A GUIDE TO COLLEGE PLANNING

FOR JUNIOR YEAR

Beginning the Home Stretch

Over View

Review Requirements: SMHS GraduationTOPS Louisiana Public University Minimum

Admissions Criteria as set forth by the Louisiana Board of Regents

College Readiness PSAT ScoresLSU Representative

SMHS Graduation Requirements for the Classes of 2012-2013, 2013-2014, & 2014-

2015

Total of 24 Credits Required

Religion 4 Credits- I,II,III,IV English 4 Credits-I,II,III,IV Mathematics 4 Credits-Algebra I, Geometry, Algebra II, and 1 unit from Adv. Math, Calculus, Probability

and Statistics, or Financial Math Science 4 Credits-Physical Science, Biology, Chemistry, and 1 units from Environmental Science, Physics,

Biology II, Chemistry II Social Studies 4 Credits-1 unit of Civics, World History, American History, and 1 unit from Religion

I,II,III,IV Foreign Language 2 Credits-2 units of same, Foreign Language or of Speech Courses Art 1 Credit-Art, Band, Choir, Fine Arts Survey Health and Physical Education 2 Credits-PE I/Health, PE II

NOTE:These are the minimum courses necessary to graduate from SMHS. College entrance standards have changed. Most major universities require their incoming freshmen to have two (2) credits in the same foreign language as well as a fine arts course.

NOTE:The Board of Regents and TOPS (Taylor Opportunity Program for Students) require completion of a specific high school curriculum. Detailed information about each of the programs is available at www.smhsbr.org and is reviewed with the students during the course selection process each year.

Louisiana Board of Regents Minimum Admission Requirements for FIRST-TIME

FRESHMEN

TOPS Core Curriculum 2014 and thereafter

Course Selections to Meet Graduation, Board of Regents and TOPS Requirements

Course Credits SMHS Graduation Board of Regents TOPS

Financial Math 1 Yes Yes No

Probability and Statistics

1 Yes Yes Yes

Advanced Math 1 Yes Yes Yes

Environmental Science

1 Yes Yes Yes

Speech I & II 2 Yes Yes** However, some universities require Foreign Language

No

Foreign Language (same language)

2 Yes Yes Yes

Fine Arts Survey 1 Yes Yes Yes

Performance ArtsBand, Art, Choir

1 Yes Yes**However, some universities require

two units of a performance art

Yes

Putting it All Together

SMHS Graduation Requirements, Board of Regents, and TOPS have a few differences. It is important to meet the requirements for ALL entities that are included in your goals.

Example 1: 1 unit of Financial Math meets the requirement for SMHS graduation, Board of Regents, but not for TOPS. Probability and Statistics, Advanced Math, and Calculus meet all 3 entity requirements.

Example 2: An additional course to take note of is Foreign Language. While SMHS provides the option to take 2 units of Foreign Language or 2 units of Speech to meet graduation requirements, and the minimum requirements set by the Board of Regents will allow Speech I and II in lou of Foreign Language, TOPS requires 2 units of Foreign Language. If you are interested in receiving TOPS your student must complete 2 units of the same Foreign Language.

Example 3: 1 unit of Fine Arts or 1 unit of a performance course meets graduation requirements, Board of Regents and TOPS; however, some universities, like LSU requires 2 units of a performance art or 1 unit of Fine Art Survey.

Even though the Board of Regents establishes minimum standards for admission to Flagship, Statewide, and Regional universities, institutions still establish their own admission requirements

Each post-secondary institution is different. It is the responsibility of the student to research the requirements for schools that he/she is interested.

Louisiana Board of Regents & TOPS

Refer to Websites.

Minimum Admission Standards. http://regents.louisiana.gov/

TOPS Core Curriculum. http://www.smhsbr.org/topsinformation.cfm

TOPS Standard Eligibility Requirements. http://www.smhsbr.org/topsinformation.cfm

Testing

ACT/SAT: It is recommended that all college-bound Juniors take the ACT/SAT at least once in the spring of junior year. Most colleges and universities will accept either the

ACT or SAT score, so it may be worth the while to look into both tests.

ACT vs. SAT

The ACT and SAT are two very different college entrance exams. Both are nationally administered and are used to help colleges evaluate applicants.

