Counselor Rec Letter Process
Counselor Letter of Recommendation Request (at least 10 school days/2 weeks notice before the college's deadline are required --- MUST WAIVE FERPA RIGHTS & your college must REQUIRE a counselor rec letter)

MHS School Profile
Senior Remind -Text @mem2024 to 81010

Step-by-Step College Application Process
Application Fee Waivers - See your counselor if you qualify for free/reduced lunch

Ordering Your Final Transcript (wait until May to do this)

Please note that counselors DO NOT send transcripts is most cases. TRANSCRIPTS MUST BE ORDERED THROUGH PARCHMENT.COM.

***The ONLY EXCEPTION is for students applying via Common App. If you are using Common App, counselors will upload your transcript there, so you will not need to order one through Parchment.

You MUST add a personal email address to your Parchment account to allow you to order transcripts after graduation as you lose access to your FISD email account.

Glossary of College Admissions Terms

Peterson's helps explain how Early Action and Early Decision impact the college application process

Early Action vs. Early Decision: What's the Difference and Should You Bother?

College Applications: Student File & Timelines

When completing your college applications, keep in mind that colleges do not expect to receive everything at once. It is okay if you submit your application before your recommendation letters, transcripts, and/or test scores have been sent, for example. As soon as colleges receive your application, they open a file for you and, as things come in, they will continue adding to your file until the application deadline.

Interested in Attending an HBCU?

Want to go to a Historically Black College or University (HBCU)? Be sure to apply using the Common Black College App. You’ll only need to pay a one time fee of $20 to apply to 65 different HBCUs!

https://commonblackcollegeapp.com

College Applications: Step-by-Step

Application Process Overview

1. Apply to college and pay a fee

2. Follow application procedures

3. Request transcript through Parchment

4. Send ACT/SAT/AP scores to college

5. Request recommendation letters (only if required)

1. Applying to Your Colleges

Use the application method listed on the school’s website.
Pay the application fee. (Fee waivers are available for some students who qualify and used a waiver on their SAT exam. Check your CollegeBoard account to use this waiver on applications).

2. Follow Application Procedures

Complete the appropriate application for each school (check their website).
This may include an essay. If it is optional, do it! The website or application will tell you if it is required, optional, or not needed.
Click here for tips on college essay writing or you can also watch this great video on essay do's and don'ts.

3. Requesting Official Transcripts

In most cases, all official AND unofficial transcripts are ordered online through Parchment.
There is no fee for the first 3 transcripts, after that a $3 fee will be assessed for each additional transcript or $5.50 if the desired recipient requires a hard copy. Parchment will charge the delivery fee payable at the time of your order.
If you are using Common App – your counselor will upload your transcript from there are you will not need to place an order through Parchment.

4. Sending Test Scores

ACT/SAT/AP test scores must be sent to colleges directly from the testing company. These do not print on your Frisco ISD transcript.
ACT – www.ACTstudent.org/scores/send
SAT - https://sat.collegeboard.org/scores/send-sat-scores
AP - https://apstudents.collegeboard.org/sending-scores
EOC/STAAR test scores will print on your Frisco ISD transcript.

5. Letters of Recommendation (LOR)

Be sure that you have completed steps 1-3 before moving to this section. Many Common App and Coalition applications require a counselor LOR. Apply Texas does not require any LOR’s. However, always read the admissions requirements carefully for any type of application.
Be sure to send only what your college is requesting. Sending in more letters than required does not help in the application process. Colleges will disregard any letters that exceed the maximum number that they require.
If the letter of recommendation must be mailed, be sure to provide your counselor/teacher with a stamped and addressed envelope.
Letters of recommendation should NEVER be returned to you - they must be submitted DIRECTLY to the college.
ALWAYS waive your FERPA rights to view your recommendation letter. If you do not, we will be unable to write one on your behalf and colleges likely won’t give it much consideration.

For a Counselor Letter of Recommendation

If your school requires a counselor letter of recommendation, please submit the required google form request. Due to the volume of requests, counselors are only able to write letters of recommendation if your college requires a counselor send one.
Please allow a minimum of 10 school days for completion. Make sure to account for school breaks, holidays, weekends, etc.

