Welcome to Mountain Ridge High School! Dear Parents/Guardians, You are the most important and powerful people in your children s lives. It is important to be interested and involved in your child s academics, activities, and in planning his or her future. Parents can take an active role in helping students prepare for college by checking to see if they are taking a college prep curriculum, signing up for the right tests, and following the recommended action plans. This packet is designed to provide you with the information and resources you need to guide and advise your children as they plan and prepare for college. This packet will not, however, provide the answers to all of your questions, nor will it address the needs of all students. For answers to individual questions, or for personalized advice, please contact your student s counselor in the Mountain Ridge Counseling Office. MRHS Counselors: Last Name (A-Da) Last Name (L-Ph) April Meyeres Wendi Matthews april.meyeres@dvusd.org wendi.matthews@dvusd.org 623-376-3019 623-376-3018 Last Name (De-F, S) Last Name (Pi-R, T-Z) Annette Bernard Lisa McMorrow annette.bernard@dvusd.org lisa.mcmorrow@dvusd.org 623-376-3017 623-376-3061 Last Name (G-K) Gizelle Wong gizelle.wong@dvusd.org 623-376-3060
BEGIN PLANNING NOW 1. Understanding the Academic Record Student Transcript The MRHS transcript is a document detailing a student s academic achievements in high school. It contains courses taken, semester grades, credits earned, cumulative GPA, and class rank. Colleges will require an official transcript, which includes a signature and a stamp or seal, to be forwarded for admission. This is requested by completing a transcript request card. These are available in the front office. A student or parent can also request an unofficial transcript from the registrar or any counselor at anytime. Grade Point Average (GPA) Colleges consider a student s GPA an important criterion for college admission. On the Mountain Ridge transcript, a cumulative GPA is posted. This is the average of a student s semester grades in all classes, starting with the freshman year. MRHS is on a 4.0 scale and weights grades for Honors and AP (Advanced Placement) classes: A=4 points, B=3, C=2 and D=1 for regular level classes. For Honors and AP classes: A=5 points, B=4, C=3 and D=1. Since applications for colleges are completed at the beginning of the senior year, the GPA at the end of the junior year if very important. Class Rank MRHS uses class rank to show where a student stands academically in relation to other members of his/her graduation class. Class rank is important in determining college admission and for scholarships. It is presented with the student s standing in class followed by the total number of students in the class (e.g., 22/657). Only the following courses will be used when calculating class rank: Freshman Sophomore Junior Senior Language Arts Language Arts Language Arts Language Arts Math Math Math Math Science Science Science Science Social Studies Social Studies Social Studies
Education and Career Action Plan (ECAP)/The Four-Year Plan The Four-Year Plan is an individualized tentative 4 year schedule of classes for each student. It is a part of the Education and Career Action Plan which includes grades, test scores and academic and career goals. Parents should review the ECAP annually at the time of registration and make necessary revisions with their student. The website is: www.azcis.intocareers.org 2. College recommended courses Four-year colleges recommend students complete certain college preparatory courses while in high school. Arizona universities require: 4 years of Language Arts 4 years of Math 3 years of Lab Science 2 years of the same Foreign Language 2 years of Social Studies 1 year of Fine Arts or CTE The more selective and competitive colleges would consider the above as minimum requirements and would prefer students who have taken Honors and AP classes. Most selective schools ask for a list of Honors/AP classes offered at MRHS to determine if the student challenged him/herself. Check the college websites of out-of-state schools for required high school classes for admission. Arizona universities require the 16 core classes. Students in the top 25% of their class will be guaranteed unconditional admission. Arizona universities each set their own criteria for conditional admission for students not in the top 25%.
3. Testing AIMS Science Freshmen are required to take the AIMS Science exam on April 14, 2016. AzMERIT (Arizona s Measurement of Educational Readiness to Inform Teaching) is a computer-based test and is Arizona s statewide achievement test. Students will take end-of-course assessments that will test their proficiency in the following subjects: English Language Arts 2, 4 and 6; Algebra 2, Geometry 2, Algebra Applications 2, and Algebra 4. Spring state testing will be March 28-May 6, 2016. PSAT Sophomores and juniors have the option of taking this test in mid- October. The College Board determines the date. The PSAT is intended for juniors, but many sophomores choose to take it as well. The test predicts how students will perform on the SAT. Juniors scoring in the top 1% in the state will qualify as semi-finalists in the National Merit Scholarship Program - one of the highest academic honors in the country and will have the opportunity to advance as a Finalist. Students can register and pay for the PSAT at the MRHS bookstore beginning in September. There are a limited number of tests available. ASVAB Juniors have an opportunity to take this free test in October. In addition to traditional tests of academic, verbal and math skills, it assesses vocational aptitudes in word knowledge, paragraph comprehension, arithmetic reasoning, mathematics knowledge, general science, auto & shop information, mechanical comprehensions, electronics information, numerical operations and coding speed. There is NO obligation to the military for students taking this test. Advanced Placement (AP) Exams For a fee, students enrolled in AP classes can take these national tests in May of each year. If students score well, most colleges will award college credit and advance them to the college sophomore level in that subject. MRHS offers many AP classes that prepare students for the exams. Visit www.aztransfer.com to see how AP credit transfers to Arizona universities.
