college information night pope john paul ii high school guidance services
TRANSCRIPT
College Information Night
Pope John Paul II High School
Guidance Services
Agenda
Guidance TeamTypes of CollegesCollege PreparationCollege Entrance ExaminationsGetting ready for Senior YearBright Futures/Scholarships
Pope John Paul II High School Guidance Services
Michelle Chirichella ~ Director of Guidance. Counselor for last names A-M, senior year; A-H, all other gradesErin McDougall ~ Guidance Counselor for last names N-Z, senior year; I-Z, all other gradesJeff Atkins ~ Learning SpecialistAnnie Dugand ~ Guidance Assistant
College/University
What are my options?– State Universities– Private Colleges and Universities– State Colleges
How do I choose a school?– Campus Visits– Online Information – College Recruiters – Pope John Paul Annual College Fair
Preparation for College
Best preparation is to take challenging high school courses and maintain at least a B average in core courses all four yearsRigorous course load, GPA, and test scores are the top considerations for college acceptanceExtracurricular Activities ~ sports, clubs, and community service
Preparation for College
Get to know your Guidance Counselor who is available to help you with academic & personal/social issues, as well as college & career planningRead & Write frequently ~ this will help to increase SAT/ACT scoresPursue interests and talents ~ look for summer programs to boost resume and help you stand out
College Entrance Exams
Two tests: SAT & ACTPre-Act is EXPLORE. Our students take it in Freshman yearPre-SAT is PSAT. Our students take it in both Sophomore and Junior yearsDetailed score reports from both tests will enable you to see areas of strengths and weaknesses
College Entrance Exams
SAT measures critical thinking skills; ACT is a curriculum based test. Best prep for SAT/ACT is challenging academic courses and reading and writing as much as possible. Kaplan is available on campus in the fall and/or spring for test preparation. Recommended time to take SAT/ACT is Spring of Junior year. Students are encouraged to take both tests.Some highly selective colleges will require at least two SAT Subject Tests.Students should take the SAT/ACT again in the Fall of their Senior Year.
Getting Ready for Senior Year
Create resume with the assistance of the Guidance Team (This will help you fill out your applications and help teachers/counselors write you letters of recommendation.)
Use internet to continue to explore careers of interest and colleges that offer degrees in your area of interest:
www.collegeboard.com www.studentedge.com
Narrow college choices, carefully review admissions requirements & choose senior year courses accordingly.
Getting ready for Senior Year
Choose 3-6 colleges ~ 1 or 2 “reaches”, 2 or 3 “targets,” 1 “safety”Visit college campuses – vacation ideaAsk teachers for recommendation letters (not needed for FL SUS)Work on college application essays over the summer after junior yearWork on essay drafts with English teachers and counselors early fall
Beginning of Senior Year
Apply to colleges Applications are online on college’s website (follow directions!)Pay college’s application fee onlineSend required recommendation forms to your counselor and teachersComplete “Request for Transcript” card in Guidance Office
Beginning of Senior Year
Request scores directly from SAT (Collegeboard.org)/ACT (Act.org) for each college to which you apply.Be sure your counselor is aware of whom you have asked to write your recommendation letters.Meet with your counselor and/or English teacher if you need assistance with your college essay.
Graduation Requirements
28 credits needed for graduation4 credits of English4 credits of Math4 credits of Social Studies 3 credits of Science2 credits of Foreign Language4 credits of Religious Studies1 credit of Hope (Health/PE)1 credit of Fine/Performing Arts5 credits of electives
Financial Aid/Scholarships
Beginning January 1st of Senior year, fill out the FAFSA (Free Application for Federal Student Aid) www.fafsa.ed.govIn order to receive BF, FAFSA must be filedBright Futures Scholarship – see trifold or visit www.floridastudentfinancialaid.orgNCAA Clearinghouse for athletes www.ncaaclearinghouse.netScholarship Booklet will be available in Guidance late NovemberSearch internet sites for scholarships
www.fastweb.com, www.salliemae.com, www.finaid.org
NEW TO BRIGHT FUTURES
**NO FAFSA = NO MONEY**
Senior Year Grades
Resist urge to catch “Senioritis”Some colleges require mid-year gradesColleges can withdraw your acceptance if your grades drop significantlyFinal transcripts will be sent to the college you plan to attend after you graduate
For further information, questions or concerns please
call or email your son/daughter’s guidance counselor directly during
regular school hours.
Michelle Chirichella – (561) [email protected]
Erin McDougall – (561) [email protected]