What every senior needs to know ….

1. What every senior needs to know …. Getting ready for life after High School Presented by HAHS Guidance Department

2. DATES TO REMEMBER • October 25th– College Fair @ HAHS • December 17th – Financial Aid Night • SAT Deadlines – Register by: ** Late registration ** October 19, 2012 for test November 3 November 1, 2012 for test December 1 • ACT Deadlines – Register by: November 2, 2012for testDecember 8

3. Common Questions: • Am I ready to graduate? • What am I going to do after high school? • Am I ready for college or getting a job? • How do I know if college is right for me? • How do I pay for college? • How many times do I have to take the SATs; do I have to take them at all? • How many colleges should I apply to; what do I do if I am not accepted or going? • Should I look into the military or taking a year off ?

4. Is it normal to feel confused and STRESSED? YES!

5. The facts Average Annual Earnings for College Graduates and Non-Graduates Where do I begin?

6. “Am I ready to graduate?” Keys to Graduation Complete your Graduation Requirements Pay attention to your Attendance Beware of “Senioritis” Stay away from “drama” – Keep focused Keep good communication with your counselor & your family.

7. “Am I ready to graduate?” Graduation Requirements: Complete Course Requirements Complete Graduation Project Complete 4 Years of High School Score at least proficient on the PSSA Math & Reading Tests

8. Course Requirements A minimum of 28 credits are required for graduation: Required subjects are - • 4 English • 4 Mathematics • 4Science (2 in Lab Components) • 4Social Studies • 3 Foreign Language • 2.5 Physical Education / Health • 6.5Electives

9. Continue your education: 4 year college 2 year college 2-4 year technical school Go right to work: Job training programs Military Service: Army Navy Air force Marines “What am I going to do after high school?” You Have Choices!

10. How do I pick a college that’s right for me? Consider . . . • Admission requirements • Size of campus • Campus life and activities • Geographic location • Strength & variety of majors • Financial costs • Faculty/student ratio • Housing availability

11. College Visits • Set up a tour • Visit when school is in session • Attend a class • If possible, stay overnight • Talk to students and teachers especially within your intended major. • Eat a meal in the dining hall • Explore the community

12. College Entrance Testing • SAT I – 12th grade(October-December) • SAT II (Subject) – Take subject matter test as soon as possible after you complete the appropriate course and according to your colleges’ requirements. • ACT – May be required by some colleges.

13. Universities & Colleges • Complete applications for each campus – unless listed to receive the Common Application: www.commonapp.org • Minimum GPA Aprrox. 80 • The lower the GPA, the higher the SAT must be. Most colleges will still only use the Critical Reading and Math Scores for Admission. • Extra curricular achievements are helpful but not necessary for some colleges – but all colleges like to see a well-rounded student • SAT I, SAT II (Subject), ACT – (depends on college) recommendation letters, essays • Fees- some colleges will waive fees if visit during an open house or if a financial need can be given.

14. Community College • Variety of programs • Associate degrees – 2 years • Transfer to 4 year as a junior • Vocational programs • Lower costs • Admissions criteria -HS grad or 18 years old - SAT’s may not be required - assessment tests in Math and English forclass placement • Simple application process - apply before March for priority

15. How to Narrow Your Choices

16. Reach School For a school you’ve dreamed of attending, even if it is selective and you may not meet all the requirements for admission. With a little luck – who knows? The only risk is a rejection and the cost of an application fee.

17. Target School Review several schools whose admission requirements seem to match your qualifications well. You stand a good chance of being accepted, although it may not be a “sure thing.”

18. Safety School Have at least one school on your list that you know will accept you, no matter what, in case your other choices don’t work out for you. This is a school you would still be very happy to attend.

19. “When should I start to submit my applications?” NOW! • Pay attention to deadlines • Makes notes on what your school needs • Keep all material in one place • Making sure your application is complete is YOUR responsibility!

20. The LANGUAGE OF ADMISSIONS • Regular Decision – Submit by specific date • Early Action – Non-Binding – “Priority Filling Period” • Rolling Admission - No specific deadline date – Apply Early & Get Decision • Early Decision – BINDING! (like signing a contract) – May back out only if the college does not meet your financial need.

21. The College Application Common Application PACE FINANCIAL AID WEB SITE TEMPLE UNIVERSITY - Admissions page Tips From Guidance Web Site

22. Application Tips • Ask for fee wavers • Most colleges wave fees if you apply online, visit the school or simply ask. • Keep Organized • Get folder for all your important papers and shoe box for any extra college info • PAY ATTENTION TO DEADLINES • Give yourself time to fill them out thoughtfully • Essays, personal statements and activity resumes • Pre-write many can be written in advances and adjusted slightly to fit your schools needs. • Ask teachers in advance for general letter of recommendation and pick teachers that give insight into specific areas of your education (ex majoring in health care ask a math or science teacher) • Keep passwords, usernames and email names professional and easy to remember – keep in safe location. • Create check list of what information your colleges need • Some will require more information then others, while some art and performing schools will requite a portfolio or audition.

