Chicago Youth Center College Fair October 20, 2012

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Time for ChangeNew schoolNew academicsNew friendsNew teachersNew environmentNew challenges

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Keep up with the Times

Times change and so do high schools. A high school’s focus may be different today

than it was several years ago. Avoid the pressure to go where everyone else

wants you to go.Avoid the pressure to go where all of your

friends are going. Find the school with the right fit for you.

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Charting the CourseCommunicate with family, teachers, and

counselors about your high school choices.Involve your family and guidance

counselor in the high school selection process with you.

Expect times of doubt or confusion—you may change your mind more than once.

Prepare yourself for the transition ahead--starting over.

Set clear goals and expectations.

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Explore early

Begin exploring high school choices in 6th grade.

This gives you two years for self-examination and high school exploration.

Research schools of interest on the internet. Ask older siblings, relatives, and friends who

are in high school to talk with you about their experiences—good and bad.

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Research is fundamental Read/research all you can about high

schools that interest you. Check out the CPS website for an overview

of all CPS high schools. Use the web to research private

schools/prep schools/boarding schools. Talk to current students/parents about their

experiences with a particular high school. Talk to former students/parents about their

experiences with a particular high school.

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WIIFM?Does the high school

offer a challenging college prep curriculum?

Do students participate in after school programs, internships/externships?

Does the high school offer college tours/early involvement programs?

Will the school provide an opportunity for you to showcase/increase your skills in a particular area?

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Dates/Deadlines/RequirementsKnow the application requirements for

schools of your choice.Remember key dates and deadlines for

testing, application submission, open house, orientation.

Don’t apply to just one school--give yourself several choices in addition to your first choice.

Talk to your guidance counselor or social worker.

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See for YourselfVisit high schools with your parent(s) when

school is in session.What is the teaching/administrative staff like? What type of resources/equipment does the

school offer?What is the environment like inside of the

school? What is the environment like outside of the

school? What’s the school culture like?

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Take the InitiativeThis is the beginning of new independence

for you.Don’t make your parents do it all—take the

lead and be responsible for following up. Develop a plan to stay on track.Weigh your choices wisely. Make your selection carefully.

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Ask QuestionsOpen HouseAcademicsAfter school

programsPercentage of

graduates that go on to college

Extra-curricular activities

Athletics Costs/fees/tuitionUniform policySafety/security

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Some types of High Schools

Neighborhood Selective Enrollment Charter PrivateParochialBoarding

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Top 10 HS Readiness Skills1. Time management2. Good study habits3. Setting attainable goals4. Concentration5. Good note-taking6. Completion of assignments7. Review daily notes8. Organizational skills9. Motivation10.Commitment

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Perspectives Charter Schools Open enrollment, non-selective public

schools.Co-educational. Uniform policy.Four high schools at 3 locations.Application deadline: February 2012.

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Perspectives Charter Schools

•Perspectives Rodney D. Joslin Campus 1930 S. Archer Avenue 60616 •Perspectives IIT/ Math & Science Academy 3663 S. Wabash Avenue 60653 •Perspectives Auburn Gresham 8131 S. May Street 60620

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Yes YOU can!

Good luck!Good luck!April 27, 2012 16