JUNIOR Handbook Table to Contents

Stuarts Draft High SchoolClass of

20161

Welcome and Reminders…………………………………………………………………………Page 3

Junior Planning Calendar………………………………………………………………………….Page 4

Job/Career Information………….……………………………………………………………....Page 5

Types of Post Secondary Schools……………………………………………………………..Page 6

College Lingo….……………………………………………………………………………………....Page 8

Military…………………………………………………………………………………………………....Page 9

Technical Schools and Community College.………………………………………………Page 10

College Choice Factors …………….……………………………………………………….…...Page 11

Campus Visits……………………………………………………………………………………..….Page 12

Testing……………….…………………………………………………………………………………..Page 14

College Application Process……………..…………………………………………….………Page 16

Scholarships.…………………………………………………………………………………………..Page 17

Student Activity Record………………………..…………………………………………..……Page 18

Planning for your Senior year classes/Graduation…………………………………..Page 20

US News article………………………………………………………………………………………Page 22

All students attending Augusta County Public Schools may participate in education programs and activities, including but not limited to health and physical education, music, vocational and technical education. Educational programs and services will be designed to meet the varying needs of all students and will not discriminate against any individual for reasons of race, color, national origin, religion, age, disability, or gender. Students and school personnel are protected against retaliation.

The following individuals have been designated to handle inquiries regarding the non-discrimination policies

Title IX CoordinatorEric W. Bond

6 John Lewis RoadFishersville, VA 22939

(540) 245-5107

Section 504 CoordinatorGeorge Earhart

6 John Lewis RoadFishersville, VA 22939

(540) 245-5107

We are an equal opportunity employer who fully and actively supports equal access for all people regardless of race, color, religion, gender, age, national origin, or disability.

Juniors

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This booklet contains employment, career and college information. Developing a career and/or college plan is a very important step in preparing for your life after high school. As Juniors, you need to develop career goals and determine further educational and occupational opportunities that will enable you to reach your goals. Choosing a career is a big decision. But you don't have to sweat it—planning for your future is not something you do once. It's a continuous process. Please read this information carefully and share it with your parents/guardians.

This handbook is filled with information that will be essential in the coming months as you plan and prepare for your life after graduation from SDHS. Please review it carefully and keep the following in mind:

o Stay focused on academics. We know you are busy with extracurricular activities and outside jobs which are important to you, but you must keep schoolwork as your first priority! Stay focused on academics. Your GPA counts!

o Keep an accurate calendar or planner. You will need to keep track of testing dates (PSAT, SAT, ACT, etc.) as well as other important dates.

o Complete a career inventory to help you narrow down your options and interests for after high school.

o Periodically check the scholarship board for information and conduct your own internet search. There are millions of scholarship opportunities out there too numerous for guidance to list them all.

o Make use of the many resources available to you: this handbook, the internet, the Guidance Office, etc.

o Listen to or read the announcements every day. The announcements are posted on SDHS web page.

o See your guidance counselor often!

o Have a great year!

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JUNIOR PLANNING CALENDAR

September/October Check with your counselor about credits for graduation and make sure you are

on track. Register for, prepare for and take the PSAT test. Organize a calendar with deadlines. Use your planner/agenda. Attend College Night on September 25 th at Riverheads High School Begin to periodically check scholarship board and the guidance website (this

should be ongoing throughout 11th and 12th grades).

November Develop a preliminary college/career list with parents and counselor. Talk with military, college, and vocational school representatives (sign up for

college visits through the Guidance Office). Take the ASVAB (for those interested in military or career exploration). Visit Guidance office for career/college information. Register for senior classes.

December/January Discuss PSAT scores with counselor, begin SAT/ACT preparation.

February/March Continue SAT/ACT preparation. Register to take SAT/ACT in May or June. Write to colleges or other programs for brochures and admission information.

April Add activities, scholarships, and awards to activity sheet. Prepare a resume and begin looking for a summer job or volunteer program.

May AP exams given. Make appointments to visit colleges, universities and vocational/technical

schools during the summer. Take SAT/ACT this month or next.

June Take SAT/ACT if you have not done so or take SAT Subject Tests if required by

college you are applying to. Athletes need to complete paperwork for NCAA Clearinghouse (please review

NCAA transcript, GPA and test score eligibility requirements at ncaaclearinghouse.com).

