1. Information for Juniors and Their Parents J UNIOR A DVISEMENT

2. NHS Counseling Department Mission Statement The Northview Counseling Department works with all stakeholders to help students to become productive members of society who accept responsibility for their actions. In this we strive to create a safe, personalized, and supportive environment that fosters tolerance and respect.

3. Topics for Discussion - Counselors - Graduation Requirements - Credits and Honor Points - Numeric Average - Senior Schedule - AP - Dual Enrollment - Move on When Ready - Credits and Honor Points - GHSGT and PSAT - College Admission Standards - GPA - Researching colleges - Narrowing List of Colleges - Honor Code - SAT/ACT - Scholarships/Financial Aid - HOPE - NCAA - Junior Status Meeting

4. Northview High School – Counselors Students are assigned to counselors according to their last name: Counselor Student Caseload Samiah Garcia (A – De) Jamie D. Brown (Dh – Ka) Renee Ferrerio, Dept Chair (Ke – Mc) Allison Leja (Me- Sc) Steve Creel (Se – Z)

5. Graduation Requirements RequirementsCredits Language Arts4 Mathematics4 Social Studies3 Science4 Health/Personal Fitness1 W Lang and/or Fine Art and/or CTAE3 Electives4 Students planning to enter/transfer into a 4 year college/university must take a minimum of two units of the same world language.

6. Math Changes Fulton County has gone to a blended approach with math. In order to graduate a student must take and pass the following four on-level math classes 1: GPS Algebra 2: GPS Geometry 3: GPS Advanced Algebra 4: GPS Pre Calculus

7. Math Changes OR the student must take and pass the following four Accelerated Math classes: 1. GPS Accelerated Algebra Honors 2. GPS Accelerated Geometry Honors 3. GPS Accelerated Pre Calculus Honors 4. AP Calculus AB/BC or AP Statistics If you are in Accelerated Math, you will need to take AP Calc AB/BC or Statistics to graduate.

8. Credits and Honor Points Credits ̶How many credits are required to be in the 12 th grade? 17 credits earned by the start of the 2012/2013 school year If a student does not have 17 credits then the student is placed in an 11 th grade homeroom and cannot attend any senior activities. Student can be promoted to 12th grade when proper credit is earned. Honor Points ̶Which courses receive honor points? 7 additional points are added at the end of each semester to passing grades in honors, AP, and joint enrollment / college courses.

9. Numeric Average Fulton County calculates numeric averages by adding up all grades in classes and dividing by the total number of classes taken. The numeric average is on a 100 point scale i.e. 87 out of 100 All grades included in this calculation – failed grades, summer grades, online grades… Fulton County adds 7 points to the final passing grade for each Honors, AP, and college course taken; shown on transcript

10. Sample Senior Schedule Semester English Math EconomicsElective World Language or another elective Science Elective Students should take 4-5 academic courses per semester Research classes carefully Be aware of the schedule change policy (announced when scheduling begins for 12/13)

11. Advanced Placement - AP MANDATORY MEETING IF YOU ARE PLANNING TO TAKE AN AP CLASS NEXT YEAR AP Night – Thursday, January 26, 2012, 6:30 pm, NHS Theater More information to follow…

12. -Tuition, materials and mandatory fees are paid through local system funds - Students can live on campus or commute but are responsible for these expenses - All high school End of Course Tests and Georgia High School Graduation Testing requirements must be met MOWR An opportunity for students to attend a postsecondary institution full-time during their junior and/or senior year of high school Students will receive high school credit and college credit simultaneously while attending college classes on the college campus fulltime. Approved college on-line courses can also be taken that meet high school graduation requirements Move on When Ready Move on When Ready – MOWR/ACCEL ACCEL Program that provides qualified Georgia high school juniors and seniors with the opportunity to earn college credit while jointly enrolled in a Georgia public high school and a college, university or technical institution.

13. Georgia High School Graduation Tests (GHSGT) End of Course Test (EOCT)/Georgia High School Graduation Test (GHSGT) For each subject, students may either pass the GHSGT content area or substitute a passing score on one of the two EOCTs offered in each subject. ECOT is 15% of the grade so after it is averaged in, the grade must be 70 or above to receive credit for the course. All students must pass the GHSWT. MATH SOCIAL STUDIES ENGLISH/LANGUAGE ARTS SCIENCE Algebra 1 U.S. History Ninth Grade Literature and Composition Biology Geometry Economics American Literature and Composition Physical Science Feb. 29 Writing March 19- Eng/Lang March 20- Math March 21- Science March 22- Social Studies March 23- Makeup Exams

14. College Admission Standards GPA – Typically average in academic core on a 4.0 scale (English, Math, Science, Social Studies, and World Language) Course Selection (rigor; difficulty level) – Selective colleges are looking at the strength or rigor of your courses throughout high school, including your senior year. We highly recommend seniors take a minimum of 4 academics each semester- for highly selective colleges, a minimum of 5 each semester. Test Scores (SAT and/or ACT) Class Rank – Based on overall numeric weighted average Extracurricular Activities – Leadership and participation in clubs, service and sports can be particularly important to competitive colleges College Application Essays – Required essays on the college application are important because they demonstrate your writing ability and give the college more information about you. Please seek advice when writing an essay and make sure to proofread for errors Letters of Recommendation – Request teacher recommendation two weeks before needed and counselor recommendation at least two weeks prior to the school’s deadline Resumes – Contains academic info., honors & awards, extracurricular activities, work/volunteer experience, etc. Interviews

