11 TH GRADE PARENT & STUDENT MEETING JANUARY 2015

GRADUATION REQUIREMENT CHECKLIST FIRST TAB – CREAM PAPER

GRADUATION REQUIREMENTS PE – ½ credit Health – ½ credit Economics – ½ credit Government – ½ credit AP Science courses – 2 credits Senior Specialized Course – 1 credit Senior Capstone Experience – 1 credit

SENIOR YEAR SCHEDULE COURSE REQUESTS

CREATING YOUR SENIOR SCHEDULE Required Courses (purple sheet) English Math Physics Economics (one semester) Government (one semester) Senior Specialized Course (1 credit) Senior Capstone Course: Research IV or Internship (1 credit)

ENGLISH AP English Literature Dual Enrollment English 1101 and 1102 (GPC student fees) English 12

MATHEMATICS AP Calculus AB For those currently enrolled in Accelerated Math III/Pre-Calculus Magnet Calculus II For those currently enrolled in Magnet Calculus I

PHYSICS HAVE YOU TAKEN TWO AP SCIENCE COURSES? AP Physics 1 One period AP Physics 1 & 2 Two periods Algebra-based AP Physics 1 & C Two periods Calculus-based

ECONOMICS & GOVERNMENT Economics RCHS class (one semester) Online during summer 2015 Online during fall semester 2015 Dual Enrollment AP Economics (one semester online) Government RCHS class (one semester) Online during summer 2015 Online during spring semester 2016 Dual Enrollment AP Government (full year – online or in class)

SENIOR CAPSTONE COURSE Magnet Research IV – Full year or fall semester only if also taking internship – Application based Magnet Scientific Internship – Full year – Application based

Research IV Complete a continuation or new project Compete for Scholarship $$$ Siemens, Intel STS, ISEF, GJSHS Spring: Serve on the editorial board of the Magnet Research Journal Capstone Products: Research Paper, Poster, and Logbook Internship Work experience with a local STEM related business Most require transportation Limited spots on campus Most unpaid Course with grades: time sheets, journals, article reviews Capstone Products: Internship Portfolio & Service Learning project/Mini dissertation Internship & Research IV Need room for a class period for each in your schedule Spring Research IV is optional Do not have to complete an SLP or mini dissertation if taking both Capstones Must have a strong resume and research plan to be selected for both Capstone Experience Options

Research IV One class period during the school day Must take Fall & Spring if not taking Internship Spring is optional for students also taking internship Must have a quality research plan to be accepted for this capstone experience Internship One class period or double blocked Limited spots Can identify your own internship sponsor – get information from Mr. Bolen before approaching a business Transportation is the student’s responsibility Must have a strong resume, interview skills, and time management to earn placement at an internship Capstone Scheduling Logistics

SENIOR SPECIALIZED COURSE Biological Sciences Anatomy (fall semester) Physiology (spring semester) Microbiology (fall semester) Organic Chemistry (spring semester)

SENIOR SPECIALIZED COURSE Engineering and Technology Senior Engineering Design AP Computer Science Mathematics Math in Industry & Govt (fall semester) History of Math (spring semester)

MAGNET ELECTIVES Any senior specialized course not already selected Astronomy (fall semester) Forensics (spring semester) Etymology (fall semester) Ethics (spring semester) Scientific Internship Community Service

RCHS/IAT/RCA ELECTIVES IAT Programming Principles Programming, Apps, & Game Design Digital Media & Communication RCHS AP Spanish Language or Spanish Literature online Band, Chorus, AP Music Theory, AP Studio Art AP Psychology AP European History Yearbook, Writer’s Workshop PE, Health, Weight Training, ROTC RCA

SUMMER 2015 – ENRICHMENT OPTIONS RVC - $50 estimated fee for each course PE Health Economics or Government

TRANSCRIPTS FOURTH TAB – WHITE PAPER

NAVIANCE GPA AND RANK IS UPDATED

GPA AND CLASS RANK Un-weighted GPA A = 4, B = 3, C = 2, D = 1 Weighted GPA AP and most Magnet courses are weighted A = 5.2, B = 4.2, C = 3.2, D = 2.2 Class Rank (Weighted GPA) Top 5% - Rank Top 10% - Rank Top 15% - Rank

GPA AND CLASS RANK When applying to college… GPA based on grades from 9 th – 11 th grade This semester is crucial! Some colleges will calculate their own GPA for you, weighting what they feel is rigorous

VALEDICTORIAN AND SALUTATORIAN Determined by numeric average for the top 10 students of the class All grades (for students in top 10) will be added and then divided by total number of courses. Example: Student A: Numeric average = 95.2 Student B: Numeric average = 96.3 (VAL) Student C: Numeric average = 94 Student D: Numeric average = 95.7 (SAL) Student E: Numeric average = 94.8

