1. Sophomores Planning for the Future January 12, 2012

2. Agenda Welcome The Life of a 15 Year-Old The PLAN Assessment Sophomore Year Activities Counseling Department Resources Questions & Answers

3. Middle Adolescence (ages 15 to 18) Developmental Markers Preoccupation with Body Image. Seeking Independence. Importance of Peers and Social Life. Increasing Sexuality. Development of Abstract Thinking. Growing Ability to Multi-Task and Organize. Search for Identity. Setting Long-Term Goals.

4. Post-Secondary Planning What should we be doing now to prepare for the future?

5. Take It Slow– No Pressure! Gather general knowledge about the college admissions process. Read selections from the recommended book list, “Lowering the Flame.” Be patient! More focused work begins Junior Year. No Test Prep courses necessary this early! Casual college tours only! Talk to college students and recent grads. Browse Naviance Family Connection website.

6. Testing for Sophomore Year PLAN –Taken in October 2011 MCAS –March 20-22 ELA –May 15-16 Math –June 5-6 Science AP Biology Exam –May 14 SAT Subject Test in Biology –June 2

7. The PLAN with Jared Bunzey ACT Consultant Northeast Region

8. Career Exploration Sophomore Career Workshops Do What You Are Career Cruising

11. Setting Goals for the Future Individual Meetings with Counselors Parents as resources

12. Course Selection -Course Selection in the spring -Electives -4 years of 5 core courses -Foreign Language - Use Resources

13. Extracurricular Activities Get Involved A few meaningful activities Summer experiences Internships

14. For Internships: The Education Collaborative More information at www.tec-coop.org Contact Sherri Sigel at 781-326-2473

15. Community Service Leo Club Environmental Club Peer Tutoring Outside Organizations

16. ENJOY!

17. Questions?