Welcome to Junior Parent Night Sponsored by Green Hope High School Student Services

Student Services Staff Shernita Telfair, Dean of Students Anne Miller, Counselor A-Di Jerry Goodpasture, Counselor Do-Ja Justin McIntyre, Counselor Je-Mi Hamilton Freeman, Counselor Mo-Se Allison Tibbetts, Counselor Sh-Z Nicole Bates-Leto, SAP Counselor Angie Murrane, Receptionist Cathy Dillon, Registrar *The PowerPoint presentation will be available on the Student Services Web site

Program Overview Review Graduation Requirements Provide a guideline to assist with college planning Provide resources to assist with post-secondary planning Provide information on post-secondary options

Graduation Requirements Class of 2015 Future-Ready Core English English I, II, III, IV 4 Credits Mathematics Algebra I, Geometry, Algebra II & one math course beyond Algebra II Science Earth/Environmental Science, Biology, & a Physical Science 3 Credits Social Studies World History, Civics & Economics, US History Electives (2) + Concentration (4) Two electives must be courses in CTE, Arts or World Language; Four electives recommended in a concentrated area: CTE, Arts, or any other subject area. 6 Credits Healthful Living 1 Credit Electives 5 Credits Total 26 Credits

NC Academic Scholars GPA: 3.5 Unweighted Future Ready Core Requirements which must include the following: English I, II, III, IV Science: Earth Science, Biology, Chemistry or Physics Social Studies: World History, Civics and Economics, US History Four (4) elective credits in a concentration Math: Algebra I or Common Core I, Geometry or Common Core II, Algebra II or Common Core III, 4th math beyond Algebra II or Common Core III Healthful Living World Language: 2 Credits Level I & Level II of the same language 3 Higher Level courses (having 5 or 6 quality points) taken during junior and/or senior years (honors or AP)

TESTS… PSAT/NMSQT Provides preparation for the SAT Qualifying test for the National Merit Scholarship Program & the National Merit Achievement Scholarship Program School-based test given each October for Sophomores (Juniors must sign-up for PSAT) To utilize results in preparation for the SAT, go to www.collegeboard.org/quickstart to access My College QuickStart, a free personalized planning kit based on their test results.

TESTS… SAT I Reasoning Test Measures the skills students need for academic success in college in three sections: Critical Reading, Math, & Writing Score Scale: 800 on each section; 2400 total Average score is 500 on each section Recommend taking at least once (or twice) in the spring of junior year and again at the beginning of the senior year if needed to increase scores. The College Board reports that most students improve their score the second time around, though beyond twice, scores don’t significantly change. Register online at collegeboard.org Important to prepare for the SAT: sign up for SAT prep classes, utilize free practice websites (such as collegeboard.org), and practice SAT books

TESTS… ACT Assessment Curriculum-based test designed to measure students’ college readiness and academic achievement in four skill areas: English, Math, Reading, & Science The writing test is optional but required for admission to UNC system schools Score Scale is 1-36 on each section; 1-36 composite Recommend taking at least once (or twice) in spring of junior year and again at beginning of senior year if needed to increase scores. Register and prepare online at actstudent.org

And more TESTS… SAT II Subject Tests AP Exams ASVAB Required by some selective colleges for admission and/or for placement purposes once a student enrolls Check college Web sites to determine requirements Students can take up to 3 subject tests on one test date Recommend taking Subject Tests near the end of a course when the information is still fresh in their mind Register at collegeboard.org AP Exams Taken in May by students enrolled in Advanced Placement courses and used by colleges for credit or placement ASVAB Aptitude test offered by the Armed Services

College Planning Timeline Fall Take the PSAT Volunteer or campaign for leadership positions in extracurricular activities Begin list of colleges & research Research admissions criteria, tuition estimates, & academic requirements Get organized! Create a college file & a college calendar to write down deadlines Begin researching Enrichment Opportunities If you are applying to military academies or ROTC scholarships, the process should begin in the junior year

College Planning Timeline Winter Begin visiting college campuses, start SAT Prep Begin researching scholarships Meet with counselors in small groups Spring Continue visiting potential schools on list Attend Spring College Fair- Greater Raleigh National College Fair, Tuesday, March 11, 2014 , Raleigh Convention Center Take the SAT/ACT Research college majors Start talking with teachers about recommendation letters

College Planning Timeline Summer Get involved in a summer internship, enrichment program, volunteer, or work a part-time job Mark your calendar for important Fall dates and deadlines (early scholarships and early action/decision deadlines) Continue to visit college campuses Continue to narrow your list of colleges Review college applications and begin working on essays if available The more you can do before the senior year, the easier things will be!

