1. Welcome to Junior Parent Night
Sponsored by
Green Hope High School
Student Services

2. Student Services Staff
Shernita Telfair, Dean of Students Anne Miller, Counselor A-Di Jerry Goodpasture, Counselor Do-Ja Justin McIntyre, Counselor Je-Mi Hamilton Freeman, Counselor Mo-Se Allison Tibbetts, Counselor Sh-Z Nicole Bates-Leto, SAP Counselor Angie Murrane, Receptionist Cathy Dillon, Registrar *The PowerPoint presentation will be available on the Student Services Web site

3. Program Overview Review Graduation Requirements
Provide a guideline to assist with college planning
Provide resources to assist with post-secondary planning
Provide information on post-secondary options

4. Graduation Requirements Class of 2015
Future-Ready Core
English
English I, II, III, IV
4 Credits
Mathematics
Algebra I, Geometry, Algebra II & one math course beyond Algebra II
Science
Earth/Environmental Science, Biology, & a Physical Science
3 Credits
Social Studies
World History, Civics & Economics, US History
Electives (2) + Concentration (4)
Two electives must be courses in CTE, Arts or World Language;
Four electives recommended in a concentrated area: CTE, Arts, or any other subject area.
6 Credits
Healthful Living
1 Credit
Electives
5 Credits
Total
26 Credits

5. NC Academic Scholars
GPA: 3.5 Unweighted
Future Ready Core Requirements which must include the following:
English I, II, III, IV
Science: Earth Science, Biology, Chemistry or Physics
Social Studies: World History, Civics and Economics, US History
Four (4) elective credits in a concentration
Math: Algebra I or Common Core I, Geometry or Common Core II, Algebra II or Common Core III, 4th math beyond Algebra II or Common Core III
Healthful Living
World Language: 2 Credits
Level I & Level II of the same language
3 Higher Level courses (having 5 or 6 quality points) taken during junior and/or senior years (honors or AP)

6. TESTS… PSAT/NMSQT Provides preparation for the SAT
Qualifying test for the National Merit Scholarship Program & the National Merit Achievement Scholarship Program
School-based test given each October for Sophomores (Juniors must sign-up for PSAT)
To utilize results in preparation for the SAT, go to to access My College QuickStart, a free personalized planning kit based on their test results.

7. TESTS… SAT I Reasoning Test
Measures the skills students need for academic success in college in three sections: Critical Reading, Math, & Writing
Score Scale: 800 on each section; 2400 total
Average score is 500 on each section
Recommend taking at least once (or twice) in the spring of junior year and again at the beginning of the senior year if needed to increase scores.
The College Board reports that most students improve their score the second time around, though beyond twice, scores don’t significantly change.
Register online at collegeboard.org
Important to prepare for the SAT: sign up for SAT prep classes, utilize free practice websites (such as collegeboard.org), and practice SAT books

8. TESTS…
ACT Assessment
Curriculum-based test designed to measure students’ college readiness and academic achievement in four skill areas: English, Math, Reading, & Science
The writing test is optional but required for admission to UNC system schools
Score Scale is 1-36 on each section; 1-36 composite
Recommend taking at least once (or twice) in spring of junior year and again at beginning of senior year if needed to increase scores.
Register and prepare online at actstudent.org

9. And more TESTS… SAT II Subject Tests AP Exams ASVAB
Required by some selective colleges for admission and/or for placement purposes once a student enrolls
Check college Web sites to determine requirements
Students can take up to 3 subject tests on one test date
Recommend taking Subject Tests near the end of a course when the information is still fresh in their mind
Register at collegeboard.org
AP Exams
Taken in May by students enrolled in Advanced Placement courses and used by colleges for credit or placement
ASVAB
Aptitude test offered by the Armed Services

10. College Planning Timeline
Fall
Take the PSAT
Volunteer or campaign for leadership positions in extracurricular activities
Begin list of colleges & research
Research admissions criteria, tuition estimates, & academic requirements
Get organized! Create a college file & a college calendar to write down deadlines
Begin researching Enrichment Opportunities
If you are applying to military academies or ROTC scholarships, the process should begin in the junior year

11. College Planning Timeline
Winter
Begin visiting college campuses, start SAT Prep
Begin researching scholarships
Meet with counselors in small groups
Spring
Continue visiting potential schools on list
Attend Spring College Fair-
Greater Raleigh National College Fair,
Tuesday, March 11, 2014 , Raleigh Convention Center
Take the SAT/ACT
Research college majors
Start talking with teachers about recommendation letters

12. College Planning Timeline
Summer
Get involved in a summer internship, enrichment program, volunteer, or work a part-time job
Mark your calendar for important Fall dates and deadlines (early scholarships and early action/decision deadlines)
Continue to visit college campuses
Continue to narrow your list of colleges
Review college applications and begin working on essays if available
The more you can do before the senior year, the easier things will be!

