Two of the most accurate predictors of post-secondary success are: 1. Taking rigorous courses in high school 2. Having a career focus

Step 1: What can your student do right now to be ready for college?

Conduct research and gather information Begin a folder dedicated to your student and any info. received regarding life after high school Take the PSAT on Wednesday, Oct. 15 th at LSHS Take the ASVAB in fall or spring Begin taking ACT/SAT mid-junior year Make campus visits Talk to college Attend College Night at John Knox Pavilion next fall!

* Qualifying test for the National Merit Scholarship Program 1. Wednesday, October 15 th / 7:15 A.M. 2. Testing location: A Gym 3. Bring #2 pencils and a calculator 4. Sign up with Mrs. Frick in the Counseling Center 5. Cost is $14 6. More info:

*Armed Services Vocational Aptitude Battery 1. Offered each fall and spring (free of charge!) 2. Sign up with Mrs. Frick in the Counseling Center 3. Bring #2 pencils. No calculators allowed. 4. Report to the A Gym 5. Explore occupations in line with interests and skills * Students are not tied to the military by taking this test. The military provides the testing and test interpretation, but we encourage ALL students to take this test because of the valuable feedback it provides.

*College Entrance Exam Begin taking the test sometime during the second half of junior year: December 13 February 7 April 18 June 13 Sign up for the LSHS ACT Prep Course after taking the ACT one time: LSHS sessions are tied to national test dates Cost =$69 (includes textbook) – scholarships available

Beginning this spring, ALL juniors in Missouri will take a free official ACT test. Scheduled for Tuesday, April 28, 2015, and will take place at LSHS. Test results will provide information on the college and career readiness of juniors in Missouri. Test is considered official and can count toward college admission and scholarship opportunities.

English75 questions45 minutes Mathematics60 questions60 minutes Reading40 questions35 minutes Science40 questions35 minutes Writing1 prompts30 minutes

a. Internet Searches b. Job Shadowing c. Internships / Part-time Jobs d. Career / Job Fairs

Career Explorer Post Programs Real-world career experiences for yr. olds Delivered through partnerships with thousands of businesses, organizations, state, local and federal agencies Mentoring, internships, and community service Aligned to the 16 US Dept. of Ed. career clusters Local Explorer Post Opportunities Include: Hallmark Cards Black & Veatch Engineering Truman Medical Center Independence Fire Dept. For more information about this program, contact Kerry Jorn at or

1. Continue w/rigorous courses 2. Complete Area of Focus 3. Explore areas of interest through coursework a. Summit Tech./Herndon/Cass b. Work Programs c. Dual Credit/Enrollment Courses 4. Meet w/Counselor a. Review a plan for the next three years b. Familiarize yourself with Counseling Center resources

Summit Technology Academy Plan to visit their Open House: Thursday, November 20 th Tours available for interested students 2 nd semester Herndon Career Center Plan to visit their Open House: Wednesday, December 3 rd Tours available for interested students 2 nd semester Cass Career Center Rep. available to students during LSHS Enrollment Fair on Friday, February 6 th Tours available for interested students 2 nd semester

Dual Credit at LSHS Check out Career & Educational Planning Guide for LSHS courses that offer college credit Dual Enrollment at Metropolitan Community Colleges Take a class at Longview and earn high school and college credit

What are your students reasons for attending college? Do they have personal goals? Do they need academic preparation for a career? Are they interested in college? Some of the most common answers are: Increased earning potential Career preparation Learning opportunities Studying new and different ideas/concepts Meeting new people Fulfilling personal goals Family influence

Step 2: What information do you need to plan for college?

Possible research topics: General college information Specific admission requirements Application deadlines Scholarship & financial aid opportunities/deadlines Job placement rate for your student’s chosen career field

Requirements: Attend A+ designated school for 3 consecutive years 2.5 GPA (unweighted) 95% Attendance Proficient or Advanced score on Algebra 1 EOC or DESE approved mathematics test 50 Hours of Mentoring/Tutoring Equals app. $105 per hour Good Citizenship Upon Completion: 2 Years of Paid MO Community College or Tech. School * Apply in the A+ Office ASAP!

*Academy Night = Wednesday, January 14, 2015 in the LSHS Brockman Lecture Hall The following academies have presented in the past: Virginia Military Academy New Mexico Military Institute US Air Force Academy Wentworth Military Academy US Coast Guard Academy US Military Academy (West Point) US Naval Academy US Merchant Marines Academy Learn about the nomination process Information about the application process / timeline Question & Answer session

For those students planning on participating in collegiate athletics at a Division I, Division II, or NAIA school Apply online A fee is required along with registration Process typically begins during junior year

Some 4-Year Colleges:  4 credits of English  3 credits of math (Algebra I and higher)  2 credits of science (including at least one lab course)  3 credits of social science  1 credit of fine art  3 credits of core electives (modern language counts here)

High school curriculum Class rank and grade point average ACT or SAT scores Extra-curricular activities Community service Essay/résumé

In addition to the core high school curriculum required for admission to most 4-year colleges, your student must also earn a certain grade point average and ACT/SAT score. If your ACT/SAT score is not high enough, you must achieve a certain selection index. A selection index is a score based on your combined ACT/SAT and class rank percentiles. Each college sets its own selection index and is published on its website.

OPEN16-21 LIBERAL17-22 TRADITIONAL18-24 SELECTIVE21-26 HIGHLY SELECTIVE25-30

Step 3: How do I choose the right college for me?

Will I be trained for my career? Does the school offer programs of interest? Is the school the right size for me? Can I afford to attend this school? How far away am I willing to go?

Missouri, Kansas, USA, world 2-year, 4-year Public or private Cost limitations Programs of study Campus size

Consider cost…

Choose several schools to visit during 2 nd semester of your junior year or summer before senior year. Call the admissions office to schedule a formal visit. Take advantage of half-days and other days school is not in session. Pick up a “Questions to Ask on Your Campus Visit” sheet from the Counseling Center.

1) LSR7 Career & Educational Planning Guide * Can be found on LSHS website and LSHS Counseling Website

If you don’t have a Twitter account: Text: to If you do have a Twitter account: Login and make sure you follow us to receive tweets from the Counseling Center. (college rep. visits, scholarship info., career opportunities, etc.)