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Counselor's Corner Home
Welcome to Rogers High School Counselor’s page!
As the high school counselor, I am here for both Academic and Mental support. Academic support might be scheduling, college and career planning, financial aid assistance, scholarships, and military plans. Mental support includes classroom leadership and character lessons, short term counseling, assistance with outside counseling referrals with TCHAT, and anxiety and stress management.
Your kids are my passion. Together we can help them find their passion and jump start the life they deserve.
Use the links to the right to start exploring and planning.
College
College Admission Process
Make sure you check in advance to see what the requirements are for the college(s) you want to attend. This can be found by calling the college's admission office or going online to the college's website.
Below is a brief overview of the college admissions process:
1. Take the required college entrance exam (ACT, SAT, TSI) and have the score report sent to the school(s) by the testing program.
2. Complete the appropriate application:
For Texas public universities, students complete the application online at Apply Texas.
For some Texas private/independent colleges and universities, students can fill out the online application at Common App.
For all other schools including junior colleges/community colleges and out-of-state schools, students can access applications on the school's website.
3. Arrange to have your transcript sent to the school. You must request the transcript in the counselor's office and please give a minimum of 3 days for processing time. Do not wait until the day before your application is due to request a transcript to be sent as colleges require that all documentation be in their possession by the deadline.
4. Apply for housing by completing an application obtained from the school's website. It is imperative that you go ahead and secure housing (i.e., fill out the application, pay the deposit, etc) so that you are assured you have your choice of where you want to live. If you wait until the last minute, you may have to take whatever housing choices are left. Check with your school's housing office, but most schools will refund your deposit should you choose not to attend that school.
5. Start the financial aid process by completing the FAFSA
6. Notify the school you will attend and the schools you decided not to attend by the posted deadline.
7. Arrange with the counselor to have a final transcript sent after graduation.
If you are planning on applying to a public college or university in Texas, please visit Apply Texas
If you plan on applying to any other public university that is NOT located in Texas, please visit their website directly to find out how to apply.
There is a national common application for private schools across the country, like Harvard, Yale, Notre Dame, etc. Also, schools close to us, such as Baylor University, SMU, Southwestern University, Rice University, and TCU use this common application as well. It can be completed online at Common Application
College Admission HIGH SCHOOL CODE is 445955
PLEASE WATCH DEADLINES!! Larger schools have deadlines as early as October.
The SAT and ACT are entrance exams that some colleges and universities use for admission. It is recommended to take the college entrance exams during the spring of your junior year so there is time during the summer and fall of your senior year to retake if necessary before your college admissions deadline.
What are the differences between the SAT and ACT?
The SAT and the ACT test almost identical material – with a few key exceptions.
Both tests have optional essays. Both tests have math sections. Both tests have reading comprehension sections. Both tests have “grammar” sections. And, for the most part, the material tested by these sections is practically identical. Thanks to the changes to the SAT, there are now almost ZERO material differences between these exams. The New SAT math section has toned down its logical reasoning elements and added a few more of the advanced math concepts covered by the ACT (trigonometry, matrices, etc.), and the grammar knowledge required is practically identical. Here are a few differences in order to help you make an informed decision.
1. The ACT tests slightly more complex, more advanced math.
- Both exams test almost identical mathematical material. You need a strong grasp on arithmetic, algebra, and geometry to thrive. The New SAT has added some of the advanced concepts formerly reserved only for the ACT, but the ACT still tests greater DEPTH of these concepts. Roughly 9 out of the 60 problems on the ACT math section have to do with “advanced” mathematical concepts, including trigonometry, imaginary numbers, advanced geometric shapes, and logarithms, that are tested less superficially on this exam than they are on the SAT. On the New SAT, you basically just need to know what SohCahToa is, whereas on the ACT, you really need to know how to use that concept in a variety of situations.
2. The SAT and ACT require identical grammatical and writing skills for the English / Writing+Language sections, and for the essays.
- Not a single fact or concept is different on one test than on the other. If you learn all the material required for the SAT, you won’t need to learn a SINGLE new thing in order to get a perfect ACT score (and vice versa). It’s all a matter of strategy.
3. The essays you have to write are different. Not easier or harder, but different.
- Both tests have optional essays that don’t affect your overall score (they give you a separate grade for the essays that colleges accept, but don't normally take into the consideration decision). The ACT gives you a set of arguments and asks you to pick the best one of the three options, with a bit of reasoning for why you think it’s best. The New SAT gives you a fully-written essay and then asks you to evaluate that essay and find the evidence, the reasoning elements, and the structure. Neither one is easier or harder, but they require different strategies – so the material differences between these essays is non-existent.
