Our counselors are able to help you with making decisions about college and career planning.

Mrs. Julie Ferraro is our MEF Coordinator and College Advisor. She will be able to assist you in your search for and application into the perfect university as well as scholarships and financial aid.  Schedule an appointment with Mrs. Ferraro using this link.

CLASS PRESENTATIONS AND HELPFUL DOCUMENTS

LETTERS OF RECOMMENDATION

You are able to request letters of recommendation from your teachers and counselors. Try to ask for a letter from a teacher who you think will give colleges the best and truest impression of yourself.

Counselors and teachers are happy to write the very best letter of recommendation we can for any senior whose college requests one, after the student completes the following steps:

• Complete the Beginning of the Year Senior Survey - https://forms.gle/G4TQvyVj4eMaindM6

• Complete and turn in the Counselor Recommendation Request Form

• Counselor may want to schedule a conference with the senior to elaborate on positive qualities/experiences before writing the letter of recommendation.

• Allow two to three weeks after this process is complete for the counselor to submit the letter of recommendation.

TRANSCRIPT REQUESTS FOR COMMON APPLICATION COLLEGES

Those students who are using the Common Application to apply to colleges,  please request your initial transcript in Naviance and complete and turn in the  CommonApp Transcript Request form to your college advisor, Mrs. Ferraro in A128.

COLLEGE NIGHT

Every year, McKinney ISD hosts a college night where over 100 colleges will provide information for prospective students at one of the three high school campuses. We highly recommend that you attend this event, as it will boost your knowledge of many colleges, including ones you may have never heard of before! In addition, your chances of being admitted into your desired college increase. This is a perfect opportunity to understand more about which colleges fit you and to give your college a good impression of who you are.

This event is typically held every fall semester.

RESOURCES

There are many great resources available for you to use both online and in person. Below are a few of our options.

College Application Platforms

• Common App - An application platform that allows students to apply to well over 4,000 colleges and universities in the United states. Click here for a guide on how to use the Common Application.

• ApplyTexas - An application platform students can use to apply to any Texas institution.  Click here for a guide on how to use Apply Texas.

• Naviance - A planning tool you will want to use for college admissions and preparation. It is also where our counselors post helpful resources about upcoming college rep visits, college fair announcements and students can access free self-assessments and career search tools.

• The College Board offers a variety of college entrance tools and examinations for you. SAT is one of two tests you may take that colleges will need for admission. AP courses are classes you may take at Boyd to obtain college credit for when you enter college. Big Future is a great resource that gives you birds-eye views of colleges in which you may be interested. My Road is a great career preparation tool to use.

• The ACT is one of two tests you may take that colleges will need for admissions.

• CareerOneStop - A site hosted by the U.S Department of Labor and has resources from identifying character personalities, to career search, to job skills.

• Teenlife - A site created to provide teens with academic and experiential learning opportunities for teens.

• McKinney ISD will offer SAT and ACT practice exams as well as seminars that will help you gain an upper hand on the exam. Stay tuned to McKinney ISD’s website for these tests and sessions!

Learn more about McKinney ISD’s graduate profile to take a look at what our graduates can do.