23. What do I need to know about submitting an application? Online – SEND EDU, Common App, PSU - let us know when you do this so we can send out transcripts Paper – some apps are confusing you can bring them in for us to help you review What you may need to include Transcript Release or Counselor Report or School Report must be filled out by counselor (varies by school) Must bring us Addressed envelope with postage (usually 2 stamps) Teacher and counselor recommendations. Personal Essay

24. ~What to give me ~ • Envelope(s) addressed to the admissions office of your colleges • Your name • 2 stamps for regular sized envelope • Letters of recommendation from teachers • Application if not filed online HASD 1601 W. 23rd St Hazleton PA, 18202 Office of Admissions Best University Ever PO Box 007 Casper, IA 50310

25. What do schools base their decisions on? • Rigor of Coursework- Honors, AP? • GPA & Grade Trends • ACT/SAT Scores • Well Written Essay • Admission Coursework Requirements • Activities, Athletics, Leadership, Service • Other factors -see the college website

26. What do I do if I want to play sports in College? Talk to your coach – They will be able to help you get organized and gather the information you need. For example they can help you get your film together if needed for college coach to review. Sign up with the NCAA - • NCAA Clearinghouse qualifies your eligibility to participate in sports • Must have GPA of 2.0 and combined SAT of 1010 • To register, complete release form and mail with fee and current official transcript from every school attended • Follow with final transcript in June • Web site: www.NCAAClearinghouse.org

27. Types of Financial Aid How do I pay for school? • Grants • Scholarships • Loans • Work study • FAFSA – required for PHEAA Grant, Pell Grant, work study, loans and institutional aid • Filing period – Jan 1 – March 2 • Plan on filing your taxes early

28. Types of Scholarships

29. Options other than college • Community College 18 mos Programs • Health care specialty • Dental Hygienist • Child Care • Vocational/Career Schools • Trade Programs • Apprenticeships • Armed Services • enlisted personnel • ROTC • officer candidate school

30. What should I do if I want to go right to work after High School? • Create a Career Timeline • Where do I see myself in 3-5 years • List my abilities & interest • Consider options • What can I realistically do • Visit a vocational center • Career Link • Create a portfolio of resumes, writing samples and work skills • Focus on a specific career path

31. What skills are employers looking for? • Communication • Organization • Problem Solving • Sensitivity • Judgment • Concentration • Cooperation • Honesty • Initiative • Willingness to learn • Dependability • Enthusiasm • Acceptance of criticism • Ability to work in team • Loyalty • Time management

32. Senior Timeline of Activities • Senior Credit Checks - Sept • SAT – Oct (begins testing) • College applications - Oct/Nov • FAFSA Forms – Jan – March • College mid year reports - Jan • Graduation Project – Jan • AP testing – May • Prom – May • Graduation – June

33. Guidance Office Reminders • ALL Students must sign into guidance • Students MUST see their counselor for Official Transcripts. • Please do not use Guidance as an excuse to leave class unless truly an emergency! • College applications must be reviewed by student’s counselor. • Computers are solely to be used for Guidance related material, and NOT to play games! • If student cannot reach their counselor please leave them a message & we will do our best to get back to you! Everyone is seen based on priority.

34. What resources are available to me in the high school? • College Confidential • School Toolkit • College Fair - October 25th • College representatives visits – sign up in guidance • Guidance Resource room • Scholarship Board • Announcements

35. Administration& Counseling Staff Mr. Petrone, Principal Mrs. Conston, Asst. Principal School Counselors • Mr. Samoyedny (a - e) • Mrs. Stetz (f – l) • Ms. Taylor (m – ri) • Mrs. Papa (ro – z) Administrative Secretaries • Mrs. Neamon (12th Grade Office ) • Mrs. Cassano ( Principal’s Office) Guidance Secretary • Mrs. DeJoseph

36. Graduation is Near… Don’t stop til it’s over!

37. Continue with Extracurricular Activities • Sports • Clubs • Service Learning • Church Groups • Scouting • The Arts(dance, drama, music, painting) • Community volunteer work

38. Continue a Rigorous High School Program • Challenge yourself when selecting classes. • Select four academic classes all four years of high school. • Choose academic electives • Study subjects in depth. • Read, Read, and Read some more.

39. Discuss your final college choices with your parents and counselor. Make a calendar with deadlines for admission, financial aid and scholarships. Give recommendation forms to teachers and counselors Review your transcripts before sending them out. Make copies of all applications you have sent out for your records. Continue to focus on grades Fill out the free application for Federal Student Aid www.fafsa.ed.govbefore winter. Follow up with colleges make sure they received your application and have submitted all requirements. NOTE: Male Students: You must register for selective service on your 18th birthday to be eligible for federal and state financial aid. Watch the mail for acceptance letters btw March 1 and April 1 and look out for information on Financial aid btw April 1 and May 1 Make your final decision and notify all schools of your intent by May 1. Request that your counselor send a final transcript to your chosen college by June. Be sure you received your FAFSA acknowledgement. Complete any follow up paperwork for the college of your choice. If applicable apply for a Stafford Loan. Receive orientation schedule from your college. Get residence hall assignment from your college. Obtain course scheduling and cost information from your college. Congratulations and Good LUCK! SeniorYear

40. Admissions Decisions Campuses select through a comprehensive review of academic performance measured by: • # of college prep, AP, honors, transferable college courses • GPA & class ranking • SAT Subject Test scores & SAT Reasoning (or ACT) test scores • AP scores • Honors and awards reflecting intellectual or creative achievement • Sustained participation in extra-curricular activities • 12th grade courses (how challenging are your courses) • Diversity in personal background, leadership, motivation, employment • Letters of Recommendation from teachers and counselors ( please ask early & give specific deadlines for returns).

41. College Prep: Education Planner SAT Prep: http://dynamo.dictionary.com/?rf=y Career Search: Career Clusters O’net Career One Stop Helpful Websites