4. Scores on the ACT are reported in the form of sub scale scores for each section and the composite score that ranges from 1-36. Currently the national average composite score on the ACT is 21. The lowest you can score on the SAT is 400 and the highest is 1600. The average score is 1000 with the average score of 500 per section.
If the material is so similar, then what IS the difference between the tests?
Just because they test similar material does not mean that they’re similar exams. The difference between these two tests comes down to one key concept:
The ACT is insanely more fast-paced and “time-intensive” than the SAT!
ACT Time Per Problem
English: 75 problems in 45 minutes.
36 seconds per English problem
Math: 60 problems in 60 minutes.
60 seconds per math problem.
Reading: 40 problems in 35 minutes.
52.5 seconds per reading problem.
SAT Time Per Problem
Writing+Language: 44 problems in 35 minutes.
48 seconds per Writing+Language problem.
Reading: 52 problems in 65 minutes.
75 seconds per reading problem
Math: 58 problems in 80 minutes.
83 seconds per math problem.
If you’re capable of maintaining your focus and working quickly, then you might be a big fan of the ACT (and you will have a HUGE edge on the competition). If you get stressed out easily, or don’t work well under time pressure, or need more time to think, the ACT might be your worst nightmare.
Time management is important on the SAT – it is EVERYTHING on the ACT!
Learning the material for one exam will help you perform well on the other.
ACT vs SAT: How Do I Choose?
The best way to decide which test is right for you is to take a timed full-length practice test in each. Since the content and style of the SAT and ACT are very similar, factors like how you handle time pressure and what types of questions you find most challenging can help you determine which test is a better fit. For example, the pace of the SAT gives you a tad more time to think through problems, while the ACT can be more of a time crunch. Some students really thrive under the pressure of the clock, while others prefer the extra time to ponder a question.
Still need help deciding ACT or SAT? Click here to try a free practice test for each and see how you score!
SAT - visit www.sat.org/register to register for the SAT through the College Board.
ACT - visit www.act.org to register for the ACT.
A link to the registration dates and deadlines for the SAT and ACT is located on the main welcome page.
The TEXAS SUCCESS Initiative (TSI) is required by all Colleges and universities in Texas, along with several Technical Schools.
The TSI can be taken on most college campuses and at specific times at Rogers High School. Your counselor can help you sign up for and the dates of these tests.
Rogers High School also tests every Sophomore student in the Spring. These results are also used to help determine dual credit candidates.
HIGH SCHOOL CODE 445955.
You can set up a free profile as early as your 8th-grade year and add your information to it every school year.
You need to register with one or both of these institutions in order to be eligible to play sports in college. You will find eligibility criteria as well as a list of schools that use a particular registry (i.e., either NAIA or NCAA). You can also see a list of showcase tournaments for NAIA for greater recruiting opportunities within the NAIA schools, rules on letters of intent, signing dates, etc. for both NCAA and NAIA.
Information taken from USA Today College and other resources such as CollegeRank.net
Fastweb is terrific, free resource where you’ll find thousands of scholarships at your fingertips. Not only does Fastweb offer a massive database of monetary awards, but it also features helpful career planning services and learning tools for its registered users! One of Fastweb’s most recently featured scholarships is the “Natural Disaster” PSA Video Contest, a $3,000 scholarship offered to creative undergrads with an eye for cinematography and knowledge of the consequences of natural disasters.
Visit Fastweb.com for more scholarships.
ScholarshipPoints.com
You know how you always seem to receive a new, complimentary gift after so many purchases at that favorite beauty counter of yours? ScholarshipPoints works the same way! Well, kind of. The site’s users rack up points through a rewards system, making them eligible for different scholarships according to how many points they have earned. Members can earn points through fun, day-to-day activities like reading blogs, taking quizzes and playing online games. ScholarshipPoints offers a rolling, monthly $1,000 for its members and a quarterly $10,000 scholarship . Join today and start earning your points!
Visit ScholarshipPoints.com for more scholarships.
Cappex.com
You may remember being advised by your high school guidance counselor to make a Cappex account to help narrow down your college search, but don’t delete that online profile just yet! The site is still helpful during our undergrad years, offering ample scholarship opportunities and financial advice. Once we’re undergrads, Cappex graciously bumps us up to “College Pro” status, where we’ll be eligible to apply for a $2,500 College Pro exclusive scholarship! Don’t wait, and check out all of the fine print of the Cappex College Pro scholarship today.
Visit Cappex for more scholarships.
Scholarships.com
A no-brainer of a URL, are we right? Scholarships.com is a wonderful resource for college students who aspire to kill two birds with one stone—the site finds both scholarships and colleges that are perfect for you! If you’re looking to transfer to a school that is dying to recruit you and offer you scholarships, this is the site to visit. The site allows you to pinpoint specific scholarships by your major, year in school and location, increasing your chances for receiving awards and saving you tons of time. For meticulous proofreaders and aspiring editors, you may want to check out the Proof-Reading.com Scholarship Program featured on Scholarships.com! Although an essay is required, the $1,500 you could earn is definitely worth the time spent behind the keyboard.