Job/Career Information and Resources

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VIRGINIA EDUCATION WIZARD

The Wizard is a FREE career planning system that can help you choose a career, get the information you need to pursue your career, enroll in one of Virginia's community colleges, pay for college, transfer to a four-year college or university, and get answers to your questions about your future.

ASVAB

The ASVAB is an assessment offered by the U.S. Department of Defense that evaluates General Science, Arithmetic Reasoning, Word Knowledge, Paragraph Comprehension, Numerical Operations, Coding Speed, Auto and Shop Information, Mathematics Knowledge, Mechanical Comprehension and Electronics. It is used as an assessment tool for those planning to enlist in a branch of the military. However, it can also be used to explore personal skills and aptitudes.

Career Coach

Mrs. Wangler is on SDHS campus several days each week to provide career planning for our students. The Career Coach has the KUDER Career Planning System available and she can assist you in taking their career assessments. She is available to help students explore the many career paths that are available.

Career Assessment Center

The CAC is located at the Valley Vocational Technical Center and it can offer a comprehensive interest, skill and aptitude assessment for students free of charge. Referrals can be made through the guidance department

Magellan is an assessment designed to help students narrow choices into their top three interests. Additionally, students answer questions relating to their physical/people skills, and time and temperament preferences. These results are based on Department of Labor Standards.

Learning/Working Styles is an assessment that helps the student to identify and understand the best conditions under which they concentrate, absorb and retain new information. It is divided into the following domains: physical, social, environmental, mode of expression, and work characteristic.

Workstations give students hands on opportunity to try over 35 different career options.

Types of Post-Secondary Schools

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Technical Institutes/ Professional Schools (see page 8)

These schools offer very specific programs leading to career preparation. Please be careful and check out the schools accreditation.

Community Colleges (see page 9)

Community colleges are public two-year institutions. Their objective is to offer programs that are financially and geographically accessible to the local community. Most of them offer two-year transfer programs to larger colleges and universities.

Liberal Arts Colleges

Liberal Arts colleges are typically smaller than universities and have smaller classes taught mostly by professors. A liberal arts education features a broad base of courses in the humanities, social sciences and sciences.

Universities

Universities usually have a larger enrollment and include a liberal arts college, professional colleges and graduate programs. Because of their size, universities offer a broader range of academic choices and may have more resources.

Miscellaneous

Class Rank – SDHS does not determine class rank for Juniors. We do print out a GPA based on your last two years of grades from the High School. The SIS data base calculates this GPA. The GPA that you see on your report card is not your Total GPA for two years it is the GPA for the marking period. Class rank will be calculated over the summer before your senior year.

Selective Service - All 17 and 18 year old male students who are not registered with the Selective Service must do so within 30 days of turning 18. You must register - it is a Federal law. This is not a school requirement. If you fail to register it will affect your ability to receive federal college loans and grants and student aid in most states. In addition, it will affect your ability to receive job training or gain citizenship if you are a male immigrant seeking U.S. citizenship. It will even curtail your opportunities to get many good jobs in the future. Go online at www.sss.gov or fill out a registration card at any Post Office.

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Other Career Opportunities

Apprenticeships - If you like to work with your hands and your mind, you might want to consider an apprenticeship after high school. More than 850 occupations can be learned on the job through an apprenticeship.

An apprenticeship prepares you for a career through a structured program of on-the-job learning with classroom instruction, while you work and earn a salary. The programs can last from one to six years and you can choose careers in areas such as telecommunications, health care, computing, business support and the arts. The most common apprenticeships are in construction and manufacturing.

Most apprenticeships are registered through the U.S. Department of Labor, ensuring the program meets government standards for fairness, safety and training. If you complete a registered program, you will receive a certificate from the U.S. Department of Labor which proves your qualifications for the career. Also, classroom instruction often can be used to earn a license, certification or degree.

Following are the top 10 occupations offering apprenticeships that expect to have the most job openings for new workers (2000-2010):

cook, restaurant and cafeteria automotive service technician, mechanic licensed practical and licensed vocational nurse carpenter police officer electrician hairdresser, cosmetologist maintenance and repair worker welder, cutter, solderer and brazer plumber, pipefitter and steamfitter

For more information on apprenticeships, visit with your guidance counselor. You also can call America's Workforce Network toll-free at (877) US2-JOBS. (872-5672) Operators can help you find career counselors and apprenticeship programs in your area.

