Academic Advisor's e-Notes "What's That?" As students enter high school there are many things to learn about becoming college ready, and some topics bring up the question, "What's that?" The Academic Advisor's e-Notes section provides useful tips and links that deal with improving study skills and gettng ready for college. The links are placed here for informational purposes and do not imply an endorsement of products. It is important for students and parents to become familiar with the various college entrance tests that students take to meet admissions requirements, and for that reason links to various test programs are also placed below. Links to career information and college search services will also be found here. Hopefully, the content below will answer some of the "What's that?" questions. ACT The ACT is a college entrance examination, one most commonly used in the West. Typically this test is taken at the end of the 11th grade or early during the 12th grade. Students are advised to check with the colleges they are considering to attend in order to determine if this is the most appropriate test for the admissions process. Also visit the Academic Advisor for additional information. The ACT website provides a large number of helpful sections for both students and parents. Below are links to do the following: Learn about the ACT View the ACT testing schedule Prepare for the ACT Register for the ACT Careers & Majors Students who know what they want to study in college tend to be more focused on success. This knowledge is also a tremendous time saver, as well as a money saver, for those who change their majors loose time and money in the process. There are many ways for a high school student to explore occupations and professions. A good career interest survey can be an excellent tool in beginning to explore and narrow future career areas. Shadowing a professional in an career area of interest is an excellent way to get first-hand information. Friends and relatives may also be a good source of information with regard to their occupations and professions. The Internet can also be a useful resource. For that purpose, we have placed the links below. The websites will provide important information about careers, and what it takes to get to that occupation or profession. Occupational Outlook Handbook Health Opportunities in Texas: H.O.T. Jobs College Board Major and Career Profiles Princeton Review Majors Search College Links One of the best ways to learn about a specific college or university is to make a campus visit. Attending orientations and presentations made by college and university representatives is another method of gathering information about a prospective college or university. There is also a great deal of information online, such as college and university websites, and even virtual tours in some cases. As you consider a college, what are you looking for? Is it the location? Are you more interested in the size of the institution? Are you looking for specific  degree to pursue? Are you concerned about the  admissions requirements? What about the cost? Are you looking for scholarship opportunities? What about student life? Here are a few links to useful websites that deal with online information about colleges and universities: ACT college and university search College Board college and university search Peterson's college finder Financial Aid The first comment we'll make here is to watch for scams. There are "agents" who are ready to take your money and give you little, if anything, in return. We have personally known of students and families that have been scammed. When in doubt, consult with your Academic Advisor. For more about scholarship scams view the Federal Trade Commission's $cholarship $cams. Become knowledgeable about the FASFA, the Free Application for Student Federal Aid. Even if you do not meet the financial aid guidelines for this type of assistance, many colleges, universities, and other agencies utilizes the FASFA information to award other types of financial, such as scholarships. Completing the FASFA application process may well be worth your time. Students and families may begin to apply in January of the student's senior year. Learn about the different types of financial aid, especially the differences between money that you do not have to repay, and money you will have to repay at some point in time. Be completely aware of all the details when it comes to loans, for there will be time lines for repayment, plus the added cost of interest on the loan. Many college students and their families have had to utilize loans to finance a college education; however, be completely award of your loan obligations. Here are a few links to websites that deal with financial aid: To view the FAFSA information To view the ACT financial aid planning information To view the College Board financial aid planning information Go Center Go Centers are Title V funded centers in high schools, providing college readiness support services for students and parents. Collegiate Mentors work at the Go Centers to help students in making the connection between high school and higher education. These mentors also can assist parents in exploring financial aid services, such as the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA). JPIIHS Go Center Web Site PSAT The Preliminary SAT/National Merit Scholarship Qualifying Test (PSAT/NMSQT) is one of the most useful examinations that students can take in the process of preparing for college. It is the product of the College Board, as is the SAT. Students are encouraged to take the PSAT/NMSQT in the 11th grade, since these score are of importance for scholarships and college purposes. Students may take the test for practice during their freshman and sophomores years.  The following links will display sections of the College Board website useful for: Learning about the PSAT Reviewing the Student Guide Preparing for the PSAT SAT The SAT is the oldest of the two most administered college entrance tests. Students usually take this test at the end of the 11th grade and early during the 12th grade. It is suggested that students check with the colleges of interest to determine if this test is preferred. Consult with the Academic Advisor for more information. The following links will display sections of the College Board website useful for: Learning about the SAT Viewing the SAT testing schedule Preparing for the SAT Registering for the SAT Study Skills Successful students have developed good study skills and habits; plus, they have learned to manage their time wisely. There are useful study skills resources on the Internet, often sponsored by college and university designed to help college students develop effective study skills. However, these suggestions are also appropriate for the high school student interested in improving their skills and grades. Here are sample websites that provide resource for homework, study, career, and reference websites. Flashcard Exchange Homework Assistant Study Skills Study Skills Inventory Flash Cards for 100 SAT Words THEA In some cases students need to take the Texas Higher Education Assessment (THEA) as part of the college admissions process for Texas colleges and universities. Students meeting certain guidelines are exempt from having to take the THEA. The Academic Advisor can provide more information about the THEA. The links below  will display specific sections of the THEA website. To learn about the THEA To view the THEA testing schedule To prepare for the THEA To register for the THEA