1. Parent & Student Information Night
Class of 2017
Parent & Student Information Night

2. 23 total units required for all students:
High School Graduation Rule from GA Department of Education
for students entering 9th grade in   or later:
23 total units required for all students:
4 units of English Language Arts required for all students
4 units of Mathematics required for all students
4 units of Science required for all students (the 4th science unit may be used to meet both the science and elective requirements)
3 units of Social Studies required for all students, all courses are specifically identified
1 unit of Health and Physical Education required for all students; 3 units of JROTC may be used to meet the requirement
A total of 3 units required from: CTAE and/or Foreign Language and/or Fine Arts for all students (students planning to enter or transfer into a University System of Georgia institution must take two units of the same foreign language).
4 additional elective units for all students.

3. FOUR YEAR PLAN GRID Subject Unit-Required 9th Grade 10th Grade
English/LA 4
9th Grade Lit/Comp
10th Grade Lit/Comp
American Lit/Comp or AP LanguageH
British Lit/Comp or AP LiteratureH
Math
Coord. Algebra or
Accel. Coord. Alg/Geo A or Accel. Geo B/Adv. Algebra
Analytic Geometry, or Accel. Geo B/Adv. Algebra, or
AP StatisticsH
Advanced AlgebraH or
Accel. Pre-CalculusH
Pre-CalculusH or
AP CalculusH or
AMDM/STATS
Science
Biology
ChemistryH, or
Env. Science, or
Earth Systems
PhysicsH or
Physical Science
AP ScienceH, Env. Science, Earth Systems, ChemistryH, Human AnatomyH,
Social Studies 3
World History or
AP World History
U.S. History or
AP US HistoryH
Am Gov. (1 sem) or AP GovH (year) and Econ (1 sem)
Health/PE 1
Health and Personal Fitness
CTAE/Foreign Language/Fine Arts
Courses including at least 2 years of Foreign Lang*, and/or Fine Arts, and/or CTAE
Advanced Foreign Language classes count for HOPE rigor criteria
(i.e. Spanish II and beyond, French II and beyond, German II and beyond)
Electives
Classes of choice including possibilities for additional academic courses**
Total Units 23 7
*Students planning to enter or transfer into a University System of Georgia institution must take a
minimum of two units of the same Foreign Language
**Additional academic courses may include: AP Biology, AP Chemistry, AP Spanish, AP Human Geography, AP Psychology, etc.
Courses meeting the HOPE Rigor requirement are denoted with an H

4. Senior timeline August- September March- April October-November
-Meet with your Counselor for graduation purposes.
-Visit colleges that interest you the most.
-Study and Register for the ACT and/or SAT.  
-Meet with college representatives visiting your school.
- Begin gathering info for FAFSA!!
October-November
-Watch the mail for acceptance letters and financial aid award letters.
-Choose a school and send in a deposit by the deadline. Notify other schools that you will not be attending them.
-Continue gathering the info needed for the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) available at fafsa.ed.gov.
-Submit your completed FAFSA as soon after October 1 as possible.
- Use 2015 Tax Return
December-January
May
October-November
-Request Mid-year transcripts   
-Continue working on college applications
and applying for scholarships
-Study/ Take the SAT or ACT exams if necessary.
-Work on admissions applications essays. 
-Visit your top school choices.
-Continue to seek and apply for scholarship awards.  
-Complete your college applications.  
-Take AP examination
- Celebrate your high school graduation

9. For more info, go to bettermakeroom.org/up-next

10. Which college/technical school is right for me?
Considerations
Size of student body
Location
Academic programs
Campus life
Diversity
Retention/graduation rates
Public vs. Private
Cost (Cost of attendance, not just tuition)
Safety

11. 4-Year, 2-year, technical college?
Degree or diploma/certificate program?
Initial cost savings? Cost of attendance vs. affordability
Credits transfer? 30 hours on average to transfer
Core class requirement? Usually the same
Environment? Learning focus
Become HOPE eligible? Not a one time deal

13. Which college/technical school is right for me?
Put together a list of colleges you’re interested in attending
Visit local college campuses. Take a tour, talk with students
and admissions reps about the school.
Continue to make good grades!
- HOPE Scholarship Visit gafutures.org for
Program current information
Become familiar with admissions requirements

14. How to apply to colleges/universities
Choose 3-5 schools and visit their websites
Check admissions requirements
Apply online, if possible (Common Application)
Have a transcript, a copy of SAT/ACT scores, extracurricular activities and community service hours
Have someone proofread application before submitting
Request recommendations only if school requires them
Submit application, send transcripts and test scores
Print copy for your records

15. Application/Admission Types
Regular
Early Action
Early Decision
Priority
Rolling

16. College Visits
As a senior you receive 2 official college visitation days per year. In order for the 2 visits to count as an excused field trip, you must do the following:
1. Make an appointment with the College Admission Office
2. Obtain a College Visitation form from Attendance/SCHS website
3. Have the form signed by your teachers and parents before the visit
4. Have the form signed by a college official
5. Return the signed form to the Attendance office.
**Not follow the instructions on the form can result in an unexcused absence and will count against your exam exemptions.**

