1. JHS Senior Meeting #1 “Getting Ready for the Next Step”

2. Purpose of this meeting
Cover topics that you will need to know about during your senior year
Guide you through the steps of graduating and preparing for life after high school
Share resources/tips that may help you make some decisions

3. Are you on track to graduate?
Four units each of science, history , English, and math(must include Alg 1, Geom, Alg 2 )
Advanced Endorsement- at least 3 honors level in each core area above
electives(must include 1unit of LIFE P.E. or approved sport equivalent, 1 unit of Career Preparedness, ½ unit of health)
Above electives should include 3 units in any combination from the following areas: foreign language, career tech, or fine arts
Advanced Endorsement- 80 volunteer hrs
Career Tech Endorsement-3 CT courses, 2 sequential recommended

4. Transcripts Check for ACCURACY Note any discrepancies
Discuss these with your counselor
Are you in the classes needed for graduation?
Did you repeat any classes? Make-up failed classes?
Weighted G.P.A is used for class rank
Unweighted G.P.A is used by most colleges for admissions
You must come to counselor’s office to request an official transcript to be mailed. You can get up to 10 free copies, $1 for each additional.

6. Options After High School
College(2-4 yr, Trades, Apprenticeships)
Military
Work

7. Let’s Focus on College First

8. Consider College Characteristics
Majors & educational programs
Type of school & degrees offered
Admission policy
Location & size
Costs & financial aid(Family contribution)
College affiliation & accreditation
Campus activities
Support services

9. ACT/SAT Waivers
Eligible students(must be economically disadvantaged according to ACT’s income table)
Must pick up form from counselor’s office
2 test waivers
4 admission fee waivers
Be sure to report for testing!

10. Create Target List
Must have a working . It’s quick, simple, and free!
Pick 3 to 5 schools that interest you. Always apply to a “Safe School” or school that you know you can get into. (ASCC)
Apply! (Most are online.)
Application for admission. Admissions Fee Waiver? (Eligible student, participating college). No refunds once you pay the fee! Total of 4
High school transcript
Recommendations
Admission test results
Apply for housing early if living on campus.
Check
If you have questions ask your parents, counselor, an admissions director, or career coach, Maggie Dailey.

11. Visit Colleges
Virtual Tours on Internet/Websites
Go on a campus tour-Pick up College/Military Visit Form for 4X from counselor’s office. Tip: Carpool with a Classmate
Talk to College representatives when they visit JHS or when you see them at college fairs-ASCC College Fair(Sept. 30)
Posting of College Reps on our Campus will be outside the cafeteria, senior classes, and under Senior Bulletin on school’s website.
Students should see Ms. Stabler for a college pass for reps unless they are set up outside the café during lunch.

13. Important Dates for September
Troy University- Sept 14 (9-10 a.m.)
Faulkner University-Sept 16(9:30-10:30 a.m.
Univ. of AL-Sept 21(9-10 a.m.)
USA- Sept 23(8:30-9:30 a.m.)
AL State-Sept 27? (10-11 a.m.)
UWA- Sept 29(1:00)
ASCC College Fair (Travel to Tville Campus)
Location of meeting will be announced prior to date.

14. Money for College Be Proactive! Be aware of Deadlines!
Scholarship List- provided today(additional copies can by downloaded from the school’s website
Be responsible on social media(admissions/jobs/scholarships)
Mindset: “No amount of free money is too small.”
FAFSA: Free Federal Aid(October session)
Investigate ALL possible resources
Parents
Savings
Summer earnings
Financial aid: scholarships, grants, loans, and work-study

15. College Bound Athletes
-If you hope to play college sports, you must meet NCAA academic eligibility requirements. -Visit for more information and up-to-date guidelines. -NCAA will need an official copy of your transcript. To send a copy of your transcript to NCAA, see Ms. Stabler. -Waivers available for eligible students. -Register with the Clearinghouse to begin the process.

16. Time Saving Tip: Store College and Scholarship Essays
Provide resume’ for
recommenders.

17. Alabama College Application Campaign Week Oct 31-Nov 4
Statewide initiative to make sure that all high school seniors have applied to at least one post-secondary school.
Promote college awareness for the student body through various events.

18. Military
ASVAB(Military Entrance Exam) is required
ASVAB will be given on Oct. 13th and again in Feb. Please sign up after this meeting if military is a possible choice for you
Military recruiters will begin visiting JHS in October. Watch for postings on website, Facebook, and Twitter.
Can provide funds for college also.

19. Workforce
Encouraged to seek credentialing from Career Tech Academies if going straight into the workforce
Prepare and do well on ACT WorkKeys to receive Career Readiness Certificate that a lot of employers are now looking for.

20. Congratulations!!! You are almost there, but make this year count too!
Remember, no decision is a decision!

21. Resources