GHS Class of 2012 Juniors & Parents

College & Career Preparation Presentation

Tuesday October 26, 2010

www.actstudent.org

• National ACT test sites - 6 Saturdays yearly• Dates offered & deadlines for registration• GHS code is 142-015 (also known as

SAT/CEEB/HS code)• Option to indicate up to 4 colleges to send

scores free at ACT registration - or pay later• Most colleges take best scores from multiple

testing dates• Test practice available at actstudent.org

Option of placing ACT scores on GHS transcript?

• Yes!

• Yes!

• Yes!

• It is preferable to have your parent sign “YES” to this option.

• Either way (yes/no), we must have a parent signature on the consent form.

Prairie State Achievement Exam

• PSAE 2-day test - Wed/Thur April 27 & 28• Wed - ACT - 5 sub tests - English, Reading,

Math, Science, Writing (Writing optional @ national sites)

• ACT composite - average of first 4 sub tests• Thur - 3 sub tests - ISBE-developed science

test, WorkKeys reading for information, & WorkKeys Applied Mathematics

• Possible senior privileges

PSAE Continued

• The 2-day test is required for an Illinois public high school diploma - no charge

• Students are automatically registered by GHS

• Taking the ACT at a national test site is optional & in addition to the required PSAE

• Students may indicate college, career, & degree choices to assist with college selection

• Optional ACT prep workshops are listed on the GHS counseling web pages

Illinois State Scholars

• Based on a mathematical formula determined by the Illinois Student Assistance Commission (ISAC)

• Combination of ACT composite & high school class rank after 6 semesters (junior year)

• ISAC determines the seniors who are State Scholars – award ceremony in November

• Not a monetary award

NCAA Eligibility Division I & II colleges

• National Collegiate Athletic Association• Clearinghouse link available on the GHS

counseling site – apply fall of senior year• Request that ACT send scores to the

clearinghouse using 9999 code # each time you register to take the ACT test

• Request that the GHS counseling office send your 6th semester transcript in the fall of your senior year to the NCAA clearinghouse

Collegezone.com

• This is a reputable site for ALL your needs supported by ISAC

• Career, college, & financial aid planning

• Links: Illinois mentor and Whatsnextillinois

• Financial aid and scholarships? – reputable links available on the GHS web pages

Transcripts

• Request your 6th semester be sent for college applications in the fall - except BHC requires only the final, 8th sem. (after graduation unless in top 10%)

• Students must complete a request form in the guidance office to send GHS transcripts

Grade Point Average & Rank

• Rank in class is determined by GPA & may change after each semester

• For acceptance to some colleges, the higher the rank, the lower the ACT may be and the higher the ACT, the lower the rank may be

• Colleges may rescind their acceptance based on senior year grades and course changes/drops

• BHC - Presidential Scholars - top 10% - possible free tuition for 2 years–apply & send GHS transcript in late winter/early spring – deadline!

College Requirements

• Meeting or exceeding minimum college requirements does not guarantee admittance

• May need more courses in math, science, social studies, fine arts, & foreign language so check with your prospective colleges before requesting senior year courses in Skyward in February/March

• Acceptance to a college does not guarantee acceptance into a degree program at all colleges

College Selection Procedure

• Narrow down choices - use the web & make college visits - take a tour - Make an appointment to talk to the professors & students pursuing your same field of interest - Stay overnight in dorm

• Use “List of ?’s to ask reps” - (on our web site)• Open house/Discover/Preview Days Oct./Nov.• Research colleges’ requirements & procedures…

GPA, rank, personal statement, placement tests, auditions, “college-specific” scholarships

• Guarantee 4yr BA degree plan?• Guarantee tuition &/or room & board freeze?

A Good “Fit” for You

• Campus location (rural/urban)• Size - overall population & class size• Same ACT/Intellect - be challenged but not

overwhelmed• Strong program for your major/degree?• Career planning office?• Resume assistance?• % job placement for your profession?• % graduate program placement ? Where?

College Application Continued

• Application fee sometimes waived for making a campus tour with qualifying GPA/Rank- ASK!

• Print hard copies & keep passwords/pins• Be certain your complete name appears on every

page… application & essay• GPA/Rank requirements may increase after early

application deadlines• Possible perks for early application

Transfer Students & Credits

• Check “U Select” for on-line info• Ask your college advisor about 2 + 2

program• Credits may/may not be accepted

depending on your chosen degree• Acceptance depends on achievement at

prior college, not ACT or high school GPA

Tuition

• Often “Pay by the hour”

• Most classes are 3 hour classes, lab classes 4

• Typical full-time load is 12 to 15 hours per semester - Don’t come up short senior year! A 12-hour semester may require an 18-hr later!

• Multiply the # of hours by the $ tuition rate

• Financial aid may be awarded only for full-time

• Students may be required to be full-time to stay on parent’s health/auto insurance coverage

What is FAFSA?

• Free Application for Federal Student Aid

• A required online federal form for scholarships offered by the college, grants, loans, work study

• Never pay for financial aid search assistance – use the .gov web site, the college financial aid office, and our ISAC representatives: Andrew Viscariello & Samantha Pelkey

• January 2011 & 2012 GHS parent presentations

• File using 1040 tax forms for 2011 in Feb 2012

• Indicate up to 10 colleges to send info

• Some colleges require copies of 1040’s too

Major/Degree Program

• Use the college’s web site to look up the required course sequence

• What is required? -- Certificate, AS, BA/BS, MA/MS, Doctorate

• Campus advisors to assist

• BA/BS can be earned in 4 years if you stick to your degree plan

Scholarships

• National - fastweb.com & GHS counseling site• Area - IL/IA, Henry County & counseling site• Local - (GHS only) - announced in Feb of senior year• Check with your local bank/credit union, church

affiliations, community organizations• College specific - ask about their process• Check deadlines, type or print neatly, be sure

your name is on each page, ask for reference letters well in advance, check & re-check for neatness and completion, make copies to keep

GHS Counseling Office

• College representatives at GHS 2nd semester and next fall - sign up in the counseling office a day ahead

• List of questions to ask during campus tours• College Handbook & Book of Majors• Binders with “colleges’ snapshot on a page”• Individual college “view books”• Degree/Career planning assistance

GHS Counseling Web Pages

• Monthly counselor newsletters are important!• ACT/PSAT/AP information & links• College search/admissions, lists of reps

coming to GHS, direct links to college homepages, FAFSA, and others

• Senior year timeline• Career links• Scholarships

Senior Year

• Counselors will have a senior presentation next fall with general, updated information

• BHC “College Night” yearly in September with almost 100 college reps in one location!

• Students are encouraged to visit their counselor individually with questions and for assistance

• Ask a GHS faculty member to proof your essays - give plenty of advance notice

• Listen to or read the daily announcements!

Now - Junior Year

• Use your PLAN/ACT scores, the internet and the GHS guidance counselors/web pages/reference materials to help narrow your search

• Make arrangements to visit campuses and speak to admissions officers, students, & faculty – Wed-Thur-Fri Nov. 10-11-12!!!

• Visit with college representatives coming to GHS during 2nd semester

• Use the “Careers” tab on the guidance web site to explore occupations

Employers’ & Colleges’ Most Important Skills

• Effective Written & Oral Communication

• Work with others / Team work /Collaboration

• Problem solving / critical thinking

• Curiosity / creativity / imagination

• Mathematics