MCHS Junior Parent College Night TUESDAY, FEBRUARY 27TH 6 PM
MCHS Graduation Requirements **A minimum of 25 units must be earned in order for the student to graduate.**
English-4 Units( 9th English, 10th English, 11th English, 12th English)
Social Studies-3 Units(World History, US History, & Civics/Economics)
Mathematics-4 Units(Algebra I, Geometry, Algebra II, PreCalculus/Trig)
Science-4 Units (Biology, Chemistry, Physical Science, & Physics)
CORE
Oral Communications (1/2)
Physical Education (1/2)
Fine Arts (1/2)
Health & Safety (1/2)
Foreign Language- 2 Units
Career Focus-6 Units(Includes Foreign Language)
*Students must take one digital course & 2 units of AP or Concurrent Courses before graduating.
ELECTIVES
SAMPLE TRANSCRIPT
Junior Year: Strong Academics
When students apply to college in the fall of their senior year, the last grades that will be present on the transcript are from their junior year. Colleges will also request official transcripts at the end of their 1st semester (senior year) , and final senior transcript.
Colleges look at grade trends-
Hopefully upward trends! How a student does in 11th grade is more important than how a student did in 9th.
Junior Year: Get involved!
We encourage students to be meaningfully involvedand develop leadership roles-in at least 1 extracurricular & 1 community organization. Colleges look for wellrounded students.
Examples: MCHS clubs & sports, community organizations, community service projects, internships, leadership retreats, etc.
Consider part-time employment/internships for students who have the time. Great resume builder.
College Admissions Tests: SAT & ACT
All colleges require the SAT or ACT. Most colleges will accept either the SAT or ACT. Register online for these exams at least 6 weeks in advance to avoid late fees, and missing deadlines. SAT Fee: $46.00 With Essay: $60 ACT Fee: $46.00 With Essay: $62.50 Score reporting: 4 FREE Test Prep: Mrs. Bittancourt(Lunch ACT tutoring),Online prep: Khan Academy,number2.com,testive.com,collegeboard.org;ACT.org; Princeton Review(can be purchased at Barnes & Noble); Kaplan; local agencies & private companies. Juniors are receiving a FREE ACT provided by the state on 2/27 & 2/28.
College Admissions Tests: SAT-Scholastic Aptitude Test The
SAT consists of three parts: Critical Reading Mathematics Writing
College Admissions Tests: ACT-American College Test The
ACT consists of four parts:
English
Mathematics Reading
Science
College Admissions Tests: SAT & ACT The SAT/ACT Testing Plan for Juniors
Plan A: Take both tests Junior Year; compare; study; re-take strongest test.
Plan B: Take ACT or SAT Junior Year; review scores; study; retake (double check test preference for colleges/universities of choice)
***All Juniors will take the ACT at least once during their junior year, provided by state!
College Admissions Tests: SAT and ACT Why take the test again? *Broaden the scope of college acceptances. *Possible higher scholarship category
*Most colleges will superscore for admissions & possible scholarships.
Military Entrance Exam: ASVAB
The Armed Services Vocational Aptitude Battery (ASVAB) is a multiple-aptitude test that measures developed abilities to help predict future academic & occupational success in the military.
Does not require that a test-taker with a qualifying score enlist in the armed services.
Administered in the FALL & SPRING at MCHS.
For more information visit: http://official-asvab.com
The College Search: Making “the list”
It is now time for students to compile their list of schools to which they might apply. This is not a final application list.
To find schools to add to their lists, students should explore their own preferences, make-or break criteria, and their academic data.
The College Search: Make-or Break Criteria to Consider
Anticipated College Major/Minor
Online research; Job Shadowing; Favorite classes/subject areas/hobbies/passions/talents
Career assessments
College Type
Public/Private
Liberal Arts and Sciences
Technical or Vocational
4-year or 2-year
The College Search: Make-or Break Criteria to Consider
Location
In-state/Out of state($$$$)
Distance from home
Size
Small schools
Medium schools
Large schools
Cost
Scholarships, Grants, Loans
The College Search: Make-or-Break Criteria to Consider
Campus Characteristics
Class size
Professors/Ta’s
Research focus
Campus activities/intramurals/extracurricular/athletics
Housing options
On campus/commuter
Dorms
Fraternities/Sororities
College Application Preparation & Process Applications don’t go “live” until August 1 of a student’s senior year. There are several pieces of the application:
Transcript
GPA
Test scores
Honors/Awards
Extra-curricular activities/leadership roles
Community service/involvement
Jobs/internships
Letters of recommendation
Disciplinary/Attendance concerns
Essays(some for admission, but typically for scholarships)
Financial Aid Basics
FAFSA Night will be held in the Fall of your students’ senior year.
File FAFSA by October 1 of your student’s Senior Year to qualify for extra grant money.
Must have taxes completed for the previous year to file.
Colleges will then issue a final Financial Aid Package in the spring of senior year, including:
Scholarships
Grants
Loans
Work-Study
Out-of -pocket costs
What’s NEXT?!?!? SENIOR YEAR!!!!! WHOOOOO HOOOOO!!! Schedules
will be completed for ALL students prior to the end of this school year. Seniors have PRIORITY for courses offered. Seniors must go through 5th period, and are allowed to leave for an internship and/or job. Schedule
meetings with Mrs. Redic to go over your child’s transcript audit prior to their senior year beginning.
Thank You!
Questions?!?! Contact:
Ashley Redic, HS Counselor 501-851-3333 ext. 415
[email protected] Cell: 870-820-1090 This PowerPoint will be sent out to all Junior Parents through the School Messenger system, and posted on the school website.