On the Job Training – Some students will choose not to continue with their education after high school but they too can look at their career goals. Many people have managed to work their way into higher level positions through their own initiative and establishing excellent work habits. Employers value employees that show up to work on time and who take on more than the job they were hired for. Always be on the look out for how you can cross-train while on the job. This means learning the jobs of the other people that you work with to make yourself invaluable to your employer and when a higher position opens you will be ready to apply for it.

College Lingo7

Accreditation – Accreditation is recognition of a college or university by a regional or national organization which indicates the institution has met the standards prescribed by the organization. Specialized accreditation of individual programs within the college/university can also be granted by professional organizations recognizing minimum standards for training for that profession.

Affiliation – Non-profit colleges are classified as state assisted, private/independent or private/church supported. The institution’s affiliation does not guarantee quality. Affiliation with private/church-supported schools may or may not have requirements for religious life.

Articulation Agreement – Articulation agreements relate to the transfer of students and their credits between two colleges or between high school and college such as dual enrollment courses. For example, BRCC has an articulation agreement for students transferring to JMU regarding how their credits will be accepted at JMU. BRCC also has an articulation agreement with SDHS conferring college credit to students successfully completing dual enrollment courses.

Deferred Admission - This type of admission allows a student to delay enrollment in college for up to a year while still accepting an offer of admission.

Early Decision – The early decision option allows students who apply earlier to receive offers of admission earlier. Some schools made early decision a binding agreement in which the student is committed to enroll if offered admission. Typically early decision candidates are sure of the school they want to attend and closely match that school’s academic profile.

Early Action - Students apply earlier and are notified about the admissions decision earlier but are not committed to attend.

Rolling Admission – Student applications are reviewed as they are received and students are notified shortly after an admissions decision has been made. Because of this process, schools with a rolling admission will not have specific deadlines for applications or notifications.

Bachelors or baccalaureate degree - Complete a four- or five-year, full-time program of study (or its part-time equivalent) at a college. The Bachelor of Arts (B.A.) and Bachelor of Science (B.S.) are the most common.

Associate degree -You receive an associate of arts (AA) or associate of science (AS) degree after completing two years of study similar to the first two years of a four-year college. Community colleges or four-year universities offer associate degrees. After earning an AA or an AS, you may transfer to a four-year college to complete the requirements for a bachelor's degree. The associate of applied science (AAS) degree is awarded on completion of technological or vocation programs of study.

Certificate/Diploma - These non-degree offerings generally lead to employment in an occupational field. For example, to enter certain fields such as computer science as a computer technician or nursing as a LPN, you may first have to get a certificate or diploma.

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Military Options

Military Enlistment

The U.S. Army, Navy, Air Force, Marines and Coast Guard offer job training in many fields as well as some financial assistance for college.

Reserve Officer Training Corps (ROTC)

The ROTC program provides an opportunity to attend college while studying military leadership and skills. ROTC is usually a college elective that requires approximately four hours per week of your time. The first two years of the program do not require a military commitment. However, enrolling in advanced ROTC does incur a military obligation.

Service Academies

The United States maintains five service academies:

o The United States Military Academy at West Point, New Yorko The United States Naval Academy at Annapolis, Marylando The United States Air Force Academy at Colorado Springs, Coloradoo The United States Coast Guard Academy at New London, Connecticuto The United States Merchant Marine Academy at Kings Point, New York

Admissions Process

Admission to service academies is highly competitive. The process is rigorous. It is important that you review the process for the particular academy you are applying to and begin the steps as early as possible. Here are some basic guidelines you should know about.

Each candidate must: be 17 but not yet 22 be a U.S. citizen at the time of enrollment be unmarried with no dependents have an above average high school record have strong scores on the SAT or ACT be in good physical health have above average strength, endurance and agility

* Military recruiters visit SDHS on a monthly basis. It is important to talk with them regarding your interests and any questions you may have.

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COMMUNITY COLLEGES in Virginia Find a Virginia Community College:With 23 colleges on 40 campuses across the Commonwealth, Virginia's community colleges offer many educational choices.

