College Readiness for Juniors

1. College Readiness for Juniors

2. Junior Year is Important! Two of the most accurate predictors of post-secondary success are: 1.Taking rigorous courses in high school 2. Having a career focus

3. Step 1: What can your student do right now to be ready for college?

4. Make a plan to… • Conduct research and gather information • Begin a folder dedicated to your student and any info. received regarding life after high school • Take the PSAT on Wednesday, Oct. 15that LSHS • Take the ASVAB in fall or spring • Begin taking ACT/SAT mid-junior year • Make campus visits • Talk to college reps. @LSHS • Attend College Night at John Knox Pavilion next fall!

5. Take the PSAT * Qualifying test for the National MeritScholarshipProgram 1. Wednesday, October 15th / 7:15 A.M. 2. Testing location: A Gym 3. Bring #2 pencils and a calculator 4.Sign up with Mrs. Frick in the CounselingCenter 5. Cost is $14 6. More info: http://www.collegeboard.org

6. Take the ASVAB Test *Armed Services Vocational Aptitude Battery 1. Offered each fall and spring (free of charge!) 2. Sign up with Mrs. Frick in the Counseling Center 3. Bring #2 pencils. No calculators allowed. 4. Report to the A Gym 5. Explore occupations in line with interests and skills * Students are not tied to the military by taking this test. The military provides the testing and test interpretation, but we encourage ALL students to take this test because of the valuable feedback it provides.

7. Take the ACT *College Entrance Exam • Begin taking the test sometime during the second half of junior year: • December 13 • February 7 • April 18 • June 13 • Sign up for the LSHS ACT Prep Course after taking the ACT one time: • LSHS sessions are tied to national test dates • Cost =$69 (includes textbook) – scholarships available

8. Juniors and the ACT Beginning this spring, ALL juniors in Missouri will take a free official ACT test. • Scheduled for Tuesday, April 28, 2015, and will take place at LSHS. • Test results will provide information on the college and career readiness of juniors in Missouri. • Test is considered official and can count toward college admission and scholarship opportunities.

9. Description of the ACT

10. Explore Careers… a. Internet Searches b.Job Shadowing c.Internships / Part-time Jobs d.Career/ Job Fairs

11. Exploring – Heart of America Council Career Explorer Post Programs • Real-world career experiences for 14-20 yr. olds • Delivered through partnerships with thousands of businesses, organizations, state, local and federal agencies • Mentoring, internships, and community service • Aligned to the 16 US Dept. of Ed. career clusters • Local Explorer Post Opportunities Include: • Hallmark Cards • Black & Veatch Engineering • Truman Medical Center • Independence Fire Dept. For more information about this program, contact Kerry Jorn at 569-4937 or e-mail: Kerry.jorn@lflmail.org

12. Take Advantage of High School Opportunities 1. Continue w/rigorous courses 2. Complete Area of Focus 3.Explore areas of interest through coursework a.Summit Tech./Herndon/Cass b.Work Programs c.Dual Credit/Enrollment Courses 4.Meet w/Counselor a.Review a plan for the next three years b.Familiarize yourself with Counseling Center resources

13. Check out Centers of Excellence • Summit Technology Academy • Plan to visit their Open House: • Thursday, November20th • Tours available for interested students 2nd semester • Herndon Career Center • Plan to visit their Open House: • Wednesday, December 3rd • Tours available for interested students 2nd semester • Cass Career Center • Rep. available to students during LSHS Enrollment Fair on Friday, February 6th • Tours available for interested students 2nd semester

14. Earn College Credit in High School • Dual Credit at LSHS • Check out Career & Educational Planning Guide for LSHS courses that offer college credit • Dual Enrollment at Metropolitan Community Colleges • Take a class at Longview and earn high school and college credit

15. Step 2: What information do you need to plan for college?

16. Research … Possible research topics: • General college information • Specific admission requirements • Application deadlines • Scholarship & financial aid opportunities/deadlines • Job placement rate for your student’s chosen career field

17. A+ = Great Deal! • Requirements: • Attend A+ designated school for 3 consecutive years • 2.5 GPA (unweighted) • 95% Attendance • Proficient or Advanced score on Algebra 1 EOC or DESE approved mathematics test • 50 Hours of Mentoring/Tutoring • Equals app. $105 per hour • Good Citizenship • Upon Completion: • 2 Years of Paid Tuition @ MO Community College or Tech. School * Apply in the A+ Office ASAP!

18. Service Academies *Academy Night =Wednesday, January 14, 2015 in the LSHS Brockman Lecture Hall • The following academies have presented in the past: • Virginia Military Academy • New Mexico Military Institute • US Air Force Academy • Wentworth Military Academy • US Coast Guard Academy • US Military Academy (West Point) • US Naval Academy • US Merchant Marines Academy • Learn about the nomination process • Information about the application process / timeline • Question & Answer session

19. NCAA Clearinghouse / NAIA • For those students planning on participating in collegiate athletics at a Division I,Division II, or NAIA school • Apply online • http://www.ncaa.org • http://www.naia.org • A fee is required along with registration • Process typically begins during junior year

20. Factors Used to DetermineCollege Admission • High school curriculum • Class rank and grade point average • ACT or SAT scores • Extra-curricular activities • Community service • Essay/résumé

21. Test Scores / Selection Index • In addition to the core high school curriculum required for admission to most 4-year colleges, your student must also earn a certain grade point average and ACT/SAT score. • If your ACT/SAT score is not high enough, you must achieve a certain selection index. • A selection index is a score based on your combined ACT/SAT and class rank percentiles. • Each college sets its own selection index and is published on its website.

22. Step 3: How do I choose the right college for me?

23. Consider this… • Will I be trained for my career? • Does the school offer programs of interest? • Is the school the right size for me? • Can I afford to attend this school? • How far away am I willing to go?

24. Define your parameters… • Missouri, Kansas, USA, world • 2-year, 4-year • Public or private • Cost limitations • Programs of study • Campus size

25. Visit the campuses… • Choose several schools to visit during 2nd semester of yourjunior year or summer before senior year. • Call the admissions office to schedule a formal visit. • Take advantage of half-days and other days school is not in session. • Pick up a “Questions to Ask on Your Campus Visit” sheet from the Counseling Center.

26. Resources to Bookmark! 1) LSR7 Career & Educational Planning Guide * Can be found on LSHS website and LSHS Counseling Website

27. Resources to Bookmark!

28. Resources to Bookmark!

29. Resources to Bookmark!

30. Follow @LSHS Counseling1 on Twitter! If you don’t have a Twitter account: Text: follow @LSHSCounseling1 to 40404 If you do have a Twitter account: Login and make sure you follow us (@LSHSCounseling1) to receive tweets from the Counseling Center. (college rep. visits, scholarship info., career opportunities, etc.)