PSAT RESULTS 5 TH TAB - REPORT

PSAT SCORE REPORT Student copy- In left pocket in College Planning Binder School copy- Keep in College Planning Binder Naviance

PSAT SCORES GROWTH **National Mean scores of Juniors taking the PSAT in 2014: Critical Reading (47.4) Math (48.6) Writing (45.9) Class of 2016 Data Critical ReadingMathWriting SkillsSelection IndexGoal 9 th Grade Average th Grade Average th Grade Average

JUNIOR YEAR & PSAT RESULTS National Merit National Achievement Scores do not automatically qualify a student for the Scholarship The corporation reviews student’s grades

4 Major Parts of Your PSAT/NMSQT Results Your Scores Your Skills Your Answers Critical Reading Mathematics Writing Skills Understanding Your PSAT/NMSQT Results Next Steps 3 Test Sections

Your Scores Percentile If you are a junior, your scores are compared to those of other juniors. If you are a sophomore or younger student, your scores are compared to those of sophomores. Score You can see your projected SAT score online in My College QuickStart ( Score Range

National Merit Scholarship Corporation Information

My College QuickStart

Log in to your personalized account at

PREPARING FOR THE PSAT & SAT RCPS purchased for Magnet School No cost to parents and student recommended… (Expires at the end of July 2015)

WHEN TO TAKE THE SAT? Beginning spring semester of your junior year! March 14 th May 2 nd June 6 th The PSAT is the practice test for the SAT. Prepare and practice for the SAT. Take the SAT when you are prepared and ready!

WHEN TO TAKE THE ACT? Beginning spring semester of your junior year! April 18 th June 13 th

REGISTERING FOR THE SAT AND ACT SAT: Collegeboard.org ACT: Actstudent.org All Juniors needs take at least 1 ACT and 1 SAT by June Students need to complete testing by November of senior year Counselor can not register students anymore

TEST FEE WAIVERS See Mrs. Lewin for the form Students who qualify for Free & Reduced lunch may use a payment waiver to take the SAT and ACT Students who use the waivers can also be qualified to use application fee waivers

SAT SUBJECT TESTS

WHAT IS THE SAT SUBJECT TEST? Subject Tests are hour-long, multiple-choice, content-based tests that allow you to showcase achievement in specific subject areas. In any given sitting of the SAT Subject Tests, you can take one, two or three tests. You are free to change which tests and the number of tests that you want to take on test day. You choose the tests that best showcase your achievements and interests.

WHY TAKE SAT SUBJECT TESTS? Some colleges require or recommend that you take SAT Subject Tests Focus on subjects that you know well to call attention to strengths on your college application Send colleges a strong message about programs or majors that you’re interested in Potentially satisfy basic course requirements to be eligible for admission Potentially place out of introductory college classes

WHAT IS THE DIFFERENCE BETWEEN SAT SUBJECT TESTS AND AP TESTS? SAT Subject Tests are high school–level tests, reflecting high school curricula. These tests indicate a student’s readiness to take college-level courses in specific subject areas. AP exams assess a student’s college-level knowledge, skills and abilities, learned in the corresponding AP courses. AP Exams typically cover more advanced topics. In general, students who have taken more rigorous courses (e.g., AP, Magnet) are better prepared for the SAT Subject Tests.

WHICH TEST SHOULD I TAKE? The SAT Subject Tests that you take should be based on your interests and academic strengths. List the subjects in which you do well and that truly interest you. Think through what you might like to study in college. Consider whether your current admission credentials (high school grades, SAT scores, etc.) highlight your strengths. Determine if the college you are interested in requires or recommends Subject Tests. Make a list of the colleges you’re considering. Research admission requirements the College Admissions link on the college’s website and find the detailed admission requirements Find out how many tests are required or recommended and in which subjects.

WHAT NEXT??? (DURING JUNIOR YEAR…MORE TO COME!) April 2 6:30PM – Rising Senior Parent/Student meeting VERY important!! Classroom guidance (building college list, SAT Subject tests, Resume, Research Abstracts) with Mrs. Lewin Individual meetings with Mrs. Lewin to discuss college list

PARENT INVOLVEMENT: Rockdale Regional Science Fair Friday, January 30 Public Viewing 5-6pm Awards at RCHS Auditorium 6:30pm Magnet Student Showcase Tuesday, February 5-8pm Magnet Family Picnic Thursday, April 5:30pm Magnet Awards Banquet Friday, May 6:30pm Magnet Fund Spring Plant Sale Professional Portfolios

THANK YOU