1. Marietta High School Counseling Department
Title Page
Marietta High School
Counseling Department

2. But never fear, MHS counselors are here to help!
Helping your child to take the next step into their future can make you feel like this….
But never fear, MHS counselors are here to help!

3. MHS Counselors and Staff Counselors serve students based upon the first letter of the students’ last name.
A—Co Joann Kinlaw
Cr-Haw Chenedra Garnigan
Hax-McF Nancy Hill
McG-R Marlon Prather
S-Z Betsy Alpert
PLC Julie Smith
College & Career Center Coordinator: Sheila Colquitt

4. TOPICS OF DISCUSSION Graduation Requirements Testing
Post-Secondary Options
Move on When Ready
Georgia’s Hope Scholarship Program
Naviance

5. GRADUATION REQUIREMENTS
The requirements below represent minimal courses needed for high school graduation. Some academic programs of study or diploma options require additional units of credit beyond the minimal requirements listed. For example, IB Diploma requires a minimum of 27.5 credits.
Subject
Units
Required Courses
English 4
1 unit of American Literature or AP Language
Math
Courses vary
Science
1 unit Physical Science or Physics
1 unit of Biology
1 unit of Chemistry or Environmental Science or AP Science
 4th Science may be used to meet both elective and science requirements
Social Studies 3
1 unit World History
1 unit U.S. History
½ unit Economics
½ unit American Government or Civics
CTAE, Foreign Language, Fine Arts
This area can be a combination
Health/Personal Fitness 1
 .5 unit each
Electives
Total 23

6. HEADED IN THE RIGHT DIRECTION?

7. Which is appropriate for your student?
Post Secondary Options
Can Include
Traditional 4-year schools
2 year colleges for associates degree or to transfer to a 4-year college/university
Technical Colleges
Professional Training Programs
Military
Work
Which is appropriate for your student?

8. Factors to Consider When Choosing a College
Major or Program of study
Location and Environment
Includes housing opportunities
In-state vs. Out-of-state
Public vs. Private
Size of School
Extra-curricular activities offered

9. How Do I Learn More About Schools?
Research
Meet with College Reps when they visit MHS
Sign up in Room B117
On-site campus visits
Open houses sponsored by colleges
Internet
if password is lost, students can reset, see their advisor, or contact Mrs. McCormick, the school registrar.
Attend college fairs in the area

10. How Do Colleges Choose Who Will Be Accepted?
High school academic record and course rigor (GPA/Class Rank)
Colleges typically use different GPA calculations than MHS
Many use only Core GPA (English, Math, Science, Social Studies & Foreign Language)
May or may not give “weight” to Honors, AP/IB classes
SAT/ACT scores
Essays
Recommendations
Special Abilities
Service to school or community
Extracurricular activities
Interview
Neatness and accuracy of application

11. Don’t put all your eggs in one basket!
Students need to apply to more than one school
Typically students apply to 3-5 schools
Dream Schools – may not get in, but is their top choice
Reach Schools—student stands a good chance of admission
Safety School – backup plan in case they need it

12. MOWR Move on When Ready
Move on When Ready (MOWR) Program is available to high school students in grades 9-12.
Earn dual credit
Students must meet admission requirements of college/university their interested in attending.
Requirements vary for each Post secondary institution.
Please research your MOWR prospective colleges/universities for requirements and deadlines.

13. When Should I take the SAT/ACT
During/after taking Algebra II or the equivalent
Spring of junior year for most students
Take both the SAT & ACT to decide which test is right for you
All colleges will accept either the SAT/ACT
Many seniors test again the fall of senior year, but plan ahead to meet application deadlines, especially if you apply early

14. Test Reminders SAT Reasoning and Subject Tests www.collegeboard.org
Mar 11, 2017
May 2, 2017
June 3, 2017
ACT
Feb 11, 2017
April 8, 2017
June 10, 2017
Accuplacer March 1 & 2
Sign up in Room B117
ASVAB

15. Remember…
Colleges/Universities require SAT/ACT scores to come directly from the testing agency!

16. SCHOLARSHIPS
AND
HOPE

17. How Do I Find $$ for College?
Scholarship Link on MHS Counseling Web Page--
Naviance
Research
Colleges and Financial Aid Offices
FAFSA and CSS Profile
Websites --
-- for special state and federal grants.
--Others on Scholarships Link on MHS Counseling Web Page

18. Scholarship Search Services
We follow the guidelines set forth by the Georgia Student Finance Commission (GSFC) and recommend that you DO NOT use a scholarship search service.
The same resources that you will be charged in excess of $500 are available for free.

19. HOPE Scholarship Rigor Requirements
The class of 2018, in order to be eligible to receive the HOPE scholarship, must receive at least four credits in courses from the following categories, prior to graduating from high school:
Advanced math, such as advanced algebra and trigonometry, math III, or an equivalent or higher course taken at an eligible high school or taken for degree level credit at an eligible postsecondary institution
Advanced science, such as chemistry, physics, biology II, or an equivalent or higher course taken at an eligible high school or taken for degree level credit at an eligible postsecondary institution;
Advanced foreign language courses taken at an eligible high school or taken for degree level credit at an eligible postsecondary institution;
Advanced Placement, International Baccalaureate, or dual credit enrollment courses in core subjects (English, math, science, social studies, or foreign language)

20. Georgia’s HOPE Program
Zell Miller Scholarship—
Must earn a 3.7 cumulative GPA on a 4.0 scale in all English, math, science, social studies and foreign language coursework attempted between grades 9-12 and at least a 1200 on the Math and Reading/Verbal portions of the SAT in one test administration or score at least a 26 composite score on the ACT OR
Graduate as the Valedictorian or Salutatorian and meet the requirements of the HOPE Scholarship

21. HOPE Scholarship--
Must earn a 3.0 cumulative GPA on a 4.0 scale for all English, math, science, social studies, and foreign language coursework in the high school curriculum
HOPE Grant—available to students who are seeking a technical certificate or diploma, regardless of student’s high school grade point average or gradation date.

22. All three HOPE programs will require students to:
Be a legal resident of Georgia
Be registered with Selective Service, if male
Be in compliance with the Georgia Drug-Free Post-secondary Education Act of 1990
Meet HOPE’s US citizenship or eligible non- citizen requirements
Attend an eligible Georgia school
To see the full list of program requirements, visit

23. How to Check Your Current HOPE GPA
Go to
From Home Page, go to “Your HOPE GPA” in right panel
Create your account
Follow directions to get your HOPE GPA.

24. Miscellaneous

25. Are You Eligible for Free/Reduced Lunch?
Why Should You Apply?
Fee Waivers for SAT/ACT
Fee Waivers for College Applications
Scholarship Opportunities
Reduced Rate Summer School
Assistance with paying for IB/AP Exams
Federal Funding for Marietta High

26. NAVIANCE
Naviance (Family Connection) is a comprehensive website for students and parent to use as a tool to organize personal data, complete a personality inventory, maintain a list of prospective colleges and track the application process.
Features:
College Search
Scholarship Search
Apply to colleges & universities
Sign up to meet with college reps when they’re visiting high school
Personality profile

27. Questions???
Ask
Now!!!