1. Juniors: #getyourlife Planning for Life After High School
Presented by the Freedom High School Counseling Department

2. FHS SCHOOL COUNSELORS Ms. Briana Moore Director of School Counseling
Mr. Rolong A-Bro
Ms. Rivera Bri-E
Ms. Hyman F-Ja
Ms. Dykes Je-Mor
Ms. Bembry Mos-Rob
Ms. Arriaza Roc-Va
Ms. Jenkins Ve-Z
College and Career Counselor

3. Planning for Life Beyond Freedom HS
Why plan?
What post-high school options are available to me?
How do I find the best post-high school option for me?
What should I be doing right now?
Using Naviance to Support Your Post-Secondary Plans

4. The Importance of Your Junior Year
Last opportunity to help raise your GPA
Colleges only see 9th, 10th & 11th year grades
Senior year grades are not included on your transcript until the end of 1st semester
Exploring career options
Identifying post-secondary options
Ensuring that you have met graduation requirements

5. Graduation requirements
Standard Diploma
22 Credits
4 English
3 Math
3 Science
3 Social Studies
2 HPE
1 Econ and Finance
1 Fine Art/CTE
2 Sequential Electives
3 Additional Electives
6 Verified (SOL) Credits AND CTE Exam
Advanced Studies Diploma
26 Credits
4 English
4 Math
4 Science
4 Social Studies
2 HPE
1 Econ and Finance
1 Fine/Practical Art
3 Foreign Language or 2/2
2-3 Additional Electives
9 Verified (SOL) Credits

6. Grade Point Average (GPA)
Your GRADE POINT AVERAGE (GPA) is the #1 indicator of what college choices you have.
Every GRADE you earn in high school IMPACTS your GPA
A = 4 points
B+ = 3.4 POINTS
B = 3 POINTS
C+ = 2.4 POINTS
C = 2.0 POINTS
D+ = 1.7 POINTS
D = 1.0 POINTS
F = 0 POINTS
The higher your GPA the better chances you have in getting in the college of your choice!

7. What are Your Post-Secondary Options?
Employment
Trade School or Technical College
Military
2 Year College
4 year College

8. Employment
Successful job hunting refers not only to finding a job but also to finding the best job possible
When employment is plentiful this may not present a problem; but when jobs are scarce, you may have to think creatively and investigate many sources
Individuals seeking employment can visit VA Employment Commission (in Woodbridge) for help with:
Resume building
Job searching
Interviewing skills
Long term planning

9. Business, Trade and Technical Schools
Special emphasis on education and training in technical fields
Many programs lead to an A.S. or an A.A. degree or a certificate in an academic discipline
Great way to get training for a specific job or career
Some trades have more earning potential than careers that require an Associate or Bachelor Degree!

10. Military Military Enlistment
17 yrs./physically fit/most HS diploma/ASVAB/ moral character
Training for 152 Occupations
Reserve Officer Training (ROTC):
Civilian College + Officer Training
Military obligation after two years...2 or 4????
Service Academy-Begin Process Junior Year of H.S.
US Military Academy, New York
US Naval Academy, Maryland
US Coast Guard Academy, Connecticut
US Merchant Marine Academy, New York

11. 2-Year Community College
Community college benefits:
-Fairly inexpensive (1/3 cost of 4 yr. colleges)
-Close to home
-Open admissions
-No SAT/ACT Scores needed
-Another opportunity to get into your 4 year college- of choice-Pathways program at NOVA
- N.V.C.C. has guaranteed admission agreements with VA colleges for ease of transfer!
-Provides a nurturing, supportive environment for students who need additional support.
-Offers specialized courses/training

12. What Four Year Colleges Look For in Their Candidates
College admissions offices are looking for well-rounded students who will be academically successful. Since most colleges have more applicants then they have space they establish certain criteria for selection.
****Academic Rigor
****GPA
****SAT/ACT Scores
Extracurricular Activities
Letters of Recommendation (start asking NOW)
Interviews
Student Essays

13. College Entrance Tests SAT and ACT
Most colleges require SAT or ACT scores
Scores are sent directly from testing agency to college
Tests show readiness for college level work
Take during spring of junior year AND fall of senior year
Check college website for requirements
**If you are on free/reduced lunch, you will qualify for a fee waiver. See the Counseling Secretaries.

14. Types of College Admission
Early Decision (ED)-can only apply to one, promising to attend if accepted (Nov. 1st)
Early Action (EA)-applying to several schools early for an earlier decision (Nov. 15th)
Regular Decision (RD)-latest application will be accepted (usually Jan./Feb.)
Rolling Decision-college will make decision as applications come in, no concrete deadline

15. Applying for College Admission
Start working on college applications in Fall of your Senior year. Six college applications may be sufficient if you apply to two schools in each category listed below.
IDEAL: School you most want to attend and for which you have a chance of acceptance.
50-50 CHANCE: School you would be satisfied to attend and for which you meet the average requirements.
SAFETY: School you would be satisfied to attend for a year or more and for which your chances of acceptance are certain

16. This is YOUR “Research” Year!
1- Take the SAT or ACT (Mar.– June) 2 - Attend campus visits/college fairs 3 - Know which colleges you plan to apply by beginning of senior year 4 - Keep your grades UP! 5 - NCAA registration (if you plan to play sports in college) 6 – Meet with Military recruiters 7 – Attend job fairs

17. Those who fail to PLAN are planning to FAIL!
QUESTIONS???
Those who fail to PLAN are planning to FAIL!

18. PWCS ACADEMIC PLAN https://pwcs. edu/cms/one. aspx
Use as a check list for all graduation requirements
Review and update a plan of action for high school and beyond

19. Academic and Career Plan
Step 1: At the top of the Academic and Career Plan select a Career Cluster that interests you from the drop down list
Step 2: Select a Career Pathway and then a Career Goal from the drop down lists
Step 3: Select a Diploma Type and Post Secondary Goal
Step 4: Select the core classes you have taken during 9th & 10th grade and be sure to type in your electives too
Step 5: Select the core classes you PLAN to take your 12th grade year and type electives you would like to take
Step 6: Be sure to add any extracurricular actives you are currently involved in this year. This may include, clubs, organizations and/or athletics.
Step 7: At the very bottom type in your name as your signature and enter the date.

20. NAVIANCE
Family Connection Website:
User Name= School ID Number
Password= 6 digit birthday MMDDYYYY

21. Naviance Family Connection
Another useful tool when it comes to planning for the future
Use the handout provided to navigate this website
How to access Naviance
Step 1: Go to Freedom HS homepage
Step 2: Select Our School  School Counseling  Naviance/Family Connection
Step 3: At the top of the page select Click here for Freedom Family Connection to log in
Username: Student ID Number
Password: mmddyyyy

22. ACTIVITY: All About ME Write down your GPA
(as shown in Naviance)
Update your next to pencil.
(click the pencil icon to update)

23. Explore Careers and Colleges
Update:
Colleges I am thinking about list
Post-secondary plan
Super Match (college match)
Explore colleges that fit your criteria and match your current GPA.

24. Your counselors at Freedom High School BELIEVE in YOU
Your counselors at Freedom High School BELIEVE in YOU. We are ready to assist you as you plan for a bright future!