers available in all branches of the military.

• Today's Military - Inform students, parents, and educators as they discuss the Military as a career option. The decision to serve is intensely personal and, for all involved, the choice can be one of growth and self-discovery.

• Military Education Online - Worldwide Post-Military Career Training and Active duty education and training.

• March 2 Success - I took the ASVAB and made a 23. March 2 Success is helping me to improve my score. 

The United States Navy
The National Guard 
The Marines
The Army
The Air Force
The Coast Guard
US Military Careers
US Military.com
The Defense Link

Many senior students will need letters of recommendation for either college applications or scholarships.  Please check with your university on admissions requirements.  

Our Kingwood High School Counselors have created a Senior Information Sheet that you will fill out prior to meeting with your counselor or can give to a teacher when asking for a recommendation.  This will help the person writing your recommendation to write a better letter.  Here is a list of resources to help you get started with the process:

• Kingwood Counselors Guide to Teacher and Counselor Recommendations

• Senior Information Sheet Example (aka Senior Brag Sheet)

• Blank Senior Information Sheet (Google Doc - use the make a copy option under File to begin editiing)

• Blank Senior Information Sheet (Word Doc download)

These opportunities are definitely something you should take advantage of - whether you are looking for experience, to fulfill service hours, or simply because you want to. Getting involved in your community is the best way to get to know your surroundings and create a network of contacts for yourself. Find a volunteer opportunity that you're excited about below!

KHS PTSA ACT & SAT Practice Tests

A few times a year, the KHS PTSA and Huntington Learning Center offer KHS students the opportunity to take SAT and ACT Practice tests. The tests are offered at a reduced rate and proceeds are donated back to KHS PTSA.

Huntington provides an in-depth analysis after the testing.  However, there is no enrollment obligation to Huntington in order to participate in the practice tests.

Visit the KHS PTSA webpage here for information and registration.

• Browse Colleges - All colleges and universities in the U.S. can be browsed by degree, school name, location, and occupation.  Extensive financial aid info.

• College Basics - Offers tips and insider secrets about planning for college, applying for college, financial aid, admissions essays, college interviews, and much more.

• College Board Online - An excellent tool for college admissions: planning, searching, applying and paying for college.

• The Princeton Review - Guides  for undergrad, grad. medical, law and business schools.

• College for Texans - Guide for the college process, includes military options.  You can browse in English or Spanish.

• College Scholarships, Colleges, and Online Degrees - Links for colleges and scholarships.  Has lists of Women's Colleges, Christian colleges, and colleges with programs for learning disabilities.

• Peterson's Colleges and Universities - College-planning site including serach, test prep and financial aid.

• Kaplan Test Prep and Admissions - Site for testing, admissions, college life, health and medical degrees and professional degrees. Click on "more" for complete information in each field.

• Global Computing Links to American Universities - Fun site for locating links to colleges, governors, newspapers, cities, states, and lots more!

• U.S. Universities

• National Association for College Admission Counseling - For all the latest changes and innovations in admissions and financial aid, check here. You can also locate College Fairs on this site.

• College View - College search and comprehensive college planning site.

• Common Application - Link  to the Private Universities/Colleges Common Application. Accepted by 298 private colleges.   Online submission, all print forms and requirements are available.

• Youniversity provides virtual tours of all major universities and more.

• Education and Social Science Library Various College and University rankings from the library of the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign.

• US News   Click on Best Colleges. This is the most highly respected source for ranking and evaluating of post secondary schools. Premium services run for a year from late August and costs about $15.00.

• Princeton Review The Best Colleges Ranked by Students.

College Majors and Career Information

• Bridges     Career and Planning site that includes interest inventories. Instructions for creating a portfolio are available in College and Career Resource Center or from your advisory teacher.

• Occupational Outlook Handbook  provides career information by occupation. This is an excellent resource for career preparation and information.

• Occupation Information Network O*NET OnLine    Interactive occupational information accessible for all. Resource developed for the US Department of Labor by the National O*NET Consortium.

• LifeWorks   Explore health and medical science careers.

• CareerShip

• Mapping Your Future

• College Access

• Common Application for Texas Public Universities

• THEA Practice Test (formerly TASP)

• College for Texans - A guide for the college process, includes military options.

• Texas Mentor - Student planning site for private Texas schools.

• Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board - Provides information on the state's education programs, colleges and universities, financial aid assistance programs, grants, scholarships, continuing education programs, and career opportunities.