Plano Counseling Newsletter
Plano Senior High School- Summer 2024 Edition
College Application Season Starts Now!
The summer before senior year is a great time to start working on the college admission process! Completing as much as you can early will help ensure that you don't miss any deadlines and keeps a lot of the college application stress to a minimum. In addition to this newsletter, we have lots of information on our PSHS Counseling Website, including printable guides and helpful videos.
Thank you to everyone who attended the Ready, Set Go! College Admissions session at the end of May. In case you missed it, the video (below) is a recorded version and gives a complete overview of the things that students can do during the summer between 11th and 12th grade to get ready for college admissions in the fall.
College Search using SchooLinks
SchooLinks is the college and career platform that the district has provided for all students to explore and organize the college admission process. You can use SchooLinks to research colleges, make your lists and then manage all aspects of your applications.
The "School Search" feature is the best place to start as you're deciding which schools to apply to. You can customize the search to the factors that are most important to you. The video below explains how.
Logging In:
- Go to app.schoolinks.com/login/member
- Students- Log in using your PISD Google account
- Parents- Select “Guardians and Members.” If this is your first time logging in, enter your Parent Portal email and select “Forgot password” to claim your account and set up a password.
Campus Tours
College Preview Events
Many colleges and universities host preview events throughout the summer for prospective students. These open-house style events are a great way to see the campus and hear from admissions and academic departments. Below are some of the regional schools with summer dates:
Lamar University: June 15 & July 27
Stephen F. Austin: June 22
Univ. of Arkansas Little Rock: June 15
Dallas Baptist University: July 26
Oklahoma State University: June 8 & July 13
Southern Methodist University: June 7, July 15 & August 2
UT Arlington College Prep Day- July 16
There are also lots of online campus tour videos. Below is a great overview of UT Austin, sponsored by The College Tour
Transcripts
A transcript is a record of all the classes the student has taken grades 9-12 (and will include HS credits earned during middle school if applicable.) Here's what to do when you need one:
Personal Copy (for your own use- will be updated mid June)
- Log into SchooLinks and select "School" from the menu on the left
- Select "Records Request"
- Click "Download unofficial transcript"
Official Copy (to send to a college/university- will be available early August for seniors)
- Log into SchooLinks and select "Colleges" from the menu on the left
- Select "College Applications"
- Set up your College Application Manager and then click "+Add Application" for every school you're applying to. An official transcript request will automatically be submitted.
Apply Texas & The Common App
Apply Texas
Colleges and universities in Texas (both 2-year and 4-year schools) use Apply Texas as their application for admission. Chances are, you will be applying to a school that uses this platform so take this opportunity to get your account started. You can input your information, write the essays and have it all ready to go!
(Use a personal email address and not your @MyPISD.net)
The Common Application
If you are planning to apply to out-of-state or private colleges and universities, then you should also use this time to start a Common App account. Just like Apply Texas, The Common App allows you to complete one application and submit it to a variety of schools (over 1000!).
Since lots of Texas schools now use The Common App, this may be the best option, especially if you're applying to any schools outside of Texas. Check their list of schools first.
(Use a personal email address and not your @MyPISD.net)
Essays & Resumes
Essays
Some schools will want additional items as part of your application such as a resume, one or more essays or even letters of recommendation. Take the time to find out exactly what is needed for the schools you plan to apply to. Tips for writing your essays:
- Answer thoroughly, even if you’re an auto-admit student. Many schools use the essay answers for scholarships and specialty programs.
- Follow directions and answer what is asked.
- Be creative!
- Give specific examples to support your statements.
- Don’t be afraid to discuss mistakes you've made and what you have learned from them.
Resume
The purpose of the resume is to highlight personal achievements and provide admissions officers with information about you that is not included on the academic transcript. Include any noteworthy activity, volunteering, employment, achievement or award you received in High School. Try to keep it to 1-2 pages in length.
Recommendation Letters
Counselor Recommendation Letters
Students requiring a Counselor Recommendation will need to complete the Counselor Recommendation Form (linked below) and submit it to their counselor at least 3 weeks before the recommendation letter or counselor report is due. Not all colleges require this, if you are unsure please reach out to your counselor to verify.
Teacher Recommendation Letters
If the school requests a letter of recommendation from a teacher, you will need to contact the teacher of your choice directly and request that he or she write one for you and then provide information to help them (such as due dates, potential schools and majors, etc.)
Once the teacher has agreed, you can enter their name in your SchooLinks college application manager and it will send them an official link to upload and submit your letter.
Teachers are on break for the summer right now so you can do this once school starts again in August.
SAT & ACT Testing
SAT- If you’d like to take an additional SAT, you can register here: http://www.sat.org/.
Scores from the March School Day SAT are available in your College Board Account. Students had the opportunity to send their SAT scores to up to 4 colleges free of charge on test day. After the test date, College Board charges a fee of $12 per school to send your scores per school.
ACT- If you'd like to take the ACT for your college applications, visit their website to register: https://www.act.org/
The only remaining Summer 2024 test date is the July 13 ACT. Register by June 7!
Financial Aid
FAFSA
The Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) is used to determine a student’s eligibility for all types of federal and state financial aid. The 2025-2026 FAFSA will open for submissions starting in late fall, however we recommend that you create your student and parent logins now and begin compiling your financial information so that you are ready: Create your FSA-ID
Students not eligible to complete the FAFSA may be able to complete the TASFA. Only specific students qualify to complete the TASFA, see your counselor for more information.
Completing the FAFSA or submitting an official FAFSA Opt-Out Form is also a Texas Graduation Requirement.
Scholarships
Scholarship requirements and deadlines can vary greatly, so use this summer to research and track the scholarships that you plan to apply for.
We keep an extensive on our website that is updated regularly. Check there periodically to see which ones you want to apply for. Scholarships are also loaded into SchooLinks and can be searched for there as well.
Plano Senior High Counseling Department
Your Plano Senior High Counselors will return in late July to continue providing guidance and resources as you complete your last year of High School. Have a great summer!
Lead Counselor at Plano Senior High School