1. Oak Mountain High School Class of 2016
Hello Juniors!
Oak Mountain High School
Class of 2016

2. In today’s lesson we will gain a thorough understanding of what we need to do THIS YEAR to prepare for college and a career.
We will
Review graduation requirements
Increase knowledge about the PSAT, ACT, and SAT
Become aware of local college fairs
Become familiar with a plan for college visits
Realize the possible need for a resume
Review the OMHS College Handbook (BLOG)
Look at various internet resources to research college choices, financial aid and scholarships

3. Graduation Requirements
Standard Diploma: Earn 24 Credits
Advanced Diploma: Earn 24 Credits
Take the ACT
=DIPLOMA

4. Credit Requirements 4 English 4 History 4 Math 4 Science
w/ Advanced Academic Endorsement
Alabama High School Diploma
4 English
4 History
4 Math
4 Science
1 PE or Equivalent
Health
Fine Art
BTA/Career Prep
Electives
Similar to Standard
Exceptions:
Advanced Level Math
Advance Level Science
2 Years Same Foreign Language
You must earn 18 credits to be classified a SENIOR!
Must take a English, Math, Science and Social Studies course each year

5. Grade Point Average: GPA
Letter Grade Regular Honors AP A B C D F
The GPA you have at the end of your 11th grade year will be the GPA used for college entrance fall of your senior year!
REMEMBER 1 Valedictorian and 1 Salutatorian…all others on ADV Diploma with 4.0 are Honor Graduates

6. Career Planning Testing: PSAT, ACT, SAT (BLOG) NCAA Eligibility (BLOG)
College Fairs
College Visits (BLOG)
Resume/Portfolio Building

7. Testing: PSAT Preliminary Scholastic Aptitude Test
Scores used for National Merit Scholarship Qualifying Test
Administered October 15
Sign-up Sept. 3rd - Oct. 3rd in OMHS Counseling Center
Cost: $15
Top 10% of class will be paid for by Gifted Education

8. PSAT The PSAT/NMSQT measures: critical reading skills
math problem-solving skills
writing skills

9. PSAT The most common reasons for taking the PSAT/NMSQT are:
to receive feedback on your strengths and weaknesses on skills necessary for college study. You can then focus your preparation on those areas that could most benefit from additional study or practice
to see how your performance on an admissions test might compare with that of others applying to college
to enter the competition for scholarships from the National Merit Scholarship Corporation (grade 11)
to help prepare for the SAT. You can become familiar with the kinds of questions and the exact directions you will see on the SAT
to receive information from colleges when you check "yes" to Student Search Service

10. Testing: ACT/SAT ACT Test Dates College admissions tests
Sept. 13, 2014
Oct. 25, 2014
Dec. 13, 2014
Apr. 18, 2015
Apr. 28, 2015 OMHS) – NO COST
June 13, 2015
SAT Test Dates
Oct.11, 2014
Nov. 8, 2014
Dec. 6, 2014
Jan. 24, 2015
Mar. 14, 2015
May 2, 2015
June 6, 2015
College admissions tests
Can take as many times as offered to improve score
Begin taking no later than February
Testing packets available in Student Services
Which test:
Depends on college
Most in AL accept ACT
Sign-up at or

11. ACT (BLOG) American College Testing
The ACT® test assesses high school students' general educational development and their ability to complete college-level work.
The multiple-choice tests cover four skill areas: English, mathematics, reading, and science.
The Writing Test, which is optional, measures skill in planning and writing a short essay…but some colleges do require one time

12. SAT (BLOG) Scholastic Aptitude Test
The SAT Reasoning Test tests students' knowledge of subjects that are necessary for college success: reading, writing, and mathematics. The SAT assesses the critical thinking skills students need for academic success in college—skills that students learned in high school.
It tells students how well they use the skills and knowledge they have attained in and outside of the classroom—including how they think, solve problems, and communicate.
Each section of the SAT is scored on a scale of , with two writing subscores for multiple-choice questions and the essay.

13. NCAA Eligibility (BLOG)
Interested in playing college athletics
Eligibility requirements:
See Coach or
ncaaeligibilitycenter.net
Juniors register with NCAA Eligibility Center when take ACT
Have ACT scores sent to 9999

14. College Fairs College Visits
National College Fair
Date: September 14th
Time: 1-4 pm
Location: BJCC
Colleges from in/out of AL
Shelby County College Fair
Date: February 13th
Time: To be determined
Location: University of Montevallo
Students will bring permission slips
-Only Seniors can visit during regular school days…but talk to Mr. LeBlanc--may give you 1 or 2 College Visit/Principal’s permission
-Juniors encouraged to visit during long weekends, Spring Break, & summer.
-Call college admissions offices to make appointments.
-College Reps will be by in the Winter/Spring to talk to juniors

15. Resume/Portfolio BEGIN NOW:
Making a list of activities in & out of school
Keeping important projects/samples of work/awards
Volunteering regularly
Summer Opportunities
-Boys/Girls State
-Governors’ School, etc… (BLOG)
*Remember: it’s more about quality and depth than quantity

16. Paying for it! (BLOG) Know your options.
Talk to your top college choices to see what they offer.
Possibly get a job to start saving.
RESEARCH
Financial Aid Presentation in Winter/Spring

17. So now what? Review the OMHS College Handbook
Take the PSAT, ACT, and/or SAT
Schedule an appointment w/ counselor, if needed
Attend college fairs & visit colleges
Learn about your financial options
VISIT OMHS COUNSELORS’ BLOG REGULARLY
Find out where your student stands w/
GPA, Credits, ACT/SAT scores
Prepare your resume (Spring)