- Grand Prairie Independent School District
- "Beat The Heat"
Beat the Heat
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"Beat The Heat" for Graduating Seniors
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Grand Prairie ISD recognizes that the transition after high school is a critical time for all students regardless of whether they plan to go to college, university, technical school, enter the military, or work.
For this reason, we are excited to support GPISD graduates as they transition from high school to their next stop their chosen post-secondary journey. Understanding that every graduate’s journey is unique, our team of college advisors, counselors and higher education partners are committed to providing support, resources and information and empowerment for graduates through the GPISD Beat the Heat summer program!
To “Beat the Heat” of Summer Melt, we are here to offer a full circle of support through text messaging, one-on-one virtual meetings, email, phone calls and social media to:
- Inform students of college-related tasks and deadlines that they may not be aware of.
- Remind graduates of time sensitive tasks and deadlines.
- Help graduates complete matriculation tasks like Dallas County Promise, financial aid, meningitis information, career exploration and/or guide them to the appropriate contacts.
One of our primary ways of communicating with graduates is through text messaging. The text messaging campaign will serve as a valuable resource for getting answers to questions that may come up, and to stay informed with information specific to your graduate’s plan (whether that be college, military, workforce, etc.).
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College Checklist
Texas College/University Updates since COVID-19
College & University Student Portal Links
Nine steps to making your college plans a reality!
These are important steps that need to be completed over the summer for you to be able to enroll in the fall. The tasks listed below are common to most colleges, but you should check your acceptance materials or contact your college to see if there are other tasks specific to your college. To find out how to complete any of the tasks below at your college, call your admissions office or try a Google search for each task. For instance, if you are attending the University of New Mexico and want to appeal your financial aid, Google “University of New Mexico financial aid appeal.”
1. Contact a school counselor if you need help over the summer
Counselors will be working this summer to help you with any challenges that arise. On your city’s web page within the SCOPE 2020 site, you can find the email address for the counselor(s) helping graduates from your high school.
2. Log into your college’s personalized web site
Most colleges now provide a website, named something like my.collegename.edu, where you can check your financial aid status and other important deadlines.
Your username and password were probably sent with your acceptance packet or in a separate letter/email. If you can’t find your username and password, contact your school’s admissions office.
3. Check the status of your financial aid
Complete the FAFSA and apply for aid if you haven’t already.
Check your most recent award letter and your personalized web site to see whether there are additional steps you need to take to apply for aid.
If you are considering an appeal, contact your financial aid office to ask how to appeal.
4. Register for your college’s orientation
Many colleges now hold required summer orientations for all first-year students.
Register ASAP, since many colleges hold their orientations early in summer.
Check what documents you are required to bring with you to orientation.
5. Check whether you need to complete placement testing before the start of the semester or before orientation.
Colleges often require placement tests in math, reading and writing. Some colleges do these tests at orientation; others require you to do the tests online or on campus beforehand.
6. Complete any housing forms
If your college offers housing; most colleges require you to pay a housing deposit and complete and housing form in order to be eligible for on-campus housing. Some colleges have limited housing to do this ASAP.
7. Check when term bills are issued and when they are due
Talk with your counselor about how to pay whatever balance is left after your financial aid award. You can also talk with your counselor and your parents about the possibility of setting up a tuition payment plan.
8. Check your college’s policy around health insurance
Colleges have different rules for which students are required to have health insurance and whether students are automatically enrolled in the college’s student health insurance plan.
Check your college’s requirements ASAP since the college health insurance can be costly.
If you already have qualifying insurance, you may be able to apply for a health insurance waiver.
9. Submit other required paperwork and documentation.
Your college will expect to received proof of your high school completion. Submit your final high school transcript and an official indication or your graduation to your college’s admissions office.
Especially if you’re expecting to live on campus, your school’s health services will require evidence of your immunizations. Submit immunization records to health services.
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Transition to College
Accepted Now WHAT?
What incoming freshman NEED to know before they start college!
What parents of college freshman NEED to know before they start college!
TSI Remote Testing
The Texas Success Initiative (TSI) Assessment is the state-approved placement test offered at TCC. TSI Assessments (TSI-A) are being offered remotely through Examity (an online test provider) through August 16, 2020, or until in-person testing can resume, whichever comes first.
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Roadtrip Texas: The Summer Before College
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Contact Us
(972)237-5476