Preparing Sophomores for College

College Programs Junior Year College Rep Meetings - Fall (Spring) Focus on Financial Aid – September 8, 2016 Small Group Junior Meetings - November Evening Jr. College Planning Program - November Individual College Counseling Appointments: December - Mid April

More College Related Events BHS College Night April 4, 2016 AP Testing First two weeks in May 2016 Directions Fair September 27, 2016 BHS Transitions Coordinator, Lyndsay Palach Ask the Experts March 2017 TBD

Life After BHS What do you plan to do after graduation? How do you get from here to there? How can you plan ahead?

Getting Ready Academically Socially (Involvements) Emotionally

Academics Course Rigor Grade Point Average Test Scores

Core Courses Minimum Expectations –English4 years –Math3 years –Science3 years –Social Studies3 years –World Language2 years Keep as many options open as possible by focusing on core courses

Examples of Core Requirements Washington University Indiana University English 4 4 Math Science 4 3 Social Studies 4 3 World Language Check out schools’ websites to view their specific requirements and/or recommendations.

World Language Requirements ISU 2 Years or 2 Years of Fine Arts Required U of I 2 Years Required / 4 Recommended

Course Levels Average Honors Advanced Placement / Accelerated

Grade Point Averages Weighted vs. Unweighted Significance of Freshman through Junior year Grade trends

GPA vs. Course Rigor Does it matter? Should I challenge myself? “A” in an average course or “B” in an honors or AP course?

Standardized Testing Sophomore Year District Issued – PSAT in April SAT Subject tests (compassprep.com) -not necessary for all colleges -June 4 th test date (register by May 5 th ) -register at Junior Year PSAT- October ACT/SAT-second semester AP Exams: Sophomore - Senior Years

Test Optional Schools Standardized tests not required for admission purposes Rigor of Transcript Some schools may use test scores for scholarship or placement purposes only

College Nuances California public colleges may require a full year of the same fine art class sequence –San Diego State University -.5 English Military Academies require fitness tests as well as congressional nominations Save a graded paper Public -vs- Private

Extracurricular Activities Clubs Sports Volunteering Part time jobs Summer experiences – in areas you may want to study Focus on a few activities in which you have genuine interest

Extracurricular Activities Playing sports in college NCAA eligibility for DI -vs- DII teams –Core course requirements –GPA requirements –ACT score requirements BHS Guide for the Student Athlete NCAA presentation on DVD

Gaining Independence Are you emotionally ready for college? Can you advocate for yourself? What can you improve during the next two years?

Available Assistance Counselors Case Managers Teachers Career Mentor (career treks Junior and Senior year) Colleges have support systems

Guidance Resource Center Summer Enrichment Career Awareness College Guidebooks Meet with College Reps as Juniors & Seniors

Important Websites BHS Counseling Page Naviance (link found Counseling Page) College Information Career Interest Inventories Scattergrams (Graphs) Summer Enrichment Career Cruising ( Username: bsd-your ID# Password: your birthdate (mmddyyyy)

Explore Careers Which careers best match your personality?

Your ACT/SAT scores will be placed here Resume

Next Steps Academically –Challenge yourself, but at a comfortable, manageable level –Strive for an upward grade trend –Look for opportunities to pursue your areas of interest Socially (Involvement) –Choose activities that interest you –Stay involved throughout high school –Take on a leadership position Emotionally –Practice self-advocacy –Utilize the supports available at BHS –Become self-motivated and proactive –Make healthy choices

Senior Panel Anna Cossio Joe Feltz Bridget Garner

Thank you for coming. College fair on Monday, April 4 th from 6 p.m. – 8p.m. This power point will be posted on the Counseling Page of the BHS website.