Junior Information Night

1. Junior Information Night Mrs. Fanning & Ms. Homer October, 2012

2. FALL

3. Monitoring your academic schedule • Choose college recommended courses • Monitor grades using Progress Book • Encourage more challenging coursework when applicable

4. Earn Good Grades • College applications include an official transcript of grades 9, 10, and 11 • Grades in college prep courses are the most important component in the college application packet • Mid-year report sent in Feb. of senior year • Sometimes, admission decisions rest with 1st semester senior grades

5. Activities • Continue involvement on campus and in the community • Look for and secure leadership roles • Take the PSAT in October • Attend Financial Aid Night

6. College Visitors • College reps will visit in the fall during the school day • Listen for these announcements • Sign-up in the guidance office (PRIOR TO THE SCHEDULED DAY) • Get a pass from the guidance office the morning of the visit • Classroom teachers have the right to refuse to let you attend (i.e. taking a test, too many absences)

7. Visit College Campuses/College Fairs • Get a feel for different size, locations, and student population • Attend local college fairs • Visit schools that really interest you • Take advantage of your (3) excused college visit days • Attend a “formal” college visit whenever possible

8. WINTER

9. Information On Standardized Testing • Plan on taking the ACT/SAT during the Winter (Jan./Feb.) • With those initial results-plan on taking a test prep classs • Must upload a picture for both ACT/SAT • Must bring ticket and photo ID to the test center with you • No Walk-In changes or registrations! • Remember that attitudes, emotions, and physical conditions may affect test-taking performance.

10. Testing readiness • Eat a nutritious meal the night before • Get a good night’s sleep • Eat a good breakfast • Get up early enough to be alert by the time you arrive at the test • Dress in layers for all temperatures

11. Tests • ACT - www.act.org • SAT - www.collegeboard.com • SAT Subject - www.collegeboard.com • Make note of your username and password • SEND YOUR SCORES - four free • See handout for dates

12. Tips for the ACT • 4 Sections (Reading, Math, English, Science) • Writing Section is optional • Answer every question (NO PENALTY for guessing on this test!)

13. Tips for the SAT • 10 Sections (Reading and Math only) • Writing Section is required • Eliminate wrong answers and only guess when you can eliminate at least two • THERE IS A PENALTY for wrong answers-leave those items blank when you don’t have any idea of the answer

14. Things to remember: • Meet with your counselor during 2nd quarter • Read and mark potential scholarship opportunities in the guidance newsletter • Choose senior year schedule carefully (colleges will only look see grades for 9th-11th) • Consider PSEOP (Post Secondary Education Option)

15. SPRING/SUMMER

16. Factors in the College Admission Decision • Grades in college prep courses • Standardized tests scores • Grades in ALL courses • Class rank • Essay/writing sample • Counselor recommendation • Teacher recommendation • Work/extracurricular activities • Interview • Demonstrated interest • SAT II/AP scores • Race/ethnicity • Ability to pay • Geography

17. Things to Do: • Develop a resume • Complete Brag Sheet to help when asking for recommendations • Ask for at least (2) letters of recommendation from teachers, if necessary before the end of the school year • Test or re-test ACT/SAT-improve scores (April/May/June)

18. Summer • Begin narrowing college choices-VISIT COLLEGES • Begin to develop application materials • Start to fashion your college essay • Discuss college options with your family • Explore summer opportunities (college opportunities, service opportunities, etc.) • Complete your community service requirement • Test or re-test ACT/SAT-improve scores (April/May/June)

19. Thank you for coming this evening. Please contact us with any questions.