1. 10th/11th Grade Parent Information Night
Presented by the Johns Creek Counseling Department
October 5, 6:30pm

2. The Counseling Dept. Who are we???
All counselors are available for students, however, the primary counselor for students are based upon their last names:
Mrs. Moran
Graduation Coach
Mr. Watkins
Student Support Coordinator
Mrs. Kitchens-Cole
School Social Worker
Mrs. Shin
Bi-Lingual Liaison
Ms. Taylor A-De
Mrs. Wiley Df-Ji
Mrs. Debrody Jj-Nd
Ms. Foster Ne-Sp
Mr. Mercer Sq-Z Department Chair

3. State of Georgia Requirements for Graduation
23 Units Required
4 credits of Language Arts
4 credits of Mathematics
4 credits of Science
3 credits of Social Studies
0.5 credit Health/0.5 credit Personal Fitness
3 credits of WL/FA/CT
4 elective credits

4. What are colleges looking for?
GPA (core/academic)
Rigor of courses taken (difficulty level)
Test Scores (SAT and/or ACT)
Extracurricular Activities
College Application Essays
Teacher Recommendations

5. Fulton County GPA Numeric Average
Fulton County calculates numeric averages by adding every grade on the student’s transcript (failed classes are included)
100 point scale i.e out of 100
Fulton County adds 7 points to the final passing grade for each Honors, AP, and college course taken; shown on transcript
Counselors cannot convert your students GPA to a 4.0 scale
Johns Creek High School does not rank

6. Grade Point Average (GPA)
Some colleges may give additional points for Honors, AP, and College courses
Most only consider academic courses (Language Arts, Math, Science, Social Studies, Foreign Language)
To calculate, take your academic classes and assign a 4,3,2, or 0 for each course. Add them together and divide by the total number of academic courses (estimated GPA)
Some colleges may take off the additional 7 points added for Honors, AP and college courses (if so, take off the 7 points before assigning the (A)4, (B)3, (C)2, or (F)0)

7. College Entrance Exams
ACT
A content/curriculum-based test (achievement)
Score:
Wrong answer not penalized
Structure of test:
English
Math (through trigonometry)
Reading
Science Reasoning
Writing (Optional)
SAT
A test of critical thinking and problem solving (aptitude)
Score: 600 – 2400
No Penalty for wrong answers
Structure of test:
Critical Reading
Math (Algebra I, Algebra II and Geometry)
Writing (Mandatory)
NEW SAT is aligned to the spirit of the Common Core. The Common Core State Standards are a set of learning standards that have been adopted by most states. These standards will help to ensure that students from different states master the same skills in each grade level.

8. The New SAT Format SAT: Math Focus
SAT: Focuses on Reading Comprehension
PLUS: more complex texts aligned to
“college level reading”
PLUS: wider range of texts including from
“Founding Documents” and the
“greater global conversation”
PLUS: emphasis on analysis & use of
evidence
PLUS: data & informational graphics
SAT: Integrated into PASSAGES
PLUS: focus on “revising and editing”
PLUS: focus on misused words
PLUS: emphasis use of evidence
PLUS: data & informational graphics
SAT: Math Focus
Fewer topics but much more in-depth
Primary focus:
1. Problem-solving skills
2. More than one way to a solution
3. Simple test-taking tricks no longer
work
There are 2 sections:
Calculator Section
No-Calculator Section
-1 open response question
(showing work) – 5 pts.
Three general focuses:
Heart of Algebra
Problem Solving and Data Analysis Advanced Math
3. Word problems!

