10th/11th Grade Parent Information Night Presented by the Johns Creek Counseling Department October 5, 2016 @ 6:30pm

The Counseling Dept. Who are we??? All counselors are available for students, however, the primary counselor for students are based upon their last names: Mrs. Moran Graduation Coach Mr. Watkins Student Support Coordinator Mrs. Kitchens-Cole School Social Worker Mrs. Shin Bi-Lingual Liaison Ms. Taylor A-De Mrs. Wiley Df-Ji Mrs. Debrody Jj-Nd Ms. Foster Ne-Sp Mr. Mercer Sq-Z Department Chair

State of Georgia Requirements for Graduation 23 Units Required 4 credits of Language Arts 4 credits of Mathematics 4 credits of Science 3 credits of Social Studies 0.5 credit Health/0.5 credit Personal Fitness 3 credits of WL/FA/CT 4 elective credits

What are colleges looking for? GPA (core/academic) Rigor of courses taken (difficulty level) Test Scores (SAT and/or ACT) Extracurricular Activities College Application Essays Teacher Recommendations

Fulton County GPA Numeric Average Fulton County calculates numeric averages by adding every grade on the student’s transcript (failed classes are included) 100 point scale i.e. 87.963 out of 100 Fulton County adds 7 points to the final passing grade for each Honors, AP, and college course taken; shown on transcript Counselors cannot convert your students GPA to a 4.0 scale Johns Creek High School does not rank

Grade Point Average (GPA) Some colleges may give additional points for Honors, AP, and College courses Most only consider academic courses (Language Arts, Math, Science, Social Studies, Foreign Language) To calculate, take your academic classes and assign a 4,3,2, or 0 for each course. Add them together and divide by the total number of academic courses (estimated GPA) Some colleges may take off the additional 7 points added for Honors, AP and college courses (if so, take off the 7 points before assigning the (A)4, (B)3, (C)2, or (F)0)

College Entrance Exams ACT A content/curriculum-based test (achievement) Score: 1 - 36 Wrong answer not penalized Structure of test: English Math (through trigonometry) Reading Science Reasoning Writing (Optional) SAT A test of critical thinking and problem solving (aptitude) Score: 600 – 2400 No Penalty for wrong answers Structure of test: Critical Reading Math (Algebra I, Algebra II and Geometry) Writing (Mandatory) NEW SAT is aligned to the spirit of the Common Core. The Common Core State Standards are a set of learning standards that have been adopted by most states. These standards will help to ensure that students from different states master the same skills in each grade level.

The New SAT Format SAT: Math Focus SAT: Focuses on Reading Comprehension PLUS: more complex texts aligned to “college level reading” PLUS: wider range of texts including from “Founding Documents” and the “greater global conversation” PLUS: emphasis on analysis & use of evidence PLUS: data & informational graphics SAT: Integrated into PASSAGES PLUS: focus on “revising and editing” PLUS: focus on misused words PLUS: emphasis use of evidence PLUS: data & informational graphics SAT: Math Focus Fewer topics but much more in-depth Primary focus: 1. Problem-solving skills 2. More than one way to a solution 3. Simple test-taking tricks no longer work There are 2 sections: Calculator Section No-Calculator Section -1 open response question (showing work) – 5 pts. Three general focuses: Heart of Algebra Problem Solving and Data Analysis Advanced Math 3. Word problems!

SAT II: Subject Tests Some highly selective four-year colleges require Subject specific designed to measure knowledge and the ability to apply that knowledge in specific subject areas. Tests are given in Literature, U.S. History, World History, Biology EM, Chemistry, Physics, Mathematics Level I, Mathematics Level II, French, German, Modern Hebrew, Italian, Latin, Spanish, Chinese, Japanese, and Korean. Colleges use the Subject Tests for admissions, course placements, or both Contact schools to see if needed

SAT ACT Upcoming Test Dates Test Registration Date Deadline October 22 September 16 December 10 November 4 February 11 January 13 April 8 March 3 June 10 May 5 www.act.org SAT Test Registration Date Deadline November 5 October 7 December 3 November 3 January 28 December 21 March 11 February 10 May 6 April 7 June 3 May 9 www.collegeboard.org

