1. Sarah Hester, SLHS 9 th Grade Bethany Wallace, SLHS 10 th -12 th, A-LAZ Lisa Godo, SLHS 10 th -12 th, LE-Z Amy Bolton, SLEHS, A-K Mara Elwart, SLEHS, L-Z FUTURE SENIOR PARENT NIGHT CLASS OF 2015

2. Am I on track to graduate with my class? Students must have 17 credits by the end of their junior year to be on track for graduation. What if I’m short credits? You must complete some credit recovery or attend a 5 th year. One credit per semester is allowed (summer = semester) Options: night school, MiVHS online, summer school, or retake the class at SLHS Most credit recovery costs money and requires transportation. See your counselor for more information.

3. Graduation Requirements: Senior English Senior Math or Math Related Course Any other graduation requirement not yet met. What are colleges looking for? Solid academic schedule – think science, math, social studies, English, world language Aim for 3-4 academic courses Choose classes that build skills related to career goals Explore dual enrollment options with your counselor Maintain strong GPA

4. Dual Enrollment Community College coursework replaces SLHS coursework. SLCS pays for your coursework. You must have qualifying scores on PLAN, MEAP or ACT. There are restrictions on the type of courses you can take at the community college. Courses can be at the college (requires transportation) or online. College grades do not factor into your GPA. May be difficult to dual enroll if you are involved in extracurricular activities at SLHS.

5. ACT March 2014 You will take the ACT plus writing, ACT Work Keys, MME at school from March 4 th -6 th No cost No need to register College reportable scores Valid scores on all 3 days of testing required for graduation ACT Retakes Register to retake at www.actstudent.org www.actstudent.org Cost: ACT with writing $52.50; ACT without writing $36.50 You will take at a National Test Sight Dates are available online and in student services

6. Looking for Post-Secondary Options?

7. Where do I best fit? 2 year Community Colleges Cost effective Can earn an Associates Degree Great place to get basics 4 year Colleges/Universities Can earn a Bachelors Degree Wider variety of courses Independence Trade Schools Skill specific Very hands on learning Earn a certificate or license in area of study Military Serve your country in 1 of 4 branches Can earn money for college Variety of skilled programs ASVAB February 4, 2014

8. Where Do I Start? Create a professional sounding email address. Good example: wallaceb@slcs.us Not so good example: bikerchick@yahoo.com Schools will use your email address to contact you about practically everything. CHECK YOUR EMAIL! Start a folder to keep everything organized. ACT scores Transcripts-Parchment Calendar of important dates Letters of recommendation Information from the schools Notes from your visits Essays Scholarships Financial aid

9. Do Your Research! Visit College WebsitesAttend College Fairs Visit College Campuses College Visits at SLHS & SLEHS Compare Costs

10. Applying to Colleges: Begin applying the August before your senior year begins. Know if your college has an early deadline – usually November 1 st. Find your college’s application online at their website. Check for essay requirements. Many applications require a fee so be prepared.

11. What do you need to apply? Your basic personal and contact info. A list of all your activities/work/ volunteer/awards, etc. Your senior schedule. Essay(s) Letters of recommendation Your ACT scores Submit only when you have had someone check over your application!

12. How on Earth Do I Pay for School? File the FAFSA between January 1 st – March 1 st of your senior year. Attend Financial Aid Night in December of your senior year. Look for and apply for scholarships. www.fastweb.com www.scholarships.com Google “scholarships” Check Student Services scholarship book.

13. QUESTIONS? Career Questions Contact: SLHS: Jane Miloch SLEHS: Lauren Bedich College Questions Contact: SLHS: Beth Wallace (A-La) or Lisa Godo (Le-Z) SLEHS: Amy Bolton (A-K) or Mara Elwart (L-Z)