Preparing for GraduationSalem High School

Senior Year2012

Stay Focused & Avoid Senioritis!!!

Senior-It is: The Commercial

Graduation Requirements

Graduation Requirements (24 Units)

English 9 Literature 10 Literature 11 Literature 12 Literature

Math Math I Math 2Math I Support

Math 3 Math CoreMath 2

Math 4Math 3Math 2 Support

Science Biology Physical Science or Physics

Chemistryother science

Additional Science

Social Studies Geography World History US History GovernmentEconomics

Health ½ unit

PE ½ unit

FL/CTAE 3 CTAE (same pathway)2 units Foreign LanguageFine Art

Electives 4 General Electives

College and Beyond

What are colleges looking for?

• GPA (core/academic)• Academic Rigor (Level of difficulty)• Test Scores (SAT and/or ACT)• Extracurricular Activities• College Application Essays• Teacher Recommendations

College Entrance Exams

• Official scores must be sent from:

ACTstudents.com collegeboard.com.

• Athletes register with NCAA enter code “9999”. .

• Take the ACT or SAT at least once during the junior year and continue to take the test until reach desired score for college entrance and scholarship purposes.

• The writing component of the ACT and SAT are required for students who apply for admission to many of the four-year college and universities.

Steps In Applying For College1. Consult the college website and apply online if possible.2. Obtain application forms from colleges on your list.3. It is advisable to limit your number of applications. A non-

refundable application fee of $25-$75 is usually required for each application. Pay careful attention to deadline dates.

4. Complete applicationsThe easiest process for most schools – you must complete the application online and make a request to Ms. Edwards for your transcript to be sent. ACT/SAT scores must be sent from ACT/SAT.

5. College Visita. Plan a time when high school is not in session but college is…b. In your inquiry, request a definite date and time.c. Secure a copy of an unofficial transcript from Ms. Edwards.

Take a copy of the transcript and copy of your resume to give to the admission representative who meets with you.

College Admission Options

The site contains information about all 391 colleges and universities that accept the Common Application.

Applying to Colleges

GAcollege411 is a student career

and financial planning portal for

high school and beyond.

Apply to College Day

You can apply to most colleges online.

Salem High School Apply to College Day in November is the perfect opportunity for both parents and students to ask questions, gather material needed for the admission’s process, and apply to college.

We strongly recommended applying to 4 year colleges before Thanksgiving break .

• November 1st: Last day to submit college applications for early action/decision consideration

• December 3rd : Last day to turn in college applications to be guaranteed processing before winter break.

College Application Deadlines

Most majors at technical colleges such as Georgia Perimeter do not require the ACT or SAT for admission. Instead of the SAT or ACT, their admission test, the ASSET is required. You may also take the placement test (the COMPASS Test) which is un-timed and online.

Technical college applications are not on the same Dec. 1st deadline as are 4 year colleges. However, it is best to go ahead and apply early.

WHAT IF I HAVE DECIDED TO GO TO A TWO YEAR COLLEGE?

THINGS TO KNOW...

Athletic Requirements

NCAA Requirements

• NCAA requires studentsto register and send their preliminary transcript.

• Cost is $65.00

• Final transcript must besent in the Spring.

Refer to handout for core course rule.

NCAA Requirements

NCCA Requirements

Core Grade Point Average/

Test-Score

NCAA AND CREDIT RECOVERY

The only credit recovery accepted by the NCAA is Georgia Virtual School. If you are a student athlete you must meet NCAA regulations to play.

When applying to colleges and universities,

You Have Responsibilities.

Before you apply:

• You have a responsibility to research and understand the policies and procedures of each college and university regarding application fees, financial aid, scholarships, and housing.

• You must complete all material that is required for application and submit your application on or before the published deadlines. You should be the sole author of your application.

• You should seek the assistance of your college admission counselor early and throughout the application period.

• It is your responsibility to arrange, if appropriate, for visits to and/or interviews at colleges of your choice.

Senior Year…

Senior Month-to-Month Checklist

August October_Begin filling out applications _Be aware of Early Decision/Early_Register for Oct. ACT if needed Action deadlines_Finalize college list _Submit Early Decision/Early Action_Remember your responsibilities applications by 10/01

if applying Early Decision/Early Action

September -Attend October College Fairs_Take ACT/SAT if needed _ Work on college essays_Begin drafts of application essays_Attend Probe Fairs _Visit with college reps at school, _Apply to college(s) of choice_Ask teachers for recommendations

_Complete NCAA registration online (Athletes)

Senior Month-to-Month Checklist

November December

_Attend Apply to College Early Day _Finish applications and essays to selective

to selective colleges

_Check application deadlines

January February

_File FAFSA _Check/Apply for private/local scholarships

_Apply for FAFSA PIN# _File FAFSA at College Goal Sunday

Senior Month-to-Month Checklist

March April_Check/Apply for scholarships _Review college offers with parents_Check deadlines for AP Exams

May_Take AP Exams_Notify colleges you will not attend_Confirm housing _Graduation!!!

