Junior Information Night Mrs. Fanning & Ms. Homer October, 2012

FALL

Monitoring your academic schedule  Choose college recommended courses  Monitor grades using Progress Book  Encourage more challenging coursework when applicable

Earn Good Grades  College applications include an official transcript of grades 9, 10, and 11  Grades in college prep courses are the most important component in the college application packet  Mid-year report sent in Feb. of senior year  Sometimes, admission decisions rest with 1st semester senior grades

Activities  Continue involvement on campus and in the community  Look for and secure leadership roles  Take the PSAT in October  Attend Financial Aid Night

College Visitors  College reps will visit in the fall during the school day  Listen for these announcements  Sign-up in the guidance office (PRIOR TO THE SCHEDULED DAY)  Get a pass from the guidance office the morning of the visit  Classroom teachers have the right to refuse to let you attend (i.e. taking a test, too many absences)

Visit College Campuses/College Fairs  Get a feel for different size, locations, and student population  Attend local college fairs  Visit schools that really interest you  Take advantage of your (3) excused college visit days  Attend a “formal” college visit whenever possible

WINTER

Information On Standardized Testing  Plan on taking the ACT/SAT during the Winter (Jan./Feb.)  With those initial results-plan on taking a test prep classs  Must upload a picture for both ACT/SAT  Must bring ticket and photo ID to the test center with you  No Walk-In changes or registrations!  Remember that attitudes, emotions, and physical conditions may affect test-taking performance.

Testing readiness  Eat a nutritious meal the night before  Get a good night’s sleep  Eat a good breakfast  Get up early enough to be alert by the time you arrive at the test  Dress in layers for all temperatures

Tests  ACT -  SAT -  SAT Subject -  Make note of your username and password  SEND YOUR SCORES - four free  See handout for dates

Tips for the ACT  4 Sections (Reading, Math, English, Science)  Writing Section is optional  Answer every question (NO PENALTY for guessing on this test!)

Tips for the SAT  10 Sections (Reading and Math only)  Writing Section is required  Eliminate wrong answers and only guess when you can eliminate at least two  THERE IS A PENALTY for wrong answers- leave those items blank when you don’t have any idea of the answer

Things to remember:  Meet with your counselor during 2 nd quarter  Read and mark potential scholarship opportunities in the guidance newsletter  Choose senior year schedule carefully (colleges will only look see grades for 9 th - 11 th )  Consider PSEOP (Post Secondary Education Option)

SPRING/SUMMER

Factors in the College Admission Decision  Grades in college prep courses  Standardized tests scores  Grades in ALL courses  Class rank  Essay/writing sample  Counselor recommendation  Teacher recommendation  Work/extracurricular activities  Interview  Demonstrated interest  SAT II/AP scores  Race/ethnicity  Ability to pay  Geography

Things to Do:  Develop a resume  Complete Brag Sheet to help when asking for recommendations  Ask for at least (2) letters of recommendation from teachers, if necessary before the end of the school year  Test or re-test ACT/SAT-improve scores (April/May/June)

Summer  Begin narrowing college choices-VISIT COLLEGES  Begin to develop application materials  Start to fashion your college essay  Discuss college options with your family  Explore summer opportunities (college opportunities, service opportunities, etc.)  Complete your community service requirement  Test or re-test ACT/SAT-improve scores (April/May/June)

Thank you for coming this evening. Please contact us with any questions.