Immaculata High School Freshman & Sophomore Parent Information Night Wednesday, November 11, 2015

Let’s Get Started !! Tonight we will discuss: Naviance Portfolios Grading/Transcripts Testing Getting Involved NCAA Points to consider….

Naviance Is an effective tool used to help students and families with a variety of tasks such as: career inventories, exploration of college majors, college searches and college applications. Naviance is used by counselors, families and students. Parents are encouraged to use the Family Connection. Students are encouraged to sign into Naviance to use its tools.

Portfolios Marketing - what is unique about you? Gather letters about your volunteer work or any other accomplishment Collect certificates of participation or certificates of achievement Journal about your experiences Keep records of your talents

Grading/Transcripts Your GPA is important because colleges will use it to determine what kind of student your child will be. (See our handout for more information on our grading and quality points.) A transcript is a student’s high school record. An official transcript has a signature, stamp, or seal verifying its authenticity. Colleges need a transcript in order to determine whether or not an applicant meets their admission requirements. Transcripts are also usually required when a student applies for a scholarship.

Testing Freshman will take standardized testing in the spring to assess progress. The test that will be used will be announced later in the year. Sophomores will have taken the PSATs in October. – The Preliminary SAT/National Merit Scholarship Qualifying Test (PSAT/NMSQAT) is a program cosponsored by the College Board and National Merit Scholarship Corporation (NMSC). – It is a standardized test that provides first hand practice for the SAT. – It also gives students a chance to enter NMSC scholarship programs and gain access to college and career planning tools. – The PSAT/NMSQT measures: critical reading skills, math problem solving skills and writing skills. – In the fall of your Junior year students will take the PSAT/NMSQT test again to qualify for the National Merit Scholarship.

Getting Involved Every parent who has a student enrolled at Immaculata is a member of the Spartan Club. This is a fund raising organization similar to a “PTA”. There are many clubs and activities at Immaculata High School. Students are encouraged to become involved. This is a very important when applying to college. Their involvement may also lead to a career.

NCAA Division I and Division II colleges can offer scholarships; Division III colleges cannot. Division III athletes DO NOT need to meet NCAA academic requirements. Athletes going to Division I and II colleges must have a minimum GPA and a specified number of core courses. They must also have the required ACT or SAT score. Athletes should meet with their counselor during their freshman year to discuss NCAA requirements and to make sure that they are taking the right courses. Athletes should take the ACT and/or SAT in the spring of their junior year. To initiate the eligibility process, athletes should register with the NCAA eligibility center. This should be done at the beginning of an athlete’s junior year. Go to:

Points to consider… Please see our handouts on Freshman timelines and Sophomore timelines. Know that Freshman year does count! Encourage students to attend school regularly and keep up with assignments! Students should seek out teachers and/or counselors when they need assistance.