CLASS OF 2012 Seniors & Parents INFORMATION NIGHT INFORMATION

LHS GRADUATIONREQUIREMENTS (REQUIRED TO PASS 26 CREDITS TO GRADUATE.) n 4 units LANGUAGE ARTS (English I, English II, English III, and English IV or IVC.) n 3 units MATHEMATICS (Algebra I and two elective math credits.) n 3 units SCIENCE n 3 units SOCIAL SCIENCE (W. History, A. History, and 1/2 Government, 1/2 Economics.) n 1 unit PHYSICAL EDUCATION w/ HEALTH COMPONENT n 1unit COMPUTER TECH n 1 unit FINE ARTS n 10 unitsELECTIVES n 26 units = Total Graduation Credits

KANSAS BOARD OF REGENTS QUALIFIED ADMISSIONS (Board of Regents Institutions Only.) n Achieve n Achieve an ACT score of 21 or better. n Rank n Rank in the top 1/3 of your high school’s graduating class. n Complete n Complete the Pre-College Curriculum (see NEXT SLIDE) with at least a 2.0 GPA.

Qualified Admissions Curriculum n 4 units Language Arts ( English I, English II, English III, and English IV.) n 3 unitsMathematics (Algebra I, Algebra II, Geometry, and 1 additional elective strongly recommended.) n 3 units Science ( Biology I, Adv. Biology, Earth/Space Science, Chemistry, Physics (at least one unit in Chemistry or Physics) n 3 units Social Science ( LHS required-World History, American History and.5 Government plus.5 Economics) n 2 unitsForeign Language[Recommended] n 1 unit Physical Education w/Health Component. n 1 unit Computer Technology Note that Algebra I taken in the 8th Grade does not qualify for this curriculum standard.

Kansas Scholars Curriculum (LHS core) (Must complete to be eligible for state scholarship awards.) n 4 units Language Arts ( English I, English II, English III, and English IV-Comp. I/Intro to Lit.) n 4 unitsMathematics (Algebra I, Algebra II, Geometry, and 1 additional elective from pre-calculus, college algebra, trigonometry, statistics) n 3 units Science (Biology I, Chemistry, and Physics.) n 3 units Social Science (World History, American History, and.5 American Government,.5 Economics.) n 2 unitsForeign Language (both in the same language.) n 1 unitComputer Tech *Note that completion of Algebra I in 8 th grade is acceptable (for the Kansas Scholars Curriculum (but NOT for Qualified Admissions).

KANSAS SCHOLARS CURRICULUM KANSAS SCHOLARS CURRICULUM is required to be eligible for Valedictorian or Salutatorian. (which are chosen based on the CORE class grades--with no elective grades figured in.) is required to be eligible for Valedictorian or Salutatorian. (which are chosen based on the CORE class grades--with no elective grades figured in.) SENIOR RECOGNITION at GRADUATION: Gold Tassel = GPA of 92% or above in the CORE classes Gold & Blue Tassel = GPA of 92% or above with all classes combined. Gold Tassel = GPA of 92% or above in the CORE classes Gold & Blue Tassel = GPA of 92% or above with all classes combined.

RICE COUNTY LEARNING CENTER CREDITS n A student may enroll at the Rice County Learning Center upon failing at the semester or the end of a year. Seniors that fail a required course during their SECOND semester will not be allowed to participate in commencement. Rice County Learning Center credits needed for graduation must be completed by May 1 to participate in commencement. A required course can be an elective if needed for the 26 credits for graduation.

