1. Sophomore Parent Presentation

2. Mark DeVoe –Guidance Director Mindy Fellingham- Counselor Pat Hendricks-Counselor Ted Jarmusz-Counselor Kelly O’Keeffe-Howlett-Counselor MaryEllin Sweeney-Learning Consultant Debbie Hemschoot- Assistant Registrar Tina Schwartz-Guidance Secretary

3.  PSAT’s  Course Selection  Naviance – Family Connection  Career Interest Inventory  Do What You Are-Personality Inventory  Standardized Testing  Explore Interests/College Majors  Extracurricular Activities  Building a Good Rapport with Your Counselor

4. PSAT’s are very important!  Measures critical reading, math problem-solving skills, writing skills  Scores are reported on a scale of 20-80 for each section. National percentiles allow you to compare your score with other students in your grade level ◦ Ex. If your percentile is 55, you scored higher than 55 percent of the Sophomores nation-wide who took the exam.  National Merit, National Achievement based on your performance on the PSAT junior year. ◦ You are compared among students in your state. ◦ Awards up to $2,500. This is for Juniors only. Selection Index – the sum of the three scores on each section. The SI determines eligibility for NMSC

9.  Many of the more competitive colleges require these tests for admission.  There are subject tests in English, History, Mathematics, Science and Foreign Language.  The score ranges from 200-800 per subject test.  It is suggested to take them in June after an AP or Honors course, or if you earned a 90 or above in the course  You should get tutoring and study on your own before you take the exam.  There are SAT Subject Test sample questions available through the College Board Website and through the information booklet in guidance.

10.  The ACT is another college entrance test option. It is a diagnostic test that tests you on high school content (material you are learning in your classes)  There are 5 sections to the exam: English, Math, Reading, Science and Writing ◦ The science section measures the skills required in the natural sciences: interpretation, analysis, evaluation, reasoning, and problem solving.  The score ranges from 1-36 COMPOSITE SCORE. Competitive colleges look for a 28 composite score or above.  ACT tutorials are available online at www.actstudent.orgwww.actstudent.org ◦ There is also a free practice test in the ACT booklet (available in the guidance office).

11.  Refer to Curriculum Guide on RBC website.  Competitive colleges want competitive transcripts.  Colleges want to see a rigorous program and that you have challenged yourself, but they also want to see achievement.  Once you commit to challenging courses you should do everything possible to stay on that track.  Take challenging courses in subjects in which you feel confident...know your limits.  You can apply for Honors & AP classes during scheduling as long as you meet the pre-requisites for these classes. Refer to Curriculum Guide.

12. Sophomore year is a time to discover your passions, interests and to get involved in extra curricular activities.

15. Naviance is a Web-Based Research and Planning Tool for College  Go to the Red Bank Catholic High School Guidance page or: www.connection.naviance.comwww.connection.naviance.com  My Personality – “Do What You Are” ◦ Assessment of careers and college majors that fit your personality.  Career and College Search.  Resume – Start drafting your resume now in Naviance so it is complete by senior year/

21.  Start building your resume. Use Naviance to keep a record.

23.  Community service and volunteer work should be done with non profit organizations ◦ Churches, libraries, hospitals, schools, etc.  Internships are non-paid and should be done with legitimate companies ◦ Books which list internship opportunities: Peterson’s Internships; The Princeton Review’s Internship Bible; The Princeton Review’s Best 109 Internships  Check the Bulletin Board in the Guidance office for postings of jobs, internships and volunteer opportunities  It is very important to be involved in meaningful extracurricular activities

24.  Make your summer productive!  Volunteer, obtain an internship or a job  Colleges are interested in learning about activities you do outside of school that support your interests. For example, if you are interested in becoming a doctor, consider interning or volunteering at a local hospital. Or, if you are interested in Architecture, enroll at a college which offers Architecture classes. If you are interested in Physical Therapy, shadow a physical therapist.  The summer is also a good time to visit colleges which is a great way to see what type of schools you like...location, size, etc. Call admissions ahead of time to schedule a tour of the campus

25. Be social media smart. Colleges do often times look at social media to evaluate a student for admission to college. Pictures and comments could be detrimental to your admission to a college.

26. It is important to start building a relationship with your counselor As a student, you should work to facilitate this relationship Share good news Tell us about any honors or rewards you receive Bring us copies of certificates or anything stating your accomplishments Talk to us about your summer plans or summer experiences In the spring of your counselor will be meet with you and your sophomore for a 45 minute one on one meeting beginning in March.

27.  PSAT’s  Course Selection  Naviance – Family Connection  Career Interest Inventory  Do What You Are-Personality Inventory  Standardized Testing  Explore Interests/College Majors  Extracurricular Activities  Building a Good Rapport with Your Counselor