1. WHY BOTHER?

2. The ACT test is composed of math, English and science information and SKILLS you should know by the end of your junior year in high school. So, why bother? Because knowing the information on the ACT helps you:

3.  To be able to punctuate your sentences correctly  To be able to combine your thoughts in to more mature sounding sentences  To be able to use the correct subject-verb agreement in your writing

4. You may not write essays after high school, but what other reasons are there for learning to write well? - Write a letter to a public official - Write a letter of reference for someone - Write a letter or report of reprimand for an employee - Write a cover letter for an employment opportunity or internship - Fill out an application for employment - Help your own children with their writing - Write lab or inspection reports - Writing of all kinds in college work (not just English) - Write a public service announcement for a club or organization you belong to

5. My job isn’t going to require me to write well. Are you sure? Construction Foreman/Project Managers Engineers and Architects Business Owner Scientist or Researcher Teaching – in any discipline Advertising Sales Associate Parent – the most important job ever!

6. Know the author’s purpose for writing Improve your vocabulary Sharpen your critical thinking skills Understand the main idea of what you are reading

7. News reports of events in your community, country, and world Bill of Sale Legal documents including contracts Employment handbooks Insurance forms Training Manuals Directions for Assembly of a Project Be Aware of : Bias in the media Erroneous Information Propaganda Campaigns “Misleading” Statements

8. Learn to work quickly on problems and passages Learn to eliminate incorrect answers

9. Ok – that’s fine, but what about some of these other exams: Postal Service Exam ASVAB – for military service GED– high school diploma Real Estate License Exam Bar Exam Teacher Certification Exams SAT – Scholastic Aptitude Test Microsoft Certification Exams Most Licensing Entities Require Some Exam

10. SMART CORE2.5 GPAOR 19 + Year 1$2,000 Year 2$ 3,000 Year 3$ 4,000 Year 4$ 5,000 ACADEMIC CHALLENGE AWARD Note: YOU MUST MAKE AT LEAST A 19 IN ALL AREAS OF THE ACT. IF NOT, You will need to take a remediation course before taking a course FOR COLLEGE CREDIT. Arkansas Scholarship Fund

11. 32 + ACT score+ 3.5 GPAFAFSA NOT REQUIRED $10,000 PER YEAR GOVERNOR’S DISTINGUISHED SCHOLARSHIP NOTE: DEADLINE FOR APPLICATION IS FEB. 1 ST YOUR SENIOR YEAR.

12. 27 + ACT3.5 GPANo FAFSA Required Award is $4,000 per year It is an academically challenging award and only given to one graduating senior in EACH Arkansas county. They place an emphasis on: academics, test score, and LEADERSHIP.

13. Automatic Admission Requirements High School GPA of 3.00 or higher (on a 4.00 scale) Completion of 16 core academic units16 core academic units English - 4 units Mathematics - 4 units Social Studies - 3 units Natural Sciences - 3 units Electives - 2 units ACT score - 20 or higher or SAT score (CR+M) - 930 or higher They encourage early application by November 1 st for housing, financial assistance, etc. IT IS A FIRST COME FIRST SERVE BASIS

14. AIM FOR A 32+ AND A 3.8 GPA

15. Who is eligible to join the Honors College? Students with an ACT composite score of 28 and above, or an SAT verbal and math combined score of 1240, and high school GPA of 3.5 (3.75 for Sam M. Walton College of Business majors) will be invited to join the first year.

16. THERE IS A LOT OF $ AVAILABLE! *Chancellor’s Merit Scholarship *Chancellor’s Scholarship *Chancellor’s Community Scholarship Silas Hunt Scholarship Honors College Academy Scholarship Razorback Bridge Scholarship Leadership Scholarship University Enrichment Scholarship Freshman Academic Scholarship

17. A-STATE Scholar Competitively awarded institutional scholarship for Arkansas residents that have a minimum 30 ACT score and 3.5 GPA. A-STATE Leadership Institutional scholarship for Arkansas residents that have a minimum 28-29 ACT score and 3.50 GPA. A-STATE Pride Institutional scholarship for Arkansas residents that have a minimum 25-27 ACT score and 3.25 GPA. A-STATE Spirit Institutional scholarship for Arkansas residents that have a minimum 24 ACT score and 3.25 GPA. Beyond Boundaries Institutional scholarship for US residents that have a minimum 24 ACT score and 3.25 GPA. Arkansas Promise Scholarship™ Institutional scholarship for Arkansas residents that have a minimum 22 ACT score and 3.0 GPA.

18. Type Deadline Annual Award Initial Award ACT/SAT Requirement (Final Test Accepted December 2014) H.S. GPA (6th or 7th semester cumulative GPA) ACTSAT Leadership Students must be fully admitted by the priority deadline of February 17, 2015. $1,500 23 1560-1610 3.25 University $3,000 24-26 1620-1790 3.25 Achievement $5,000 27-28 1800-1910 3.25 Excellence $6,500 29-30 1920-2010 3.25 Distinguished $8,500 31-36 2020-2400 3.25 Out of State Distinguished $12,000 31-36 2020-2400 3.25

20. Ask yourself a few questions: 1.What is the job market for what you want to do after high school? 2. What is the potential job earnings for what you want to do after high school?

21. Consider the job market and the earning potential for what interests you. ACT Test Scores are good for 5 years You want to aim for at least a 19 minimum composite to avoid remedial classes at any college or university.