17. College Representatives at SCHS
Small group sessions are held in Guidance on the appointed day
(See senior class information page on SCHS website)
Students must sign up in order to attend these small group sessions.
  A sign-in log will be available in the Student Information Center located in the back of Guidance. Passes will be placed in your first period teacher's box, to be distributed the morning of the visit.  
Kennesaw State - Wednesday, Sept 7, 2016 at 10:30 am
University of Alabama - Tuesday, Sept 13, 2016 at 1 pm
Gordon State College - Wednesday, Sept 21, 2016 during all lunch periods (sign up not required)
University of West Georgia - Thursday, Sept 22, 2016 at 10:30 am
Mercer University - Thursday, Sept 22, 2016 at 1 pm
Clayton State University - Monday, Oct 3, 2016 at 10:30 am
University of Georgia – Tuesday, Oct 4, 2016 at 3 pm
Oglethorpe University – Thursday, Oct 6, 2016 at 10:30 am
Columbus State University - Friday, Oct 28, 2016 at 10:30 am

18. Official Transcript requests
Transcripts to most Georgia colleges can be requested online at at NO cost.
For all other transcripts:
Complete a “Request for Transcript” form in Guidance
Give the form and pay a $3.00 fee for each transcript to Mrs. Hauke
Transcripts are delivered via 1st period teachers.
**Mailing of transcript is the student’s responsibility **
*Opening of the envelope invalidates the transcript*

19. Recommendation Letters
Complete a “Senior Information Sheet” and return
To Mr. Roache
Allow 3 weeks for completion of recommendation
(most colleges do not require a counselor recommendation)
Recommendation letters are returned to the student in a sealed envelope (Do Not Open).
Requested transcript will be enclosed with the recommendation.
*Students are responsible for mailing.*

20. Financial aid & scholarships
Don’t waste your money on fee-based scholarship matching services. You won’t get any better information than you can get from the free services online. Here are a FEW…………………

21. Financial Aid Financial aid is money from different sources
Apply for financial aid to be eligible to receive any funding
Check with the college financial aid office (FAFSA deadlines, scholarships)
Sources of financial aid:
The federal government
State government
Colleges and universities
Community groups, including religious organizations, civic organizations, employers,
private companies, professional organizations and service organizations.

22. Financial Aid
Scholarships – Academic, athletic, member of a certain religious organization,
your parent works for a particular company, college major
Awarded by governments, colleges, and even private organizations
HOPE, Zell Miller, NCAA, ROTC, Military Service Academies
Free money! Don’t have to pay back
Grants – A form of financial aid that doesn’t need to be paid back
- Federal and state governments/individual colleges
- Many are need-based (Federal Pell Grant). Depends on family financial
circumstances
- Non-need based grants (HOPE Grant)

23. Financial Aid
Loans – Borrowing from a bank, government, other lending institutions
- Direct loan program: federal government, low interest
- Subsidized loans: need based loans, government pays the interest while student in school
- Unsubsidized loans: not based on income; determined by ECOA and other
financial awards received
Federal Work Study: provides part-time jobs for undergraduate and graduate students
with a financial need
- On and off campus jobs
- Available to full-time or part-time students
- Administered by schools participating in the FWS

24. Georgia’s HOPE Program
HOPE Scholarship –
GPA of 3.0 Core Credits (all attempts)- Calculated by the GSFC
Tuition is paid a percentage amount, which will vary yearly.
Zell Miller Scholarship -
GPA of 3.7 AND 1200 SAT (Math and Verbal) or 26 ACT
100% Tuition paid
HOPE Grant Scholarship –
For students seeking a technical certificate or diploma, regardless of the student's high school grade point average or graduation date.

25. HOPE Scholarship Academic Eligibility
Students graduating from high school 2017 must receive at least four credits in courses from the following categories:
Advanced math, such as Advanced Algebra and Trigonometry, Math III, or an equivalent or higher course;
Advanced science, such as Chemistry, Physics, Biology II, or an equivalent or higher course;
Advanced Placement courses in core subjects (English, math, science, social studies, and foreign language);
International Baccalaureate courses in core subjects (English, math, science, social studies and foreign language);
Courses taken at a unit of the University System of Georgia in core subjects (English, math, science, social studies and foreign language) where such courses are not remedial and developmental courses; or
Advanced foreign language courses.
Students may earn one or more credits in each category; provided, however, that an earned course credit may only be counted one time toward the credit requirement.

26. ROTC Scholarships 4 year, 3 year, and 2 year scholarships
Scholarship recipients receive monthly stipend
Military service obligation upon commissioning
Contact college/university ROTC department
Army –
Navy/Marine Corps –
Air Force –

27. Military service academies
Students interested in attending one of the military service academies should go to the academy website and familiarize themselves with the application process.  
Except for the U.S. Coast Guard Academy, students must apply for a nomination to a service academy.  The service academy website will list the nomination types for which students can apply. 
See Mr. Roache in the guidance office if you need assistance.
Academy websites:
U.S. Naval Academy
U.S. Military Academy - 
U.S. Air Force Academy - 
U.S. Merchant Marine Academy - 
U.S. Coast Guard Academy - 

28. United states armed forces
Administrative Machine operator
Combat Specialty Media/public affairs
Electronic/Electrical Equip Repair Protective services
Engineering, science, technical Support services
Health care Transportation and
Human resources development material handling
Vehicle and machinery mechanic
College & Tuition Programs

29. College entrance exams
SAT: Scholastic Aptitude Test
(CEEB Code: )
ACT: American College Testing Exam
SAT Subject Test : English, History, Math, Sciences, Languages
Admissions requirements vary from school to school. Consult your prospective school when deciding which test to take.

