Counselor
Holistic Development of Global Students
Goals
True education is achieved when intelligence and character are developed together. In alignment with this philosophy, our counseling goals for students in grades 9 through 12 are to foster self-confidence, encourage motivation to achieve, enhance decision-making abilities, support effective goal setting and planning, promote problem-solving skills, and build interpersonal and communication skills. Additionally, we aim to help students develop cross-cultural effectiveness and encourage responsible behavior.
Resources
- College Application Process (Senior Year)
- College Entrance Exams (Junior Year)
- College Readiness
- College Visits
- Dual Credit
- Earning an Associate's Degree
- FAFSA
- Financial Aid
- Scholarships for Graduates of Texas ECHS
- Summer Courses through Navarro College
College Application Process (Senior Year)
Global students typically use one of two primary application platforms when applying to colleges. Most universities in Texas require the ApplyTexas application, and our students already have an account, as they used this forum to apply as first-year students to both Navarro College and the University of Texas at Tyler.
For students intending to pursue higher education outside of Texas, the Common Application is often necessary. This application is widely accepted by colleges and universities throughout the United States.
To determine which application is appropriate, and to review important deadlines and specific requirements, please visit the official websites of the colleges or universities you are considering. It is essential to become familiar with their academic programs and admissions criteria. Additionally, create a calendar to track all application and scholarship deadlines.
College Entrance Exams (Junior Year)
Should you take the ACT or SAT?
All colleges accept both ACT and SAT scores. You can, therefore, take either test. While some students take both the ACT and SAT, admissions counselors often recommend that you take a practice test for both, and then spend your energy preparing for the test you are likely to score higher on.
When should you take the ACT or SAT?
You should take the ACT and/or SAT in the spring of your junior year. Whether you are planning to meet early or regular deadlines for admissions, you want to know what your scores will be. If you need to improve your scores, you will still have time in the fall of senior year to retake them if needed. Merit scholarships from your intended college or university are often tied to these scores.
How do I sign up?
You can sign up for the ACT online and for the SAT online. Test dates are available on the respective websites. We do have fee waivers available for those students served in the free lunch program.
How do I prepare for the ACT or SAT exams?
In order to become familiar with the types of questions asked and the test formats, take advantage of the free resources available on their websites. For free SAT practice, you can link your Khan Academy account and your PSAT scores for a personalized study guide on the College Board website. For ACT practice, remember to look at your Pre-ACT test and the practice resources.
College Readiness
Accuplacer (Texas Success Initiative)
Global students must take the Accuplacer at the time of entrance into Global High. They do not have to pass the first time they are tested. Students take courses in the first two years at Global that are TSI-exempt. Students who do not score high enough to be eligible for college courses must retake the test each year. The test is free and will be offered during the school day. Students will need to pass the Reading and Writing portions during sophomore year to begin taking core dual-credit classes. The Math section will be necessary during the academic year when students are taking Algebra II.
Visit the Accuplacer site for Practice Materials
What are the PSAT & Pre-SAT?
The PSAT is a comprehensive assessment program that measures college and career readiness and gives students tools for planning their future. The exam measures skills in three academic areas: reading, writing, language, and math. At Global High, we offer the exam during the school day in the fall for 9-11th-grade students. The exam is used by 11th-grade students for the National Merit Scholarship Corporation to identify candidates for the National Merit Program. This program allows students to compete for college scholarships. Global uses the exam to measure performance, get feedback related to standards, and build a college-going culture.
Need PSAT/SAT practice?
Students can get a personalized SAT study plan based on their PSAT/NMSQT® performance by linking their College Board and Khan Academy accounts.
Free Online Practice with Explanation of Answers
What is the Pre-ACT?
The PreACT™ offers 10th-graders the opportunity to practice for the ACT® test with a shortened version of the test. It provides scores on the ACT 1-36 scale, as well as a full view of students’ college and career readiness by identifying areas of strength and improvement for student success. Global offers this opportunity to help students determine which college entrance exam to take.
College Visits
Arrange campus visits with your parents or guardians if you are genuinely interested in attending a particular college. Students are permitted up to two excused absences each academic year, specifically for college visits. When scheduling visits, ensure it coincides with a prospective or preview day designated for future students.
When evaluating colleges, consider the following factors:
- size
- location
- academic programs
- cost
- admission requirements
Dual Credit
Greetings Dual Credit Bulldogs!
When the semester begins, it is important to review the following with Navarro College.
- As the Navarro College semester begins, schedules will be available utilizing the NC Student Canvas Account.
- Dual Credit Students may find their current fall schedule on their NC Self-Service Student Portal. Please disregard "flags for items needed" in your Self-Service account. The Dual Credit Team will obtain these documents from your high school counselor. These are for items needed after high school graduation.
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Dual credit courses will be delivered in several modalities.