ACT The ACT is a national college admissions exam. The ACT tests English, Math, Reading and Science Reasoning. It is recommended that students take the test by the end of their junior year. The test also has the ACT Plus Writing option. Students are encouraged to check the ACT website to see if a college of interest recommends or requires it. Arizona universities do not require the Writing Plus for admission. More information is available at www.actstudent.org SAT Universities use the SAT to assess an applicant s aptitude for college level work. The redesigned SAT assesses Reading, Writing and Language, Math skills. It also includes an optional Writing option. It is recommended that students take the test by the end of their junior year. More information is available at www.collegeboard.com SAT II This test is a subject test offered by SAT. Arizona universities do not require it. Check the website of the out-of-state college you are considering to see if the SAT II is required. Accuplacer or Writeplacer This placement test is required for students who plan to take English (ENG 101/102), College Math (MAT 142), College Algebra (MAT 151), or Pre-Calculus (MAT 152/182) dual enrollment classes with Rio Salado Community College on the MRHS campus. Students will have the opportunity to take the Accuplacer or Writeplacer through their math and language arts classes at MRHS. Seniors who plan to attend a Maricopa County community college full-time after graduation need to have taken all three parts of the Accuplacer and Writeplacer(Reading, English and Math) to register for classes.
POST-SECONDARY OPTIONS Four-Year Colleges/Universities A 4-year college/university offers coursework that leads to a bachelor s degree or higher. A university is actually a collection of colleges within one system. There are more than 3,800 four-year colleges/universities in the United States. Community/Junior Colleges Two-year colleges are also known as community colleges or junior colleges. They usually offer the following options: Certificate Programs This trains students in specific career skills in as short a time as possible. Certificate programs can last from a week up to two years. Associate of Applied Science (AAS) This is a two-year degree that focuses on career skills. It may include a few core academic courses but most courses are geared toward career training. Associate of Arts (AA) or Associate of Science (AS) An associate degree allows entry to many jobs after two years but it is also designed to transfer to 4-year programs. Career/Technical Schools Career/Technical schools offer short-term programs that train students in numerous trades or occupations. Students who prefer career-related courses might consider this option. MRHS students have the options of participating in West-MEC programs both concurrent with high school classes or upon high school graduation. To learn more about West-MEC and their programs, visit http://west-mec.org.
PAYING FOR COLLEGE What is Financial Aid? It is money made available to students to help with their educational expenses. Most financial aid is based on need and it is necessary to complete the FAFSA (Free Application for Federal Student Aid) during your student s senior year at https://fafsa.ed.gov. FINANCIAL AID CONSISTS OF.. Grants A grant is a form of financial aid, based on need, which you do not have to repay. Loans A loan is a form of financial aid that must be repaid with interest. Your main loan options are: student loans (Stafford and Perkins), parent loans (PLUS), and private loans. Work Study This federal program allows students to find part-time work-study jobs during the summer or school year, and the federal government pays a portion of their salary. Scholarships Undergraduate scholarships are forms of aid that help students pay for their education. Unlike loans, scholarships do not have to be repaid. Scholarships are reserved for students with specific qualifications, such as academic, athletic, talent, leadership, fields of study, members of underrepresented groups, first generation to college, community service, etc.
ARIZONA UNIVERSITIES MERIT-BASED SCHOLARSHIPS (subject to change): ASU Arizona State University awards merit-based scholarships based on the application for admission. (GPA, SAT or ACT scores, rigor of curriculum, and class ranking) NAU Northern Arizona University awards scholarships based on the application for admission. (GPA, SAT or ACT scores, and class ranking). Visit the NAU scholarship website to find the scholarship estimator. UofA The University of Arizona awards scholarships on a competitive basis using a holistic admission process which includes an essay, the application for admission and strength of curriculum. MARICOPA COUNTY COMMUNITY COLLEGES: President s Scholarship: To be eligible for this scholarship, students must rank in the top 20% of their graduating class in the 6 th, 7 th or 8 th semester AND score high on the Accuplacer Placement Test. (Placement in English 101, exempt from Reading, and placement in Intermediate Algebra).
