Senior Year

Senior YearSenior YearThe senior year is extremely busy with the college admissions process, financial aid, and scholarship applications.

Deadlines are crucial. There will be many this year, so make a list

The senior year courses should be challenging, and it is critical to maintain good grades.

Stay involved with school activities

Attend Open Houses

Understand the different types of Understand the different types of admissions and the timelinesadmissions and the timelines

• Rolling AdmissionsRolling AdmissionsYou are accepted a few weeks after your application has You are accepted a few weeks after your application has been submittedbeen submitted

• Regular DecisionRegular DecisionSubmit application anytime (usually by Feb. 1Submit application anytime (usually by Feb. 1stst))

• Early DecisionEarly DecisionDeadline is usually in Oct. or Nov.Deadline is usually in Oct. or Nov.Cannot apply anywhere else (unless rejected) and Cannot apply anywhere else (unless rejected) and

you are committed to that schoolyou are committed to that school• Early ActionEarly Action

Deadline is usually in Oct., Nov., or Dec.Deadline is usually in Oct., Nov., or Dec.No commitment to the schoolNo commitment to the schoolCan still apply to other schoolsCan still apply to other schools

MINIMUM HIGH SCHOOL GRADUATION REQUIREMENTS

COLLEGE REQUIREMENTS VARY

22 Units of Credit

4 UNITS OF ENGLISH

1) ENGLISH 9

2) ENGLISH 10

3) ENGLISH 11 REGENTS

4) ENGLISH 12 or COLLEGE ENGLISH or VOTECH ENGLISH

4 UNITS OF SOCIAL STUDIES

1) SOCIAL STUDIES 9

2) SOCIAL STUDIES 10 GLOBAL REGENTS

3) SOCIAL STUDIES 11 US HISTORY REGENTS

4) ECONOMICS/GOVERNMENT

3 UNITS OF SCIENCE

1) EARTH SCIENCE REGENTS

2) LIVING ENVIRONMENT REGENTS*

3) CHEMISTRY, PHYSICS, VOTECH SCIENCE, ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE, FISH & WILDLIFE, ANATOMY & PHYSIOLOGY or ADVANCED CHEMISTRY* DENOTES ADVANCED REGENTS DIPLOMA REQUIREMENTS

3 UNITS OF MATH3 UNITS OF MATH

1) ALGEBRA REGENTS

2) GEOMETRY REGENTS

3) INTERMEDIATE ALGEBRA,

ALGEBRA 2*, APPLIED MATH, VOTECH MATH, PERSONAL FINANCE & ACCOUNTING, PRE-CALCULUS, OR JCC CALCULUS

* ALGEBRA 2 HAS A REGENTS EXAM THAT IS NEEDED FOR THE ADVANCED REGENTS DIPLOMA

FOREIGN LANGUGE

SPANISH I PROFICIENCY** MINIMUM GRADUATION REQUIREMENT

SPANISH II

SPANISH III REGENTS** **NEEDED FOR ADVANCED REGENTS

DIPLOMA

2 UNITS PHYSICAL EDUCATION

1/2 UNIT HEALTH

1 UNIT ART OR MUSIC OR DDP

REGENTS REQUIREMENTSREGENTS REQUIREMENTS

Students must pass all Students must pass all 55 regents regents exams to graduateexams to graduate

1) English 2) Global Studies 3) US History 4) Math 5) Science

ADVANCED REGENTS ADVANCED REGENTS REQUIREMENTSREQUIREMENTS

English

Global Studies

US History

Algebra & Geometry & Algebra 2

Any two science exams

Foreign Language

*must pass all exams with at least a 65*must pass all exams with at least a 65

Diplomas with HonorsDiplomas with Honors

To receive a Regents or Advanced To receive a Regents or Advanced Regents with “Honors”, a student must Regents with “Honors”, a student must have an average of 90.0 or above on all have an average of 90.0 or above on all qualifying exams. qualifying exams.

To receive “Mastery in Math and/or To receive “Mastery in Math and/or Science” on your diploma, you must score Science” on your diploma, you must score 85 or better on three math and/or three 85 or better on three math and/or three science exams.science exams.

TranscriptsTranscripts

Class Rank and GPAClass Rank and GPA Student with the highest overall average is Student with the highest overall average is

ranked “one” in that class. Student with the ranked “one” in that class. Student with the second highest overall average is ranked “two”, second highest overall average is ranked “two”, etc.etc.