For a Teacher Letter of Recommendation

Ask your teacher in person to write your letter of recommendation.
Follow up with an email that includes the school name, deadline (at least 10 school days), and how they should send it - remember, letters should NEVER go directly through you.
Provide a “brag sheet” list of your accomplishments to help them get started or any other forms they may require.

***Keep school/holiday breaks in mind, as our offices are closed during these breaks. Emails will not be returned, transcripts will not be sent, and letters will not be written or mailed while school is closed for holiday breaks.

***Pay attention to your deadlines and allow at least 2 weeks for processing. For example, if you have a November 15th deadline, contact your counselor/and teachers by November 1st at the latest if you need a letter of recommendation (LOR). If you have a December 1st deadline, contact your counselor and teacher for anything you may need by Friday, November 9th.

Essay Resources

As you dive into your college application essays, personal statements, short answer responses, and scholarship essays, check out these resources as you plan, write, and complete your applications.

GPA & Rank

GPA for Seniors will be up to date on the Home Access Center (HAC) in mid-September. Please take a moment to review your GPA as this is what you will be reporting to colleges for admittance this year. You may want to refer to the Rank and GPA Policy to see how FISD reports class rank. Students can view their quartiles by visiting the Student Portal and selecting the "GPA for Rank" tile. Students in the top ten percent of their class will be able to view their rank on HAC. All other students should review the GPA for Rank tile to determine their quartile.

Please note: Any transcripts sent out prior to mid-September will contain the old GPA and class rank. If you would like the most up-to-date information sent to colleges, you will need to request a transcript through Parchment AFTER mid-September.

SAT & ACT Information

SAT Site

ACT Site

Should I submit my test scores to test-optional schools?

MHS School Code - 440416

Need a testing fee waiver? If you qualify for free/reduced lunch, see Mrs. Bergman in D240.

Have questions about testing accommodations or other needs? Contact Mrs. Bergman at bergmanm@friscoisd.org.

MHS Community Service Information

Log 100 community service hours in Xello by April 1st to receive a white honor cord to wear at graduation.

Paying for College

Your 1-2-3 approach to paying for college!

Financial Aid Glossary

FAFSA

Most colleges will request that students complete the FAFSA to receive scholarships, grants, loans, or other student aid. Texas state law requires that all seniors either complete the FAFSA or an opt-out form before graduation.

Need FAFSA Support?

There are millions (yes, millions!) of dollars available to help students attend college. The way to receive it? Fill out the FAFSA! Now that the FAFSA is officially open, our friends at Get Schooled want to help you complete it. When you text #FAFSA to 33-55-77, one of their college advisors will help you complete your FAFSA, answer any questions you have, and offer additional resources to help you secure financial aid for college.

Completing the FAFSA can bring up a lot of questions for students and their families. If you have a question you need answered, go to Get Schooled’s list of the most frequently asked questions that come up when completing the FAFSA. They have gone through each question and provided an answer to help you in the process. Is your question not listed? Text their advisors by sending #FAFSA to 33-55-77 for more individual, personalized support!

Obtaining Your FSA ID

Who Needs An FSA ID?: Demystifying FSA IDs for Students and Parents
Filing the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) is a critical step in securing financial assistance for higher education. One essential requirement is the Federal Student Aid ID (FSA ID), which often raises questions, especially for students who are dependent. In the blog linked below, TxCAN will clarify who needs an FSA ID, ensuring a smoother FAFSA application process. Read more here.

Navigating the New FSA ID Process for Parents Without SSNs

The Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) is an essential step in securing financial aid for higher education. For parents without Social Security Numbers (SSNs), a new FSA ID process has been introduced for the 2024-25 FAFSA application. The blog linked below will clarify the key aspects of this process, ensuring that you understand the steps involved and are well-prepared when the time comes to assist families in this process. Read more here.

FAFSA Student & Family Toolkit & Resources

Federal Student Aid Estimator

TASFA Application

The Texas Application for State Financial Aid (TASFA) is a free application to help determine eligibility for state (or institutional) financial aid programs administered by Texas institutions of higher learning.

