November 17, 2011

Something to keep in mind... 7 Classes X 2 Semesters X 4 Years = 56 Grades per Student X 400 Students in the Senior Class = 22, 400 Grades (excluding any grades earned on FLVS, through Novelstars, or in middle school)

22,400 Grades divided amongst 4 Counselors = 5,600 Grades per Counselor Even at a 1% error margin, that means 56 grades could be accidentally overlooked. It only takes one missing credit for your diploma to be in jeopardy. PLEASE review your graduation evaluation and talk to your counselor about any concerns you may have.

A CD-ROM with documents that will guide you through your senior year and help you plan for your future Florida Trend’s NEXT Magazine Wells Fargo College STEPS Magazine Your Graduation Evaluation

What are my graduation requirements? An unweighted cumulative GPA of 2.0 or higher 24 Credits in specific content areas A score of 300 or higher on the FCAT Reading and Math (or an appropriate concordant score on the SAT or ACT) Please reference the Pathways to Success brochure included in the Senior Packet CD-ROM.

What are the appropriate concordant scores on the SAT or ACT? Students can use the option of substituting a concordant passing score at any time. READINGMATH FCAT SAT ACT1815

What are the required 24 credits? For High School Graduation: Not Required but Strongly Recommended credits in English 4 credits in Math (including Algebra I) 3 credits in Science (including Biology) 3 credits in Social Studies HOPE 1 credit in a Fine Art 8 credits in Electives Two consecutive years of a Foreign Language Algebra II or other higher level Math courses ACT or SAT Tests Community Service Hours

How do I document my community service hours? (1) Print the Community Service Record from your CD or from the BRHS Website (2) Fill out the Community Service Record and have your supervisor verify your hours (3) Return it to Mrs. Oquendo in Student Services (4) Your hours will appear on your transcript for college and Bright Futures

Where can I find information about the SAT and ACT? Please reference the ACT and SAT documents on your Senior CD-ROM for more info.

The following slides are snapshots of resources available for students and families to review together. Students may want to also review other documents included on the CD-ROM, but not discussed in the presentation such as: Honors College Options Guidelines for Recommendation Letters Financial Aid Calendar Helpful Websites for Students & Parents College Planning Calendar Speak the Language Handouts

What are colleges looking for in prospective students?

Are there other post-secondary options besides public schools in Florida? Yes! If you are considering a private school, your CD-ROM includes a guide to all of the private colleges and universities in Florida.

How do I decide what college is right for me?

Q: When can students apply for the Bright Futures scholarship? A: Student can apply as early as December 1 st but no later than their graduation date. Q: How do students apply for Bright Futures? A: Students apply online at Q: Do students have to meet all of the requirements before applying for Bright Futures? A: No, students can apply even if they do not meet all of the requirements. All of the requirements must be met by the time of graduation.

New Requirements for Bright Futures Scholarships Complete, error-free Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA): Visit to access the form in Januarywww.fafsa.ed.gov Students can qualify for grants and loans from the government Community Service Hours: Academic Scholar – 100 Hours Medallion Scholar – 75 Hours Gold Seal Vocational – 30 Hours

Bright Futures Award Amounts This document is available on your CD-ROM. Please also review the Bright Futures Brochure to be sure that you understand all of the requirements to receive the scholarship. At this time, please fill out the Verification of Receipt form in your folder and return it to your homeroom teacher.

1) Financial Aid Workshop is being held at Southeast High School tonight (November 17 th ) at 6:30 pm. 2) Junior/Senior Parent Night is being held at Braden River High School on December 5 th at 6:00 pm. 3) FAFSA Workshop for Parents is being held at Palmetto High School on February 9 th from 5:00 to 7:00 pm.