Staying on the Right Track Sophomore Year Staying on the Right Track

After today, you will learn… Tips for Sophomores Choosing a Career Choices after High School Going to School after High School Paying for School

Did You Know.. A Third of US dropouts never reach the 10th grade?

A Few Tips! Review schedule & check credits with your counselor Sign up for the PSAT and/or PLAN Keep your GPA up – important for scholarships and college admission Explore potential careers Stay involved in extracurricular activities Look for summer opportunities Attend college fairs Research colleges Challenge yourself Stay focused!!!

Time Management Tips Use a planner to keep track of important dates and deadlines and GET ORGANIZED! Set achievable goals Make a To-Do list every day Use spare minutes wisely It’s ok to say NO Get a good night sleep Communicate your schedule with others Determine your priorities

Choosing a Career Learn More About Yourself Take a look at: Your skills Your career goals Your interests Focus on careers that: Pertain to your personality Represent the lifestyle you want Reflect the goals you have set for yourself Try it out: Volunteer in a related field Work part-time Job shadow for a day or two Do an internship once you’re in school

Choosing a Career Learn More About Your Career Tennessee College and Career Planning System Career Interest Assessment Confidence Skills Assessment Work Values Assessment Begin your career portfolio www.planningyourdreams.org Username and Password Ask counselor for an Activation code

Tennessee College and Career Planning System Occupation Overview Resume Builder Education Planner College & Scholarship Search Nat’l Job Database

“Our choices determine our destiny.” Work Military Vocational/Technical School 2 year Community College 4 year University “Our choices determine our destiny.” A.R. Bernard

What Businesses Expect from High School Students Basic Math Problem Solving/Critical Thinking Verbal Communication Teamwork Organizational Skills Professionalism (being on time, work ethic, dress, attitude, etc.)

Join the Military Take the ASVAB Talk to a recruiter Need basic skills Learn a useful trade or make a career in the military Great way to fund your education

Vocational/Technical School A Technical Diploma provides you with the quickest way to gain the technical skills to join the workplace fast and efficiently.  Over 83% of jobs require a technical degree. Continue your education while working in your field of expertise. 84% of grads are placed in the field of study

Going to Postsecondary School? What Fits? Type of School Location Size of the School Cost and Financial Aid Campus Activities Majors Offered

Going to Postsecondary School? What Can You Do Now? Create an Academic Resume keep a record of your awards/honors & activities/volunteer work Research colleges & scholarships Internet & college visits Attend college fairs meet with college representatives at your school

Going to Postsecondary School - What Can You Do Now? Begin your college search by viewing virtual tours of over 1,300 college campuses! Create an Academic Resume keep a record of your awards/honors & activities/volunteer work Research colleges & scholarships Internet & college visits Attend college fairs meet with college representatives at your school

The eCampusTours college planning newsletter and email service reminds students about important deadlines and provides helpful college planning articles and tips. Students are sent dynamic content based upon their year in school. eCampusTours articles have been reprinted in college planning magazines throughout the country.

What do colleges consider? Getting into College The Admissions Process What do colleges consider? Grade Point Average (9th – 12th grade counts!) Rigorous curriculum The ACT and SAT (college entrance exams) The application/essay Extracurricular activities Letters of recommendation

Paying for School Financial Aid Money that assists students and their families in funding their college education.

Know the Lingo: Financial Aid Getting into College - The Admissions Process Know the Lingo: Financial Aid FAFSA Grants Scholarships Work Study Loans FAFSA The ACT and SAT Take during the spring semester of your junior year Retake ACT or SAT during fall semester of your senior year Check with the School Counseling Office for test dates Register online at www.act.org or www.collegeboard.com

Review: College Planning Tips Take a practice PSAT Fall Start preparing for the ACT Stay on track Learn about the college admissions process Explore potential careers Winter Take on new roles Read, read, read Practice your writing Get advice from your counselor Spring/Summer Keep your grades up Contact/visit colleges Get a summer job Review: College Planning Tips

Challenge Yourself Be better tomorrow than you are today!!! Find what you are good at and become great!!! Put forth an extra effort even if it is not easy!!!

www.eCampustours.com www.planningyourdreams.org www.edsouth.org/SOS @EdsouthSOS @eCampusTours @StudentOutreachServices Student Outreach Services from Edsouth eCampusTours.tumblr.com LEARN MORE Getting into College - The Admissions Process The ACT and SAT Take during the spring semester of your junior year Retake ACT or SAT during fall semester of your senior year Check with the School Counseling Office for test dates Register online at www.act.org or www.collegeboard.com