1. GET READY FOR COLLEGE BHS SCHOOL COUNSELORS FOR GRADES 10-12 DAN FISCHER STUDENT LAST NAMES A-FLAG CHRISTINA KAVANAUGH STUDENT LAST NAMES FLAH-LAZ SHELLY STREED STUDENT LAST NAMES LE-RUIZ JEFF HOWARD STUDENT LAST NAMES RUJ-Z

2. BHS/State requirements  4 years English  3.5 years Social Studies  3 years of Math  3 years of Science 4 year college requirements  4 years English  Strongly encourage 4 years of both Math and Science (U of Mn now requires all applicants to have 4 years of math).  2 years consecutive foreign language (entry vs. exit requirement).  Combination of GPA, ACT scores, volunteer service, essays. Looking for the “well rounded” student. REQUIREMENTS

3. 4 year colleges  Offer Bachelor degree programs.  Require either ACT or SAT (most midwestern colleges and universities prefer the ACT).  Stepping stones to advanced degree programs, master’s level and post doctoral. 2 year community or technical college  Could be stepping stone into a 4 year.  Don’t rule out trade or technical programs!  Healthcare occupations, good paying and high skill  Manufacturing and trades, good paying and high skill 4 YEAR VS. 2 YEAR

4. SOPHOMORE TIMELINE Begin the exploration process. 2 year college, 4 year college, other options. Start setting goals All sophomores will take the PLAN on November 5th. This provides an ACT predictor score and includes interest inventories. Helpful data to begin exploring careers. Attend Bridges Career Exploration Day at CLC this spring (March 6 th 2015).

5. JUNIOR TIMELINE Take PSAT/NMSQT – good practice for college entrance exams, could qualify for National Merit Scholarship Program Stop in to the Student Success Center (our new one stop shop for academic counseling, personal/social counseling, and college and career planning). Check out online resources on our new Student Success Center website. On the bhs (www.isd181.org/bhs) homepage, a link on the main toolbar brings you to the SSC website. https://sites.google.com/a/isd181.org/bhs-counseling- services/www.isd181.org/bhshttps://sites.google.com/a/isd181.org/bhs-counseling- services/ Check out registration deadlines for ACT and/or SAT \ Check out study materials on www.actstudent.org for the ACT.www.actstudent.org All juniors in MN will take the ACT in April Continue to narrow down college selection

6. SENIOR TIMELINE Take ACT/SAT if haven’t done so. www.actstudent.org and/or www.collegeboard.com/SATwww.actstudent.orgwww.collegeboard.com/SAT Note: if you are planning on starting at a two year community college and plan to transfer to a 4 year, you will NOT need to take the ACT. 2 year community and technical colleges do NOT require ACT scores for admittance. Check out college application deadlines. Available on Student Success Center website. https://sites.google.com/a/isd181.org/bhs-counseling-services/ https://sites.google.com/a/isd181.org/bhs-counseling-services/ Meet with college reps in SSC, check announcements and SSC website for college rep visit dates. Attend College Fair at CLC (Beginning of October) Scholarships. First list is made available in October. Scholarship list is also available on SSC website. Fill out recommendation letter forms from SSC, ask teachers well before deadlines Financial Aid registration opens January 1. www.FAFSA.govwww.FAFSA.gov Make sure credits add up and are on track for graduation. Colleges make acceptance decisions that are “conditional” this means if you fail classes senior year, or drop your rigorous classes with the thinking that “its okay, I am already accepted to a college of my choosing” Colleges CAN and WILL deny your admittance after you have been initially accepted! Send FINAL transcripts to colleges, fill out final transcript request and give to Jolene or Joy in SSC and they will send final transcripts after final grades are entered.