- Dual credit courses are delivered on high school campuses in a hybrid format. Please refer to your high school counselor for details about specific dates for virtual delivery on your high school campus.
- For Dual credit courses delivered at a Navarro College campus, refer to your faculty members about the specific instructional plan for each of your courses. Please check your Navarro College email and keep track of these important details.
- Dual credit courses will also be delivered online. Please log in to Canvas to get information about the course. If you need assistance logging into Canvas, please contact the One-Stop Service desk at (903) 875-7416.
Earning an Associate's Degree
Global High students will meet with Ms. Noonkester each semester to plan the college coursework for the next semester. Ms. Noonkester works closely with Navarro College and UT Tyler to plan courses for our students.
There are two directions a student could go with this degree in our program: an Associate of Science or an Associate of Arts, both in General Studies. Each number on the chart below that is highlighted in blue represents a college course that your Global student will pursue both high school and college credit. Courses that are not highlighted are not required for our students to complete their degrees.
General Studies Associates of Science and Associates of Arts (45 hours)
| Subject | Hours | Courses |
|---|---|---|
| English | 6 | ENGL 1301, 1302 |
| History | 6 | HIST 1301, 1302 |
| Government | 6 | GOVT 2305, 2306 |
| Arts | 3 | ARTS 1301, 1304, 1305, 1311 DRAM 1310, 1351, 1352, 2366 MUSI 1301, 1306, 1308, 1310 |
| Speech | 3 | SPCH 1311, 1315, 1321 |
| Humanities | 3 | ENGL 2322, 2323, 2327, 2328, 2332, 2333, 2341 PHIL 1301, 1304, 1316, 1317, 2306 HIST 2311, 2312 HUMA 1301 |
| Sociology/Behavioral | 3 | ECON 2301, 2302 PSYC 2301, 2315, 2319 SOCI 1301, 2301 |
| Science | 8 | BIOL 1406, 1407, 2401, 2402 CHEM 1405, 1407, 1477, 1412 PHYS 1401, 1402, 1411, 1412 GEOL 1304, 1405 |
| COSC | 3 | COSC 1301 |
| Math | 3 | MATH 1314, 1316, 1332, 2342, 2413, 2414 |
These courses are what Texas Universities call the "common core". The common core includes approved courses that will transfer to Texas Universities and Institutions.
To earn the Associate's degree, students will need additional higher-level math for 3 hours (1 course) and 15 hours (5 courses) of dual credit electives. These courses are planned with the counselor looking at their plans or interests of study at the university level. This will help when it comes to transferring these courses to a degree plan.
Global students pursuing the degree will graduate with at least 60 hours of college credit.
FAFSA
Financial Aid
Financial aid is money that is given, earned, or lent to help students pay for their education. Financial aid often makes it possible for students to attend colleges that would otherwise be too expensive.
The four categories of financial aid are grants, scholarships, loans, and work-study. Grants and scholarships are considered "free money." Loans and work-study are considered "self-help" programs.
- Grant: $ given, usually because of financial need
- Scholarship: $ awarded for merit
- Loan: borrowed $ that must be repaid
- Work-Study: $ earned by working in a part-time job
Financial aid is most often awarded in the form of a package. Packages, consisting of grants, scholarships, loans, and/or work-study, are put together by the college's financial aid office. Aid is often awarded on a first-come, first-served basis, so complete applications early.
Financial Aid Info & Scholarship Searches
Scholarships for Graduates of Texas ECHS
- The Greater Texas Foundation Scholars was established to increase the number of Texas Early College High School graduates who successfully transition to a four-year institution of higher education and complete a baccalaureate degree. The program is the first of its kind in Texas. Beginning in the fall of 2012, approximately $3.32 million in scholarships will be awarded to five four-year institutions over six years.
- The participating institutions are committed to creating a comprehensive program that includes both financial and non-financial retention components, which are based on evidence of success or promising and effective practices. Current GTF Scholars institutions are Texas A&M University, the University of Houston, the University of Texas Rio Grande Valley, and the University of North Texas. At each university, the scholarship funds will be awarded to select graduates of Texas ECHS.
The University of Texas at Tyler (our partner) received this grant.
Learn more about the UT Tyler Greater Texas Foundation Scholars Program.
Check out the qualifications to apply.
View Local Scholarship Opportunities
Do not fall for scams. Students never need to pay for scholarship opportunities.
Summer Courses through Navarro College
Navarro offers two different summer semesters. Classes will run Monday-Thursday (no classes on Friday during the summer). Students are not required to attend summer college courses, but they may choose to do so at no cost. During advising with Ms. Noonkester and the Navarro College Counselor, students will learn about the classes that are available. Students will sign up for needed coursework during that time. There is nothing that you, as a parent, need to do to initiate this process. Please communicate with your students for summer planning purposes.


