August 27, :00 p.m. OSHS Auditorium

WHEN? 4-year timeline located in Student Planner page 128

Colleges use this to predict student success in college courses.

 Based on subjects studied in high school – Learn all you can  Emphasizes thinking skills  No recall of facts or memorized information  Questions require students to solve problems, draw conclusions, make inferences, think analytically

Juniors:  Dec Take ACT for first time  Spring Semester: Work on test prep and/or tutoring  April Take the ACT for the second time if you want to improve scores Seniors: ASAP

 The test takes 2 hours and 55 minutes to complete  It consists of 215 multiple-choice questions in 4 areas:  English  Math  Reading  Science reasoning  OPTIONAL: 30-minute writing test

 Not all institutions require or recommend taking the writing portion  Check directly with the institutions you are considering to find out their requirements (

 ACT (No Writing) = $35.00 Includes reports for the student, their high school, and up to four college choices (if valid codes are provided when they register).  ACT (Plus Writing) = $50.50 Includes reports for the student, their high school, and up to four college choices (if valid codes are provided when they register). The $15.50 Writing Test fee is refundable, on written request, if they are absent on test day or switch to the ACT (No Writing) before testing begins.  Scholarships Students who qualify for Free/Reduced lunches may qualify for a “scholarship” to take the ACT up to two times. Ask your counselor(s) for more information.

-- Scores arrive 3 to 7 weeks after test date = Highest possible score -- National average score for 2012 graduates was Kansas average score for 2012 graduates was 21.9.

Emporia State University Fort Hays State University Kansas State University Pittsburg State University University of Kansas Wichita State University 2014: 21 or higher required

 Your score on the test will be based on the number of questions that you answer correctly  THERE IS NO PENALTY FOR GUESSING!  Answer every question, even if you have to guess

 You may use a calculator on the approved list, but it’s not required  You may use any four-function, scientific, or graphing calculator unless it has features described on the prohibited list  Testing staff will not supply calculators or batteries; no sharing

Test Date Registration Deadline (Late Fee Required) September 21, 2013 August 23, 2013 August 24–September 6, 2013 October 26, 2013 September 27, 2013 September 28–October 11, 2013 December 14, 2013 November 8, 2013November 9–22, 2013 February 8, 2014 January 10, 2014January 11–24, 2014 April 12, 2014 March 7, 2014March 8–21, 2014 June 14, 2014 May 9, 2014May 10–23, 2014

 ACT Sample Test Questions: (A complete test)  Study Guide Zone: (1passage)  Preparing for the ACT (purple booklet).  ACT Reading, Improving College Admission Test Scores, Instructivision, Inc.

Olathe South’s ACT Prep

Johnson County Community College Olathe South

 You get to start earning college credits early!  These credits may help you graduate early.  You’re doing the work of a college class, why not get the credit for it?  Money savings  College Now tuition= $85 per credit hour  KU tuition= $ per credit hour (2014)  KSU tuition= $ per credit hour (2013)  You don’t have to pay for a textbook.

 Apply to JCCC  Scroll down to the yellow arrow  Give them your High School Authorization Form  Submit your ACT scores or take the Compass test (if required)  Enroll in the class and pay the tuition online

 Only 24 hours of College Now credit are allowed, keep track of what you’re taking and don’t go over 24 hours. You’ll end up paying for credit that you won’t get.  The college you hope to attend after graduation makes the decision about what does and doesn’t transfer. Talk to them now!

 JCCC deadlines are firm. They really won’t make any exceptions. Get everything done on time!  If you need to withdraw from your course(s) for any reason, you must do so at your high school AND at Johnson County Community College. Dropping the course only at the high school will result in a failing grade at JCCC.  Grant available through JCCC-ask for the application

Classes that can be taken for college credit Must take the AP Exam in May Have to receive an acceptable score in order to gain the college credit Each college requires a particular score so be sure to check the admissions page at college of choice

 Where is your child thinking of going to college?  What is your child planning on majoring in, and what are the required courses he/she will need to take?  What are your child’s strengths?  Does the college your child wishes to attend keep the grade from JCCC/AP or just take the credit? Do you have a choice?

College visits are one of the best ways to determine if the college or university your student is considering is the right “fit” Finding a college is all about finding not just the school where your child will get the best education, but also the place they will call home for the next four years

Meet with an Admissions Counselor Ask about Admissions Requirements Determine actual college costs Take a campus tour Investigate academic programs Attend a class Talk with students and faculty Pick up a school paper Stick around after the formal tour

If you can’t make it all the way to campus… Virtual Tours are available for numerous schools through websites such as and These sites provide guided tours of: Campuses Classrooms Unions Sporting Venues They also provide information such as tuition cost, ACT scores, enrollments numbers, etc.

If you can’t make it all the way to campus… Olathe South hosts college visits throughout the school year Visit dates can be found on our website: Students can come to the Counseling Office to receive a pass to attend

A few reminders: If at all possible, try not to miss any classes here at South. Upcoming dates include: October 11 October 21 Winter Break January 3 January 6 February 7 Start early! Many campuses are starting to offer Sophomore Days in addition to formal Junior and Senior visits.

OK, so your student has found the perfect school… NOW WHAT???

Transcript Requests Letters of Recommendation 2 week advance notice minimum Career Cruising resume template Vitae’ or Resume

 Scholarships are available starting junior year.  Check University Website  Early Action Deadline of Nov. 1 st

College Goal Sunday: February 23

 OCTOBER 9  Overland Park Convention Center  6:30 p.m.  7:00 p.m. Financial Aid Presentation

information about National Collegiate Athletic Association web1.ncaa.org/ECWR2 NCAA eligibility site for college bound athletes Association of intercollegiate athletes Clearinghouse for NAIA eligibility

Graduates of accredited Kansas high schools under the age of 21 with fewer than 24 transfer credit hours are admitted to a state university if they meet one of the following requirements: Achieve an ACT score of 21 or higher, OR Graduate in the top one-third of their class, OR Complete the precollege curriculum with a GPA of 2.0 or higher

Students graduating from an accredited Kansas high school, under the age of 21, MUST Complete the pre-college or Kansas Scholars Curriculum with at least a 2.0 GPA; AND Achieve ONE of the following: ACT score of 21 or higher OR SAT score of 980 or higher OR Graduate in the top one-third of their class; AND Achieve a 2.0 GPA or higher on high school college credit  hmen&s= hmen&s=2016

 Website  Announcements  Counselor Page  Parent Newsletter

QUESTIONS? Please leave a notecard with your questions at the handout table. Answers will be posted on the website next week. A JCCC Rep is available in the commons.