Staying on the Right Track Sophomore Year

Did You Know.. A Third of US dropouts never reach the 10 th grade?

After today, you will learn… o Tips for Sophomores o Choosing a Career o Choices after High School o Going to School after High School o Paying for School

A Few Tips!  Review schedule & check credits with your counselor  Sign up for the PSAT and/or PLAN  Keep your GPA up – important for scholarships and college admission  Get your parents involved-save, save, save  Stay involved in extracurricular activities  Look for summer opportunities  Communicate with teachers/parents about your future plans  Challenge yourself  Stay focused!!!

Time Management Tips  Use a planner to keep track of important dates and deadlines  Make a To-Do list everyday  Use spare minutes wisely  It’s ok to say NO  Get a good night sleep  Communicate your schedule with others  Determine your priorities

Explore Potential Potential Careers Careers  What do you enjoy doing?  What occupation/career field interests you most?  Which occupation fits your personality?  Which colleges offer degrees in these areas?

Choosing a Career Learn More About Yourself Take a look at: Your skills Your career goals Your interests Try it out: Volunteer in a related field Work part-time Job shadow for a day or two Do an internship once you’re in school Focus on careers that: Pertain to your personality Represent the lifestyle you want Reflect the goals you have set for yourself

Choosing a Career Learn More About Your Career Tennessee College and Career Planning System o Career Interest Assessment o Confidence Skills Assessment o Work Values Assessment Begin your career portfolio o o Username and Password o Ask counselor for “N” code

Tennessee College and Career Planning System Occupation Overview Resume Builder Education Planner College & Scholarship Search Nat’l Job Database

Choices  Work  Military  Vocational/Technical School  2 year Community College  4 year University “Our choices determine our destiny.” A.R. Bernard A.R. Bernard

What Businesses Expect from High School Students  Basic Math  Problem Solving/Critical Thinking  Verbal Communication  Teamwork  Organizational Skills  Professionalism (being on time, work ethic, dress, attitude, etc.)

Join the Military Take the ASVAB Talk to a recruiter Need basic skills Learn a useful trade or make a career in the military Great way to fund your education

Vocational/Technical School  A Technical Diploma provides you with the quickest way to gain the technical skills to join the workplace fast and efficiently.  Over 83% of the jobs in this field require a Technical degree.  Continue your education while working in your field of expertise.

Going to Postsecondary School -What Fits? Type of School Location Size of the School Cost and Financial Aid Campus Activities Majors Offered

Going to Postsecondary School - What Can You Do Now? Create an Academic Resume keep a record of your awards/honors & activities/volunteer work Research colleges & scholarships Internet & college visits Attend college fairs meet with college representatives at your school

Going to Postsecondary School - What Can You Do Now? Create an Academic Resume keep a record of your awards/honors & activities/volunteer work Research colleges & scholarships Internet & college visits Attend college fairs meet with college representatives at your school Begin your college search by viewing virtual tours of over 1,300 college campuses!

EDadvisor service reminds students about important deadlines and provides helpful college planning articles and tips. Students are sent dynamic content based upon their year in school. Edadvisor articles have been reprinted in college planning magazines throughout the country.

Going to College/Vocational School - The Campus Visit Things To Do…..  Research the college beforehand  Admission requirements  Call ahead and schedule the visit  Talk to students while you are on campus  Try to meet with a faculty member in your major  Sit in on a freshman level class  Meet with admissions and financial aid counselors  Consider attending an open house  Try to spend the night in a dorm room on campus  ASK QUESTIONS!

Going to College/Vocational School - The Campus Visit Questions to Ask…..  What is the residence hall policy?  Do most students participate in a meal plan?  What campus organizations are offered on campus?  Ask a current student what they like least/most about this school?  What institutional aid is available?  What is the student/faculty ratio?

Getting into College - The Admissions Process What do colleges consider?  Grade Point Average (9 th – 12 th grade counts!)  Rigorous curriculum  The ACT and SAT (college entrance exams)  The application/essay  Extracurricular activities  Letters of recommendation

Paying for School - Financial Aid Money that assists students and their families in funding their college education.

Getting into College - The Admissions Process The ACT and SAT Take during the spring semester of your junior year Retake ACT or SAT during fall semester of your senior year Check with the School Counseling Office for test dates Register online at or Know the Lingo: Financial Aid FAFSA GrantsScholarshipsWork StudyLoans

Review: College Planning Tips Sophomores Plan your finances. Research colleges and careers. Practice taking college entrance exams. Juniors Attend college fairs. Take college entrance exams. Visit college campuses. Research/apply for scholarships.

Getting into College Keep your grades up!!! Take rigorous classes!!! Stay in touch with teachers/counselor!!!

Challenge Yourself Be better tomorrow than you are today!!! Find what you are good at and become great!!! Put forth an extra effort even if it is not easy!!!

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