Junior Year Guidance Orientation

Junior Year Guidance OrientationWhat Should You Be Doing This Year?

WORK!Work as hard as you can!Junior Year is a busy, hectic year with lots of tasks that need to be considered.If you are having difficulty in a class, see your teacher!Library tutoring is available Tuesday and Thursday afternoons.Counselors have lists of tutors available.Get to know your counselor!DO NOT WAIT to seek help!

Graduation RequirementsYou MUST earn 28 credits4 English (I, II, III, IV)4 Social Studies (Civics, US I and II, Government/Economics4 Science4 Mathematics2 Physical Education (1 with Health)10 additional credits (Foreign Language, electives, etc.)

Graduation Requirements, continuedA completed and presented graduation projectSatisfactory scores on the PSSA tests in reading and mathematicsA nice-looking smile of achievement and a classy red or white cap and gown combo (seriously!)

??Transcripts??Name, address, DOB, etc., etc., etc.Class Rank Junior and Senior Years (23/841)GPA Grade Point Average (98.750)Test Scores (SAT, ACT, TOEFL)Courses and Grades from High School YearsMiddle School Algebra CoursesGraduation Date, Signature, and Seal

THE SAT and THE ACTNationally standardized tests used for college admission and placement purposesTests critical reading, mathematics, and writing skillsScores range from 200 800 points per sectionAverage score for the nation = 500 points per sectionTest is offered seven times every yearSAT and ACT, continuedRegistration is best done online 4 - 5 weeks prior to the test dateCurrent Basic Registration Fee = $49.00Scores are available online 19 days after the test dateYou may send scores to colleges or scholarship committees (Penn State requires this report!)Most students take these tests three or four times during high school years

Critical Reading SectionsVocabulary with sentence completion one or two wordsShorter critical reading passages (500 words) -- read and answer questions

Mathematics Sections1/3 covers Algebra I (Concepts), Algebra II (IK), some College Algebra (IIK).1/3 covers Plane and Solid Geometry.1/3 covers Miscellaneous Math Arithmetic, Patterns, Sets, Probability, Telling Time, etc.

Writing SectionsSection 1 is always the 25-minute essayUsually a quotation or statement that evokes a position or opinionTime enough to DRAFT ideas on the topicGood, legible handwritingLength is importantReferences or allusions to history, politics, culture, international events, etc. will boost score if they support your position

Practice Makes Perfect!Materials are available from a variety of sources:Guidance Officewww.collegeboard.comwww.actstudent.orgBooks, cassettes, DVDs, CDs, flash cards, etc. are available from major retailers and TCBFree, downloadable Mini SAT and SAT Question of the Day are available at collegeboard.com

Practice, Practice, PracticeFree and fee-based classes are available in our area (Penn State Hazleton, Wilkes, CEO, etc.)

SAT Subject Tests / ACTSome colleges and universities require these for admission purposesUsually you need two a math test and one other (foreign language, other subject)The ACT the American College Test with writing -- may be substituted for the SAT and/or SAT Subject TestsACT 4 or 5 Sections (English, Mathematics, Reading, Science, Writing) offered twice per year at HAHS October and April

PSSA TestsYou will be taking PSSA tests in reading, mathematics, science, and writing.The success of our school is measured by the outcomes of these tests.Do your best on all of the testsYou need to achieve a score of PROFICIENT or ADVANCED on the reading and mathematics portions of the test in order to earn your diploma.Graduation (Senior) ProjectRequired to earn your high school diplomaYou will be assigned an advisor this year onlyMeetings throughout the school year to check progress and provide supportPresent your project to a panel of teachers audio/visual aidsComplete this project this year!

National Honor SocietyFour qualities required for induction:Scholarship (93.0 GPA)Leadership (Offices held, projects initiated)Service (School and community work, help)Character (Are you a good kid?)An honor to list on college and job applicationsScholarship money may be available from colleges

College NightWednesday, October 28, 2011 HAHS Gymnasium 7:00 PM 8:30 PM70-80 colleges and universities are representedAvailable: Viewbooks, applications, live representatives, Open House informationGreat opportunity to make a first impressionBring your parents and friends!Keep Your Stuff!Award certificatesPay StubsActivities RecordsNewspaper clippingsSenior/Graduation ProjectKeep all your documents in a file folder, shoe box, etc. College Exploration NOW!!!It is NOT too early to begin exploring college and university options for after high schoolDO NOT wait ONLY until the summer before senior yearOpen Houses and guided tours are held for seniors AND JUNIORS, TOO not just for seniors!What Do Colleges Look For?GradesSAT or ACT scoresCo curricular and extracurricular activitiesEssays or personal statementsInterviews

Highly Competitive / Ivy League

Harvard, Princeton, University of Pennsylvania, Brown, Cornell, etc.SAT scores average 1500+ (CR and Math only)Top 5% class rankNational or State Recognition Research, service, honor, etc.7% - 15% acceptance rateCost - $55,000.00+

Competitive / Exclusive CollegesVillanova, Bucknell, Lehigh, Penn State University Park Campus, University of Pittsburgh, etc.SAT scores average 1200+ (CR and Math only)Top 10% class rankNotable achievements in high school25% acceptance rateCost - $22,000.00 - $50,000.00+

Competitive CollegesBloomsburg, Lock Haven, Wilkes, Kings, etc.SAT scores average 1000+ (CR and Math only)Top 25% 35% class rankVariable acceptance rateCost - $15,000.00+

Noncompetitive / Open Admission CollegesLuzerne County Community College, Lackawanna College, McCann School of Business, etc.SAT or ACT generally not required for admissionClass rank generally not consideredHigh School Diploma requiredOpen acceptance rateExcellent transfer opportunitiesCost - $2,500.00+

How Do I Select MY College?There are several factors to consider to achieve the best FIT for you.Location How far away from home??Major Undecided?? Specific?? Size Small or Large (and class sizes, also)??Cost Have you discussed this with your supporters??

How Do I Select MY College?Select colleges in three categories.

Dream or reach schools

Competitive schools

Safety Net / Sure schools

Some Good College Search Websiteswww.pennsylvaniamentor.orgwww.educationplanner.orgwww.collegeboard.orgwww.myroad.comwww.petersons.com

Unsure What to do After High School?

Career Development Resourcewww.bridges.comIncludes an interest survey. Hundreds of careers. Hundreds of colleges, universities, trade schools, and technical schools.

??Questions??Discuss this information with your parents.Get the best grades you can earn this year.Continue or start involvement with activities.Learn about careers.Ask questions of your teachers and counselors.Begin researching and visiting colleges.Have FUN!