Looking for a Program, Course, or Major?Visit Courses & Programs on www.vccs.com to search all courses and browse programs offered at Virginia's Community Colleges - view individual course descriptions and schedules and search for key information about programs and majors

    

  Blue Ridge Community Collegehttp://www.brcc.edu

Patrick Henry Community Collegehttp://www.ph.vccs.edu

           Central Virginia Community College

http://www.cvcc.vccs.eduPaul D. Camp Community Collegehttp://www.pdc.edu

           Dabney S. Lancaster Community College

http://www.dslcc.eduPiedmont Virginia Community Collegehttp://www.pvcc.edu

           Danville Community College

http://www.dcc.vccs.eduRappahannock Community Collegehttp://www.rcc.vccs.edu

           Eastern Shore Community College

http://www.es.vccs.eduSouthside Virginia Community Collegehttp://www.southside.edu

           Germanna Community College

http://www.germanna.eduSouthwest Virginia Community Collegehttp://www.sw.edu

           J. Sargeant Reynolds Community College

http://www.jsr.vccs.eduThomas Nelson Community Collegehttp://www.tncc.edu

           John Tyler Community College

http://www.jtcc.eduTidewater Community Collegehttp://www.tcc.edu

           Lord Fairfax Community College

http://www.lfcc.eduVirginia Highlands Community Collegehttp://www.vhcc.edu

           Mountain Empire Community College

http://www.mecc.eduVirginia Western Community Collegehttp://www.virginiawestern.edu

           New River Community College

http://www.nr.vccs.eduWytheville Community Collegehttp://www.wcc.vccs.edu

           Northern Virginia Community College

http://www.nvcc.edu/   

COLLEGE CHOICE FACTORSDeciding which colleges to apply to, much less which to attend is a significant life choicethat will affect you for years. What are your values? What kind of environment do youwant to live in? These and other questions will help guide you to select the properschool.

Location

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How far away from home would you like to go to school? 10 miles or 2,000 miles?

Size of CollegeWould you prefer to attend a school with a large enrollment (30,000 or more students), a small one (around 1,500 students), or something in the middle? How large would youlike the physical size of the campus to be?

EnvironmentWould you rather attend a community college or other 2-year institution, or a 4-yearuniversity? An urban, suburban, or a rural school? Is the location and size of the nearest city important to you? Do you prefer a co-ed or single-gender school? Does the school’s religious affiliation make a difference to you?

Admissions/RequirementsAt what schools do you have a high enough GPA, class ranking, and test scores to beadmitted?

AcademicsWhich schools offer the major(s) that you are considering? What kind of student-facultyratio and typical class size are you looking for, and which schools offer them?

College Expenses/Financial AidDoes your college choice match your financial ability? How expensive a school can youafford to attend? Consider tuition, room and board, and other expenses including theapplication fee, deposits, etc. How many students receive financial aid at the schoolsyou are considering?

Housing/FacilitiesWould you rather live on campus, in a dorm, or commute to school from home? Whattype of academic, medical and recreational facilities should your college have?

ActivitiesWhat kind of clubs and organizations (including fraternities and sororities) do you wantyour college to offer? What types of athletic activities (including intramural teams) should be offered by the school you choose to attend?

Special ProgramsDo you need a school with services or programs for the learning disabled? Would youlike to study abroad? Do you plan to continue your ESL studies in college? Are youlooking for an honors program?

Campus VisitsWhy?

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It is important to visit a college or technical school before you enroll there. After narrowing down your choices, you should try and visit your top two preferences. Often a student will feel that a school is exactly what they are looking for after reading about it, but visiting the campus may give them a new perspective.

When?

We usually recommend that students begin to visit colleges during the spring of their junior year and continue into the summer so that visits do not interfere with senior year academics.

How?

Call ahead and make an appointment with the admissions office. This will make it easier to schedule all the things you would like to see or do.

Which Schools?

There are several questions to ask yourself when narrowing down your list of colleges to determine which school is the right fit for you.

o Do I meet admission requirements for GPA, SAT scores, etc.?o Do I want to be close to home? Far away? Somewhere in between?o How big is the school?o Does it offer majors/programs that I am interested in?o How many first-year students return for the second year?o What type of financial aid is available?o Are there extracurricular activities that interest me?

Overnight Visits:

Some schools offer the opportunity to spend a night in the dorm with another college student. This is a great opportunity to see first hand the culture and atmosphere of the college/university.

Campus Visits (cont.)

