Juniors: #getyourlife Planning for Life After High School Presented by the Freedom High School Counseling Department

FHS SCHOOL COUNSELORS Ms. Briana Moore Director of School Counseling Mr. Rolong A-Bro Ms. Rivera Bri-E Ms. Hyman F-Ja Ms. Dykes Je-Mor Ms. Bembry Mos-Rob Ms. Arriaza Roc-Va Ms. Jenkins Ve-Z College and Career Counselor

Planning for Life Beyond Freedom HS Why plan? What post-high school options are available to me? How do I find the best post-high school option for me? What should I be doing right now? Using Naviance to Support Your Post-Secondary Plans

The Importance of Your Junior Year Last opportunity to help raise your GPA Colleges only see 9th, 10th & 11th year grades Senior year grades are not included on your transcript until the end of 1st semester Exploring career options Identifying post-secondary options Ensuring that you have met graduation requirements

Graduation requirements Standard Diploma 22 Credits 4 English 3 Math 3 Science 3 Social Studies 2 HPE 1 Econ and Finance 1 Fine Art/CTE 2 Sequential Electives 3 Additional Electives 6 Verified (SOL) Credits AND CTE Exam Advanced Studies Diploma 26 Credits 4 English 4 Math 4 Science 4 Social Studies 2 HPE 1 Econ and Finance 1 Fine/Practical Art 3 Foreign Language or 2/2 2-3 Additional Electives 9 Verified (SOL) Credits

Grade Point Average (GPA) Your GRADE POINT AVERAGE (GPA) is the #1 indicator of what college choices you have. Every GRADE you earn in high school IMPACTS your GPA A = 4 points B+ = 3.4 POINTS B = 3 POINTS C+ = 2.4 POINTS C = 2.0 POINTS D+ = 1.7 POINTS D = 1.0 POINTS F = 0 POINTS The higher your GPA the better chances you have in getting in the college of your choice!

What are Your Post-Secondary Options? Employment Trade School or Technical College Military 2 Year College 4 year College

Employment Successful job hunting refers not only to finding a job but also to finding the best job possible When employment is plentiful this may not present a problem; but when jobs are scarce, you may have to think creatively and investigate many sources Individuals seeking employment can visit VA Employment Commission (in Woodbridge) for help with: Resume building Job searching Interviewing skills Long term planning

Business, Trade and Technical Schools Special emphasis on education and training in technical fields Many programs lead to an A.S. or an A.A. degree or a certificate in an academic discipline Great way to get training for a specific job or career Some trades have more earning potential than careers that require an Associate or Bachelor Degree!

Military Military Enlistment 17 yrs./physically fit/most HS diploma/ASVAB/ moral character Training for 152 Occupations Reserve Officer Training (ROTC): Civilian College + Officer Training Military obligation after two years...2 or 4???? Service Academy-Begin Process Junior Year of H.S. US Military Academy, New York US Naval Academy, Maryland US Coast Guard Academy, Connecticut US Merchant Marine Academy, New York

2-Year Community College Community college benefits: -Fairly inexpensive (1/3 cost of 4 yr. colleges) -Close to home -Open admissions -No SAT/ACT Scores needed -Another opportunity to get into your 4 year college- of choice-Pathways program at NOVA - N.V.C.C. has guaranteed admission agreements with VA colleges for ease of transfer! -Provides a nurturing, supportive environment for students who need additional support. -Offers specialized courses/training

What Four Year Colleges Look For in Their Candidates College admissions offices are looking for well-rounded students who will be academically successful. Since most colleges have more applicants then they have space they establish certain criteria for selection. ****Academic Rigor ****GPA ****SAT/ACT Scores Extracurricular Activities Letters of Recommendation (start asking NOW) Interviews Student Essays

College Entrance Tests SAT and ACT Most colleges require SAT or ACT scores Scores are sent directly from testing agency to college Tests show readiness for college level work Take during spring of junior year AND fall of senior year Check college website for requirements **If you are on free/reduced lunch, you will qualify for a fee waiver. See the Counseling Secretaries.

Types of College Admission Early Decision (ED)-can only apply to one, promising to attend if accepted (Nov. 1st) Early Action (EA)-applying to several schools early for an earlier decision (Nov. 15th) Regular Decision (RD)-latest application will be accepted (usually Jan./Feb.) Rolling Decision-college will make decision as applications come in, no concrete deadline

Applying for College Admission Start working on college applications in Fall of your Senior year. Six college applications may be sufficient if you apply to two schools in each category listed below. IDEAL: School you most want to attend and for which you have a chance of acceptance. 50-50 CHANCE: School you would be satisfied to attend and for which you meet the average requirements. SAFETY: School you would be satisfied to attend for a year or more and for which your chances of acceptance are certain

This is YOUR “Research” Year! 1- Take the SAT or ACT (Mar.– June) 2 - Attend campus visits/college fairs 3 - Know which colleges you plan to apply by beginning of senior year 4 - Keep your grades UP! 5 - NCAA registration (if you plan to play sports in college) 6 – Meet with Military recruiters 7 – Attend job fairs

Those who fail to PLAN are planning to FAIL! QUESTIONS??? Those who fail to PLAN are planning to FAIL!

PWCS ACADEMIC PLAN https://pwcs. edu/cms/one. aspx Use as a check list for all graduation requirements Review and update a plan of action for high school and beyond

Academic and Career Plan Step 1: At the top of the Academic and Career Plan select a Career Cluster that interests you from the drop down list Step 2: Select a Career Pathway and then a Career Goal from the drop down lists Step 3: Select a Diploma Type and Post Secondary Goal Step 4: Select the core classes you have taken during 9th & 10th grade and be sure to type in your electives too Step 5: Select the core classes you PLAN to take your 12th grade year and type electives you would like to take Step 6: Be sure to add any extracurricular actives you are currently involved in this year. This may include, clubs, organizations and/or athletics. Step 7: At the very bottom type in your name as your signature and enter the date.

NAVIANCE Family Connection Website: https://connection.naviance.com/family-connection/main User Name= School ID Number Password= 6 digit birthday MMDDYYYY

Naviance Family Connection Another useful tool when it comes to planning for the future Use the handout provided to navigate this website How to access Naviance Step 1: Go to Freedom HS homepage Step 2: Select Our School  School Counseling  Naviance/Family Connection Step 3: At the top of the page select Click here for Freedom Family Connection to log in Username: Student ID Number Password: mmddyyyy

ACTIVITY: All About ME Write down your GPA (as shown in Naviance) Update your e-mail next to pencil. (click the pencil icon to update)

Explore Careers and Colleges Update: Colleges I am thinking about list Post-secondary plan Super Match (college match) Explore colleges that fit your criteria and match your current GPA.

Your counselors at Freedom High School BELIEVE in YOU Your counselors at Freedom High School BELIEVE in YOU. We are ready to assist you as you plan for a bright future!