The ACT is an achievement test with four core sections (English, Math, Reading and Science).

The SAT is essentially a three-part aptitude test (Reading, Math, and Writing).

Test Registration

When registering for the ACT or SAT, be sure to have the testing agency send scores directly to LA Tuition Opportunity Program-Students (TOPS) as well as each college or university the student is considering. TOPS ACT Agency Code 1595 TOPS SAT Agency Code 9109

Note: Some colleges may require that the ACT be taken with Writing at least once. Please look at individual admission requirements before registering for the test. Additionally, special programs within universities, for example, LSU’s

Honors College, require the writing section.

ACT Registration Website: www.actstudent.org

SAT Registration Website: http://sat.collegeboard.org/register

2013 Testing Dates

SAT Test Dates Regular Registration Date

Late Registration Closes

March 9, 2013 Feb. 8 Feb. 22

May 4, 2013 Apr. 5 Apr. 19

June 1, 2013 May 2 May 17

ACT Test Dates Regular Registration Date

Late Registration Closes

Feb. 9, 2013 Jan. 11 Jan. 12-18

Apr. 13, 2013 March 8 March 9-22

June 8, 2013 May 3 May 4-17

ACT/SAT Test Preparation

Being in the Classroom

PSAT Scores

On our website you will find many resources that are designed to prepare your student for the ACT or SAT. Kaplain Princeton Review-offers free practice tests at local

libraries St. Michael’s online software

Course Selection

Late February scheduling will take place.

Maintaining a rigorous schedule and competitive GPA.

Create an Email Account for College Admissions

Students should establish an email account for college admission purposes prior to senior year.

Colleges and universities send periodic updates on the application process and the student’s admission status.

Academic Résumé

Prior to the senior year, students should create an academic résumé.

Academic résumés are useful when: Requesting letters of recommendation from teachers,

administrators, and counselors. When completing college and scholarship

applications. When visiting with college representatives. When applying for a part-time job, apprenticeship, or

internship.

What Should an Academic Resume Include?

Content Grades Volunteer accomplishments Sports awards Leadership accolades Extracurricular Activities Any other achievements from a high school career

Sections Identifying Information

Name, address, home phone, email Education Section

GPA, class rank, anticipated graduation date Academic Awards

Academic letterman, Principal’s list School Activities

Varsity swim team, Student council, peer ministry team Athletic Awards

Varsity letters in swimming Extracurricular Activities

Boy Scouts of America, 4-H Club, Altar Server: St. Patrick’s Church Community Service

Habitat for Humanity, St. Vincent de Paul Kitchen, St. Patrick’s Church VBS Additional Activities

March for Life, Student Council Retreat, Boy Scout Camp Work Experience

Lifeguard Professional Certifications

CPR, Lifeguard Training and First Aid

Sample of Academic Resume

Academic Resume Continued

College Visits

Visit the Campus

Contact admissions office in advance to schedule a tour of the campus.

Preparing for Your College Visit

Prepare a list of questions.

Bring a notebook to record thoughts and impressions.

Take photos.

Schedule an appointment with an undergraduate admissions counselor.

Junior Check List

College Exploration Websites

College Visits Campus Tours

Formulate Academic Resume Getting more involved

Register for ACT or SAT Take either test this spring

Begin thinking about your applications Summer applications

Senior Year

Senior Meeting in September

FAFSA Information (Deadlines to Apply)

College Application Information

Read the Newsletter

www.nacacnet.org

Sources Cited

(2012). College Planning Checklist.Retrieved December 10, 2012 from NACAC website.

http://www.nacacnet.org/studentinfo/articles/Pages/Preparing-for-College-Junior-Checklist.aspx

(2012). Minimum Admission Standards for First-time Freshmen.

Retrieved December 10, 2012 from the Louisiana Board of Regents Website:http://

www.regents.doa.louisiana.gov/assets/docs/Data/Publications/MinimumAdmissionStandards-Approved_2011_1027.pdf

(2012). TOPS Core Curriculum.Retrieve December 10, 2012 from the Louisiana Office of Student Financial Assistance Website:http://www.osfa.la.gov/MainSitePDFs/Core_Curriculum_14.pdf