15. A Word on Grade Point Average (GPA) Student should contact college to find how they calculate GPA Most colleges use this scale: A = 4.0, B = 3.0, C = 2.0, D = 1.0, F = 0.0 Most colleges only consider academic courses (Language Arts, Math, Science, Social Studies, Foreign Language) Some colleges may give additional points for Honors, AP, and College courses Some colleges may take off the additional 7 points added for Honors, AP and college courses High School GPA is calculated by the postsecondary institution not the high school (Fulton County does not calculate) College GPA is different than the Fulton County Numeric Average

16. Research Colleges Use the Internet GAcollege411 www.gacollege411.orgwww.gacollege411.org Georgia Career Information Service (GCIS) www.gcic.peachnet.edu User ID: nviewhs Password: gcis1890www.gcic.peachnet.edu www.collegeboard.com Visit college websites and note admission requirements and deadlines Research admission requirements, e.g., The University of South Carolina requires 1.0 unit of fine art. Visit with College Representatives at Northview High School Pre-register in the Counseling Office by signing a list and receiving a permission slip 24 hours in advance Visit College Campuses Request up to 6 days of pre approved absences Start visits junior year and complete them by early fall of your senior year Use the College Career Room to research colleges and scholarships We encourage students to visit during their lunch period. Attend College Fairs -NACAC Atlanta National College Fair GA International Convention Center February 13 th 12 pm – 4 pm

17. Narrow your list of colleges – balance is key View the school profiles, and compare the admissions data to your own academic record and test scores. - Dream/Reach school (less than 30% chance of admission) - Your Academic Record/Test scores are below average - For highly selective schools, your scores may meet or be above avg - Good Fit/Target school (30%-60% chance of admission) - Your Academic Record/Test Scores are in line with average - Safety school (greater than 60% chance of admission) - Your Academic Record/Test Scores are above average - You need one at least one safety school - Highly selective school should never be considered safety - Close to home (more affordable) - Consider location and the cost of traveling home Apply to schools that are a good match for your personality, interests, and career goals Focus / Target Your List

18. If a college or scholarship program inquires about honor code violations or discipline, we are obligated to report this information. Also, inquiries on a student's integrity may also be affected if the student has a documented out of school suspension or honor code violation. Acceptance to college is provisional and the colleges hold all of the rights. Colleges reserve the right to rescind admission or put you on immediate probation. Honor Code and Discipline

19. SAT I College admission test that measures students’ mathematical ability, critical reading knowledge, and writing skill. SAT Subject Tests One-hour tests offered in subjects such as English, foreign language, science, history, and mathematics. Some colleges require the SAT II test(s) & students should check with each college to determine whether it is necessary to take the SAT II(s). American College Testing Program (ACT) College admission test which measures aptitude and skill in English, math, reading, natural sciences, and writing. Test Registration SATwww.collegeboard.comwww.collegeboard.com ACTwww.act.orgwww.act.org High School Code 111148 It is recommended students take the SAT and/or ACT at least twice during junior year and once at the beginning of their senior year College Entrance Exams

20. SAT Versus ACT Type of Test SAT Test of critical thinking and problem solving ACT Content-based test Test Dates November 5 December 3 January 28 March 10 May 5 June 2 December 10 February 11 April 14 June 9 Score 600 to 24001 to 36 Penalty for wrong answers YesNo Structure Critical Reading Math (through Algebra 2) Writing English Math (through trigonometry) Reading Science Reasoning Writing (Optional)

21. Scholarships/Financial Aid - Scholarships that we are aware of are posted on our website under Scholarships. Special Programs and College Fairs Visit us online at www.northviewhigh.com/counseling - Research scholarships on the internet www.scholarships.com www.fastweb.com www.gacollege411.org www.gsfc.com - Contact colleges directly about financial aid and scholarship opportunities. Colleges award many renewable scholarships. Ask about criteria, procedures and deadlines

22. Georgia’s HOPE Scholarship Basic eligibility requirements: Students graduating under the single diploma type must have a 3.0 GPA as calculated by GSFC. The GPA calculation is the same calculation that was mandated in the HOPE changes in 2004. Students must maintain a 3.0 GPA in college to maintain the HOPE Scholarship. If a student falls below a 3.0 GPA in college, they may only regain the HOPE Scholarship one time. A student that does not graduate from high school as a HOPE Scholar, can earn a 3.0 GPA in college and enter the HOPE Scholarship program at the 30, 60 or 90 semester hour check point or equivalent quarter hour check point. The HOPE Scholarship will not pay for remedial or developmental courses.

