Junior Year Guidance Orientation What Should You Be Doing This Year?

WORK! Work as hard as you can! Junior Year is a busy, hectic year with lots of tasks that need to be considered. If you are having difficulty in a class, see your teacher! Library tutoring is available Tuesday and Thursday afternoons. Counselors have lists of tutors available. Get to know your counselor! DO NOT WAIT to seek help!

Graduation Requirements You MUST earn 28 credits – 4 English (I, II, III, IV) – 4 Social Studies (Civics, US I and II, Government/Economics – 4 Science – 4 Mathematics – 2 Physical Education (1 with Health) – 10 additional credits (Foreign Language, electives, etc.)

Graduation Requirements, continued A completed and presented graduation project Satisfactory scores on the PSSA tests in reading and mathematics A nice-looking smile of achievement and a classy red or white cap and gown combo (seriously!)

??Transcripts?? Name, address, DOB, etc., etc., etc. Class Rank Junior and Senior Years (23/841) GPA – Grade Point Average (98.750) Test Scores (SAT, ACT, TOEFL) Courses and Grades from High School Years Middle School Algebra Courses Graduation Date, Signature, and Seal

THE SAT and THE ACT Nationally standardized tests used for college admission and placement purposes Tests critical reading, mathematics, and writing skills Scores range from 200 – 800 points per section Average score for the nation = 500 points per section Test is offered seven times every year

SAT and ACT, continued Registration is best done online weeks prior to the test date Current Basic Registration Fee = $49.00 Scores are available online 19 days after the test date You may send scores to colleges or scholarship committees (Penn State requires this report!) Most students take these tests three or four times during high school years

Critical Reading Sections Vocabulary with sentence completion – one or two words Shorter critical reading passages (<100 words) – read and answer questions Longer critical reading passages (>500 words) -- read and answer questions

Mathematics Sections 1/3 covers Algebra I (Concepts), Algebra II (IK), some College Algebra (IIK). 1/3 covers Plane and Solid Geometry. 1/3 covers Miscellaneous Math – Arithmetic, Patterns, Sets, Probability, Telling Time, etc.

Writing Sections Section 1 is always the 25-minute essay Usually a quotation or statement that evokes a position or opinion Time enough to DRAFT ideas on the topic Good, legible handwriting Length is important References or allusions to history, politics, culture, international events, etc. will boost score if they support your position

Practice Makes Perfect! Materials are available from a variety of sources: – Guidance Office – – – Books, cassettes, DVDs, CDs, flash cards, etc. are available from major retailers and TCB – Free, downloadable Mini SAT and SAT Question of the Day are available at collegeboard.com

Practice, Practice, Practice Free and fee-based classes are available in our area (Penn State Hazleton, Wilkes, CEO, etc.)

SAT Subject Tests / ACT Some colleges and universities require these for admission purposes Usually you need two – a math test and one other (foreign language, other subject) The ACT – the American College Test – with writing -- may be substituted for the SAT and/or SAT Subject Tests ACT – 4 or 5 Sections (English, Mathematics, Reading, Science, Writing) – offered twice per year at HAHS – October and April

PSSA Tests You will be taking PSSA tests in reading, mathematics, science, and writing. The success of our school is measured by the outcomes of these tests. Do your best on all of the tests You need to achieve a score of PROFICIENT or ADVANCED on the reading and mathematics portions of the test in order to earn your diploma.

Graduation (Senior) Project Required to earn your high school diploma You will be assigned an advisor – this year only Meetings throughout the school year to check progress and provide support Present your project to a panel of teachers – audio/visual aids Complete this project this year!

National Honor Society Four qualities required for induction: – Scholarship (93.0 GPA) – Leadership (Offices held, projects initiated) – Service (School and community work, help) – Character (Are you a good kid?) An honor to list on college and job applications Scholarship money may be available from colleges

College Night Wednesday, October 28, 2011 HAHS Gymnasium 7:00 PM – 8:30 PM colleges and universities are represented Available: Viewbooks, applications, live representatives, Open House information Great opportunity to make a first impression Bring your parents and friends!

Keep Your Stuff! Award certificates Pay Stubs Activities Records Newspaper clippings Senior/Graduation Project Keep all your documents in a file folder, shoe box, etc.

College Exploration – NOW!!! It is NOT too early to begin exploring college and university options for after high school DO NOT wait ONLY until the summer before senior year Open Houses and guided tours are held for seniors – AND JUNIORS, TOO – not just for seniors!

What Do Colleges Look For? Grades SAT or ACT scores Co curricular and extracurricular activities Essays or personal statements Interviews

Highly Competitive / Ivy League – Harvard, Princeton, University of Pennsylvania, Brown, Cornell, etc. – SAT scores average (CR and Math only) – Top 5% class rank – National or State Recognition – Research, service, honor, etc. – 7% - 15% acceptance rate – Cost - $55,

Competitive / Exclusive Colleges Villanova, Bucknell, Lehigh, Penn State University Park Campus, University of Pittsburgh, etc. – SAT scores average (CR and Math only) – Top 10% class rank – Notable achievements in high school – 25% acceptance rate – Cost - $22, $50,

Competitive Colleges Bloomsburg, Lock Haven, Wilkes, Kings, etc. – SAT scores average (CR and Math only) – Top 25% – 35% class rank – Variable acceptance rate – Cost - $15,

Noncompetitive / Open Admission Colleges Luzerne County Community College, Lackawanna College, McCann School of Business, etc. – SAT or ACT generally not required for admission – Class rank generally not considered – High School Diploma required – Open acceptance rate – Excellent transfer opportunities – Cost - $2,

How Do I Select MY College? There are several factors to consider to achieve the best FIT for you. – Location – How far away from home?? – Major – Undecided?? Specific?? – Size – Small or Large (and class sizes, also…)?? – Cost – Have you discussed this with your supporters??

How Do I Select MY College? Select colleges in three categories. – Dream or reach schools – Competitive schools – Safety Net / Sure schools

Some Good College Search Websites

Unsure What to do After High School? Career Development Resource Includes an interest survey. Hundreds of careers. Hundreds of colleges, universities, trade schools, and technical schools.

??Questions?? Discuss this information with your parents. Get the best grades you can earn this year. Continue or start involvement with activities. Learn about careers. Ask questions of your teachers and counselors. Begin researching and visiting colleges. Have FUN!