Counseling Services Department

“THE COLLEGE PROCESS”

High School Graduation Requirements• English 4• Mathematics 3

Algebra I must be included

Science 3 Two of which must have laboratory components

• Social Studies 3 World History (1)

American History (1)Economics(1/2)American Government (1/2)

• Practical/Performing Arts 1• Life Management Skills ½• Physical Education ½• Personal Fitness ½• Electives 10 ½

Class of 2010 and beyond must earn 28 credits

Class of 2009 must earn 26 Credits:

• In addition, students must achieve a cumulative 2.0 unweighted G.P.A.

• Students must pass the FCAT reading and math tests to receive a standard diploma.

• Certificate of CompletionSpecial notes:

PE elective waiver will receive no credit

High School Graduation Requirements Continued

The Difference Between Graduation Requirements and

College Entrance RequirementsGraduation Requirements

• Mathematics-Algebra I must be included

• No foreign language required

• Average level classes acceptable

College Entrance Requirements

• Mathematics- Algebra I, Formal Geometry, and Algebra II must be included.

• At least two consecutive years of a foreign language

• A.P., D.E., and Honors are highly recommended for entrance into a 4- year school.

• 4 years of math and science recommended

Source: ACT Trends 2007 Report; SAT Trends 2007 Report

Correlating ACT Math Scores and Level of Math Class

Source: ACT Trends 2007 Report; SAT Trends 2007 Report

Correlating SAT Math Scores and Level of Math Class

How Colleges Recalculate your G.P.A.

• 4- year colleges recalculate the student’s GPA focusing on core academics and upper- level classes.

• RHS weights AP, DE, IB, Pre IB and honors a full quality point.

• Colleges weight IB, DE and AP a full quality point

• Pre IB and honors a half quality point

• Average level classes no quality points.

A.P. and D.E. Programs

• Advanced Placement, Dual Enrollment and IB courses are all desired by colleges on a student’s transcript.

• They are rigorous programs offering college level work.

Eligibility for A.P. and D.E.

D.E.• 3.0 Cumulative GPA • Qualifying scores on

the CPT, SAT or ACT.

• Pass FCAT

A.P.• Prerequisites/ co-

requisites • Strong grades in

content area courses

• Web Sites

• Reach College Choices

• Realistic College Choices

•College Visits

•Freshman Profiles

S.U.S. Matrix for Admissions

Viewing Freshman Profiles

Use this information to help determine where you stand

in this school’s applicant pool

The Application Process

Applications• Online vs. Paper• Deadlines• Essays• Letters of Recommendation• Counselor’s Section• Transcript

“TAP”

“SENIORITIS NOT ALLOWED”

SENIORS…

STOP

College Testing Programs

• SAT I

• SAT II

• ACT

College Testing ProgramsSAT I

• The SAT assesses how well students analyze and solve problems. The skills tested are learned from coursework taken in school. The test is 3 hours and 45 minutes in length. The test contains reading, math and writing sections.

• It also provides a measure of the student’s college readiness and predicts a student’s ability to succeed at the college level. Most colleges will use the student’s scores in the admissions process.

• Current juniors should register to take the test in this spring. The easiest way to do so is online at www.collegeboard.com.

College Testing Programs

SAT I (continued)• Once registered, students can visit the SAT

Preparation Center at www.collegeboard.com . There, students can take a full length practice test and receive a practice score report.

• Some other ways to prepare for the SAT include test preparation classes, practice books available at local book stores and www.bridges.com . See your counselor for more information.

• The cost of the test is $45.00.

College Testing Programs

SAT II• The SAT II Subject Tests measure a student’s

knowledge and skills in particular subject area. They also test a student’s ability to use that knowledge. SAT II Subject Tests are not required by all universities and colleges.

• Students may only take 3 subject tests on any one test date.

• Each SAT II Subject test is a one hour multiple choice test.

College Testing Programs

ACT• The ACT assesses a high school student’s educational development and ability to complete college level work. It is a multiple choice test covering four content areas: English, math, reading, and science. There is also an optional writing test, and colleges are going to require students to submit writing scores.

• Current juniors should also take the ACT. Student’s can register at www.act.org . The website also offers a free practice test.

• The cost of the test is $46.00 including the writing.

Bright Futures Scholarship Program

Three Types of Awards:

1. Florida Academic

2. Florida Medallion

3. Florida Gold Seal Vocational

Bright Futures Scholarship ProgramContinued

•Requirements:• Submit Online Application•GPA•Credits•Standardized Test Scores•Florida Resident•Attending a Florida School

•Application Process:•Senior Year•December 1, 2008•Online Application•Transcripts

•Renewal of Scholarship

Scholarships• Scholarship Scene is available on the School

Board’s website: www.sarasota.k12.fl.us/pss

• Check the scholarship file cabinet weekly!

• Make an appointment with your counselor to discuss the Scholarship Scene and other scholarship opportunities.

Resources On The Web• Sarasota County School District’s webpage (Scholarship Scene)

www.sarasota.k12.fl.us

•Riverview High School Counseling Services Department:

www.riverviewhs.com

•Florida Academic Counseling and Tracking for Students

www.facts.org•Standardized Testing:

www.collegeboard.comwww.act.org

Career Development Program

• Career Assessment

• Career Exploration

• Job Shadowing

• Employability Skills

• Employment Assistance

• Executive InternshipMake An Appointment with Ms. Meksraitis Today

Information from the S.U.S Admissions

Officers• “By 2012, we will have 3 million jobs requiring a

bachelors degree and we won’t have the college graduates to fill them”

~U.S. Secretary of Education Spellings

• “70% of college students are not ready for further learning” (ACT, 2005)

• Half of college students who need remediation drop out.

• 55% of Florida High School graduates are placed in remedial courses at college.

Information from the S.U.S Admissions Officers Continued

• Freshman who live in dorms have a higher rate of success than those who live off campus.

• A “D” or “F” in a Dual Enrollment course can be cause to have your admission rescinded.Make sure you read and understand the terms of admission!

• The average college student has four credit cards… more students drop out of college due to excessive debt than academic failure!

• Altering your Senior Schedule can have negative consequences in the college admission process if those changes reflect lower level classes

QUESTIONS

& ANSWERS