1. Students will learn the process to prepare for graduation, select appropriate post secondary education and apply for post secondary education. COLLEGE! ALREADY! How do I do that?

2. Your Transcript:

3. Your courses: past and present

4. Your Transcript: Credits: earned and those being earned

5. Your Transcript: Grades by year. You should only have grades in the first two columns. 9 th grade 10 th grade 11 th grade 12 th grade

6. Your Transcript: Credits earnedRank GPA

7. Am I on track to graduate with my class? Students must have 11 credits by the end of their sophomore year to be on track for graduation. What if I’m short credits? You must complete some credit recovery or attend a 5 th year. One credit per semester is allowed (summer = semester) Options: night school, MiVHS online, summer school, or retake the class at SLHS Most credit recovery costs money and requires transportation. See your counselor for more information.

8. ACT March 2013 You will take the ACT plus writing, ACT Work Keys, MME at school No cost No need to register College reportable scores Valid scores on all 3 days of testing required for graduation ACT Retakes Register to retake at www.actstudent.org www.actstudent.org Cost: ACT with writing $55.50; ACT without writing $35.00 You will take at a National Test Sight Dates are available online and in student services

9. Graduation Requirements: Senior English Senior Math or Math Related Course Any other graduation requirement not yet met. What are colleges looking for? Solid academic schedule – think science, math, social studies, English, business, computers, world language Aim for 3-4 academic courses Explore dual enrollment options with your counselor

10. Dual Enrollment Community College coursework replaces SLHS coursework. SLCS pays for your coursework but not your books or materials. You must have qualifying scores on PLAN, MEAP or ACT. There are restrictions on the type of courses you can take at the community college. Courses can be at the college (requires transportation) or online. College grades do not factor into your GPA. May be difficult to dual enroll if you are involved in extracurricular activities at SLHS.

11. Looking for Post-Secondary Options?

12. Where do I best fit? 2 year Community Colleges Cost effective Can earn an Associates Degree Great place to get basics 4 year Colleges/Universities Can earn a Bachelors Degree Wider variety of courses Live on your own Trade Schools Skill specific Very hands on learning Earn a certificate or license in area of study Military Serve your country in 1 of 4 branches Can earn money for college Variety of skilled programs

13. Where Do I Start? Create a professional sounding email address. Good example: wallaceb@slcs.us Not so good example: bikerchick@yahoo.com Schools will use your email address to contact you about practically everything. Start a folder to keep everything organized. ACT scores Transcripts Letters of recommendation Information from the schools Notes from your visits Essays Scholarships Financial aid

14. Do Your Research! Visit College WebsitesAsk Lots of Questions Visit College CampusesCompare Costs Find the best fit for you.

15. Now I know where I want to apply. How and when do I apply?

16. Applying to Colleges: Begin applying the August before your senior year begins. Know if your college has an early deadline – usually November 1 st. Find your college’s application online at their website. Many applications require a fee so be prepared.

17. What do you need to apply? Your basic personal and contact info. A list of all your activities/work/ volunteer/awards, etc. Your senior schedule. Essay(s) Letters of recommendation Your ACT scores Submit only when you have had someone check over your application!

18. http://www.annarbor.com/news/university-of-michigan-admissions-director-talks-about- the-dos-and-donts-of-college-applications-on/ The URL below is for a video from the Today show. It features university officials, including Ted Spencer from the University of Michigan, discussing college admissions and what colleges are really looking for in an application. The link itself does not work – you will need to copy and paste the URL into your browser.

19. How on Earth Do I Pay for School? File the FAFSA in January/February of your senior year. Attend Financial Aid Night in December of your senior year. Look for and apply for scholarships. www.fastweb.com www.scholarships.com Google “scholarships” Check Student Services scholarship book.

20. QUESTIONS? Career Questions: Make an appointment with Mrs. Miloch in Student Services. College Questions: Make an appointment with your counselor – Mrs. Wallace (A-La) or Ms. Godo (Le-Z)