1. JUNIOR INFORMATION

2. COUNSELORS (Arranged by the first letter of student’s last name.) MRS. BRUCE A – C MR. WALDROP D – Kl MR. SCHLICH Kn – P MRS. PHILLIPS Q - Z

3. TRANSCRIPTS How Do I Obtain a Transcript?? A transcript is a record of every class you have taken in high school and the grade you made in that class. ACT and SAT scores will be on your transcript. To request an official transcript to send to a college see Mrs. Gilley, the counseling secretary- these cost $1.00.

4. GRADUATION REQUIREMENTS Completed ILP Completed Writing Portfolio Completed Diploma Slip 26 credits needed to graduate 4 credits of English, 3 credits of Science, 3 credits of Math, 3 credits of Social Studies, PE/ Health, Humanities, and 11 electives. For complete & detailed listing, see Grad. Brochure

5. COMMONWEALTH DIPLOMA Students must successfully complete the following requirements: - Earn 26 credits - Fulfill the pre-college curriculum - Earn at least a “C” average in four AP/IB courses (AP/IB Senior English, AP/IB Foreign Language, AP/IB Science or Math, one additional AP/IB course) - Take three AP/IB exams in the courses listed

6. PREPARING FOR LIFE AFTER HIGH SCHOOL A few tips….. Start thinking about your options. College, Technical Schools, Military, Jobs, Etc. Research colleges/schools you are interested in. Plan for college visits. Practice and Re-take College Entrance Exams. How are you going to pay for college? Start planning for tomorrow TODAY!

7. APPLYING TO COLLEGES Pick 3 to 5 schools that interest you. Get an application for admission from the school's website or office of admissions. Complete and return the application with all necessary materials that must go with it. Request a copy of your official transcript. Have your transcript sent to the school. Get a housing application if you're living on campus. Find out what tests are required and the deadlines for submitting your scores. If you have questions ask your parents, guidance counselor, or an admissions director.

8. THE COMMON APPLICATION If you plan to apply to several colleges, please consider using the common app. This is one application used for many schools. Apply at www.commonapp.orgwww.commonapp.org For a complete listing of schools that accept the common app visit this website.

9. COLLEGE VISITS These visits must be pre-approved by the principal. Students can schedule up to 3 college campus visits This is a total of 3 visits for all 4 years of high school A request must be submitted three days in advance. Try to visit colleges when they are in session. On weekends, all you will see are empty buildings!

10. COLLEGE REPRESENTATIVE VISITS College Representatives also make visits to TCHS. Most visits take place in the Fall. The reps are usually from college admissions office. A list of colleges and the dates they are visiting can be found on the TCHS website or counseling office. Sign up to visit with college reps BEFORE the day they are scheduled to visit. To sign up, see Mrs. Gilley in the counseling office. Dismissal from class is at the teachers’ discretion so BE SELECTIVE WHEN SIGNING UP!

11. ACT / SAT Make sure you are re-taking the exams for the best score. The next test date is June 12, 2010, registration deadline- May 7, 2010 Register for the ACT at www.act.orgwww.act.org Register for the SAT at www.collegeboard.comwww.collegeboard.com Online registration is preferred unless special accommodations are needed or payment is by check. Some out of state schools require SAT II’s, or subject tests. Check with your selected schools. If you plan to re-take the ACT, register for Oct or Dec. Ask your counselor about a fee waiver if you have free or reduced lunch.

12. TEST PREPARATION Fayette County has created a Study Guide for the ACT to help increase your scores located on the TCHS Homepage. You could also use the testing websites such as www.act.org and www.collegeboard.com. www.act.orgwww.collegeboard.com There are ACT/SAT Prep books available at the TCHS Media Center.

13. NCAA GUIDELINES If you hope to play college sports, you must meet NCAA academic eligibility requirements. Visit www.ncaa.org for more information and up-to- date guidelines.www.ncaa.org Notify your counselor if you are interested in playing sports so a transcript can be sent to the Clearinghouse for you. Register with the Clearinghouse to begin the process at the end of your Junior year.

14. SCHOLARSHIPS A list of current scholarships is provided on the TCHS Counseling Website. There are even scholarships listed for Juniors. The list will be updated frequently. Please let your counselor know if you want to be nominated for a certain scholarship. Current scholarships are also listed in the Senior Bulletin found on our website. Now is the time to seek out scholarships. Look on the web, your church, community organizations, etc.

15. FINANCIAL AID Now is the time to talk to your parents about financing your college education. Most colleges require the FAFSA This is the FREE Application for Federal Student Aid Apply online for the FAFSA at www.fafsa.ed.govwww.fafsa.ed.gov This application will be filled out at the beginning of next year. Encourage your parents to file their taxes as soon as possible, so that you can complete this form. THE SOONER, THE BETTER=MONEY DOES RUN OUT ! Remember- you must earn 5 credits each year to be eligible for KEES $$$

16. NON-COLLEGE BOUND STUDENTS Military options Technical Schools/ Trade Skills Correspondence or Home Study Schools Internships or Apprenticeships Job skills from high school courses such as Eastside or Southside Family Business Options Entrepreneurship Entry-level job positions

17. TCHS COUNSELING WEBSITE We have mentioned it over and over. Why? This is where you will find all the information you need for planning for your Senior year. Scholarships, Open Houses, College Rep. Visits, Resources, Testing Info, Senior Calendar, & MORE! Visit www.tatescreek.fcps.net/counselingwww.tatescreek.fcps.net/counseling Help us, help you! Let us know if you have suggestions for additional info on our website. Follow us on TWITTER for up-to-date announcements and important information.

18. SIGN UP…… If you have additional questions about graduation, testing, or college planning or you fell asleep during this presentation….. SIGN UP TO SEE YOUR COUNSELOR! Stop by the counseling office and put your name on the sign up sheet under your designated counselor.