23. The HOPE Scholarship will pay: At an eligible postsecondary institution, a percentage amount of the standard tuition charges from the previous year. At an eligible private postsecondary institution, a percentage amount of the HOPE award for private colleges. Award Amounts: Payment amount for private colleges is $3,600 Payment amount for public colleges and universities can be located on GAcollege411.org on the HOPE Program Changes page Georgia’s HOPE Scholarship

24. Major premise of the program is that a student must meet all the requirements to be eligible for the HOPE Scholarship, plus: Graduate from an eligible high school with a grade point average of at least a 3.7 as calculated by GSFC and having received a score of at least 1,200 combined critical reading score and math score on a single administration of the SAT or an ACT score of at least 26; or Graduated from an eligible high school as the valedictorian or salutatorian A student must maintain a 3.3 grade point average in college to maintain the Zell Miller Scholar program. If a student loses eligibility for the Zell Miller Scholar program for any reason, they may regain that eligibility one time. They remain eligible for the HOPE Scholarship provided the student’s GPA is still a 3.0 or above. Zell Miller Scholarship Program

25. HOPE GPA A 3.0 GPA is required by averaging core coursework, including failing grades, on a 4.0 scale Core CoursesConversion English Math Science Social Science World Language Honors points are removed and a 0.50 weighting is added back in for AP courses only, not to exceed 4.0 Middle school credit is not calculated in the HOPE GPA All calculations are done by the Georgia Student Finance Commission Counselors are not responsible for calculating the HOPE GPA A 2.99 GPA does NOT qualify you for HOPE A90 to 1004.0 Points B80 to 893.0 Points C70 to 792.0 Points F0 to 690 Points

26. HOPE Apply for the HOPE Apply for the HOPE - Complete starting January, 2012 senior year: Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) - www.fafsa.ed.govwww.fafsa.ed.gov or Georgia Student Financial Aid Application System (GSFAPPS) - www.GAcollege411.orgwww.GAcollege411.org View your HOPE average Go to www.gacollege411.org and create an account.www.gacollege411.org For Additional Information on HOPE Contact Georgia Student Finance Commission (GSFC) 770-724-9000 or www.gsfc.orgwww.gsfc.org

27. Program changes are available on the www.gacollege411.org websitewww.gacollege411.org Program changes are available on the www.gacollege411.org websitewww.gacollege411.org

28. NCAA Initial-Eligibility Clearinghouse If you are planning on participating in intercollegiate athletics at an NCAA Division I or II institution you must register with the NCAA Initial-Eligibility Clearinghouse Access the registration materials by visiting the NCAA website www.ncaaclearinghouse.net www.ncaaclearinghouse.net When taking the SAT/ACT, enter 9999 for scores to be sent to NCAA Students and parents are responsible for determining NCAA eligibility to Division I and Division II schools Counselor’s are neither responsible nor allowed to determine eligibility Be aware that the NCAA may or may not approve courses taken through a non-traditional format such as online, distance learning, correspondence, credit recovery, etc. Counselors and Graduation Coaches are not responsible for researching or advising NCAA policies. It is up to the student and family to investigate NCAA regulations as they pertain to non-traditional courses

29. Freshman Profile UGA Middle 50% GPA 3.68-4.00 Middle 50% SAT 1800-2080 Middle 50% Act 27-31 GA Tech Middle 50% GPA 3.72-4.06 Middle 50% SAT 1900-2130 Middle 50% Act 27-32 GA State Middle 50% GPA 3.0-3.32 Middle 50% SAT 990-1080 Middle 50% ACT 21-23 West GA College Middle 50% GPA 2.93 Middle 50% SAT 900-1070 Middle 50% ACT 18-22

30. Junior Status Meeting- Purpose… Please do not be concerned if your student does not receive an appointment letter until the latter part of this timeframe - the process takes time and is planned so each student will have a quality meeting prior to the end of February. Parent attendance is optional and the majority of the information we discuss will focus on the information presented here. October 2010 – February 2011 Samiah GarciaA-DeLate Nov-Feb Jamie BrownDh-KaLate Jan-Feb Renee FerrerioKe-McLate Oct-Dec Allison LejaMe-ScLate Oct-Dec Steve CreelSe-ZLate Oct-Jan Students meet individually with their counselor to discuss Graduation Requirements 12 th grade classes Post Secondary Plans

31. Junior Status Meeting- Students Bring… Student must bring to meeting 1) List of colleges of interests 2) Questions to ask your counselor pertaining to the information presented here Whether you are attending college, technical school, military, or work, come to the junior status meeting prepared to discuss your senior year and your post-secondary plans NHS counselors will mail and hand-deliver appointment letters to students approximately two weeks prior to the scheduled appointment.

32. Communication Our main source of communication this year will be via email. If you have not received our past emails, we do not have your email address. Please send Allison Leja (Leja@fultonschools.org) your email address if we do not have one on record for you.

33. NHS Counseling Website Posted online at www.northviewhigh.com/counseling -Junior Advisement PowerPoint Presentation -Video -College Profile Summary -Helpful Websites -GPA Calculation Sheet -College Organization Worksheet -Junior Advisement Sheet

34. Q&A It is the policy of the Fulton County School System not to discriminate on the basis of race, color, sex, religion, national origin, age, or disability in any employment practice, educational program, or any other program, activity or service.