370 likes | 503 Views
College - Bound Student Parent Night. August 27, 2013 7:00 p.m. OSHS Auditorium. WHEN? 4-year timeline located in Student Planner page 128. THE ACT ASSESSMENT. Colleges use this to predict student success in college courses. ACT Questions.
E N D
College - Bound StudentParent Night August 27, 2013 7:00 p.m. OSHS Auditorium
WHEN? 4-year timeline located in Student Planner page 128
THE ACT ASSESSMENT Colleges use this to predict student success in college courses.
ACT Questions • Based on subjects studied in high school – Learn all you can • Emphasizes thinking skills • No recall of facts or memorized information • Questions require students to solve problems, draw conclusions, make inferences, think analytically
When to Take the ACT Juniors: • Dec. 2013 -- Take ACT for first time • Spring Semester: Work on test prep and/or tutoring • April 2014 -- Take the ACT for the second time if you want to improve scores Seniors: ASAP
The Test • The test takes 2 hours and 55 minutes to complete • It consists of 215 multiple-choice questions in 4 areas: • English • Math • Reading • Science reasoning • OPTIONAL: 30-minute writing test
Optional Writing Portion? • Not all institutions require or recommend taking the writing portion • Check directly with the institutions you are considering to find out their requirements (www.actstudent.org)
Test Fees and Options: • ACT (No Writing) = $35.00 Includes reports for the student, their high school, and up to four college choices (if valid codes are provided when they register). • ACT (Plus Writing) = $50.50 Includes reports for the student, their high school, and up to four college choices (if valid codes are provided when they register). The $15.50 Writing Test fee is refundable, on written request, if they are absent on test day or switch to the ACT (No Writing) before testing begins. • Scholarships Students who qualify for Free/Reduced lunches may qualify for a “scholarship” to take the ACT up to two times. Ask your counselor(s) for more information.
Scores -- Scores arrive 3 to 7 weeks after test date -- 36 = Highest possible score -- National average score for 2012 graduates was 21.1. -- Kansas average score for 2012 graduates was 21.9.
Kansas Board of Regents Schools ACT Requirements Emporia State University Fort Hays State University Kansas State University Pittsburg State University University of Kansas Wichita State University 2014: 21 or higher required
OK to guess? • Your score on the test will be based on the number of questions that you answer correctly • THERE IS NO PENALTY FOR GUESSING! • Answer every question, even if you have to guess
Calculator on the math portion? • You may use a calculator on the approved list, but it’s not required • You may use any four-function, scientific, or graphing calculator unless it has features described on the prohibited list www.actstudent.org • Testing staff will not supply calculators or batteries; no sharing
Available Materials: • ACT Sample Test Questions: (A complete test) <http://www.actstudent.org/sampletest/index.html> • Study Guide Zone: (1passage) <http://www.studyguidezone.com/act_reading.htm> • Preparing for the ACT (purple booklet). • ACT Reading, Improving College Admission Test Scores, Instructivision, Inc.
Olathe South’s ACT Prep
College Now Johnson County Community College Olathe South
Why College Now? • You get to start earning college credits early! • These credits may help you graduate early. • You’re doing the work of a college class, why not get the credit for it? • Money savings • College Now tuition= $85 per credit hour • KU tuition= $307.50 per credit hour (2014) • KSU tuition= $261.00 per credit hour (2013) • You don’t have to pay for a textbook.
Steps • Apply to JCCC http://www.jccc.edu/collegenow/ • Scroll down to the yellow arrow • Give them your High School Authorization Form • Submit your ACT scores or take the Compass test (if required) • Enroll in the class and pay the tuition online
Additional info • Only 24 hours of College Now credit are allowed, keep track of what you’re taking and don’t go over 24 hours. You’ll end up paying for credit that you won’t get. • The college you hope to attend after graduation makes the decision about what does and doesn’t transfer. Talk to them now!
Additional info • JCCC deadlines are firm. They really won’t make any exceptions. Get everything done on time! • If you need to withdraw from your course(s) for any reason, you must do so at your high school AND at Johnson County Community College. Dropping the course only at the high school will result in a failing grade at JCCC. • Grant available through JCCC-ask for the application
AP Courses • Classes that can be taken for college credit • Must take the AP Exam in May • Have to receive an acceptable score in order to gain the college credit • Each college requires a particular score so be sure to check the admissions page at college of choice http://teachers.olatheschools.com/oscounseling/ap-tests/
Advice from Laurie & Carol • Where is your child thinking of going to college? • What is your child planning on majoring in, and what are the required courses he/she will need to take? • What are your child’s strengths? • Does the college your child wishes to attend keep the grade from JCCC/AP or just take the credit? Do you have a choice?
College Visits College visits are one of the best ways to determine if the college or university your student is considering is the right “fit” Finding a college is all about finding not just the school where your child will get the best education, but also the place they will call home for the next four years
College Visits Meet with an Admissions Counselor Ask about Admissions Requirements Determine actual college costs Take a campus tour Investigate academic programs Attend a class Talk with students and faculty Pick up a school paper Stick around after the formal tour
College Visits If you can’t make it all the way to campus… Virtual Tours are available for numerous schools through websites such as www.YouVisit.com and www.ECampusTours.com These sites provide guided tours of: Campuses Classrooms Unions Sporting Venues They also provide information such as tuition cost, ACT scores, enrollments numbers, etc.
College Visits If you can’t make it all the way to campus… Olathe South hosts college visits throughout the school year Visit dates can be found on our website: Students can come to the Counseling Office to receive a pass to attend
College Visits A few reminders: If at all possible, try not to miss any classes here at South. Upcoming dates include: October 11 October 21 Winter Break January 3 January 6 February 7 Start early! Many campuses are starting to offer Sophomore Days in addition to formal Junior and Senior visits.
College Visits OK, so your student has found the perfect school… NOW WHAT???
College Applications Transcript Requests http://www.parchment.com/ Letters of Recommendation 2 week advance notice minimum Career Cruising resume template Vitae’ or Resume www.commonapp.org
Scholarships • Scholarships are available starting junior year. • Check University Website • Early Action Deadline of Nov. 1st
Financial Aid College Goal Sunday: February 23
College Expo • OCTOBER 9 • Overland Park Convention Center • 6:30 p.m. • 7:00 p.m. Financial Aid Presentation
Kansas Regents Qualified AdmissionsCLASS OF 2013-2014 Graduates of accredited Kansas high schools under the age of 21 with fewer than 24 transfer credit hours are admitted to a state university if they meet one of the following requirements: • Achieve an ACT score of 21 or higher, OR • Graduate in the top one-third of their class, OR • Complete the precollege curriculum with a GPA of 2.0 or higher
Kansas Regents Qualified AdmissionsClass of 2014-2015 and After Students graduating from an accredited Kansas high school, under the age of 21, MUST • Complete the pre-college or Kansas Scholars Curriculum with at least a 2.0 GPA; AND • Achieve ONE of the following: • ACT score of 21 or higher OR • SAT score of 980 or higher OR • Graduate in the top one-third of their class; AND • Achieve a 2.0 GPA or higher on high school college credit • http://admissions.ku.edu/requirements?audience=usfreshmen&s=2016
Student Services Communication • Website www.olathesouth.net • Announcements • Counselor Page • Parent Newsletter
QUESTIONS? Please leave a notecard with your questions at the handout table. Answers will be posted on the website next week. A JCCCRep is available in the commons.