1. CLASS OF 2018

2. SCHOOL COUNSELING OFFICE
COUNSELORS ASSIGNED ALPHABETICALLY
LAST NAME
A-Di: Caitlin Hawkins
Dj-Ho: Beth Shive
Hp-Mila: Karen Virtue
Milb-Sc: Sandra Gallagher
Sd-Z: Christy Greener
Counseling Office Staff
Counseling Secretary: Tracy Ali
Career Assistant: Michelle Bright

3. GRADUATION REQUIREMENTS
9th -12th grades
24 Credits
4 years of math, social studies, English, P.E..(except NJROTC)
3 years of science
2 years of wellness (grades 10 and 11)
electives
Career Portfolio (non BCTC students)
Senior Project (BCTC students)
It is the STUDENT’S responsibility to make sure that all requirements are completed before graduation

4. ASPIRE/PSAT * the practice tests*
ASPIRE- sophomore year
PSAT- October 2016
We have just been informed that the paper results will not arrive until the end of this month, however results have been available online since last month.
You and your child may create an account and access the scores ahead of time at the following link

5. ACT & SAT
Students should register for and take the ACT and/or SAT as soon as possible, so they have the opportunity to take both and/or retest before the conclusion of this school year.
These tests are not offered over the summer
Registration, fees, testing dates and testing center information is available on the following websites:

6. SENIOR PROJECT (BCTC STUDENTS)
Culminating project in the student’s content (“shop”) area
Completion of several learning guides
Presentation prior to spring/Easter break of senior year
Students work directly with theirr instructor to ensure timely completion of this project

7. CAREER PORTFOLIO (NON BCTC STUDENTS)
Grade 9
Career Matchmaker
Resume
Grade 10
Business Visitation and Reflective Essay
Decision Making and Career Research Chart
DDL
Grade 11
Job Shadow
Grade 12-Fall 2017
Senior Career Portfolio Presentations
Prior to that date-Portfolio Completion Night (sign-up only, information will be sent home via Week in Review and available on the website)

8. Career Portfolio Presentation Sample Outline
Remember: Your presentation should be between 8 and 10 minutes
9th Grade and 10th Grade Components
Review, discuss, and explain all necessary components:
Resume must be current
Career Matchmaker Activity
Business Visit Reflective Essay
Career search chart completed during Health
Discuss the relationship between the components and how the results of one may or may not have influenced your decisions with class choice, future job shadow, part time work, etc.
11th Grade Component – The Job Shadow Experience
Discuss and Explain your job shadow experience and its connection to the earlier components of your portfolio
*Please feel free to include any other activities completed either through Career Cruising or in other areas.
Personal Reflection
Your own personal reflections, what you have learned about yourself, and your personal growth should be evident throughout the presentation
This should include, but is not limited to:
How your career paths have changed or stated the same through the process and why.
What you discovered as strengths/needs about yourself throughout the career portfolio process.
How the portfolio process influenced your choices in the course/elective selection process for classes at BASH and/or part time job employment.
Visual Aid
The use of technology is expected for the visual aid.
Suggestions: PowerPoint, Prezi, Google Docs, Corel, etc.
If you choose to imbed a video in your presentation, be sure the video does not monopolize the presentation. A video should add or enhance the presentation, not take the place of the presentation.
*You must bring a removable drive with your portfolio on it to the presentation
As always, if you have any questions, please contact Mrs. Cassidy, Mrs. Virtue, or Mrs. Mason.

9. Tech Tips
Students should be establishing a professional looking address (i.e. instead of
Students should be cognizant of what is posted on social media sites – once it’s on the internet, it’s out there forever! The Career Portfolio’s DDL activities review this yearly with students.
Students should be using correct grammar and good etiquette when sending s
Students should be checking their on a regular (daily) basis and responding promptly
Students should follow up with s that are sent – remember that “thank you” goes a long way!

10. COLLEGE TIMELINE – SENIOR YEAR
September
Start applying! (college and scholarship apps)
Start gathering information for Financial Aid
Ask for letters of recommendation
October
Attend Financial Aid Night
Send in FAFSA paperwork (or attend FAFSA Completion Night)
Send in applications for Early Decision/Early Action
November
Last testingadministration for December deadlines
Attend college fairs/open houses/visit schools
December/January
Complete applications for later deadline schools
Early Decision – must commit if accepted, Early Action – do not need to commit if accepted
Financial Aid Night – first week in January
Tri-County COC College Fair – 10/4 – info will be sent out

11. COLLEGE TIMELINE – CONTINUED
March
Continue to apply for scholarships
Rank your schools
April/May
Expect to hear from most schools
Review Financial Aid packages
Send in deposit once decision is made
June
Graduation!
Final transcripts sent

12. TIPS FOR A SUCCESSFUL APPLICATION PROCESS:
There is always a portion of your application that must be completed by your school counselor
Sometimes just transcripts, sometimes includes a school profile or counselor recommendation
We process the school portion of the Common Application online
We do not process any other applications online
Make sure your counselor has at least 10 school days to complete her portion before the application is due (this includes all scholarships)
Make sure you provide stamped, addressed envelopes for your school counselor and the teachers sending your recommendation letters
Make sure that your SAT or ACT results have been sent to the colleges you are applying to (does not apply to Community Colleges and most trade and art schools – ask your counselor for clarification)
If your application requires a counselor recommendation, please be sure to update your resume and have your parents fill out the “Parent Brag Sheet”
MAKE SURE YOU ARE AWARE OF ALL DEADLINES – SCHOOLS WILL NOT PROCESS YOUR APPLICATION IF IT IS RECEIVED AFTER THE DEADLINE HAS PASSED!

13. TIPS FOR ONLINE APPLICATIONS
PROOFREAD everything before hitting send
Print a copy for your records before hitting send
Look for confirmation within 48 hours. If you do not receive a confirmation , make sure that the application was received.
Do not wait until the last minute to submit your application
Know the college’s policy for supplying supporting documents, such as letters of recommendation
Be aware of deadlines

14. SCHOLARSHIP INFORMATION
Scholarships will be posted on the BASH Website (Resources/School Counseling/Scholarship Information)
Additional scholarships can be found on websites such as:
Individual college websites
Questions on Financial Aid and grants should go through individual college Financial Aid Offices

15. FINANCIAL AID TIMELINE
Talk to your parents about your budget
Attend the BASH Financial Aid night – ask questions!
Gather 2015 tax information
Submit your FAFSA anytime after October 1st
Review Financial Aid packages offered by schools

16. FSA ID – Create yours now!

17. Remind.com
Receive important information about your child’s graduating class
Information may include:
Scholarship updates
Seminar reminders
Unique opportunities
Text with the message
If you have trouble with 81010, try
Standard text messaging rates apply

18. Questions?