Research Prospective Colleges Visit www.gcic.peachnet.edu parent id: johnscreekhs password: gcis7315 www.gafutures.org Visit College Websites Attend College Visits at JCHS (24 hours in advance) Attend College Fairs/Receptions Visit Your Prospective College-Make sure this absence is preapproved with the attendance office 3 days before you leave Be Realistic

Dual Enrollment Students have to meet the university/college’s admissions requirements and deadlines in order to be admitted (SAT/ACT and GPA) JCHS cannot extend the university/college’s deadline Students are not admitted to the college/university until they receive notice stating so Deadline for Fulton County dual enrollment is March 30, 2017 (JCHS must know by this date) Dual Enrollment Night January 18th, 2017 @ 6:30

College Application Process Process starts Monday August 31, 2017 WHAT TO LOOK FOR IN A COLLEGE Visit www.gcic.peachnet.edu Entrance requirements/ Admissions policy Location Size of student body Majors and educational programs Type of school and degrees offered Activities Diversity of student body Class size Costs and financial aid College affiliation and accreditation Athletics Campus activities Support services

October 1- 30 September 15 November 1-30 October 15 December 1- 30 DEADLINES FOR COLLEGE AND SCHOLARSHIP APPLICATIONS (Due to the large number of applications the Counseling Department receives, we ask that you strictly adhere to the following deadlines) COLLEGE & SCHOLARSHIP APPLICATION DEADLINE APPLICATION DUE TO COUNSELING OFFICE October 1- 30 September 15 November 1-30 October 15 December 1- 30 November 15 January 1 - 30 December 1

TYPES OF ADMISSIONS DECISIONS Regular Decision Early Action Receives notice of admission early If accepted, student is not obligated to attend Early Decision If accepted, student is obligated to attend If accepted, student must withdraw all other applications

Letters of Recommendation Submit a resume or senior information sheet Counselors need at least 10 business days to complete a recommendation Please try and give teachers at least a month to complete a recommendation *Resume contains academic information, honors, awards, extracurricular activities, employment, and charity work

Financial Aid Options Four Types Grants/Gifts (merit-based monies) Grants and gift monies do not have to be repaid. Some schools term these “scholarship.” College Work Study allows students to work either on or near campus in a job arranged by the Financial Aid Office. Loans which usually have low interest rates, must be repaid Federal and/or State Loans must be repaid as stipulated. Application Process for Need-Based Financial Aid: FAFSA: The application opens October 1st of your child’s graduating year https://fafsa.ed.gov/ CSS PROFILE: This is a form required by many private colleges. Ask the college if it is required.

Scholarships RESEARCH scholarship opportunities College and Career Center HOPE Web Sites www.gcic.peachnet.edu www.fastweb.com http://gafutures.org www.scholarships.com www.fastaid.com www.finaid.org Call the Financial Aid Office at Individual Schools

College-Bound Student Athletes Is your student planning on participating in Intercollegiate athletics at an NCAA Division I or II institution? The student must register with the NCAA Initial-Eligibility Clearinghouse at www.eligibilitycenter.org Submit the transcript request to www.parchment.com When taking the SAT/ACT, enter 9999 for scores to be sent to NCAA Eligibility Center.

Advice Let your student take ownership of the process May 1st – Decision Day (required to tell college of your decision) Senioritis Rescinding admission and scholarship offers Falling grades second semester Schedule changes (rigorous to less rigorous) If the student changes his or her schedule, he or she must notify the Office of Undergraduate Admissions immediately in writing

Keep in Touch Follow us on Twitter: @JCHS_Counseling 11th grade Remind: 81010 message @04863a 10th grade Remind: 81010 message @jchs19 Counselor’s Corner during both lunches

This information will be posted to the Guidance website: Thank You This information will be posted to the Guidance website: Johns Creek High School Guidance www.johnscreekguidance.com Johns Creek High School website http://www.johnscreekhs.net/ Johns Creek PTSA website http://jchsptsa.com/