FCHS Counseling Department - Class of 2018 Support and Resources

2. Welcome, Class of 2018!

3. Counseling Department Mr. Rafael Santiago, Counseling Department Chair Students with last names beginning with Strange- Z + All ELL students Mrs. Ashley Kozee, School Counselor Students with last names A - Di Mrs. Leila Fondo, School Counselor Students with last names Doe- Just Mrs. Kyleigh Swanburg(Ms. Kim Windsor), School Counselor Students with the last names K- Oh Ms. Grace Savage, School Counselor Students with last names Ol- Strand Mr. Michel Satterfield, Assistant Principal Mrs. Amy Gamez, School Social Worker Mrs. Brenda Hamilton, Registrar Mrs. Linda Alexander, Counseling Secretary

4. ANNOUNCEMENTS Financial Aid Night on Monday, November 7th At 6:30 pm in the Cafeteria. The Georgia Finance Commission will be presenting along with a Financial Planner.

5. Getting Started Take the Plunge... ...it's your future so get involved!! Junior Year – 1. Maintain Grades – Work Hard 2. Prepare for and take the ACT/ SAT 3. Develop a list of colleges that you may want to attend.

6. MOWR (Move On When Ready) Allows students to take courses at a college while earning college credit and high school credit at the same time. Pros Tuition and books paid for by the state (some courses do have fees) Earn college credit before graduating from high school. Weighted as an AP course in High School Can possibly shorten the length of time needed to complete college. Gives you access to that college and it’s facilities.

7. CONS Transportation - Not provided to students by FC. Students must be able to get there and back on their own. Local colleges will do their best to work with FCHS regarding the scheduling of courses. Not guaranteed to sync. Parents won’t be able to access or communicate with college professors. Content of a course may be of a mature nature. Our breaks don’t typically sync with the college calendar Taking MOWR courses not a guarantee for getting into some colleges ***If you are interested in this option please take the SAT and/or the ACT as soon as possible and speak to your counselor regarding the MOWR application process.

8. www.applerouth.com info@applerouth.com 404-728-0661 Upcoming Mock Tests at Forsyth Central High School Full-length proctored mock tests help students learn what to expect under test-like conditions. Students will receive a report with comprehensive personal analysis of their performance on the test. Mock SAT Mock ACT November 12 November 12 9:00am - 1:30pm 9:15am - 1:30pm Event code: Event code: M231449 M231448 Each mock exam is $10. To register, go to www.applerouth.com/signup and enter the event code.

9. Types of Schools • Two Year Colleges – Associate Degree • Four Year Colleges and Universities – Bachelors Degree – Includes Public, Private and Service Academies • Technical Colleges – Associate or Certificate • Specialty Schools – Certificate or Certification – Culinary Arts, Cosmetology

10. Researching and Selecting a College • Type of school – 2 year, 4 year or Technical *Geographical Location • Public or Private *Size *Living Facilities *Co$t • Away or Stay Home - *Majors offered - *Clubs/Sports/Activities Compile a list of schools that you may be interested in attending • Visit school websites • Set up visits to schools that you are serious about applying to • Be aware of admissions requirements and begin to narrow your choices • Never put all of your eggs in one basket. Plan on applying to a small group of schools that you would like to attend

11. College Search Engines • Bigfuture.org – College Matchmaker allows students to search all colleges with various criteria such as location, major etc. • Gafutures.org – Allows students to search in the state Georgia Colleges and out-of state schools. • Careercruising.com-Allows students to search in the state of Georgia Colleges and out-of state schools.

12. College Visitations • The best way to get to know more about a school and get a “feel” for the campus, is to schedule a college visit. • FCHS Juniors and Seniors are permitted to take 4 days to visit colleges. • When visiting a college, it is recommended that you contact the admissions office and arrange to attend the information session and take a student guided campus tour. • You need to ask questions while on your visit! • Meet with College Reps visiting Forsyth Central

13. SAT Dates https://sat.collegeboard.org/home

14. 2016-17 ACT Dates http://www.actstudent.org/regist/

15. HOPE3.0 Core GPA as calculated by Georgia Student Finance Commission and 4 classes of HOPE rigor ZELL Students must graduate with a 3.7 HOPE GPA as calculated by Georgia Student Finance Commission and also have a 1200 (math+critical reading) SAT or 26 on the ACT along with 4 classes of HOPE Rigor Visit www.gafutures.org for complete scholarship details. HOPE and ZELL Miller

16. Who should attend? • Where is the meeting? • What material will be covered? • Why is it important? • Okay, I am ready for my junior meeting. How do I arrange for it? • Is it mandatory?? A Word About Junior Conferences

17. Things to Remember • Visit the counseling web page often http://www.forsyth.k12.ga.us/domain/1935 • Plan during your junior year. The time to apply to college will be upon you soon. • Make an appointment to see your counselor with any questions (JUNIOR Conference). • Involve your counselor in your college search and application process. • Finally – DON'T PANIC !!!!!

18. FCHS Counseling on Social Media Follow us on Twitter! @FCHS_Counseling

19. SOCIAL MEDIA Good or Bad?