What to ask:12

How many students attend this school? How many students are in the largest lecture class? Do professors have regular office hours? How well do professors know their students? What types of freshman transition programs are available? Do graduate assistants teach classes here? What is the farthest distance to travel between classes? Which academic departments are the strongest? What is the school’s policy on accepting AP and Dual Enrollment credits? What percentage of students live on campus? What meal plans are available? What are the security precautions taken on campus? What types of social and cultural activities take place on campus? How far is it from the nearest form of public transportation? Are freshman allowed to have a car? What are parking arrangements?

What to see:

Campus tour Campus housing (spend the night w/student if possible) Eat in the cafeteria Read a Residence hall bulletin board Sit in on a class if possible Meet with a coach if considering athletics Library Gymnasium/other athletic facilities Student commons areas Counseling/Career Center Clinic/Health Facility

TestingSTUARTS DRAFT HIGH SCHOOL

CEEB Code 472197

Most colleges & universities will require specific test scores as part of the admissions process. It is important that you know the testing requirements and deadlines for scores to be reported for colleges you are applying to. Testing information and test preparation materials are available in the guidance office. Below is a brief

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description of the different tests that are typically used in the college admissions process.

PSAT- The PSAT (Preliminary Scholastic Aptitude Test) is offered each October to students in grades 9-11.College-bound students are highly encouraged to take the PSAT and will register through the high school guidance office. The PSAT provides an opportunity for students to practice before taking the SAT (Scholastic Aptitude Test) and to receive an in-depth score interpretation to assess their strengths and weaknesses. Juniors may also compete in the National Merit Scholarship Competition (NMSC). The PSAT is an aptitude test consisting of verbal, mathematics and writing sections. http://www.collegeboard.com/student/testing/psat/reg/dates.html

SAT - The SAT Reasoning Test consists of a critical reading, math, and writing section and measures how well the student analyzes and solves problems. Most four-year colleges or universities usually require the SAT. It is recommended that college bound students take the SAT at least twice including once in the spring of their junior year and once in the fall of their senior year.http://www.collegeboard.com/student/testing/sat/calenfees.html

SAT SubjectTests – The SAT subject tests are subject area tests in English, math, history, science and

foreign languages. SAT subject tests may be required by more competitive colleges and universities and are used mainly for course placement. The SAT subject tests most commonly required by colleges are the writing, Math IIC (required if enrolled at Pre-calculus at SDHS), foreign language and/or subject of your choice. The SAT and SAT subject tests may not be taken on the same day. However, students may take up to three subject tests on one test date. Students should plan to take subject area tests at the completion of that course. For example, students planning to take the Chemistry subject test should register for the test that is closest to the date of completion for that course. Seniors should plan to take required SAT subject tests this fall if necessary.http://www.collegeboard.com/student/testing/sat/calenfees.html

ACT- Similar to the SAT, the ACT (American College Testing) helps to measure a student’s educational development and consists of tests in English, mathematics, writing and science. While many schools will accept scores from either test, some still prefer an SAT score. Again, carefully check the testing requirements for each individual school.http://www.actstudent.org

ASVAB - The ASVAB Career Exploration Program is a comprehensive career exploration and planning program that includes a multiple aptitude test battery, an interest inventory, and various career planning tools designed to help students explore the world of work. The ASVAB Program recently was re-designed to be helpful to virtually all students, whether they are planning on immediate employment after high school in civilian or military occupations, or further education at a university, community college, or vocational institution.

BRCC Placement Test - Students applying to Blue Ridge Community College must take placement test to determine their readiness for college-level work. Students must submit an application and transcript prior to taking the placement test.

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SAT vs. ACT: How do the Tests Compare?

What is the difference between the SAT and ACT? They’re both standardized tests and they both factor into the college admissions process. To learn about the differences between the two tests and how they compare, take a look at the chart below.

http://www.princetonreview.com/college/testprep/testprep.asp?TPRPAGE=141

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SAT ACT

When is it administered?

Seven times per year Six times per year

What is the test structure?

Ten-section exam: Three Critical Reading, three Math, three Writing, and one Experimental. The Experimental section is masked to look like a regular section.

Four-section exam: English, Math, Reading, and Science Reasoning. An Experimental section is added to tests on certain dates only, and is clearly experimental.

What is the test content?

Math: up to 9th grade basic geometry and Algebra II. Science: none.Reading: sentence completions, short and long critical reading passages, reading comprehension. Writing: an essay, and questions testing grammar, usage, and word choice.

Math: up to trigonometry. Science: charts, experiments. Reading: four passages, one each of Prose Fiction, Social Science, Humanities, and Natural Science. English: stresses grammar.

