1. Cinnaminson High School Freshmen/Sophomore Parent Night May 28 th, 2013

2. School Counselors Alexis Mancinelli 2013-14 Grade 10 A-E 2013-14 Grade 11 A- Ha Crystal Widmann 2013-14 Grade 10 F-N 2013-14 Grade 11 He-P Donna Lobascio 2013-14 Grade 10 O-Z 2013-14 Grade 11 Q-Z

3. Graduation Requirements English20.0 credits4 years Social Studies15.0 credits3 years –W–World History –U–US History 1 –U–US History 2 Science18.0 credits3 years –B–Biology –C–Chemistry, Environmental Science, or Physics Math15.0 credits3 years –A–Algebra 1 –G–Geometry World Language10.0 credits2 years Physical Education12.0 credits4 years –3–3 credits each year & will be graded on an individual marking period basis Health 4.0 credits4 years –1–1 credit each year Visual & Performing Arts 5.0 credits 21 st Century Life & Careers or Career Technical Education 5.0 credits Financial Literacy 2.5 credits Career Exploration satisfied through modules completed in the Naviance program *Credits are based on how many periods per week a class meets.

4. 4-Year College-Bound Student Course Recommendations English4 years Math4 years Social Studies3-4 years (Depending on major) Science3-4 years (Depending on major) World Language3-4 years Electives: Students should take meaningful electives throughout high school. Senior Privilege: Students planning to attend a 4-year college should avoid senior privilege.

5. PSAT Sophomores and Juniors are encouraged to take the PSAT. Only junior year scores will qualify students for the National Merit Scholarship Program. The PSAT is held at CHS every October. The exam is 2 hours and 10 minutes. Students who take the PSAT will receive a login to begin college/career planning, receive information regarding colleges.  www.collegeboard.com/quickstart

6. Page 6 Math: up to trigonometry Science: charts, experiments Reading: four passages, one each of Prose Fiction, Social Science, Humanities, and Natural Science English: stresses grammar Writing: persuasive essay Math: up to basic geometry and Algebra II Science: none Reading: sentence completions, short and long critical reading passages, reading comprehension Writing: an essay, and questions testing grammar, usage, and word choice What is the test content? Five-section exam: 1 – English 1 – Math 1 – Reading 1 – Science Reasoning 1 – Writing (Optional) Ten-section exam: 3 – Critical Reading 3 – Math 3 – Writing 1 - Experimental What is the test structure? SAT ACT

7. SAT vs. ACT SATACT  Scaled score between 200-800  Scaled score between 1-36 on on each section each section  Reasoning test based on broad  Achievement test focused on themes curriculum Most U.S. colleges will accept either exam interchangeably, however they may prefer one over the other. Make sure you check particular colleges’ requirements before taking either test to ensure the best course of action for your student. Refer to www.collegeboard.org or www.actstudent.org for more information.

8. The Role of Standardized Test Scores in College Admissions Admissions Packet – SAT/ACT becoming more critical piece of packet – Only reliable benchmark that admissions can use to evaluate students across the board Competitive Edge – Number of students who apply increases every year – Students need to set themselves a part from others – More scholarship money is given to students with higher test scores Test Score Differentiation – Schools will “super score” the SAT – Writing is becoming more important – Writing is #1 indicator for freshman success – Essay is only sample of what student can do on his/her own

9. The Role of Standardized Test Scores in College Admissions Athletic – Test scores will affect admissions – Coaches only have a limited amount of “pull” – Lower scores will require more “pull” – Being well rounded is great but academic merit is paramount Application Cut-Off Point – SAT/ACT initial filter for applications – Several colleges will not even “open” an application unless students reach a specific benchmark score – The more prestigious the college the higher the cut-off will be – It is imperative that the scores at least meet the cut-off scores to be considered

10. National Association for College Admission Counseling College Admission Factors Strength of Curriculum68% Admission Test Scores ACT/SAT59% Essay or Writing Sample25% Counselor Recommendation Letter19% Class Rank19% Teacher Recommendation Letter17% Subject Test Scores (AP) 7% Portfolio and/or Interview 6% SAT Subject Test 5% Extra Curricular Activities 5% Work/Volunteer or Community Service 2%

11. Advanced Placement (AP) A program of college-level courses and exams. Generally taken during junior/senior year (There may be prerequisite courses required). Students must pay a fee to take the AP exam in May. The AP score is based on a scale of 1-5. Contact colleges to find out if they accept AP credit and which courses the credit will be applied to...