Final class rank will be determined following 3Final class rank will be determined following 3 rdrd quarter report card of senior year.quarter report card of senior year.

When determining class rank, courses that are When determining class rank, courses that are of Regents or college level are given a weighted of Regents or college level are given a weighted value.value. Regents course – 1.03Regents course – 1.03 College/AP course – 1.06College/AP course – 1.06 Ex. 92 (Biology) = 95 Ex. 92 (Biology) = 95

92 (JCC English) = 98 92 (JCC English) = 98

COLLEGE/SCHOLARSHIP REQUIREMENTS

(TYPICALLY)

4 UNITS ENGLISH

4 UNITS SOCIAL STUDIES

3 UNITS MATH

3 UNITS SCIENCE

2-3 UNITS FOREIGN LANGUAGE

ACT/SAT

EXTRACURRICULAR ACTIVITES

COMMUNITY SERVICE

SAT/ACTSAT/ACT

When should you (re)take the SAT or ACT?When should you (re)take the SAT or ACT?

Fall of your

Senior year

The SATThe SAT The SAT is $52.50The SAT is $52.50 You can sign up online at sat.org/registerYou can sign up online at sat.org/register Photo now requiredPhoto now required Fee waivers available if you qualify – check Fee waivers available if you qualify – check

with Mrs. Hazelton in the Guidance Office.with Mrs. Hazelton in the Guidance Office.

The ACTThe ACT

The ACT without Writing is $38.00The ACT without Writing is $38.00 The ACT with Writing is $54.50The ACT with Writing is $54.50 Photo upload is now requiredPhoto upload is now required Fee waivers available if you qualify – Fee waivers available if you qualify –

check with Mrs. Hazelton in the Guidance check with Mrs. Hazelton in the Guidance Office.Office.

ACT VS. SATACT VS. SAT Science reasoning sectionScience reasoning section Math includes Math includes

trigonometrytrigonometry Vocabulary less important Vocabulary less important Entirely multiple-choiceEntirely multiple-choice No guessing penalty No guessing penalty English grammar testedEnglish grammar tested Math accounts for 25% of Math accounts for 25% of

your scoreyour score Easy and hard questions Easy and hard questions

mixed within sectionsmixed within sections Based on high school Based on high school

curriculumcurriculum

•No Science SectionNo Science Section

•No Trigonometry No Trigonometry QuestionsQuestions

•Vocabulary EmphasizedVocabulary Emphasized

•Non multiple-choice Non multiple-choice questions includedquestions included

•Guessing penaltyGuessing penalty

•Math accounts for 50% Math accounts for 50% of your scoreof your score

•Questions go from easy Questions go from easy to hard in most sectionsto hard in most sections

Test ScoresTest Scores The ACTThe ACTTop score of 36Top score of 36Average score is around 20Average score is around 20

EnglishEnglishMathMathReading Reading ScienceScience

Final score is average of allFinal score is average of allfour sectionsfour sections

The SATThe SAT

Critical Reading 200-800Critical Reading 200-800Math 200-800Math 200-800WritingWriting 200-800 200-800(Essay score of 2 – 12, 1/3 of writing score)(Essay score of 2 – 12, 1/3 of writing score) (Multiple-choice 20 – 80, 2/3 of writing score)(Multiple-choice 20 – 80, 2/3 of writing score)

Average score of 1400-1500Average score of 1400-1500For a top score of 2400For a top score of 2400

Preparing for the SATPreparing for the SAT

Take free practice tests Take free practice tests Guidance office referenceGuidance office reference Online tests - Online tests -

http://sat.collegeboard.org/practice/http://sat.collegeboard.org/practice/

The Official SAT Online CourseThe Official SAT Online Course www.collegeboard.comwww.collegeboard.com Interactive lessonsInteractive lessons Practice testsPractice tests FeeFee

Preparing for the ACTPreparing for the ACT Online Prep – actstudent.org/onlineprepOnline Prep – actstudent.org/onlineprep• Practice tests with real ACT test questionsPractice tests with real ACT test questions• Practice essays for the new optional ACT Writing Test, with real-Practice essays for the new optional ACT Writing Test, with real-

time scoringtime scoring• Comprehensive content review for each of the ACT's four required Comprehensive content review for each of the ACT's four required

tests—English, Math, Reading, and Science tests—English, Math, Reading, and Science • Diagnostic test and personalized Study Path Diagnostic test and personalized Study Path • Anywhere, anytime access via the Internet Anywhere, anytime access via the Internet

• Website: actstudent.org/testprepWebsite: actstudent.org/testprep• Each day they post a new question Each day they post a new question

Attention!Attention!

