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This article provides information on Nipmuc graduation requirements, post-secondary options, and an overview of the college process including college visits, standardized testing, and college applications. It also offers guidance for parents in supporting their student's college journey.
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Post Secondary Planning School Counselors: Nicole Grilli and Kendra Swenson
Nipmuc Graduation Requirements • English - 4 credits • Math – 3 credits • History – 3 credits (WEX, US I, US II) • Science – 3 credits (Including Biology) • Physical Education – 1 credit • Passing scores on all 3 MCAS tests Total of 26 credits – including elective courses • Keep in mind that most 4 year colleges have a Foreign Language requirement of at least 2 years of the same language. • All Massachusetts State Schools REQUIRE 4 years of math, and 3 years of a lab science. Other private colleges may require 4 years of math as well.
Post Secondary Options • 4 year college • 2 year college • Apprenticeship • Military • Work • Certificate Program • Gap Year We encourage students to schedule an appointment with Beth Hennessey in the 21st Century Learning Center
Pathways to a 4 Year Degree Graduate from Nipmuc 2 year school Transfer 4 year school Gap year/Military, Work Earn Bachelor’s Degree End Goal = Employment
Overview of the College Process • The college search process and Naviance • Standardized testing and test preparation • College application components • College visits • Timeline
College Process and Components • Naviance • Teacher letters of recommendation • Transcripts sent by the School Counselor • School Counselor written evaluation • NCAA Division 1&2 • NCAA Elgibility Center • College Application • Common Application • College website • Essay • Students can choose 1 of 7 prompts on the Common Application • SAT/ACT • Official score reports must be sent directly to colleges through Collegeboard and ACT website
SAT/ACT Test Test Preparation • Log into Collegeboard Account to Access: • SAT practice tests • SAT question of the day • Khan Academy • Free online resource • Students can link their PSAT scores to Khan Academy to pinpoint areas for practice. • Local SAT Prep Courses • Kaplan • Log onto ACTstudent.org for ACT practice tests
College Visits • Campus tours are a great opportunity for students to get on campus and discover if the college maybe the right fit for them. • Juniors and Seniors receive 3 excused absences each year for college visits. • Schedule a tour with the Undergraduate Admission’s Office. • Visit the main buildings, sit in on a class, visit inside the dormitories, cafeteria, library, etc. • Ask questions! Find out what the school offers as far as activities, internships, academic assistance, etc.
Naviance Naviance/Family Connections is a web-base comprehensive and widely used college and career planning software program, that assists our students, parents, and counselors in various areas of your child’s education and post-high school planning process.
Naviance Through the Years Grade 10 Grade 9 Career Interest Profiler This is a self-assessment tool that looks at students’ desired preferences and skills in a work environment and creates a matching list of occupations. Strengths Explorer Students can discover their strengths and interests and make connections with future career opportunities through this self- assessment. Grade 12 Grade 11 • Scattergram • Request teacher letters of recommendation • Transcripts • View all college application status and materials • Common Application Match SuperMatch Students can use this tool to match their post secondary preferences and current credentials to potential schools.
Supporting Your Student in Creating a College List • Matchschools – student’s academic credentials fall well within (or even exceed) the school’s range for the average freshman. • Reachschools – student’s academic credentials fall below the school’s range for the average freshman. • Safetyschools – student’s academic credentials fall above the school’s range for the average freshman. • College lists should contain a variety of schools including match, reach, and safety schools. • Students should explore both public and private schools. • A typical student applies to 5 – 7 schools.
Tips for Parents • Encourage student involvement in extracurricular activities (inside and outside of school) • Attend college visits with your student • Access the parent portal in Naviance • Help your student explore different career options and/or majors • Help your student dream big while also formulating realistic expectations
Questions? Nicole Grilli–Ngrilli@mursd.org Kendra Swenson –Kswenson@mursd.org