Video clip SAT/ACT/ test dates Next steps for Juniors Upcoming events/Questions Group activity

From the experts…

SAT Registration ACT registration *JUNIORS – It is highly recommended that you take the SAT/ACT by the end of this school year! For early action deadlines in the fall, you should take the September ACT and/or the October SAT! *

o For the class of 2013: Must use to complete college applications and to request counselor/teacher letters of recommendation. o Keep track of the college application process right from your home computer! o See your counselor or Mr. Hock if you still need to register.

In School o Do not lighten your academic load for senior year!!! o Keep up your grades!!! o AP courses are courses. The expectation is that students are to remain in the class for both semesters. o Talk with college admissions counselors before making changes to your schedule o Meet with your school counselor/career center advisor o Stay involved in school activities Standardized Testing o Prepare for and register for SAT/ACT tests o Register for AP tests as appropriate College Exploration o Use the Family Connection program to find collegesFamily Connection o Visit colleges if you can o Attend college fairs o Meet with college representatives (sign up in the career center!)

Junior Parent Night – Thursday March 22 Sherwood HS College Fair – Monday April 23, 6:30pm-8:30pm County College Fair – Wednesday April 25 (Parent permission form required) AP Exams – May Senior Meetings – Summer/Early Fall

Group Activity “Accept or Reject?” o Break into groups of 5-7 o In your groups, you will: -Make up a name for a college/university/vocational or trade school -Act as the admissions committee of that college/university/vocational or trade school o Using student information (GPA, grades, resume, SAT/ACT scores), you will decide whether you will accept or reject that student. o Write on a sheet of paper how your group came up with a decision. o Choose a person from each group to present to the rest of the class.

Student #1 – Justin Brown Profile: Weighted GPA: 2.62 SAT Scores: Critical Reading580 Math560 Writing560 *Combined1700 Has taken all honors classes in high school Grades are mostly B’s and C’s with some D’s Letter of Recommendation For the past three years, I have worked with Justin as his counselor. He is a unique individual with a creative approach to life. His view of the world is very abstract and unorthodox. He has an intelligent answer for any question asked of him, and is a very skilled problem- solver. Justin is the type of student that enjoys trying new things. Routines and the ordinary are not for him. The world of computers and sports calls out to him, and are his avenues for creative expression. Justin’s academic record is not a true reflection of his abilities. He is actually very smart and intelligent. He realizes that he could have invested more time and effort into his studies. However, he has never given up and continued to take challenging classes. Justin is making every effort to prepare for life after high school. He dreams of launching a professional career in computer science. In his spare time, he studies computer science literature, and helps others with computer-related issues. He has come a long way since his freshman year and has never been more clear about the life he wants to lead in his future. Please consider this as my sincere recommendation of Justin Brown. Best regards, Dennis Cole School Counselor

Student #2 – Christine Jones Profile: Weighted GPA: 4.30 SAT Scores: Critical Reading650 Math675 Writing650 *Combined1975 Has taken all honors and AP classes in high school Grades are mostly A’s and B’s Letter of Recommendation I have had the distinct pleasure of having Christine Jones as a student on my debate team for two years at Sherwood High School. Christine has been more than the ideal student. In order to achieve the highest grades and my deepest respect, she has demonstrated outstanding leadership and maintained a clear sense of purpose. The academics at Sherwood High School are most challenging, and Christine fulfilled all the requirements with the added challenge of honors and advanced courses. Christine is an outstanding speaker and debater. She has won many awards on the speech and debate circuits, and qualified for national tournaments. Success in these interscholastic activities requires extensive research and persuasive skills, all of which Christine possesses. One of the requirements for the debate team is to prepare lectures and guidance for the beginners. With Christine’ s superior knowledge and involvement in business and charitable events, she developed a strong sense of confidence with a charming attitude. Therefore, I could always depend on her to set the best example among her peers. Because of her natural leadership abilities, Christine was selected as our Debate Captain. On account of her mature approach to her responsibilities, I often envisioned her as a true partner in our team’s endeavors. Since her classmates, my fellow teachers, and I will always hold her in the highest esteem, I sincerely recommend Christine Jones as the ideal candidate for the University of Maryland College Park. Respectfully submitted, Ms. Layla Smith Debate Team Sponsor

Student #3 – Derek Smith Profile: Weighted GPA: 1.78 ACT Scores: English24 Math19 Reading23 Science18 *Composite21 Has taken a few honors classes in high school Grades are mostly C’s and D’s with a few B’s Letter of Recommendation To Admission Officer: It is with great confidence and excitement that I introduce Derek Smith. Derek is an incredible young man who is eager and excited to take the next step in furthering his education at the collegiate level. Derek is a proven scholar and is a hard working young man with the ability to perform at a high academic level. Over the years he has taken more ownership and responsibility for his academic performance and readily accepts both the positive and negative consequences that come with that. He is able to identify and recognize areas that he needs improvement in and has developed a plan of action to rectify these deficiencies to become a more effective and efficient student. I have no doubt that he will continue to work hard and progress as a student in higher education. His focused work ethic and determination are his strongest attribute. Derek is also a dedicated employee and currently works full time and also works during the summers as well. He has been employed by the same restaurant for five years and he will regularly works 30 hours a week as a bus boy and waiter. I believe he can transfer that long term dedication and hard work from the workplace to the classroom. Derek is an extraordinary young man with great inner strength and the ability to overcome setbacks. His maturity and focus will help to ensure his success as he moves on to higher education. I would like to give Derek Smith my recommendation. He is a growing scholar with a genuine interest in developing his passion for learning at the collegiate level. He absolutely has the combination of ability and motivation that is essential for success in higher education. If you have any questions please feel free to contact me. Sincerely, Greg White School Counselor

Student #4 – Rachel Thomas Profile: Weighted GPA: 3.28 ACT Scores: English27 Math20 Reading25 Science19 *Composite26 Has taken a few honors classes in high school Grades are mostly A’s and B’s with a few C’s Letter of Recommendation I have been working with Rachel as her counselor since her freshman year. She is a lovely young lady that I have enjoyed getting to know. Her warm personality has made it easy to interact with her, and I am pleased to write this letter on her behalf. Rachel is a good student that takes her academics very seriously. She does everything a student is suppose to do: attends class, completes assignments and seeks help when she needs it. She gives careful attention to her grades and GPA. I have never had to worry about her keeping up with her studies. What I admire most about Rachel is her caring personality. She is truly at her best when she is helping people. For her, there is no greater satisfaction than knowing that she has made a difference. Her goal in life is to leave something better than the way she found it. I have seen her meet and exceed this goal, both in her academics and personal life. Working with children in a classroom setting is extremely fulfilling for Rachel. She has done an outstanding job in our Child & Adolescent Development Program and is always excited when it is time to go to her internship. I can definitely see her excelling in her future career as a teacher. Not only because of her personality, but because she is very passionate about it. Please regard this as my sincere recommendation of Rachel Thomas. She would be a wonderful asset to your institution. Sincerely, Kimberly T. Johnson Child Development Teacher