Our College Guidance Program....Ensuring a High Return

on Your Investment

Debby KrohmerDean of Student Services

• College Admissions and Academic Guidance Counselor since 2008; on staff since 2003

• 3 children, all Hill Country graduates, Class of 2002, 2004, 2009

• Youth Director / Lakeway Church (1989-2001)

• Graduate of the University of Texas at Austin

INVESTMENT…..

in Academic Excellence

College Preparatory

• PK-12 classical curriculum

• Emphasis on academic excellence

• Quality educators dedicated to developing scholars

• Graduation requirements meeting and exceeding state requirements

INVESTMENT…..

in aQuality Counseling Program

9th Grade

• Building a strong transcript; developing effective study habits; honors & AP courses

• Standardized testing overview; 1st PSAT

• Developing a college-bound mindset

10th Grade

• Strong academics continue• 2nd PSAT; PLAN in the Spring• Texas College Tour• Individual college visits• National College Fair• College reps on campus

• Individual conferences with parents/students

11th Grade

• Last 2 semesters for transcript – emphasis on excellence

• PSAT - National Merit Scholarship Program

• Individual college visits

• National College Fair

• College reps on campus

• One on One conferences

• Standardized tests – ACT/SAT

12th Grade• College application process • Essays/resumes in AP English class• Individual attention – discuss

options; review apps.; checklist• Letters of recommendation –

personal approach

• Financial Aid Workshop

• College reps on campus

• Awards letters reviewed

• May 1 – Decision Day

INVESTMENT….. in Relationships

• National ratio of college guidance counselor to senior is 1:457

• Hill Country ratio of college guidance counselor to senior is 1:17

• Students are known by their counselor, teachers, and administrators thus strong letters of recommendations, personal attention and guidance

……..STATISTICAL RESULTS

.National Merit Scholarship ProgramJunior Year PSAT Results

14% of Hill Country graduates have qualified as National Merit commended or finalist allowing for :

• Better access to colleges & universities

• Scholarship money - many colleges award full or partial tuition packages to National Merit recognized students

Average National SAT Scores for 2011 (total of Critical Reading, Math, Writing)

• Public: 1500

• Private/Religious: 1592

• Private/Independent: 1670

• Hill Country Christian School: 1760

College Merit Scholarship Awards

• Class of 2009: $811,350 average: $45,075

• Class of 2010: $955,178 average: $95,518

• Class of 2011: $688,380 average: $62,580

Average award / student for last 3 classes: $67,724

Results……..Enhanced Opportunities

A Hill Country graduate will have opportunities:

• Scholarships due to high standardized test scores, Valedictorian or Salutatorian status, non-ranking of strong students, community service, athletic participation, and/or student leadership

• College credit for high school work – CLEP; AP exams; dual credit; independent study

• Prepared for college academics

• Average of 22% (since 2009) of graduates attend college out of state. Texas average is 18%.

• Guaranteed holistic review by all colleges and universities due to Hill Country’s non-ranking policy

• Strong students who would not have been ranked in the top quarter or half, due to a competitive class, are not penalized

• Scholarships can be awarded on merit regardless of rank – colleges are not tied by rubrics

• To be a world-changer for Christ!

Questions?

Pursuing Excellence

2011-2012 Annual Fund

What is its Purpose?• To strengthen the academic, athletic, and fine

arts programs offered to our students.• To enhance and enrich the curriculum.• To endorse the mission and vision of the

school.• To encourage the teachers as they carry out

the school’s mission.• To invest in the future of the school.

What are its Goals?• $300,000 overall goal• Complete the campaign started last year by

installing new playground equipment and sport court.

• Honor our teachers with Christmas bonuses.• Accelerate implementation of Strategic

Technology Plan• Provide emergency funds for families in crisis

Featured Project

Featured Project

How Can I Help?• Look for Annual Fund Brochure in your

mailbox next week.• Prayerfully consider how much God is leading

you to give.• Complete and return the response card

enclosed in the brochure.• Encourage fellow parents to support the Fund.

Questions?

2011-2012 Annual Fund