SENIOR INFORMATION MEETING

1. SENIOR INFORMATIONMEETING Spanish River Community High School September 2012 Presented by the Guidance Department

2. Guidance Counselors A-D Mrs. Freedman E-G, ESE Students Mrs. Loyacona H-ME Mrs. Rockwell MI-SG Mrs. Towers SH-Z Mrs. Barry, Guidance Coordinator FAU Intern Mrs. Mancuso

3. Graduation Requirements • 24 Credits Required • Pass FCAT Reading and Math = 300 each section • 2.0 GPA in all courses • 20 hours of community service • Due December 1

4. Course Requirements • English - 4 credits • Math - 4 credits • Science - 3 credits • Social Studies - 3 credits • Physical Education - 1 credit HOPE • Performing/Fine Arts – 1 credit • Electives – 8 credits

5. Grade Point Average for Graduation • 2.0 GPA in all credits attempted • Competitive Universities require 3.5 and Higher • Most recalculate your GPA/HPA

6. Spanish River School Code 100136

7. College Entrance Exams • All college bound JUNIORS were advised to take the PSAT last October and the SAT and/or ACT between January and June 2012. • SAT and ACT Fall dates: • SAT: Oct. 6, Nov. 3, Dec. 1 • ACT: Sept. 8, Oct. 27, Dec. 8

8. COLLEGE ENTRANCE EXAMINATIONS Scholastic Achievement TestSAT Critical Reading, Math, and Writing Maximum Score 800 each section Minimum requirement (including writing) State Universities: 1360 (Read 460, Math 460, Writing 440) American College TestingACT Verbal, Math, Reading, Science Maximum Score 36 each section Minimum requirement (including essay) State Universities: (Read 19, Math 19, Eng/Writing 18)

9. What are SAT II’s • Subject-area tests- 1 hour length • Same registration procedure as SAT’s • Required for entrance at some colleges • Register early! • Required for course placement at some colleges • Check college application requirements • Next SAT II test date is Oct. 6th

10. SELECTING COLLEGES • Safe Schools • Match Schools • Reach Schools • Maximum 5-7 schools total

11. College Admissions Criteria • Academic achievements • Challenging Courses • Test Scores • Essays • GPA/HPA • Teacher recommendations • School/counselor recommendations for out-of-state or private schools • Leadership and extra-curricular accomplishments (include Academy info here) • “Special” talents

12. APPLICATION OPTIONS • REGULAR DECISION • Due in January or February • November is recommended! • UF is November 1st • FSU is October 15th (Decision Dec. 19th) • EARLY DECISION • Due November 1 • Response in December • Binding decision; You must withdraw other applications Take Action Early

13. COMMUNITY COLLEGE PLANNING TESTING OPTION COLLEGE PLACEMENT TEST (PERT) FEE $25 CONTENT READING, ENGLISH, MATH 2 + 2 PROGRAM in Florida: FRESHMAN/ SOPHOMORE YEAR at COMM. COLLEGE JUNIOR & SENIOR YEAR transfer to UNIVERSITY

14. AA Degrees A student with an AA Degree is guaranteed admission to the State University System *not necessarily university or degree program of choice Acceptance of 60 credit hours toward BA/BS degree Junior standing at university 51% of BA/BS degree recipients in State Universities are Community College transfers!

15. Open House and Campus Visits • Check websites for Open House Dates • RSVP if necessary • Call to cancel if necessary • Be prepared with questions • Set-up appointments in advance with specific departments/colleges

16. Things to Avoid • Letting others make the choice for you • Procrastination and waiting too long to apply • Deciding not to apply because you think you would not be accepted

17. TEACHER RECOMMENDATIONS • Determine who to ask • Applications may specify • Someone who knows your work and potential • Give teachers 3 weeks to prepare letters • Give teachers your resume, forms needed, and stamped, addressed envelopes • Remember to thank the teachers!!

18. Counselor Recommendations • For out-of-state and private universities, submit your resume, personal statement, forms, and stamped, addressed envelopes • Provide counselor with additional information if necessary • Counselor will mail to college • Give counselors 3 weeks to prepare letters

19. TRANSCRIPTS • Transcripts require 48 hours to process • Private and out-of-state universities and scholarship applications require paper transcripts • Bring stamped, addressed envelopes for paper transcripts • Electronic transcripts are NOTfast! • 3-5 days for university processing • Fees: $1- electronic $3- paper

20. To Request a Transcript • Complete a bluerequest form • Submit the form and payment with stamped addressed envelope to Ms. Memoly in records • Transcripts will be mailed to your college • Electronic transcripts go directly to the college

21. NCAA Requirements • Athletes must apply through the NCAA Clearinghouse • Contact the NCAA website • Eligibiltycenter.org • Submit transcripts and test scores as required

22. BRIGHT FUTURES Please refer to website Apply Online December 1st Florida Academic Scholars Award • $100 per credit hour at public universities • 3.5 GPA • 1280 SAT (not including Writing) or 28ACT • 100 community service hours Florida Medallion Scholars Award • $75 per credit hour at public universities • 3.0 GPA • 1020 SAT (not including Writing) or 22 ACT • 75 community service hours

23. SCHOLARSHIPS • University- Merit Based • Federal- National Merit, National Achievement • Private- agencies, companies, organizations Look on our website for weekly Scholarship Bulletins

24. WHEN FILING THE FAFSA“Free Application for Federal Student Aid” • Do NOT file before January 1st 2013 • Required for Bright Futures Scholarship

25. September Meet with counselor Begin applications Request teacher recommendations Retake ACT & SAT Register NOW Make sure score reports are sent directly to prospective schools and a copy to your counselor October Study to maintain your grades!! Request transcripts $1.00 or $3.00 fee Write essays Re-write essays Visit Colleges Search for Financial Aid Senior Year

26. WARNING!Admission directors warn that "senioritis" may be hazardous to your educational health. Colleges and universities may rescind their offer of admission if you do not follow through with the expected course work and maintain your grades. It is recommended that you continue to take the most rigorous course work throughout your senior year in order to be the most prepared for college work.

27. Good Luck Class of 2013