1. SOPHOMORE PARENT PRESENTATION 2015

2. Welcome Sophomore Parents Introductions  Mrs. Pattavina  Mrs. Tomasiello  Mr. Magner  Mr. Lambert

3. Responsibilities Role of the Guidance Counselor Role of the Student Role of the Parent

4. Responsibilities of a Guidance Counselor Academic and Adjustment Counselor Testing – PSAT October, 14 th 2015 College Counseling 2015

5. Responsibilities of the Student Maintain Solid Grades Complete homework on a nightly basis Extracurricular Activities Begin preparing for the college application process ( PSAT, college visits, activities) 2015

6. Responsibilities of the Parent Monitor your son’s academic progress on Netclassroom Be a role model for learning Tune into how your son learns Don’t over-schedule your son Keep video games and TV to a minimum Start the college process- visit colleges 2015

7. Transcript  Level of courses  Full year or semester classes  Unweighted grade point averages  Weighted Class Rank

8. Example Transcript Freshmen Year Final Grades

9. Class Rank and GPA Academic Level Honors (H) Accelerated (A) College Prep (CP) GPA 3.0 Rank 123 (Weighted)(Un-weighted)

10. Changes in Academic Level The student will inform the teacher that he wants to change levels. (May) Teacher will fill out an up/down recommendation form. Academic Dean and Guidance Counselors will review the recommendation.

11. CollegeBoard.org SAT College Planning Financial Aid Planning PSAT Answers to PSAT Practice SAT Testing

12. New PSAT  CollegeBoards goal is to make the test more relevant to high school curriculum.  35 mins longer (3 hours)  No penalty for incorrect answers  Certain sections of the test will require a faster pace  2 sections  Math  Evidence-based reading and writing

13. The New SAT Aptitude Test (designed to measure intelligence) No deduction for incorrect answers Combined score of 400-1600 5 long sections Testing time: 3 hours and 50 mins (with essay)

14. ACT Achievement Test (related to high school curricula) 5 long sessions No deduction for incorrect answers Combined score of 1-36 Testing time: 3 hours and 25 mins (with essay)

15. The Naviance Program Naviance is an important communication tool between the guidance office, the student and colleges. Career Search Tool Learning Styles Survey College Major Search You can use Naviance as a:

16. Naviance Family Connection

19. About Me Tab

20. Sophomore Time Line October: PSAT TestJanuary: PSAT Score ReviewFeb- April: Naviance RevisitedMay: AP TestsJune: SAT Subject Tests

21. Junior Time Line October: PSAT Test January: Jr. Parent & College Night March: SAT test at XavierMay: AP Tests June: SAT Subject Tests & visit colleges!

22. Senior Time Line October: SAT Test (Nov and Dec) November – January: College applications due January: Fill Out FAFSA January - May: Apply for Scholarships May: First Deposit in College’s Hand!

23. Visiting Colleges  Large vs. Small?  Urban vs. Suburban?  Girls?  Location?  Athletics?

24. Guidance Information  Xavier Website www.xavierhighschool.org  Links to Common App, Naviance, & Financial Aid  SAT dates  Previous years Xavier college acceptance list  Xavier Email address Have your son check it every day!  Have your son check it every day!  Guidance uses Xavier email as a means of communicating with your son.

25. Contact Information 860-346-1368  Call us: 860-346-1368  Email us:  rmagner@xavierhighschool.org rmagner@xavierhighschool.org  bpattavina@xavierhighschool.org bpattavina@xavierhighschool.org  jtomasiello@xavierhighschool.org jtomasiello@xavierhighschool.org  mlambert@xavierhighschool.org mlambert@xavierhighschool.org Visit our website:www.xavierhighschool.org