Collegeboard.org
The official College Board was founded originally in 1900, making it one of the oldest educational-based organizations still in existence and thriving today. However, today, The College Board has transformed into a massive database of more than $3 billion worth of various scholarships that are available and that have been awarded to students around the world.
All students in the fall semester of their junior year will take the Armed Services Vocational Aptitude Battery; otherwise known as the ASVAB. We use this test as a career exploration tool, but your AFQT (Armed Forces Qualifying Test) score can be used for military entry if your student shows interest. The score needed for entry is different for each military branch. Please visit the respective websites for more information on the ASVAB score needed to qualify.
-
If you are planning on applying to a public college or university in Texas, please visit Apply Texas
If you plan on applying to any other public university that is NOT located in Texas, please visit their website directly to find out how to apply.
There is a national common application for private schools across the country, like Harvard, Yale, Notre Dame, etc. Also, schools close to us, such as Baylor University, SMU, Southwestern University, Rice University, and TCU use this common application as well. It can be completed online at Common Application
College Admission HIGH SCHOOL CODE is 445955
PLEASE WATCH DEADLINES!! Larger schools have deadlines as early as October.
-
The SAT and ACT are entrance exams that some colleges and universities use for admission. It is recommended to take the college entrance exams during the spring of your junior year so there is time during the summer and fall of your senior year to retake if necessary before your college admissions deadline.
What are the differences between the SAT and ACT?
The SAT and the ACT test almost identical material – with a few key exceptions.
Both tests have optional essays. Both tests have math sections. Both tests have reading comprehension sections. Both tests have “grammar” sections. And, for the most part, the material tested by these sections is practically identical. Thanks to the changes to the SAT, there are now almost ZERO material differences between these exams. The New SAT math section has toned down its logical reasoning elements and added a few more of the advanced math concepts covered by the ACT (trigonometry, matrices, etc.), and the grammar knowledge required is practically identical. Here are a few differences in order to help you make an informed decision.1. The ACT tests slightly more complex, more advanced math.
- Both exams test almost identical mathematical material. You need a strong grasp on arithmetic, algebra, and geometry to thrive. The New SAT has added some of the advanced concepts formerly reserved only for the ACT, but the ACT still tests greater DEPTH of these concepts. Roughly 9 out of the 60 problems on the ACT math section have to do with “advanced” mathematical concepts, including trigonometry, imaginary numbers, advanced geometric shapes, and logarithms, that are tested less superficially on this exam than they are on the SAT. On the New SAT, you basically just need to know what SohCahToa is, whereas on the ACT, you really need to know how to use that concept in a variety of situations.
2. The SAT and ACT require identical grammatical and writing skills for the English / Writing+Language sections, and for the essays.
- Not a single fact or concept is different on one test than on the other. If you learn all the material required for the SAT, you won’t need to learn a SINGLE new thing in order to get a perfect ACT score (and vice versa). It’s all a matter of strategy.
3. The essays you have to write are different. Not easier or harder, but different.
- Both tests have optional essays that don’t affect your overall score (they give you a separate grade for the essays that colleges accept, but don't normally take into the consideration decision). The ACT gives you a set of arguments and asks you to pick the best one of the three options, with a bit of reasoning for why you think it’s best. The New SAT gives you a fully-written essay and then asks you to evaluate that essay and find the evidence, the reasoning elements, and the structure. Neither one is easier or harder, but they require different strategies – so the material differences between these essays is non-existent.
4. Scores on the ACT are reported in the form of sub scale scores for each section and the composite score that ranges from 1-36. Currently the national average composite score on the ACT is 21. The lowest you can score on the SAT is 400 and the highest is 1600. The average score is 1000 with the average score of 500 per section.
If the material is so similar, then what IS the difference between the tests?
Just because they test similar material does not mean that they’re similar exams. The difference between these two tests comes down to one key concept:The ACT is insanely more fast-paced and “time-intensive” than the SAT!
ACT Time Per Problem
English: 75 problems in 45 minutes.
36 seconds per English problem
Math: 60 problems in 60 minutes.
60 seconds per math problem.
Reading: 40 problems in 35 minutes.
52.5 seconds per reading problem.SAT Time Per Problem
Writing+Language: 44 problems in 35 minutes.
48 seconds per Writing+Language problem.
Reading: 52 problems in 65 minutes.
75 seconds per reading problem
Math: 58 problems in 80 minutes.