13. The College Search
REMEMBER you are seeking a college where the goals and personality of the student are well matched with those of the college. Consider what is important to you: cost, location, size, residential life, major, etc… EVALUATE & EXPLORE interests, majors, and careers by taking interest inventories and assessments (CFNC.org and princetonreview.com) LIST abilities, preferences, personal qualities, and potential college majors RESEARCH COLLEGES by searching college websites, CFNC.org, collegeboard.com, collegeview.org, and college guidebooks available in student services

14. The College Search cont…
ATTEND local college fairs and meet
with college representatives when they
visit your school (listen to announcements for dates)
VISIT colleges and take college tours when they are in session to get a feel for the campus and regular activity.
TALK to friends, family, teachers, and recent grads about their careers & college experiences
DEVELOP a list of colleges and determine factors to use in comparing them
REVIEW admission requirements and application deadlines for potential colleges

15. The College Search cont…
FINALIZE your college list early in the senior year. Consider the following guide:
One or two safety colleges: colleges to which they will almost certainly be admitted
Some realistic or “probables”: college where their GPA, test scores, and other features look very similar to those of recent entering classes
A reach (or two): colleges where they meet the criteria for admission but may not have the stellar qualifications of most first year students

16. What are colleges looking for?
Academic Achievement (GPA)
SAT/ACT scores
Rigor of classes
Class Rank
Extracurricular Activities
Community Service
Essay
Recommendation Letter(s)
Interview

17. Résumé Create or update your resume including
a record of your accomplishments, activities, and work experiences from high school.
Choose a format that best highlights your experience, education, and interests.
Add your summer employment, volunteer work, job shadowing and internships, college applications, and scholarship applications to your résumé.
Your school counselor will ask for a copy of your résumé at your senior meeting.
To create an online résumé, visit CFNC.org and click on the Student Planner.

18. College Planning Resources
Junior Planning Guide available on the student services website
The College Foundation of North Carolina-
The College Board-collegeboard.org
The Princeton Review-princetonreview.com
Print publications & guidebooks
Student Services
School counselor

19. CFNC.org Track and Plan High School Courses
Explore and Compare Colleges
Career Assessments & Interest Inventories
Information on Careers and College Majors
Scholarships and Financial Aid Information
SAT/ACT Test Prep
Apply to NC Colleges

20. NCAA Clearinghouse & Student Athletes
The clearinghouse certifies your
eligibility to compete as a student
athlete, but your college must accept you as a student.
The clearinghouse evaluates your academic record to determine if you are eligible to participate at a Division I or II college as a freshmen.
You can review the eligibility requirements and register at
Student athletes should register after the completion of the junior year.

21. Summer Opportunities-Get Involved!
Enrichment/College Preparation Opportunities are available through colleges to explore career interests & develop leadership skills
Check individual college websites for opportunities
Visit CFNC.org and click on “College Preparation Opportunities” for a searchable list
Review listed opportunities on the Student Services website under “Enrichment Opportunities”
Talk with your counselor
Volunteer in your community
Apply for a summer job
Discuss internship & job shadowing opportunities with Catherine Barone, Career Development Coordinator, to gain experience and explore career interests

22. Financial Aid-Grants, Loans & Work-Study
The FAFSA (Free Application for Federal Student Aid) is the form that is needed to apply for aid in the form of grants or loans. You can obtain a FAFSA application at
The CSS/Financial Aid Profile establishes
eligibility for institutional aid. The
application is available at
A Financial Aid Counselor will be available for appointments beginning in October of the senior year to assist with the process.

23. Financial Aid-Scholarships
Most scholarships are available beginning in the senior year; however there are a few scholarships available in the junior year.
Begin researching scholarships during the junior year (many scholarships have early deadlines in senior year)
Create a file for scholarships in which you qualify and would like to apply for during the senior year.
Scholarship resources include:
College and University websites
Scholarship Newsletter (Student Services website)

24. Additional Post-Secondary Options
Community colleges offer a vast array of Associate Degree and Certificate programs
For students that may not have the grades right away or want to save money, community colleges offer College Transfer programs wherein you can transfer to a 4 year university within 2 years (Ex: UNC C-STEP)
What about the Military? Get in touch with a recruiter and sign up to take the ASVAB.
Maybe it’s right to work! Contact Catherine Barone, Career Development Coordinator , for more information

25. Please complete the online evaluation. Thank you for attending!