Is there a penalty for wrong answers?

Yes No

How is the test scored?

200-800 per section, added together for a combined score. A 2400 is the highest possible combined score.

1-36 for each subject, averaged for a composite score. A 36 is the highest possible composite score.

Are all scores sent to schools?

Yes. If a student requests a score report be sent to specific colleges, the report will include the scores the student received on every SAT taken.

No. There is a "Score Choice" option. Students can choose which schools will receive their scores AND which scores the schools will see.

Are there other uses for the exams?

Scholarship purposes. Scholarship purposes. Certain statewide testing programs.

Best time to register?

At least six weeks before the test date

At least four weeks before the test date

Need more information?

Educational Testing Service (ETS)(609) 771-7600www.ets.orgThe College Boardwww.collegeboard.com

ACT, Inc.:(319) 337-1000www.ACT.org

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Scholarships

There are millions of dollars worth of scholarship money available, but students need to apply to receive it!

We list MANY scholarship opportunities on the bulletin board in guidance (and post them online on the SDHS website) but these are just a few of what are out there.

Here are some websites where you can find more information. Your guidance counselor will be glad to assist you in your search, but you will need to do a log of the leg work yourself. We advise to start looking now and plan to write some of the essays over the summer. Your senior year will be busy!

www.college.govwww.collegeboard.com

www.fastweb.comwww.finaid.com

www.collegeparents.orgwww.collegenet.com

www.scholarships.comwww.cashe.com

www.vacollegequest.org

SDHSStudent Activity Record

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Name: _________________________________

List all School Activities: (clubs, sports, leadership positions, honors, awards, etc):

9 th Grade: 10 th Grade:

11 th Grade: 12 th Grade:

What are your strengths?

What are your weaknesses?

What three words describe you the best?

What is your plan after graduation? (Please check one) Employment: _________________________________________________ Career or Technical School: _____________________________________ Community College: ___________________________________________ 4 year University: _____________________________________________

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Military: ____________________________________________________ Apprenticeship: _______________________________________________ Other: _______________________________________________________

Where have you already applied?

If you have not already done so, where are you planning to apply?

Possible Career Choices:

Previous and current employment history:

Community Activities (ex. Highway clean up, religious organizations, 4H, girl scouts):

Is your high school record an accurate measure of your ability and potential? If not, why? What do you think is a good measure of your ability and potential?

Miscellaneous: Any information you consider significant but not covered in other categories) Examples: personal challenges, obstacles overcome, schedule conflicts preventing you from taking a more challenging load, extenuating personal or family circumstances, any special financial circumstances that you wish to have considered when need-based scholarships become available:

In PLANNING your schedule for your SENIOR year:

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Post secondary opportunities may have different requirements than Stuarts Draft High School. Be sure to research and ask questions about the schools you are considering.

COLLEGE BOUND?o It is imperative that seniors take rigorous courses- it not only

affects college admissions and scholarship opportunities, it helps PREPARE you for COLLEGE education!

Strength of senior curriculum can make a difference in college admissions.

o Remember that most colleges will want to see that you are taking courses in each of the five major subject areas: English, math, foreign language, social studies, and science.

o If you take a number of electives, colleges WILL notice! They look at your senior year schedule AND grades! The more academic courses you take, the more competitive your college application becomes.

Should you take a MATH your Senior year?o Research: The highest level of mathematics one studies in

secondary school has the strongest continuing influence on bachelor’s degree completion.

o Research: Finishing a course beyond the level Algebra II/Trig more than doubles the odds a student who enters postsecondary education will complete a bachelor’s degree

Remember, some colleges recalculate a student’s GPA by figuring from academic courses only. They also typically remove weight from grades.

Are you on track to GRADUATE in June 2016?STANDARD DIPLOMA

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  Standard Credits

Verified Credits

English 4 2Mathematics 3 1Laboratory Science 3 1Social Studies 3 1Health & PE 2  Fine Arts or Practical Arts 2  Electives 4  Econ/Per Fin 1Student Selected Test   1

Total 22 6

What Should High School Juniors Do to Prepare for College?Get ahead on testing and be organized in your communication with colleges, experts say.

