April 4, 2018
TONIGHT S OUTLINE Graduation Requirements Credits Senior Project Keystone Proficiency in Algebra I, Biology, and Literature Post-Secondary Planning Options Planning and Timelines What to do When Testing (SAT/ACT) Visits and Open House Days Transcripts Applications and Admissions Financial Aid and Scholarships / NCAA
GRADUATION REQUIREMENTS: 26 TOTAL CREDITS 5 credits in English 5 credits in Mathematics 4 credits in Science 4 credits in Social Studies 2 courses of PE* 1 credit in Technology 1 course in Family/Consumer Science or Personal Finance Health Electives (5 credits) *1 PE credit must be earned through traditional PE course, but additional credits can be earned through verified participation in varsity or junior varsity sports, marching band, or auxiliary. (limit of one earned per year) **Students must participate in a course in each of 4 core academic areas each year.
GRADUATION REQUIREMENTS: SENIOR PROJECT Senior Project was originally presented to the Junior Class in December 2017. Components Proposal Letter (in English classes) Resume (in English classes) Job Shadowing (at least 15 hours 2 different experiences) Community Service (at least 30 hours) Political Ideology Assignment (in Social Studies classes) Written Reflections Compiled Portfolio or Electronic Documentation of Evidence Formal Presentation to Committee (Exit Interview)
GRADUATION REQUIREMENTS: KEYSTONE PROFICIENCY Students must demonstrate proficiency by exam or portfolio in the areas of: 1. Algebra 1 2. Biology 3. Literature Scores of Proficient or Advanced Administered in Jan, May, July
POST-SECONDARY PLANNING OPTIONS Four-year public or private colleges and universities (Slippery Rock, IUP, Westminster, Geneva, YSU) Two-year public or private colleges and universities (BC 3, CCBC, CCAC, Pittsburgh Technical College) Certificate / Specialized Training Programs (Vet Tech Institute, NCST, Universal Technical Institute) Apprenticeships (Western Pennsylvania Construction Occupation Laborers Joint Apprenticeship and Training Program ) Military Employment
HOW TO DECIDE? What do I want DO? Use interest and aptitude tests to determine strengths and interests www.pacareerzone.org Naviance: Family Connection (will be Naviance Student) Students have accounts; family interface is changing more info to come!!! Platform is changing for 2018-2019 school year What does the research say? Visit www.bls.gov/ooh (Occupational Outlook Handbook) and other resources to find statistics related to annual openings http://www.paworkstats.state.pa.us What can I afford? Compare costs and methods of training www.bigfuture.collegeboard.org www.educationplanner.org
FACTORS TO CONSIDER Geographic location/distance from home Geographic setting Selectivity Size Type: Public or Private Majors Special Programs Cost/availability of financial aid Student organizations Athletics
PLANNING AND TIMELINES: TESTING S AT Next test date: May 5 Register by: April 6 Next test date: June 2 Register by: May 3 www.sat.collegeboard.org AC T Next test date: June 9 Register by: May 4 Next test date: July 14 Register by: June 15 www.actstudent.org *College Board (SAT) has also added a late AUGUST exam administration.
SAT Evidence-Based Reading and Writing, and Math Each section has a range from 200 800, making the total range 400 1600. No penalty for wrong answers (guessing). $46.00 (no writing) $60.00 (w/essay) 3 hours and 50 min. SAT VS. ACT Sections Scoring How much and How long? ACT English, Math, Reading, Science, Writing (optional) Each section scored 1 36 and a composite score (average) 1 36. No penalty for wrong answers (guessing). $46.00 (no writing) $62.50 ( w/writing) 3 hours and 25 min.
PLANNING AND TIMELINES: VISITS Talk to admissions and financial aid counselors. Try to talk to a professor or observe a class in the area you are intending to study. Take an official tour, but leave some time to explore on your own as well. Walk through dorms, libraries, computer labs. Arrange to meet with coaches or advisors of organizations you are particularly interested in. See if you can eat in one of the dining halls. Observe the students-are they doing what you d want to be doing? Talk to as many students as you can and hang out in the student union if there is one. Pick up fliers and the school newspaper and read the bulletin boards Participate in Open House and/or Overnight Visits
THE OFFICIAL TRANSCRIPT Includes: Final Grades and Courses Standardized Test Scores (SAT, ACT, AP, PSSA/Keystone) GPA (Updated each semester) Class Rank (Updated each semester) Official transcript bears a raised school seal and school official signature Unofficial copies may be obtained in the guidance office also by request.
PLANNING AND TIMELINES: PAPER APPLICATIONS Fill out all the information that you can Don t guess! Ask counselor for help if needed. Request your transcript from the guidance office. Bring the following to the guidance office: Application Check for fee Any other documents (such as recommendation letters or essay) All official transcripts must be mailed from the guidance office, we can t give them to you or the student. PAY ATTENTION TO DEADLINES!!
PLANNING AND TIMELINES: ONLINE APPLICATIONS Most schools prefer online applications Complete application online The next day request your transcript from the Guidance Office Bring any other supporting materials to be sent Notify your counselor if there is anything additional to be completed online. Some online applications are FREE! Check each school s website for details. Pay attention to deadlines!!!
HOW MANY APPLICATIONS? 1 2 Reach Schools These are highly selective schools or schools that typically admit students with higher grades and test scores than you have If it is a competitive school, will it spark your competitive side or overwhelm you? 2 4 Target Schools These are schools that admit students with grades and scores about the same as you. Admission rate near 50% 1 2 Safety Schools These are schools that admit students with grades and scores that may be lower than you have
WHAT DO COLLEGES LOOK FOR? Grades in college prep courses Strength of curriculum Overall GPA Admission test scores (SAT, ACT) Essay or writing sample Student s demonstrated interest Teacher recommendation(s) Counselor recommendation Extracurricular activities Class rank, if reported According to the NACAC State of College Admission, 2015
READ CAREFULLY: Rolling Decision Priority Regular Early Action Usually a non-binding agreement Restrictive Early Action Can have constraints Early Decision Binding Agreement
COST EXPECTATIONS Start a family discussion now about your expectations. Begin learning about financial aid options. You might want to use www.mysmartborrowing.org Don t rule out a private school just because it might cost twice as much. Many times, there is twice as much aid available at private schools!
FINANCIAL AID FAFSA Individual and family contributions PA College Savings Program www.pa529.com Individual school scholarships and grants Local scholarships Work study Loans DO NOT PAY FOR A SCHOLARSHIP SEARCH!! SAVE THE DATE: 2018-19 EVENTS AT SHENANGO FAFSA Completion Night: November 2018
NCAA: AN EXTRA STEP FOR ATHLETES Shenango s graduation requirements satisfy those of NCAA. (courses updated annually) You MUST register with NCAA (preferably by the end of the junior year) if you want to compete in Division 1 or 2 collegiate athletics. www.eligibilitycenter.org www.ncaa.com/schools
WEBSITES www.educationplanner.org and www.collegeanswer.com Test prep, college search, interest and career inventories, college visits, choosing a major, applying and selecting a college www.collegeboard.org SAT registration and college search www.actstudent.org ACT registration www.princetonreview.com Specific school information www.fastweb.com and www.scholarships.com Free scholarship search, test prep, school search, internships www.paworkforce.state.pa.us Specific information about workforce development in PA www.nextstepmag.com Information for parents and students about the next step after high school www.bls.gov Bureau of Labor & Statistics, links to Occupational Outlook Handbook