College
Information
College Admissions
The college admissions process can be a
monstrous task without careful planning and
attention. Requests for transcripts, teacher and
counselor recommendations and meeting the
application deadline are just some of the issues
dealt with during the already hectic senior
year. At O'Connor High School though, our
dedicated staff works assiduously in assisting
students with their quest for a higher
education. From preparation with college essays
in English class to meetings with guidance
counselors, O'Connor students are by
far the most informed on preparing for a higher
education.
Texas
College and University links will take you
to the most common universities that O'Connor
students are interested in. There is also
links to the common application and other
college research sites.
The Basics
The college admissions process begins far ahead
of one's senior year. Depending on which college
a student plans to attend, there are several
requirements that students should be informed
of. As a general rule of thumb, students
themselves should research the specific
requirements and expectations necessary for
admissions, including:
Class Credits
eg. # of foreign language
credits |
School Involvement
eg. School sponsored
clubs |
State/National Exams
eg. SAT Reasoning &
Subject Tests, ACT, TAKS, TSI |
Extracurricular Activity
eg. Volunteer services |
Entrance Essays
eg. "Describe your
aspirations" |
Financial Requirements
eg. Tuition |
Recommendation(s)
eg. Teacher or
Counselor |
Deadlines and Dates
eg. Early Decision |
Many colleges in today's high-tech society have
provided for prospective students a gateway of
information through their websites. So do a
little research ahead of time to keep your senior year free of stress and
hassle! Go here for some college admission
sites frequently accessed by O'Connor students.
For students who plan on applying to any Texas
college, visit www.applytexas.org for
up-to-date information on your favorite college.
College Planning Calendar
Your Junior Year:
- Take the PSAT.
- Attend College & Financial Aid Nights.
- Develop your list of potential colleges and
majors.
- Memorize your social security number.
- Be well rounded and get involved!
- Write colleges to get specific information.
- Go on college visits.
- Take the SAT Reasoning or ACT in Spring.
- Consider a college visit in conjunction with any
summer travels you (and your family) may take.
Your Senior Year:
- Reduce your preliminary college list to
approximately four to five colleges.
- Get application forms and Financial Aid
information (Online for Each College).
- Re-take the SAT Reasoning and/or the ACT, if needed.
- Visit Colleges.
- Take the SAT Subject Tests, if needed.
- Fill out your Counselor Recommendation Packet, if
you will be needing one.
- Check college deadlines carefully.
- Complete and mail the FAFSA form or
complete it on-line.
Requesting a Transcript
For information about transcripts, go to the Registrar's Page.
Requesting a Counselor/ Teacher Recommendation
Follow the following steps, if you need a counselor
recommendation:
1) Print the application(s) from the college(s).
2) Pick up a Student Profile Packet from your counselor,
counseling receptionist or fill it out online. Be
sure to read instructions carefully before filling it out.
3) Complete your part and distribute the
Teacher Information sheets. Teachers need three
weeks to fill out their part of the Teacher
Information sheet. Remember this is not the same as
asking them to write you a letter of recommendation.
4) If you ask your teacher to write you a letter
of recommendation please give them a stamped,
addressed envelope. Ask them to mail the letter
directly to the college by the application deadline.
Have them include your full name and social security
number on their letter.
5) Be sure the counselor has all the
above information before requesting a counselor
recommendation.
6) Complete your part of the Counselor
Recommendation form from the college application
and give it to your counselor at least three weeks
prior to the deadline.
Submitting the Application
A) If the college requires all
application materials to be mailed together...
- Take your completed application to the Registrar’s
Office.
- Fill out the Transcript Request form.
- Check the "Hold for Counselor" box to indicate
that more material is being added.
- Once the Counselor Recommendation goes to the
Registrar, the transcript will be added and all
materials will be mailed together.
B) If you mail the application materials...
- Request the transcript and check
the "Hold for Counselor" box.
- Make sure you indicate that an application WILL
NOT be added before mailing.
- The Registrar will mail the Counselor
Recommendation with the transcript.
C) If the college does not require all
application materials to be mailed together...
- Fill out transcript request in the Registrar’s
Office.
- The Registrar will mail your transcript.
D) Colleges that require Mid-Year Reporting...
- Fill out your part of the Mid-Year report.
- Turn in the form to your counselor AFTER winter
break.
- Include a stamped, addressed envelope.