SOPHOMORE INFORMATION EARLY COLLEGE HIGH SCHOOL at MIDLAND COLLEGE

COUNSELOR INFORMATION Ms. Dennison tammy.dennison@midlandisd.net Main Office 685-4680

ECHS ACCESS Remind me-to receive messages by text, text @sophechs21 to 81010 To stay up to date with your grades – use the student access in Skyward – your support teacher will help

Attendance Matters Regular attendance is essential to make the most of your education. State compulsory attendance law requires that you do not have excessive unexcused absences – see Ms. Jack if you have an attendance issue

Course Sequence for Foundation with Endorsements Plan English - 4 credits : English I, II, III & IV Math - 4 credits Required: Algebra I & Geometry Choice: two credits in any advanced math course (Algebra 2 needed for 4 year college) Science – 4 credits Required: Biology Chemistry/Physics Choice: two credits in any advanced science course Social Studies – 4 credits – World Geography, *World History (local requirement), AP Human Geo/Historiography, US History, Gov/Econ Foreign Language – 2 credits (2 years same language) Physical Education – 1 credit Fine Arts – 1 credit 6 credits in electives -electives may be dictated by endorsement requirements. ECHS students earn multidisciplinary endorsement

PERFORMANCE ACKNOWLEDGMENTS DUAL CREDIT WORK (12 college hours of 3.0 GPA or obtain an Associate Degree while in High School) BILINGUALISM & BILITERACY (3 CREDITS OF FOREIGN LANGUAGE WITH A GRADE OF 80 OR HIGHER) PSAT, SAT, ACT -ACT COMPOSITE SCORE OF 28, OR A COMBINED READING AND MATH SCORE OF 1250 ON THE SAT EARN A BUSINESS OR INDUSTRY CERTIFICATION

Are you giving your “best” effort? Is your best 78%? Is your best 64% Will those percents of effort be ok in the work world? Examples? GPA is Cumulative .

Transcript A transcript contains all courses taken for high school credit, semester grades, rank, GPA (5 point and 4 point), graduation plan, test scores and demographic information. Transcripts are updated after semester grades (January/June). Students can obtain an official copy (or unofficial) of their transcript at the front office on Tues/Thurs with Ms. Sanchez. Cost is $1 Allow 24 hours for processing

High School GPA College GPA

National Honor Society To be considered for membership: students must be juniors or seniors, must have been in attendance at the inducting campus at least one semester, and have an overall grade point average of at least 3.5 on the 5pt scale Seniors who were not inducted as juniors must have the GPA requirement in the spring semester of their junior year.

Texas Scholars Recognition Program- an evening banquet where all Texas Scholars are recognized for their service to the community and will be given special cords to be worn at graduation. Complete 20 hours of community service Service hours are due February of the senior year Will fill out form at beginning of senior year

TSI – What is it for? TSI stands for the Texas Success Initiative. The state of Texas requires a demonstrated level of competency in the key areas of reading, writing, and mathematics for all students enrolled at public institutions of higher education. To demonstrate college-readiness in reading, writing and mathematics, a student must either meet a TSI Exemption requirement or pass the TSI Assessment. Reading – 351 Writing 340 MC – 4/5 on essay Math – 350 TSI Prep

PSAT Gives you an idea how you will do on the SAT SAT is used for college admission and scholarships PSAT – taken in junior year (depending on score) could qualify for a National Merit Scholar Practice for PSAT

College Planning By Dec 1st of your senior year – plan to get admitted to more than one 4 year college You would need to: (in the fall of your senior year) Complete college applications Send SAT/ACT scores Send high school transcript

ACT versus SAT: How do I choose? The best way to decide if the SAT or ACT is right for you is to take a timed tests in each. Since the content and style of the SAT and ACT are very similar, factors like how you handle time pressure and what types of questions you find most challenging can help you determine which test is a better fit. For example, the pace of the SAT gives you a tad more time to think through problems, while the ACT can be more of a time crunch. Some students really thrive under the pressure of the clock, while others prefer the extra time to ponder a question. Use the Princeton Review website to practice tests

Differences between the SAT and ACT Which Test is Right for You? Why Take It Colleges use SAT scores for admissions and merit-based scholarships. Colleges use ACT scores for admissions and merit-based scholarships. Test Structure Reading Writing & Language Math Essay (Optional) English Science Reasoning Length 3 hours (without essay) 3 hours, 50 minutes (with essay) 2 hours, 55 minutes (without essay) 3 hours, 40 minutes (with essay) 5 reading passages 4 reading passages Science None 1 science section testing your critical thinking skills (not your specific science knowledge) Covers: Arithmetic Algebra I & II Geometry, Trigonometry and Data Analysis Geometry and Trigonometry Calculator Policy Some math questions don't allow you to use a calculator. You can use a calculator on all math questions. Essays Optional. The essay will test your comprehension of a source text. Optional. The essay will test how well you evaluate and analyze complex issues. How It's Scored Scored on a scale of 400–1600 Scored on a scale of 1–36

QUESTIONS FOR COLLEGE COMPARISONS Requirements for admission Size of College Location Programs of Study Good Fit (your skills, interests, abilities) Cost

COLLEGE APPS & LINKS What's Your Plan? (MISD website) What is UP NEXT? (APP to text) Big Future (Collegeboard Website) Texas Career Check & Explore Education Your Lifestyle Calculator

Fall To Do List (see handout) Register & Attend College Forum Attend “How to Get into College” Follow activities for your grade on the “What's Your Plan” website

Spring To Do List (see handout) Create a draft resume (you will keep adding to it every year) Complete the “to do” spring activities on your handout Check for summer internships with local leaders that share your interest