12. College Acceleration Program (CAP) Students can earn college-level credit from Burlington County College (BCC) for select courses taken at CHS. Students pay a fee to BCC and must earn a grade above 70 in the course to receive BCC credit. (Currently $125.00 per course) Credits will be accepted and given by BCC. Contact out-of-state colleges and private NJ universities to determine whether or not they will accept any credit. Although a college may accept CAP credits, they may not necessarily accept it as equivalent credits for the course taken at the high school.

13. Preparing for College Colleges take the entire transcript into account when evaluating students for admission including classes from freshman through senior year. Students should take academically challenging courses. Generally a “B” in an Honors course is looked upon more favorably than an “A” in a CP course. However, once a student gets into the “C” or “D” range, it is probably more appropriate if he/she takes CP level course. Students need to learn good study habits! Encourage your student to use his/her agenda book, stay organized, and create a consistent study schedule. Participation in extra-curricular activities, volunteer work, community service and taking on leadership roles are important elements on a students’ transcript. Work experience is also valuable to include in a student’s profile.

14. Grade Point Average (G.P.A.) and Class Rank Cumulative G.P.A. is the weighted average of all final course grades. An official Class Rank is computed after the completion of the student’s junior year. Class Rank is computed in the following way:  The “numerical average” earned in each course is multiplied by the “credit value” for the course to yield the “quality points” for that course.  The sum of “quality points” is divided by the total number of “credits attempted” to yield the “weighted grade point average” (GPA).  Students who took honors and Advanced Placement courses will have ten (10) additional points added to their “numerical averages” before the “quality points” are determined.

15. Career Center Students in 9 th grade will be scheduled to visit the Career Center for training on how to use Naviance Family Connection and to complete a Career Interest Inventory. During 11 th grade, students will be given an appointment to visit the Career Center to create an Activities Resume for their college application and to explore colleges using the Super Match College Search. connection.naviance.com/cinnaminsonhs  Students can access this website at home by using their CHS log-in (last name first initial) and password (student ID#). http://www.bls.gov/oco/  Students can explore the Occupational Outlook Handbook to find out educational and skill requirements for various careers as well as salary and job market projections.

16. Alternative Post-Secondary Options Burlington County College (BCC)  Offers a variety of college programs for two years.  Excellent option to begin the college experience, especially if there are: financial considerations, a student is unsure of his/her future career aspirations, or he/she is not ready to leave home yet.  BCC has a Transfer Advisement Office that assists students who plan to transfer to a 4-year college after completing their program at BCC. Trade School  BCIT Adult School offers many training programs for students in each of the trades as well as an Apprenticeship Programs for those interested in joining a local trade union.  Trade Schools: PennCo Tech, ITT Technical Institute, Lincoln Tech, and Universal Technical Institute (UTI).  Cosmetology Schools: BCIT Adult School, Jean Madeline, Aveda Institute, Rizzeri Military  The ASVAB (Military Entrance Exam) is offered at CHS each year during the winter. Students interested in military service should plan to take this test during junior and/or senior year. The qualifying score for the Army & Marines is a 31 and the qualifying score for the Air Force & Navy is a 51.  Recruiters from each branch of the military visit CHS periodically during the school year. They are available during lunches on those days to answer questions.  ROTC Programs are different from military enlistment. Students apply directly to the college as well as complete a separate application for ROTC. If accepted, the military will fund a portion up to full tuition. In return, he student will be expected to attend Military Science classes during college and commit 4 years of service as a commissioned military officer after completing their degree. Please Note: The ASVAB is not just an exam for students interested in joining the military. This assessment can be used to see where a student’s strengths and weaknesses are and help determine career paths as well.

17. Naviance Family Connection  Visit connection.naviance.com/cinnaminsonhs  Enter your unique user name (last name/first initial) and password (student ID#).  You will find important information (specific to your grade level) regarding:  Upcoming events  College search assistance  Career information  Scholarship information  Summer enrichment programs  Volunteer opportunities  Part-time jobs  Graduation requirements  College application process  Much more...

18. Other Useful Websites www.collegeboard.org  To register for the SAT & search for colleges www.act.org  To register for the ACT & search for colleges www.asvabprogram.com  Armed Services Vocational Aptitude Battery (ASVAB) or military entrance exam. www.fafsa4caster.ed.gov  Pre-FAFSA for determining financial aid eligibility for college http://www.bls.gov/oco/  Occupational Outlook Handbook www.bcit.cc  Use Adult High School tab for information regarding post-secondary trade programs

19. Questions & Comments Thank you for coming! We are here to assist you in navigating through your child’s high school career. Please do not hesitate to contact us for anything!