Official transcripts must be sent from your high school. Furthermore, you must request each transcript needed from the College/Career Center.

Deadlines for submitting transcript requests:Early Decision – Requests due by October 1st

January Deadlines – Requests due by December 1st

February/March Deadlines – Requests due by January 10th

• Probe Fair-Sept. 7th-Alcovy High (5:30-7:30)

• Probe Fair-Sept. 22nd-Stonecrest (6-9:00)

• HBCU College Fair-Oct. 22nd-Mariett (12-3)

• Rockdale County College Fair-Oct. 29th (12-5)

• College, Careers, and More-October @ RCA

• Apply to College Day-November

• College Goal Sunday-February

Other things to consider…

Armed Forces/Military

• Military recruiters visit the high schools regularly to talk with students who are interested in a career in the military. Students are encouraged to use their PLAN results to help them make their decisions about a military career.

• Students who enter the military must take the Armed Services Vocational Aptitude Battery (ASVAB). This information is then used in decisions about military assignments. The ASVAB test will be given at SHS this school year.

Driver’s License and School Attendance

The DDS will suspend the license of a minor who:

1. Has dropped out of school without graduating and has remained out of school for ten consecutive school days.

2. Has ten or more school days of unexcused absences in the current academic year or ten or more school days of unexcused absences in the previous academic year.

Requesting Your Transcript

• Unofficial-.25

• Official-3.00 (First three are FREE!)

• Signed permission form

• Colleges will not accept a fax

• Need to get a copy each semester and check grades!

See Career Center Coordinator

Funding your education…

Scholarships and Financial Aid

Many families are understandably concerned about meeting rising college costs especially in our economy. Any candidate for admission to college should apply for scholarships and financial aid.

Early in the senior year, students should be sure to check the financial aid and scholarship deadlines and the forms required by each college they are considering. Students should pursue all sources of financial aid. You have tons of resources in your senior packet and from the CCC.

Most scholarships and financial aid are obtained directly from the financial aid office of the college or university a student selects. The admission office will assist students in filing the appropriate applications.

Financial Aid

Two Types of Financial Aid:1. Need Based – Comprise the major

portion of assistance available for postsecondary education. Eligibility for need based aid is determined by the difference between the cost of attendance and the family contribution.

2. Two Types of Need Based Assistance

a. Grant Aid – Does not have to be repaid and does not require a service commitment.

a. Self-help – Includes loans (which require repayment) and employment (a part-time job usually within the institution).

Four sources of grant aid: 3. Federal, state, institutional, and private.

These grants and loans are obtained through completing FAFSA after January 1. Rockdale County will host College Goal Sunday in February to help families complete the FAFSA.

4. Merit Based – Is given to students in recognition of special skills, talent and/or

academic ability.

ScholarshipsThree Forms of Scholarships:1. College Based – These scholarships are offered through the college or

university. Scholarship applications can be downloaded from the college or university’s website or request a copy from the admissions office. To be safe, each student seeking scholarships should check with individual colleges and universities for deadlines, scholarship applications, and audition/portfolio dates. Audition posters are displayed in the band room and theatre.

2. Community Based (Local Scholarships) – Applications are available in counselor’s office in late January. Please check deadline dates on counselor’s website if not available on application.

3. Website Based – Many scholarships are posted regularly on the Salem High Twitter Account. Also, researching scholarship opportunities through internet services can be rewarding.

The GPA FOR HOPE• The GPA for HOPE will be determined by averaging ALL core

curriculum coursework (English, Math, Science, Social Science, and Foreign Language), including failing grades on a 4.0 scale (A = 4.0, B = 3.0, C = 2.0, D = 1.0, F = 0).

• All honors points are removed before the calculation except for AP courses.

• Please note: A 2.99 GPA does NOT qualify you for HOPE.

• All calculations are done by the Georgia Student Finance Commission. Check GACollege411 for your HOPE average.

Senior To Do List

1. Complete College Recommendation Form.

2. Senior Student Data Form-complete today.

3. Meet with your counselor to review graduation plan.

Your future is in your hands!