Students classified as Texas residents who are not eligible to apply for federal financial aid using FAFSA are encouraged to complete the TASFA. DO NOT COMPLETE BOTH FAFSA & TASFA.

Click here for the TASFA application & more information. You should send your application directly to the institution/s you are applying to and consult their financial aid office/s with any questions you may have.

Scholarships

Many universities will have their own scholarship application for students to complete. Be sure to check your university's website. Also, you can use the following online scholarship searches to apply to national scholarships: Fastweb.com, scholarships.com, or this resource list.

Xello now offers a local scholarship search.

Log into Xello from the Student Portal.
Click on “College Planning” under Goals & Plans.
Select “Search for Local Scholarships” under Local Scholarships.
How to Search for Scholarships in Xello

Other great sites to search for scholarships include:

College Board - Create an account & filter awards by your interests, field of study, club affiliations or specific situations. Automatically matches you with eligible scholarships based on the information in your profile.
Going Merry lets students type in information once and apply for multiple scholarships at the same time. If you’re in a time crunch, look for awards on Going Merry before checking out the other major sites. Also includes local awards, which are less competitive and may be easier to win than big national scholarships.
ScholarshipOwl is a popular scholarship website that compiles awards and organizes them by amount, types of requirements, number of winners and length of time until the application is due. ScholarshipOwl will automatically resubmit your application to recurring scholarships that don’t require anything beyond your basic information.
Scholly - Fill out a profile and their algorithm will comb through available scholarships and create a list of eligible awards. Each scholarship will have a Scholly score, which ranks how good of a fit it is for your background and experience. The higher the Scholly score, the stronger match you are with the scholarship’s requirements.
HBCU Lifestyle will help you find scholarships to support your journey at an HBCU and provide other helpful information about college finances, as well!

Scholarships FYI

Go for the FREE MONEY first!

Career & College Search

Frisco ISD offers career exploration assessments and a college search engine through an online program called Xello. If you are struggling to decide what you may want to major in for college or even which colleges to apply to, Xello can be a great tool to help in your decision-making process. Students can log in to this program via the student portal.

Additionally, explore personality types, interest areas, & potential degree and career matches via one or more of the assessments below. This is especially helpful for students who are undecided about future plans/majors/careers or who don't plan to attend college.

Want to take an AMAZING career exploration exam that matches your talents, personality, & interests with career areas? Sign up to take the ASVAB exam!

Transferring AP Scores & Dual Credit

AP Credit Policy Search

Sending AP Scores

Colleges do not require official AP score reports as part of the initial college application process. They only need to self-report them as part of the college application. However, once a student has committed to a college/university and they now want to claim the AP credit, they must request an official score report sent to their school.

Texas Common Course Numbering System—TCCNS provides a shared, uniform set of course designations for students and their advisors to sue in determining course equivalency and degree applicability of transfer credit on a statewide basis.

Military

Each military entity offers unique career training opportunities and financial aid for college including Academy appointments, ROTC scholarships, tuition assistance, and the GI Bill. Representatives can be reached by visiting their national websites, or picking up a business card in the counseling office. The process begins with a visit with a local recruiter and by taking the ASVAB – an aptitude test required for military service but also provides valuable career planning information to students even if they decide not to join.

Community College

Collin College is a great opportunity for students wishing to stay local, save money, and get their basics done. Collin has excellent transfer partnerships with 4-year Universities. Click here to find out more details!

Use ApplyTexas to apply for Collin College admission.

Want to find a community college in Texas?

Check out the Texas Association of Community Colleges

Collin Workforce Education Programs

Collin College offers workforce programs to jump-start your career. In some cases you can be prepared to get your first job in less than a year.

Workforce certificates are usually stackable. You can get a certificate then return for a few more courses and all will apply toward your degree. This allows you to continue improving your skills and moving up in your career.

Though these degrees are not intended to transfer to 4-year schools, some universities are developing programs that will accept this coursework and apply it to a Bachelor’s degree.

Check out Collin's Workforce Education Credit Program flyer.

MHS Senior Smore

Class of 2025

Memorial Information

Counselor Information

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