By UnigoMay 11, 2011 | 9:30 a.m. EDT+ More

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ADVANCED STUDIES DIPLOMA   Standard

CreditsVerified Credits

English 4 2Mathematics 4 2Laboratory Science 4 2Social Studies 4 2Foreign Language 3-4  Health & PE 2  Fine Arts or Practical Arts

1  

Electives 3  Econ/Per Fin 1Student Selected Test   1

Total 26 9

CLASSES I HAVE TAKEN… I STILL NEED TO TAKE SENIOR YR…

English

Math

Science

Social Studies

Health and PE

Fine or Practical Art

Econ/Per FinElectives

As sure as the sun will rise, students will start to get visions of lakes, barbecues, and sleeping in past noon as the weather gets warmer and the school year comes to a close. Seniors have already been through the admissions process and now juniors start their search for the school that's best for them. Andrew S., a junior from Renton, Wash., wants to know the best things to do over the summer to get a leg up in the college admissions race:

Q: As a junior looking to stay on top of my college admissions timeline, what are the most important things for me to be doing before senior year starts?

A: Good for you: Set your 'game plan' now!

Nancy Meislahn, dean of admissions and financial aid, Wesleyan University Being organized in your communications with colleges will put—and keep—you on the right path. Decide now what E-mail address you will use for all your correspondence with colleges. Choose an address that will give colleges a good first impression (nothing cutesy or suggestive). And, commit to reading that E-mail regularly, at least weekly now and more frequently once you've made applications. Discuss with your family how to deal with college-related mail, where to put mail before you've sorted it, and how to file things for reference. Start a 'college calendar' with important test dates, deadlines and program invitations/open houses you might want to attend.

A: Position yourself for freshman success.

Eric Furda, dean of admissions, University of Pennsylvania As a junior, the choices you make on your senior curriculum are important, not because of 'how it looks to colleges', rather, 'how will these courses prepare me for the expectations and realities of the college curriculum'. I have a great deal to say on this subject, but will keep my comments at a fairly high level:

1. In the United States you don't have a major in high school. Taking senior level courses in English, math, natural science, language, and a social science is essential. Of course there are exceptions, but this should be the rule.

2. For engineering students, take a second level of physics, even if you want to enter a field like bioengineering.

3. Taking calculus at the highest level available in line with your math background is the preferable senior year math selection for college level work.

[Get advice on how to choose the right school.]

A: Get a jump on testing.

Dr. Michele Hernandez, president and founder, HernandezCollegeConsulting.com and ApplicationBootCamp.com The most important advice for juniors is to plan out testing early in the year so that you are done with the SAT or ACT by March at the latest and can save May and June for subject tests and AP's. Senior fall testing should only be a fall back, one more chance to push up a score, not the first time you're seeing a score. The reason: it's near impossible to target schools to visit unless you have a good grasp of where your SAT/ACT, subject tests, and AP scores fall. After testing, the main thing is to have a great junior year in terms of academic performance. Colleges want to see an upward grade trend as classes get progressively harder. Finally, be sure to go 'above and beyond' in your classes and develop relationships with your teachers and your guidance counselor so they will know you well enough to write a great teacher evaluation. These are extremely important in the process and can help applicants stand out in a hyper-competitive applicant pool.

[Get 6 tips for ACT success.]

A: Construct a roadmap for your future.

Don Fraser Jr., Director of Education and Training, National Association for College Admission Counseling (NACAC) Develop a roadmap complete with month-by-month action items and goals related to the college application process (e.g., working on your essay, continuing in-depth research of a variety of postsecondary opportunities, and planning campus visits). Visiting multiple college campuses, for example, requires coordination and careful planning that will be more difficult to do once the school year starts. Admission offices are open in the summer and typically less busy, so pick up the phone and ask about their fall visits as well as any interesting events going on in the fall. That might help you select dates for your visit.

[See U.S. News's list of questions to ask on campus tours.]

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A: Plan, don't panic. Enjoy junior year.

Ralph Figueroa, director of college guidance, Albuquerque Academy The college timeline seems so rushed today. That is artificial. Plan, but don't panic. Junior year is a great time to explore college options through websites, guidebooks, and most helpful of all—college visits. Visit colleges of various sizes and locations, the more, the better. Fill out visit cards even if you are on the mailing list; they keep track. Also, focus on doing the best you can academically, this year is critical to your application. Mostly, though, enjoy being a junior. The future is important, but don't lose sight of your high school years—you will miss them later.

Visit the Unigo Expert Network for 40 more ideas on making the most of your summer break and to have your own questions answered.

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