1. Course Registration Parent Presentation Patty Devecka, Class of 2016 Counselor Jack McCurdy, Class of 2017 Counselor January 2015

2. Timeline February 2 nd - 13th - Counselors in SS classes February 2 nd – March 3 rd - Online registration Mid-March – Course selections mailed home March 31sth – Last opportunity to make changes before summer Late July – Schedules posted online Early August – Last chance to request changes before school starts. Students need to check their SCASD email!

3. Online Registration Go to www.scasd.org/courserequests www.scasd.org/courserequests Link is also on the High School homepage Directions, forms for downloading, high school course guide and link to HAC are also here Select “Home Access Center” link Students may log in to Add or Delete electives Students who need to change “locked” courses must turn in a change form, signed by a parent – forms are here, as well as online.

4. Minimum Graduation Requirements Four Credits of English and Social Studies Three Credits of Math and Science Physical Education every year Health in 9 th or 10 th and 11 th or 12 th grade In-class Driver’s Education Electives Graduation Project Community Service – 20 hours Pass Algebra 1, Biology and Literature Keystone exams (Class of 2017 and later) Total Credits 22.50

5. Electives Encourage your child to take advantage of elective opportunities for career exploration and/or personal enrichment Art Accounting & Finance Agricultural Mechanics Arch. Drafting and Design Animal Science Automotive Technology Building Construction Technology Cisco Networking Academy Culinary Arts Diversified Occupations Early Childhood Education Engineering Family & Consumer Science Health Professions Marketing/Supply Chain Mgmt. Music Natural Resources Plant Science Technology Education World Languages

6. Other Considerations Colleges have different requirements –World Language –Math –Fine Arts Requirements For NCAA eligibilitycenter.org eligibilitycenter.org Military Academies - Call Congressman Thompson’s office at 814-353-0215 Keystone Tests

7. How Colleges Evaluate Grades and course selection Test Scores - SAT or ACT Essay and Application Counselor Recommendation Teacher Recommendations Activities/Community Service Please visit the Counseling Services webpage, on the High School Homepage, for College and Career Planning Resources Test optional schools – www.fairtest.org

8. Advanced Placement Courses Weighted courses College credit may be earned AP Exam at conclusion of the course Colleges look favorably at students who take AP courses 19 different courses Examples - AP US History Examples - AP US History AP English Language And Composition

9. When to Take the SAT Test Students enrolled in CP Algebra 2, Adv. Geometry or higher may want to take the SAT this school year. 11th Grade students should take this year SAT dates remaining for this year, March 14, May 2, June 6 Some colleges require SAT Subject Tests Cost $52.50 www.collegeboard.com Fee waivers available

10. ACT Test Colleges accept the ACT or SAT exam. ACT is scored 1-36 in 4 sections: ACT is scored 1-36 in 4 sections: Math, English, Reading and Science Math, English, Reading and Science --plus there is a separate writing section --plus there is a separate writing section A composite score is given for the first 4 sections A composite score is given for the first 4 sections ACT test dates remaining for this year are: ACT test dates remaining for this year are: April 18 and June 13. April 18 and June 13. ACT test is given at State High only on April 18th ACT test is given at State High only on April 18th Cost: $38.00 or $54.50 with writing Cost: $38.00 or $54.50 with writing Fee waivers available Fee waivers available

11. Future Presentations (offered yearly) Watch for Looking Ahead brochure College Planning for Parents of Juniors – spring College Planning for Parents of Seniors – fall Testing Information Night – fall Financial Aid Night – PHEAA – fall PSU Financial Aid Night – fall College Planning for Students with Disabilities - fall College Planning for International Students - fall

12. Final Thoughts Discuss course selections with your child Think about how colleges evaluate students Make sure your son/daughter has a balanced schedule Any questions – call or email your child’s counselor (Please refer to our counseling website for the name, email and phone # of your child’s counselor) Thanks For Coming!