Work Military Trades Apprentice Program Technical School 4-year college Options After High School 2-year college

Take responsibility for your future! Source: ACT College Planning Guide

Let’s Focus on Post Secondary Education Remember...decision making is a PROCESS, not an event! Source: ACT College Planning Guide

KANSAS CAREER PIPELINE n Interest and skill inventories that will give you some ideas with careers or occupations to consider. n Links to all schools or training programs that offer the programs you are interested in. n

Please Visit the USD Website often for Senior information. GO TO: > Lyons High School > Counselor’s Corner > Seniors GO TO: > Lyons High School > Counselor’s Corner > Seniors

ACT Test Registration n Register n Register by the deadline for a test date n Answer ALL survey and inventory questions at least once n LYONS HS ACT CODE

ACT Test Preparation n The best preparation is a solid high school curriculum n ACT includes four curriculum-based tests -- English, Math, Reading, and Science n Become familiar with the ACT test content and format through practice tests tests

ACT Test Preparation n Learn appropriate test-taking strategies n Get Test Prep paper booklet from your counselor n Take ACT’s free practice tests n Visit the ACT website at & click on test prep tab for FREE resources n Source: ACT College Planning Guide

Remember, test scores are only ONE factor used for college admission and scholarship decisions Source: ACT College Planning Guide

Planning for Life after High School You can organize the college or training process in six simple steps Source: ACT College Planning Guide

Know Yourself and Your Reasons for Attending College or Vocational/Trade Schools n Recognize your strengths and weaknesses n Analyze your interests and values n Achieve a personal goal n Increase your earning power 1

Know Yourself and Your Reasons for Attending College or Vocational/Trade Schools n Prepare for a career and expand learning n Extracurricular activities & social life n Influence of family and friends 1 Source: ACT College Planning Guide

Consider College/School Characteristics n Majors & educational programs n Type of school & degrees offered n Admission policy n Location & size n Costs & financial aid n College affiliation & accreditation n Campus activities n Support services 2 Source: ACT College Planning Guide

List, Compare, and Visit Colleges/Schools n Compile information from several resources: –Internet/Websites –College catalogs, bulletins, videos –College representatives & college fairs –Counselors and teachers –Parents, students, and alumni –Directories and ACT score report 3

List, Compare, and Visit Colleges/Schools n Prepare a college comparison checklist n Weigh advantages & disadvantages n Contact the office of admission n Schedule appointments for your campus visits 3 Source: ACT College Planning Guide

Every campus has a “personality” Source: ACT College Planning Guide

Checklist for a Campus Visit n Request college visit form from your High School Counselor n Meet with an Admission Counselor n Verify admission requirements n Determine actual costs n Ask about financial aid opportunities n Take a campus tour

Checklist for a Campus Visit n Investigate your academic program(s) n Attend a class n Talk with students and faculty n Discuss your chances for success: –admission –graduation –placement Source: ACT College Planning Guide

Apply for Admission and Observe Deadlines n Narrow your choices n Review admission test requirements n Know application fees and deadlines n Know scholarship requirements 4

Apply for Admission and Observe Deadlines n Submit application materials (paper/ electronic) –Application for admission –High school transcript and college transcript if you have taken courses –Recommendations –Admission test results 4 Source: ACT College Planning Guide

Keep accurate records!

Develop a Plan to Finance Your Education or Training n Determine ALL costs n Investigate ALL possible resources –Parents –Savings –Summer earnings –Financial aid: scholarships, grants, loans & work-study –Other sources 5

Develop a Plan to Finance Your Education n Secure necessary forms and note deadlines n Apply for financial aid as early as possible 5 Source: ACT College Planning Guide

Don’t eliminate any college or school because of costs before receiving financial assistance information! Source: ACT College Planning Guide

What Does Postsecondary Education Cost? Things to consider in a total budget:

Review and Finalize Your Plans n Show initiative and be assertive n Talk with your parents and counselor n Select a school that meets your needs and preferences n Follow up with the schools to which you have applied 6 Source: ACT College Planning Guide

Keep in mind… making sound decisions will lead to satisfying and successful experiences! Source: ACT College Planning Guide

College Success Factors Test scores and high school grades are important However, they measure only part of your “potential” Source: ACT College Planning Guide

NCAA/NAIA Eligibility Centers n All prospective college student athletes must register with the NCAA Eligibility Center ( ) OR the NAIA Eligibility Center ( This must be done online and should be completed early in the senior year. n Also should send ACT scores to these Clearinghouses.

HAVE A GREAT YEAR PLANNING FOR THE FUTURE! HAVE A GREAT YEAR PLANNING FOR THE FUTURE!