9. SAT II: Subject Tests Some highly selective four-year colleges require
Subject specific
designed to measure knowledge and the ability to apply that knowledge in specific subject areas.
Tests are given in Literature, U.S. History, World History, Biology EM, Chemistry, Physics, Mathematics Level I, Mathematics Level II, French, German, Modern Hebrew, Italian, Latin, Spanish, Chinese, Japanese, and Korean.
Colleges use the Subject Tests for admissions, course placements, or both
Contact schools to see if needed

10. SAT ACT Upcoming Test Dates Test Registration Date Deadline
October September 16
December November 4
February January 13
April March 3
June May 5
SAT
Test Registration
Date Deadline
November 5 October 7
December 3 November 3
January December 21
March 11 February 10
May 6 April 7
June 3 May 9

11. Research Prospective Colleges
Visit
parent id: johnscreekhs password: gcis7315
Visit College Websites
Attend College Visits at JCHS (24 hours in advance)
Attend College Fairs/Receptions
Visit Your Prospective College-Make sure this absence is preapproved with the attendance office 3 days before you leave
Be Realistic

12. Dual Enrollment
Students have to meet the university/college’s admissions requirements and deadlines in order to be admitted (SAT/ACT and GPA)
JCHS cannot extend the university/college’s deadline
Students are not admitted to the college/university until they receive notice stating so
Deadline for Fulton County dual enrollment is March 30, 2017 (JCHS must know by this date)
Dual Enrollment Night January 18th, 6:30

13. College Application Process
Process starts Monday August 31, 2017
WHAT TO LOOK FOR IN A COLLEGE
Visit
Entrance requirements/ Admissions policy
Location
Size of student body
Majors and educational programs
Type of school and degrees offered
Activities
Diversity of student body
Class size
Costs and financial aid
College affiliation and accreditation
Athletics
Campus activities
Support services

14. October 1- 30 September 15 November 1-30 October 15 December 1- 30
DEADLINES FOR COLLEGE AND SCHOLARSHIP APPLICATIONS (Due to the large number of applications the Counseling Department receives, we ask that you strictly adhere to the following deadlines)
COLLEGE & SCHOLARSHIP APPLICATION DEADLINE
APPLICATION DUE TO COUNSELING OFFICE
October 1- 30
September 15
November 1-30
October 15
December 1- 30
November 15
January
December 1

15. TYPES OF ADMISSIONS DECISIONS
Regular Decision
Early Action
Receives notice of admission early
If accepted, student is not obligated to attend
Early Decision
If accepted, student is obligated to attend
If accepted, student must withdraw all other applications

16. Letters of Recommendation
Submit a resume or senior information sheet
Counselors need at least 10 business days to complete a recommendation
Please try and give teachers at least a month to complete a recommendation
*Resume contains academic information, honors, awards, extracurricular activities, employment, and charity work

17. Financial Aid Options Four Types Grants/Gifts (merit-based monies)
Grants and gift monies do not have to be repaid. Some schools
term these “scholarship.”
College Work Study allows students to work either on or near
campus in a job arranged by the Financial Aid Office.
Loans which usually have low interest rates, must be repaid
Federal and/or State Loans must be repaid as stipulated.
Application Process for Need-Based Financial Aid:
FAFSA: The application opens October 1st of your child’s
graduating year
CSS PROFILE: This is a form required by many private colleges. Ask the college if it is required.

18. Scholarships RESEARCH scholarship opportunities
College and Career Center
HOPE
Web Sites
Call the Financial Aid Office at Individual Schools

19. College-Bound Student Athletes
Is your student planning on participating in
Intercollegiate athletics at an NCAA Division I or
II institution?
The student must register with the NCAA Initial-Eligibility Clearinghouse at
Submit the transcript request to
When taking the SAT/ACT, enter 9999 for scores to be sent to NCAA Eligibility Center.

20. Advice Let your student take ownership of the process
May 1st – Decision Day (required to tell college of your decision)
Senioritis
Rescinding admission and scholarship offers
Falling grades second semester
Schedule changes (rigorous to less rigorous)
If the student changes his or her schedule, he or she must notify the Office of Undergraduate Admissions immediately in writing

21. Keep in Touch Follow us on Twitter: @JCHS_Counseling
11th grade Remind: message
10th grade Remind:
Counselor’s Corner during both lunches

22. This information will be posted to the Guidance website:
Thank You
This information will be posted to the Guidance website:
Johns Creek High School Guidance
Johns Creek High School website
Johns Creek PTSA website