September 19September 19thth is the registration deadline is the registration deadline for the October 25for the October 25thth ACTACT

October 9October 9thth is the registration deadline for is the registration deadline for the November 8the November 8thth SATSAT

Career SearchingCareer Searching Guidance office has several reference Guidance office has several reference

books books www.princetonreview.comwww.princetonreview.com

This site lists many career options and This site lists many career options and a little background information about a little background information about certain careerscertain careers

www.collegeboard.comwww.collegeboard.com

This site has information on careers This site has information on careers and majors for college. Everyone who and majors for college. Everyone who took the PSAT has a free membership took the PSAT has a free membership to MY COLLEGE QUICKSTARTto MY COLLEGE QUICKSTART

College QuickstartCollege Quickstart My College QuickStart includes these My College QuickStart includes these

features:features: My Online Score Report – An enhanced My Online Score Report – An enhanced

score report that allows you to review each score report that allows you to review each test question, your answer, and the correct test question, your answer, and the correct answer with answer explanations. answer with answer explanations.

My SAT Study Plan – A customized SAT My SAT Study Plan – A customized SAT study plan based on your PSAT/NMSQT study plan based on your PSAT/NMSQT test performance, highlighting skills for test performance, highlighting skills for review and practice. review and practice.

My College Matches – A starter list of My College Matches – A starter list of colleges based on your home state and colleges based on your home state and indicated choice of major. indicated choice of major.

My Major & Career Matches – My Major & Career Matches – Personalized lists of majors and careers Personalized lists of majors and careers plus access to a personality assessment plus access to a personality assessment that suggests other compatible that suggests other compatible possibilities. possibilities.

College Admissions Check-ListCollege Admissions Check-List Required Tests and CoursesRequired Tests and Courses EssaysEssays ResumesResumes Letters of recommendationLetters of recommendation DeadlinesDeadlines College credit for classes taken in high schoolCollege credit for classes taken in high school

Academic ChecklistAcademic Checklist

Degrees/programs offeredDegrees/programs offered MajorsMajors Clubs/AssociationsClubs/Associations Career placement servicesCareer placement services Internship opportunitiesInternship opportunities

Financial Check ListFinancial Check List

Cost of attending college Cost of attending college Grants (do not need to be paid Grants (do not need to be paid

back)back) Loans (have to be paid back)Loans (have to be paid back) Employment (work-study)Employment (work-study) Academic and need-based Academic and need-based

scholarshipsscholarships DeadlinesDeadlines FAFSA (ASAP after Jan. 1st)FAFSA (ASAP after Jan. 1st) FINANCIAL AID NIGHT FINANCIAL AID NIGHT

SPONSORED BY SUNY SPONSORED BY SUNY FREDONIA 12/10/14 @ 7PMFREDONIA 12/10/14 @ 7PM

Applying for Financial AidApplying for Financial Aid• Request a federal PIN at now @ Request a federal PIN at now @ www.pin.ed.gov www.pin.ed.gov

• Fill out the 2015-16 FAFSA on the Web Worksheet in Fill out the 2015-16 FAFSA on the Web Worksheet in December (Do Not Mail this December (Do Not Mail this WorksheetWorksheet) )

• Complete FAFSA online at www.fafsa.ed.gov in January Complete FAFSA online at www.fafsa.ed.gov in January 2015! 2015! DON’T WAIT UNTIL TAXES ARE FILEDDON’T WAIT UNTIL TAXES ARE FILED

• Print the confirmation pagePrint the confirmation page

• Use the link to apply for TAP Use the link to apply for TAP

• Keep recordsKeep records

FAFSA4casterFAFSA4caster

Lets students and parents Lets students and parents receive an early estimate receive an early estimate

of eligibility for federal of eligibility for federal student aid. It will increase student aid. It will increase knowledge of the financial knowledge of the financial aid process and provide aid process and provide

an opportunity to an opportunity to investigate other sources investigate other sources

of aid (e.g.; grants, of aid (e.g.; grants, scholarships).scholarships).

http://www.fafsa4caster.ed.gov

FAFSA4casterFAFSA4caster

Provide general information about federal Provide general information about federal student aid student aid

Foster early awareness and create familiarity Foster early awareness and create familiarity with the financial aid application process and with the financial aid application process and form form

Serve as an early analysis tool informing Serve as an early analysis tool informing college affordability college affordability

Reduce the time required to submit the Reduce the time required to submit the "official" financial aid application in the "official" financial aid application in the student's senior year and beyondstudent's senior year and beyond

Financial Aid cont.Financial Aid cont.