30. SAT What changed? New essay – and it’s optional
No penalty for guessing
Two major sections: Evidence based reading/writing, math
Four parts – reading, math, writing and language, optional
essay
400 – 1600 score scale vs. 800 – 2400
3 hours 50 minutes with the essay; 3 hours without essay
Personalized practice from Khan Academy (Free)

31. SAT CEEB Code: 113052 Register for your SAT online.
Here's what you need to know:
Where: The College Board's Web site at
CEEB Code:
Score reports: You may send four free reports to the institutions of your choice at the time of
Registration. Score Choice is available.

32. SAT Subject Tests
One-hour test that assesses mastery of a particular field of study.
Up to three tests can be required for admissions. Some schools use the SAT Subject Test for course placement; others don't require it at all.
Tests are offered in five subject areas: English, Math, History, Science and Foreign Language.
As soon as you have finished the relevant course work.

33. ACT
Three-hour exam; measures achievement in English, math, reading and science.
Optional writing test is offered (Highly recommend taking this test)
Spring of your junior year or fall of your senior year (or both, if you want a practice run).
Your score is based on the number of correct answers ONLY. If you aren't sure, take a guess - it can't hurt you and it could help.
Scores on each section are averaged to create a composite score. Perfect score is 36.

34. ACT CEEB Code: 113052 Registering for the ACT
Where: ACT, Inc.'s Web site at
Score reports: You may send four free reports to the institutions of your choice at the time of registration.

35. SAT/ACT Fee-Waiver-Eligible Students
Can receive 2 fee waivers for each test (11th and 12th graders only)
Entitled to four additional score reports at no charge (SAT)
Score reports may be used at any time as part of registration or after students have received their scores (SAT)
Eligible for up to 4 free college application fee waivers (SAT)

36. NCAA Eligibility center
College-bound student-athletes preparing to enroll in a Division I or Division II school need to register with the NCAA Eligibility Center to ensure they have met eligibility standards.
To participate in college athletics and receive athletically-based financial aid, you must do the following:
Register online with the NCAA Initial-Eligibility Clearinghouse and meet eligibility standards (SS# and fee required)
Complete the amateurism certification questionnaire
Submit transcript release form to SCHS Guidance Department
HS uploads transcript, but student must submit official test scores

37. ncaaeligibilitycenter.org

39. NCAA Division I & II Initial Eligibility Academic Requirements
There are new requirements for college-bound student-athletes enrolling full time at an NCAA Division I college or university on or after August 1, 2016.
Minimum core-course GPA of required for competition.
Core-course progression.
Must complete 10 core courses before seventh semester of high school (e.g., senior year).
Of the 10 core courses completed, seven must be in the area of English, math, or science.
These 10 core courses become “locked in” for the purpose of core-course GPA calculation.
A repeat of one of the “locked in” courses will not be used if taken after the seventh semester begins.

40. www.gafutures.org Helps students….. HOPE eligibility…..
More Resources…..
Plan for college, military, or work
Apply for college
Attend college
HOPE requirements
Check HOPE GPA
Complete FAFSA application
Send Transcripts to Georgia Schools
Career Inventory
SAT and ACT Prep
Financial Aid
Scholarships

41. Credit Recovery
This opportunity is available to help students regain lost credit required for graduation.
Edgenuity facts:
IT’S FREE!! 
After School Opportunity -- students attend a supervised after-school credit recovery session held in a computer lab.
REQUIRES students to be self-motivated as well as an independent learners who exhibit a strong, personal commitment towards being successful. 
There is no access on weekends or holidays
ALL PRE-AND POST-TESTS MUST BE SUPERVISED IN THE LAB.
Many other CR programs available – see Mr. Roache if needed

42. www.fcboe.org/schs Graduation requirements Senior class information
HOPE Scholarship
Service Academies
Credit recovery
Transcript requests
NCAA/NAIA eligibility

46. To Wrap things up…..
Follow a timeline for completing required tasks for college applications
(Backward planning from deadline dates)
FAFSA – Oct 1 submit using 2015 tax returns
gafutures.org – some college apps, transcript submit, HOPE GPA
(Ensure profile info is accurate – name [IC], ssn, DOB, address)
SAT/ACT – collegeboard.org/act.org
College visits – 2 each before Spring Break (visit form located on senior page)
Scholarship search websites/college financial aid offices
NCAA eligibility center registration
Credit recovery
Please contact me at or (770) ext. 232

47. Please take 1 handout per family
Class of 2017
Parent & Student Information Night
Please take 1 handout per family