Welcome to James Caldwell High School A Place

Welcome to James Caldwell High School: “A Place of Possibilities”

Welcome to An Introduction to College Planning There are steps you can take now to prepare for the college application process.

JCHS Guidance Dept. n Lisa Blackman, Supervisor of n Frank Lattoz, Guidance Counselor n Lacey Rivlin, Guidance Counselor n Brianna Watts, Freshman Guidance Counselor Guidance

Graduation Requirements 4 years of English 3 years of Social Studies 3 years of Mathematics 3 years of Science 1 year of World Language 1 year of Fine Arts 1 year of Practical Arts 4 years of Health/ Physical Education 1/2 year Personal Finance & Literacy or Economics

The Transcript n A student’s transcript is reflective of the strength of academic program of the school. n The student’s transcript is reflective of a student’s complete (9 -12) profile. n The student’s transcript reflects his/her Grade Point Average (GPA) and number of credits earned

The Activity Sheet n Quality rather than quantity n Organize activities by subtopic clubs athletics community service summer programs/travel honors/awards employment n Highlight positions of leadership

The Activity Sheet

Standardized Testing SAT Reasoning Test n SAT Subject Tests n ACT n When and how often to take the tests n www. collegeboard. org www. actstudent. org

Two Year & Four Year Colleges Associate Degree AA Certificate Program Trade/Specialized School Bachelor’s Degree BA/BS

The Search n Naviance/Family Connection n College websites n College representatives visit JCHS n Develop a list of 5 -8 choices n Visit colleges n See your counselor !

http: //connection. naviance. com/jameschs

High School: Every year • Continue to save for college • Take challenging classes in core academic subjects- and do well in them • Get involved in school or community based extracurricular activities that enable you to explore career/personal interests and meet new people. Consider volunteeringremember – it’s quality(not quantity ) that counts. • Utilize JCHS Guidance website often for happenings

9 th Grade • Continue to do well in school • Start thinking about career interests • Utilize Naviance to research career and college options – you will be meeting with your Counselor during the Winter to register your Naviance account and complete a Career Interest Inventory • Begin Activity Sheet 10 th Grade • Continue to keep your grades up • Take PSAT in October • Utilize Naviance to research career and college options – you will be meeting with your Counselor during the Winter to complete a Personality Inventory to identify possible major and career options • Activity Sheet

11 th Grade • Begin to research colleges that interest you- be aware of entrance requirements. (i. e. specific courses, standardized tests, etc. ) • Take advantage of College Rep visits through the Guidance Office • Investigate financial aid options- visit studentaid. ed. gov for assistance. • Take PSAT in October • Attend the parents’ financial aid workshop in the Fall • When you meet with your Guidance Counselor to plan your Senior Year schedule, you will also discuss college options • Take the SAT or ACT at least once in the spring

Summer before 12 th Grade • Visit college websites to collect information about applications, financial aid, deadlines and campus visits • Continue to visit colleges that interest you • Decide whether you are going to apply under a particular college’s early decision or early action plan by learning about the program requirements and application deadlines • Register for Fall SAT or ACT • Begin college application and essays

12 th Grade • Continue to take courses that are challenging • Work hard all year- second semester grades can affect college acceptances and scholarship eligibility • You will meet with your counselor to discuss your list of schools and completing college applications • When completing applications follow directions and PAY CLOSE ATTENTION TO DEADLINES • Follow guidance department instructions regarding teacher recommendations, counselor forms and transcripts • Attend the Financial Aid Information Night to prepare for the FAFSA • Research scholarships for which you may qualify • In April decide which college you would like to attend as most schools require a deposit by May 1 st

Questions If you have specific questions students should visit the Guidance Office to speak with their Counselor. We’re here to help! Counselors Ms. Blackman Mr. Lattoz Ms. Rivlin Mrs. Watts

Welcome to James Caldwell High School: “A Place of Possibilities”