EFC is determined byEFC is determined by

• Student’s income and assetsStudent’s income and assets• Parent’s income and assetsParent’s income and assets• Size of familySize of family• Number of children in collegeNumber of children in college

Annual CostAnnual Cost minus minus EFCEFC = = NeedNeed

Visit www.collegeboard.com to use the award comparison calculatorVisit www.collegeboard.com to use the award comparison calculator

Questions for families to askQuestions for families to askand and notnot assume!! assume!!

How do outside awards affect the aid package?How do outside awards affect the aid package? What is the school’s policy on non-custodial What is the school’s policy on non-custodial

parents?parents? What is the average student debt level?What is the average student debt level? Are the scholarships/grants renewable each Are the scholarships/grants renewable each

year?year? How might awards change in future years?How might awards change in future years? What happens if financial circumstances What happens if financial circumstances

change?change?

Financial Aid Facts of Life for FamiliesFinancial Aid Facts of Life for Families

Don’t rule out a school Don’t rule out a school just because of its cost!just because of its cost!

Apply to one or two Apply to one or two financially “safe” schools.financially “safe” schools.

Meet deadlines!Meet deadlines! Keep copies of all forms Keep copies of all forms

filed.filed. Student loans are a way Student loans are a way

of life. of life. Families should save as Families should save as

much as they can. No much as they can. No amount is too small!amount is too small!

Plan ahead! Think about Plan ahead! Think about how you will pay for each how you will pay for each year of the student’s year of the student’s program.program.

Appeal if circumstances Appeal if circumstances change.change.

Look at all financing Look at all financing options—start with those options—start with those offered by the college at offered by the college at which the student which the student enrolls!enrolls!

Don’t assume—ask!Don’t assume—ask! Early application is Early application is

criticalcritical

Scholarship ChecklistScholarship Checklist

High School Guidance OfficeHigh School Guidance Office Organizations your parents Organizations your parents

belong tobelong to Places of employmentPlaces of employment Search the webSearch the web www.fastweb.comwww.fastweb.com

www.schoolsoup.comwww.schoolsoup.com Announcements at schoolAnnouncements at school Colleges you are applying toColleges you are applying to

Campus Life Check-listCampus Life Check-list Who attends the Who attends the

collegecollege SportsSports Music Music TheaterTheater Art Art LibraryLibrary PublicationsPublications

Extracurricular Extracurricular ActivitiesActivities

HousingHousing Health servicesHealth services Counseling servicesCounseling services Safety informationSafety information Community Community

informationinformation

College VisitsCollege Visits

Go now while the Go now while the weather is still weather is still nice!!!!nice!!!!

Look online for the Look online for the Open House datesOpen House dates

•What activities and services are available to help students get settled (academically and socially during their first year?

•How big are the classes?

•How easy is it to meet with faculty?

•Are you able to register for the classes you want?

•What is the total cost of attending the college?

•Are all freshmen assigned an academic counselor?

QUESTIONS TO ASK A COLLEGE:

COLLEGE APPLICATIONSCOLLEGE APPLICATIONS A good rule is that when you think turkey you A good rule is that when you think turkey you

should be completing your college applications. I should be completing your college applications. I highly recommend finishing applications by Dec. 1highly recommend finishing applications by Dec. 1stst..

COLLEGE APPLICATIONSCOLLEGE APPLICATIONS

Complete all partsComplete all parts Proof-read your essaysProof-read your essays Have someone else proof your essaysHave someone else proof your essays Allow 2-3 weeks for someone to write you a Allow 2-3 weeks for someone to write you a

letter of recommendationletter of recommendation Request an Official Transcript Request an Official Transcript Copy everything that you mailCopy everything that you mail Request a Final transcript at the end of the yearRequest a Final transcript at the end of the year

1212thth Grade Checklist Grade Checklist

Apply to 3-5 colleges (have a back-up plan)Apply to 3-5 colleges (have a back-up plan) Take or re-take SAT or ACTTake or re-take SAT or ACT Research and apply for scholarshipsResearch and apply for scholarships Keep grades up and stay involved in Keep grades up and stay involved in

activitiesactivities Complete FAFSA in JanuaryComplete FAFSA in January Choose a college and send in all paperworkChoose a college and send in all paperwork

QUESTIONS?

THANK YOU!