College Night Set for Oct. 11: More Than 140 Colleges, Universities, Trade Schools and Military Academies to Attend

Students will discover future opportunities as well as learn about the college and financial aid process.

Hundreds of students across Aldine ISD will get a leg up on their future by meeting with representatives from institutions of higher learning during College Night set for October 11.

The event will take place at the M.O. Campbell Educational Center (located at 1865 Aldine Bender Road, Houston 77032) from 6 -8 p.m. 

The annual after-school event is a one-stop shop to gather advice, tips and information on post-high school education and training.

“College Night is great for college–bound students that know which institutions interest them,” said Denise Keaton, coordinator of student financial aid. “However, it is also ideal for students who are not–so–sure–yet or those beginning to think about their future plans.

“They will have a chance to have any and all questions answered about continuing their educational options after high school.”

Students and their families will learn about the college application process and requirements for admission. They will be able to explore college options and offerings, financial commitment and much more.

Recruiters from more than 140 colleges, military academies/service branches, trade schools and universities will be present at College Night 2017. 

The District’s Guidance and Counseling Department will offer a financial application workshop. To be able to complete the financial aid application, families must bring their 2016 tax information.

Things to Consider As You Prepare for College

[ul class=”list list-search”] [li]High school courses necessary for college admission[/li] [li]The importance of advanced placement (AP) courses [/li][/ul][ul class=”list list-search”] [li]College testing (PSAT/SAT/ACT)[/li] [li]The timeline for the application process [/li][/ul][ul class=”list list-search”] [li]Letters of recommendations[/li] [li]Scholarships [/li][/ul][ul class=”list list-search”] [li]Campus visits[/li][/ul]

Paying for College

[ul class=”list list-search”] [li]Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) — This is a form that can be prepared annually by current and prospective college students (undergraduate and graduate) in the United States to determine their eligibility for student financial aid.

[/li] [li]Texas Application for State Financial Aid (TASFA) — This is used to collect information to help determine eligibility for state financial aid programs that are administered by institutions of higher education in the state of Texas. Students that are classified as a Texas Resident who cannot apply for federal financial aid using the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) are encouraged to complete the TASFA. [/li][/ul]

College Night Is Also Ideal for First-Generation College Students

The evening will be valuable to help families with a student who would be the first to attend college. English- and Spanish-speaking counselors will be hand to answer questions. The goal is to alleviate some of the stress for parents and students unfamiliar with the process they face.

The department will also share college preparation tools and programs available to Aldine ISD students.

The future is so bright!

“Each year, we strive to partner with more colleges,” said Dr. Charlotte J. Davis, director of guidance and counseling. “We always look forward to providing this experience to our Aldine ISD community.

“We hope the night will make families aware of the breadth of opportunities available to students. If we can open up doors the parents never thought they could walk through, that‘s a success.”

Join Us for College Night!

The purpose of College Night is to provide students and their families with an overview of what colleges seek in successful applicants, so they can expand their academic pursuits and extracurricular activities to better meet their post-secondary goals.

Want to streamline your College Night experience?

Visit Go To College Fairs to register one time. Get a bar code to use at College Night as you visit school representatives. Put an end to filling out information cards at every table. Instead, spend your time talking with the schools and finding out what YOU want to know. 

In case families missed a financial aid workshop earlier this fall semester, the Guidance and Counseling Department has additional workshops planned in November.

Financial Aid Workshops in November

[ul class=”list list-search”] [li] Nimitz/Davis Students on Nov. 9 @ Davis HS from 6-8 p.m. [/li] [li] MacArthur Students on Nov. 14 @ MacArthur HS from 6-8 p.m. [/li][/ul][ul class=”list list-search”] [li] Aldine Students on Nov. 15 @ Aldine HS from 6-8 p.m. [/li] [li] Eisenhower/Carver & Victory Early College HS Students on Nov. 16 @ Eisenhower HS from 6-8 p.m. [/li][/ul]