The College Search REMEMBER you are seeking a college where the goals and personality of the student are well matched with those of the college. Consider what is important to you: cost, location, size, residential life, major, etc… EVALUATE & EXPLORE interests, majors, and careers by taking interest inventories and assessments (CFNC.org and princetonreview.com) LIST abilities, preferences, personal qualities, and potential college majors RESEARCH COLLEGES by searching college websites, CFNC.org, collegeboard.com, collegeview.org, and college guidebooks available in student services

The College Search cont… ATTEND local college fairs and meet with college representatives when they visit your school (listen to announcements for dates) VISIT colleges and take college tours when they are in session to get a feel for the campus and regular activity. TALK to friends, family, teachers, and recent grads about their careers & college experiences DEVELOP a list of colleges and determine factors to use in comparing them REVIEW admission requirements and application deadlines for potential colleges

The College Search cont… FINALIZE your college list early in the senior year. Consider the following guide: One or two safety colleges: colleges to which they will almost certainly be admitted Some realistic or “probables”: college where their GPA, test scores, and other features look very similar to those of recent entering classes A reach (or two): colleges where they meet the criteria for admission but may not have the stellar qualifications of most first year students

What are colleges looking for? Academic Achievement (GPA) SAT/ACT scores Rigor of classes Class Rank Extracurricular Activities Community Service Essay Recommendation Letter(s) Interview

Résumé Create or update your resume including a record of your accomplishments, activities, and work experiences from high school. Choose a format that best highlights your experience, education, and interests. Add your summer employment, volunteer work, job shadowing and internships, college applications, and scholarship applications to your résumé. Your school counselor will ask for a copy of your résumé at your senior meeting. To create an online résumé, visit CFNC.org and click on the Student Planner.

College Planning Resources Junior Planning Guide available on the student services website The College Foundation of North Carolina-www.cfnc.org The College Board-collegeboard.org The Princeton Review-princetonreview.com Print publications & guidebooks Student Services School counselor

CFNC.org Track and Plan High School Courses Explore and Compare Colleges Career Assessments & Interest Inventories Information on Careers and College Majors Scholarships and Financial Aid Information SAT/ACT Test Prep Apply to NC Colleges

NCAA Clearinghouse & Student Athletes The clearinghouse certifies your eligibility to compete as a student athlete, but your college must accept you as a student. The clearinghouse evaluates your academic record to determine if you are eligible to participate at a Division I or II college as a freshmen. You can review the eligibility requirements and register at www.eligibilitycenter.org Student athletes should register after the completion of the junior year.

Summer Opportunities-Get Involved! Enrichment/College Preparation Opportunities are available through colleges to explore career interests & develop leadership skills Check individual college websites for opportunities Visit CFNC.org and click on “College Preparation Opportunities” for a searchable list Review listed opportunities on the Student Services website under “Enrichment Opportunities” Talk with your counselor Volunteer in your community Apply for a summer job Discuss internship & job shadowing opportunities with Catherine Barone, Career Development Coordinator, to gain experience and explore career interests

Financial Aid-Grants, Loans & Work-Study The FAFSA (Free Application for Federal Student Aid) is the form that is needed to apply for aid in the form of grants or loans. You can obtain a FAFSA application at www.fafsa.edu.gov The CSS/Financial Aid Profile establishes eligibility for institutional aid. The application is available at www.collegeboard.org A Financial Aid Counselor will be available for appointments beginning in October of the senior year to assist with the process.

Financial Aid-Scholarships Most scholarships are available beginning in the senior year; however there are a few scholarships available in the junior year. Begin researching scholarships during the junior year (many scholarships have early deadlines in senior year) Create a file for scholarships in which you qualify and would like to apply for during the senior year. Scholarship resources include: www.CFNC.org www.scholarshipplus.com/wake www.fastweb.com College and University websites Scholarship Newsletter (Student Services website)

Additional Post-Secondary Options Community colleges offer a vast array of Associate Degree and Certificate programs For students that may not have the grades right away or want to save money, community colleges offer College Transfer programs wherein you can transfer to a 4 year university within 2 years (Ex: UNC C-STEP) What about the Military? Get in touch with a recruiter and sign up to take the ASVAB. Maybe it’s right to work! Contact Catherine Barone, Career Development Coordinator , for more information

Please complete the online evaluation. Thank you for attending!