Welcome to James Caldwell High School: “A Place of Possibilities”

Welcome to An Introduction to College Planning There are steps you can take now to prepare for the college application process.

JCHS Guidance Dept. Lisa Blackman, Supervisor of Guidance Frank Lattoz, Guidance Counselor Lacey Imbriaco, Guidance Counselor Brianna Watts, 9th Grade Guidance Counselor

Graduation Requirements English – 4 years Math – 3 years Science – 3 years Social Studies – 3 years World Language – 1 year Health/PE – 4 years Financial Literacy – ½ year Electives – 1 year Fine Art, 1 year Practical Art Minimum total of 120 credits

The Transcript A student’s transcript is reflective of the strength of academic program of the school. How do I make it stronger? The student’s transcript is reflective of a student’s complete (9-12) profile. The student’s transcript reflects his/her Grade Point Average (GPA) and number of credits earned

The Activity Sheet Quality rather than quantity Organize activities by subtopic clubs athletics community service summer programs/travel honors/awards employment Highlight positions of leadership

The Activity Sheet

Standardized Testing SAT Reasoning Test SAT Subject Tests ACT When and how often to take the tests www.collegeboard.org www.actstudent.org

Two Year & Four Year Colleges Associate Degree AA Certificate Program Trade/Specialized School Bachelor’s Degree BA/BS

The Search Naviance/Family Connection College websites College representatives visit JCHS Develop a list of 5-8 choices Visit colleges See your counselor !

http://connection.naviance.com/jameschs

High School: Every year Take challenging classes in core academic subjects- and do well in them Get involved in school or community based extracurricular activities that enable you to explore career/personal interests and meet new people. Consider volunteering- remember – it’s quality(not quantity ) that counts. Continue to save for college

9th Grade 10th Grade Continue to do well in school Start thinking about career interest Utilize Naviance to research career and college options – you will be meeting with your Counselor during the Winter to register your Naviance account and complete a Career Interest Inventory Begin Resume in Naviance 10th Grade Continue to keep your grades up Take PSAT in October Utilize Naviance to research career and college options – you will be meeting with your Counselor during the Winter to complete a Personality Inventory to identify possible major and career options Work on Resume in Naviance

11th Grade Begin to research colleges that interest you- be aware of entrance requirements. (i.e. specific courses, standardized tests, etc.) Take advantage of College Rep visits through the Guidance Office Investigate financial aid options- visit studentaid.ed.gov for assistance. Take PSAT in October Attend the parents’ financial aid workshop in the Fall When you meet with your School Counselor to plan your Senior Year schedule, you will also discuss college options Take the SAT or ACT at least once in the spring Begin College visits- information sessions and official tours.

Summer before 12th Grade Visit college websites to collect information about applications, financial aid, deadlines and campus visits Continue to visit colleges that interest you Decide whether you are going to apply under a particular college’s early decision or early action plan by learning about the program requirements and application deadlines Register for Fall SAT or ACT Begin college application and essays

12th Grade Continue to take courses that are challenging Work hard all year- second semester grades can affect college acceptances and scholarship eligibility You will meet with your counselor to discuss your list of schools and completing college applications When completing applications follow directions and PAY CLOSE ATTENTION TO DEADLINES Follow guidance department instructions regarding teacher recommendations, counselor forms and transcripts Attend the Financial Aid Information Night to prepare for the FAFSA Research scholarships for which you may qualify In April decide which college you would like to attend as most schools require a deposit by May 1st

Questions If you have specific questions students should visit the Guidance Office to speak with their Counselor . We’re here to help! Counselors Ms. Blackman Mr. Lattoz Mrs. Imbriaco Mrs. Watts

Welcome to James Caldwell High School: “A Place of Possibilities”