83 seconds per math problem.If you’re capable of maintaining your focus and working quickly, then you might be a big fan of the ACT (and you will have a HUGE edge on the competition). If you get stressed out easily, or don’t work well under time pressure, or need more time to think, the ACT might be your worst nightmare.
Time management is important on the SAT – it is EVERYTHING on the ACT!
Learning the material for one exam will help you perform well on the other.
ACT vs SAT: How Do I Choose?
The best way to decide which test is right for you is to take a timed full-length practice test in each. Since the content and style of the SAT and ACT are very similar, factors like how you handle time pressure and what types of questions you find most challenging can help you determine which test is a better fit. For example, the pace of the SAT gives you a tad more time to think through problems, while the ACT can be more of a time crunch. Some students really thrive under the pressure of the clock, while others prefer the extra time to ponder a question.Still need help deciding ACT or SAT? Click here to try a free practice test for each and see how you score!
SAT - visit www.sat.org/register to register for the SAT through the College Board.
ACT - visit www.act.org to register for the ACT.
A link to the registration dates and deadlines for the SAT and ACT is located on the main welcome page.
The TEXAS SUCCESS Initiative (TSI) is required by all Colleges and universities in Texas, along with several Technical Schools.
The TSI can be taken on most college campuses and at specific times at Rogers High School. Your counselor can help you sign up for and the dates of these tests.
Rogers High School also tests every Sophomore student in the Spring. These results are also used to help determine dual credit candidates.
HIGH SCHOOL CODE 445955.
-
You can set up a free profile as early as your 8th-grade year and add your information to it every school year.
You need to register with one or both of these institutions in order to be eligible to play sports in college. You will find eligibility criteria as well as a list of schools that use a particular registry (i.e., either NAIA or NCAA). You can also see a list of showcase tournaments for NAIA for greater recruiting opportunities within the NAIA schools, rules on letters of intent, signing dates, etc. for both NCAA and NAIA.
-
Information taken from USA Today College and other resources such as CollegeRank.net
Fastweb is terrific, free resource where you’ll find thousands of scholarships at your fingertips. Not only does Fastweb offer a massive database of monetary awards, but it also features helpful career planning services and learning tools for its registered users! One of Fastweb’s most recently featured scholarships is the “Natural Disaster” PSA Video Contest, a $3,000 scholarship offered to creative undergrads with an eye for cinematography and knowledge of the consequences of natural disasters.
Visit Fastweb.com for more scholarships.
ScholarshipPoints.com
You know how you always seem to receive a new, complimentary gift after so many purchases at that favorite beauty counter of yours? ScholarshipPoints works the same way! Well, kind of. The site’s users rack up points through a rewards system, making them eligible for different scholarships according to how many points they have earned. Members can earn points through fun, day-to-day activities like reading blogs, taking quizzes and playing online games. ScholarshipPoints offers a rolling, monthly $1,000 for its members and a quarterly $10,000 scholarship . Join today and start earning your points!
Visit ScholarshipPoints.com for more scholarships.
Cappex.com
You may remember being advised by your high school guidance counselor to make a Cappex account to help narrow down your college search, but don’t delete that online profile just yet! The site is still helpful during our undergrad years, offering ample scholarship opportunities and financial advice. Once we’re undergrads, Cappex graciously bumps us up to “College Pro” status, where we’ll be eligible to apply for a $2,500 College Pro exclusive scholarship! Don’t wait, and check out all of the fine print of the Cappex College Pro scholarship today.
Visit Cappex for more scholarships.
Scholarships.com
A no-brainer of a URL, are we right? Scholarships.com is a wonderful resource for college students who aspire to kill two birds with one stone—the site finds both scholarships and colleges that are perfect for you! If you’re looking to transfer to a school that is dying to recruit you and offer you scholarships, this is the site to visit. The site allows you to pinpoint specific scholarships by your major, year in school and location, increasing your chances for receiving awards and saving you tons of time. For meticulous proofreaders and aspiring editors, you may want to check out the Proof-Reading.com Scholarship Program featured on Scholarships.com! Although an essay is required, the $1,500 you could earn is definitely worth the time spent behind the keyboard.
Collegeboard.org
The official College Board was founded originally in 1900, making it one of the oldest educational-based organizations still in existence and thriving today. However, today, The College Board has transformed into a massive database of more than $3 billion worth of various scholarships that are available and that have been awarded to students around the world.
-
All students in the fall semester of their junior year will take the Armed Services Vocational Aptitude Battery; otherwise known as the ASVAB. We use this test as a career exploration tool, but your AFQT (Armed Forces Qualifying Test) score can be used for military entry if your student shows interest. The score needed for entry is different for each military branch. Please visit the respective websites for more information on the ASVAB score needed to qualify.
-