Athletic Scholarships THINGS TO KNOW: Athletic scholarships are not for 4 years - they are renewable each academic year, and may be increased, renewed, reduced, or withdrawn. They can be awarded in a variety of amounts full to partial to books. The college coach has the ultimate say if an athlete should receive a scholarship. Student athletes can have both an over-inflated and under-inflated sense of talent level athletes need to compare themselves to the current team. Athletes must demonstrate their ability being seen at events, games, meets, having time standards. Schools in the same division, conference, etc. may have different aid levels and needs. Athletes hoping to play at a Division I or II school must register with NCAA Athletes must register with NAIA to play for a NAIA college or university NCAA Eligibility Center - www.eligibilitycenter.org Certifies every college bound student athlete in Division I or II Amateurism Certification Makes sure athletes meet the minimum academic requirements NCAA Division I Full Qualifier: Graduate from High School Complete the 16 core courses with a minimum 2.3 GPA Earn combined SAT or ACT sum score that matches core course GPA in the NCAA Division I sliding scale
NCAA Division II Full Qualifier: Graduate from High School Complete the 16 core courses with a minimum 2.0 GPA Earn combined SAT or ACT sum score that matches core course GPA in the NCAA Division II sliding scale NCAA Division III Does not require registration with NCAA Eligibility Center No uniform set for eligibility, decided by the university NAIA Eligibility Center www.playnaia.org Does not have as many rules and regulations on recruiting students and/or eligibility requirements NAIA Requirements: Graduate from High School HS GPA of 2.5 ACT 18 or SAT 860 Additional Scholarship Information: Deer Valley USD receives local and national scholarship information. You can find this database of scholarships at: dvusd.org/scholarships We also encourage you to visit the Mountain Ridge Counseling website often for valuable college and scholarship information and postings of upcoming events: http://mrhs.dvusd.org (under Departments, select Counseling)
ACTION PLAN FOR PARENTS!! Freshman Year Action Plan Follow the counseling office on Twitter @MRHSCounseling Make the most of high school make sure your student enrolls in challenging courses. Monitor academic progress log onto Powerschools for current grade and attendance information. Help your student get organized and budget his/her time. It s important to schedule time to complete homework assignments, prepare for tests and quizzes, complete projects and still have time for social activities. Students will be making a 4 year plan in the fall with the counselors. You can access and review this at: www.azcis.intocareers.org Help your student build a portfolio. Keep a folder that contains records of community service, honors and awards. Encourage your student to add these activities to his/her AZCIS account in the resume section. Encourage your student to get involved in activities that he/she enjoys. Colleges like to see involvement in activities through the high school years because it shows focus and commitment. Allow your student to volunteer for community service. Discuss with your student college options and the importance of starting to plan for college early. In November, assist your student with our first on-line registration process. Refer to the registration materials given to your student in school and the four-year plan created on AZCIS, making sure he/she has selected the most appropriate courses for the sophomore year. Encourage summer reading.
Sophomore Year Action Plan Continue to monitor academic progress. Consider having your student register for the PSAT. Information will be available in the counseling office in September. Help your student review his/her results on the PSAT and use the returned test book as a study guide in preparing for the PSAT to be taken again in junior year. Students will be working on their Education and Career Action Plan with the counselors and will also begin writing a resume. You can access this at: www.azcis.intocareers.org In November, review your student s four-year plan and course requests for the junior year. Attend AP/Dual Enrollment Night in January to learn more about these programs. Start attending college nights and college fairs; dates are available on the MRHS Counseling website. Students should begin developing a preliminary list of colleges. Continue to update student portfolio. Allow your child to stay involved in school and community-based extracurricular activities. Encourage summer reading. Junior Year Action Plan Continue to monitor academic progress. Encourage your student to keep grades up remember the junior year is the last full year of grades that colleges and universities will see for admission. Make sure that your student registers for the PSAT that is held in mid-october. Information will be available in the counseling office in September. Remember it is the junior year that enters students in the PSAT National Merit Scholarship Program. Encourage your student to register for the ASVAB in October for career exploration. In November, review your student s four-year plan and course requests for senior year, making sure they are taking challenging classes. Review materials and information that is presented to all juniors in the college preparation lesson taught by the counselors in early February. Help your student register online to take the SAT and/or ACT in the spring of junior year.
Attend the Junior Parent Workshop in March. You and/or your student are encouraged to attend the Deer Valley District In-state College Night and also the Out of State Regional College Fair in Phoenix. More information will be available in the counseling office in September. Help your student review his or her resume that they wrote last year as part of the ECAP. The resume should include clubs, sports, community service and leadership opportunities. Encourage your student to take responsibility for college planning. It is important to keep on top of things and take the initiative! Start checking into scholarships; information and links on the MRHS counseling webpage. Attend college nights and make as many college visits as you can. Help your junior student narrow his/her college list. Encourage your student to take AP exams. Student athletes should register with the NCAA and NAIA eligibility centers: www.eligibilitycenter.org, www.playnaia.org Senior Year Action Plan Don t let your senior student get Senioritis continue to monitor academic progress. Colleges require that an official transcript be sent at the end of the senior year. Monitor your student s effort to update resume. Review with your student the senior packet that is presented by the MRHS counselors to seniors in September. Encourage your student to meet with college and university representatives when they visit the MRHS campus. Submit college applications beginning in September Continue to check the district website for available scholarships at dvusd.org/scholarships Discuss finances with your student. Attend College Goal FAFSA for assistance with financial aid paperwork, https://collegegoal.az.gov/college-goal-fafsa Together with your student, submit the FAFSA electronically (www.fafsa.ed.gov) Attend Awards Night in May. Make sure your student is registered for Advanced Placement exams. Discuss with your student their final college choices. Check dates for registering for college most offer parent nights and/or parent weekends. WATCH WITH PRIDE AS YOUR SENIOR GRADUATES!