1. Navigating Senior Year We Are Red Hawks!

2. Hiawatha High Graduation Requirements  English4 credits  Social Science3 credits  Math3 credits  Natural Science3 credits  PE & Health1 credit  Practical Arts1.5 credits.5 Credit Computer Applications additional credits can be earned by taking Business/Computer, Health Science, Industrial Technology & Agricultural Science classes  Fine Arts1 credit  Electives10.5 credits

3. Graduation with Honors Students must complete the following curriculum in order to be eligible for graduation with honors. In doing so, students may graduate with the following honors: o Summa cum Laude-cumulative GPA of 3.95 or above o Magna cum Laude-cumulative GPA of 3.80 & 3.94 o Cum Laude-cumulative GPA between 3.65 & 3.79

4. Kansas Qualified Admissions  English4 credits  Math3 credits (Algebra I, Geometry, Algebra II or any course with Algebra II as prerequisite as well as ACT score of 22 on Math OR 4 credits (Algebra 1, Geometry, Algebra II, any course with Algebra II as a prerequisite)  Natural Science3 credits (Earth Space Science, Biology, Chemistry, Physics, Physical Science, Advanced Biology; 1 must be Chemistry or Physics)  Social Science3 credits (U.S. History, U.S. Government, Geography)  Electives3 credits (English, Math, Natural Science, Social Science, Computer/Information Systems, Speech, Debate, Forensics, Career & Technical Education, Foreign Language, Personal Finance, Journalism, Fine Arts) *Foreign LanguageNot Required

5. And  ACT composite score of 21 or higher; OR  SAT score of 980 or higher; OR  Graduate in the top one-third of their class  If applicable, achieve a 2.0 GPA or higher on any college credit taken in high school.

6. Honors Graduation: Citizenship Seniors have the opportunity to graduate with “honors” based on citizenship during their senior year. The criteria for this program are as follows:  98% of class work handed in on time  97% attendance  No significant discipline issues  5 points from active involvement 2 points from community service (10 hours = 1 pt.) 1 point from active participation in a school organization or activity The remaining 2 points from a combination of community service and participation in school organizations.

7. Kansas Scholars Students that complete the following curriculum and meet the requirements stated below, may be designated as State Scholars.  Students must have taken the ACT between April of the sophomore year and December of the senior year.  Students must be a Kansas resident  Students must have their curriculum and 7 th semester GPA certified on the official roster by the high school counselor, registrar, or similar official

8. Kansas Scholars Curriculum  English4 credits  Math4 credits (Algebra I, Algebra II, Geometry and 1 of the following: Analytic Geometry, Trigonometry, Advanced Algebra, Probability & Statistics, Functions & Calculus; *Algebra I taken in the 8 th grade for high school credit is accepted)  Natural Science3 credits (Biology, Chemistry and Physics. A fourth year of science is recommended)  Social Science3 credits (U.S. History, U.S. Government, Geography)  Foreign Language2 credits (must be the same foreign language)

9. Why do all of this?  Employment: In today’s world it is more difficult to go directly to work after high school. It is difficult to earn a good wage because high school alone doesn’t provide enough training to compete in this highly technical environment.  Technical College: With society so dependent on skilled workers, the technical college will play a major role in employment. These colleges provide intensive training in specific skill areas and take less time for program completion. Education here can be transferred to other colleges for further study.  Apprenticeships: An apprenticeship is a very organized training program. You work, are paid, and end up certified by a specific trade organization. At this point salary usually jumps significantly!  2/4 Year Colleges: No matter what college you attend, you must be both prepared and willing to pay. It is important you not only feel comfortable with where you are going but also set goals and have a specific idea of a career path.  The Military: The military provides intensive skills training as well as leadership training.

10. Selective Service Upon reaching the age of eighteen, all males are required by law to register with the Selective Service. This can be done on the internet before their 18 th birthday or within one month after their birthday. Federal financial aid will be withheld if not registered with the Selective Service. To register, see www.sss.govwww.sss.gov

11. Tackling the Tests ACT SAT Kansas Area Technical Schools administer specialized tests to applicants after the formal application is processed.

12. ACT Test DateRegistration Deadline Late Registration Photo Upload Deadline September 13August 8August 9-22September 5 October 25September 19Sept 20-Oct 3October 17 December 13November 7November 8-21December 5 February 7January 09January 10-16January 30 April 18March 13March 14-27April 10 June 13May 8May 9-22June 5 Test sites are available at Sabetha High School, Falls City High School, and Highland Community College. The Hiawatha High School code number required for registration is 171-335. Students may register online at www.actstudent.org. The fee of $38.www.actstudent.org

13. ACT Prep Prior to the October test, Hiawatha High School will provide review sessions in the following subjects:  English  Math  Science  Reading An initial $20 fee will be collected. However, $15 will be refunded if the student attends three of the four sessions. Watch announcements for further detail. http://www.act.org/aap/pdf/Preparing-for-the-ACT.pdf

14. SAT Registration for the SAT can be found at www.sat.collegeboard.org/home. The registration code number for Hiawatha High School is 171-335.www.sat.collegeboard.org/home Test DateRegistration Deadline October 11September 12 November 8October 9 December 6November 6 January 24December 29 March 14February 13 May 2April 6 June 6May 8

15. Money, Money, Money FAFSA www.fafsa.ed.gov www.pin.ed.gov Scholarships www.fastweb.com www.scholarships.com www.salliemae.com/scholarship Ku and K-State have a November 1 st deadline for premiere scholarships A financial aid meeting for seniors and parents will be held in January. It will provide important information and FAFSA forms necessary for the various types of financial aid that is available. Parents and students need to complete their tax returns by mid- February so the financial aid form can be submitted by March 1 or the school’s priority deadline.

16. College Selection Process; Consider College Characteristics  Majors and programs  Degrees offered  Accreditation status  Admission requirements  Location and size  Costs and financial aid  Campus activities  Student support services

17. Colleges, scholarship committees and potential employers will look at a few aspects within their transcript…  Course selection: Encourage your child to challenge their self with a rigorous course load and high-level classes, including advanced and dual credit courses  Grades: Every year counts, starting with freshman year.  GPA trends: Keep improving through every grade.  Class rank: determined by their GPA

19. Visit the College/Talk with Admissions Rep Two visits are allowed per year and are excused if verification of the visits are given to the office upon the student’s return. Things to consider during your visit: Guided Tour Meet with Financial Aid Counselor Meet with a professor in the are you want to study Meet with an admissions counselor Sit in on a class Eat in the cafeteria Visit the fitness facilities, library, career center and bookstore. Questions to ask during your visit: What are the best reasons to attend your college? What do students do during free time and weekends? What are the average class sizes? How much time is spent outside of class on classwork? What percentage of students receive financial aid?

20. Applications & Admissions It is important to apply for admission to post-secondary schools during September. By applying in September, the student will begin to receive valuable information concerning classes, housing, enrollment, scholarships, and financial aid from each school. If the application requires teacher or counselor recommendations, allow 2 weeks for completion and provide them with a copy of your resume to help with the process. Requesting Official Transcripts can be done in the counseling office.

21. Helpful Sites www.collegecost.ed.gov www.bigfuture.org

22. Communication Text Caster District Web Page www.hiawathaschools.org; go to High School; select Counseling Services or Scholarships Email Telephone Regular Mail Counseling Office: Stacie Mayer, High School Counselor smayer@usd415.org 785-742-3312 Annie Ceniza, Counseling Assistant aceniza@usd415.org 785-742-3312

23. We Are Red Hawks!