Hicksville High School Junior Parent and Student Assembly January 2011

Graduation Requirements  English – 4 units  Social Studies – 4 units  Math – 3 units  Science – 3 units  Foreign Language – 1 unit  Fine Arts – 1 unit  Physical Education – 2 units  Health -.5 units  Electives – 3.5 units Total units of credit required for graduation – 22 units

Credits for Promotion  5.0 units to move from grade nine to ten  11.0 units to move from grade ten to eleven  16.5 units to move from grade eleven to twelve

Exams Needed for Graduation  For a Regents Endorsed Diploma (Five Regents Exams) English English Global History Global History U.S. History U.S. History 1 Mathematics 1 Mathematics 1 Science 1 Science

Additional Diploma Type  For an Advanced Regents Diploma (Nine Regents Exams) English English Global History Global History U.S. History U.S. History 3 Mathematics 3 Mathematics 2 Science 2 Science Foreign Language Foreign Language

College Testing  SAT – juniors are recommended to take this college entrance exam in the spring of junior year and again in the fall of senior year.  Register at  ACT – this college entrance exam can be taken in addition to, or instead of, the SAT.  Register at

SAT Subject Tests  Competitive colleges often require 2 subject area tests  Take at the end of the school year in which the course is taken (i.e., U.S. History subject test should be taken at the end of the 11 th grade)

NCAA Clearinghouse  All students who intend to play competitive sports at the college level must register and be deemed eligible by the NCAA Clearinghouse  Go to or for registration information  Download required forms and submit to the Guidance Department to request that your transcript be sent for evaluation

Researching Colleges and Careers  The Collegeboard website is a comprehensive site for exploring colleges and careers. All students and parents should familiarize themselves with this site as a primary tool for use in your research.  Career Zone is a New York State funded website designed to help you discover your interests and abilities, research potential careers, and even explore colleges within New York State that coincide with your interests  The “Planning Your Future” booklet is a comprehensive guide to assist in planning for college and the world of work. This booklet will be distributed at our individual planning meetings in February.

Financial Aid  FAFSA – (Free Application for Federal Student Aid) is the required form for any financial aid. File between January 1 st and February 15 th of senior year File between January 1 st and February 15 th of senior year  CSS Profile – This is an additional financial aid form required by some schools. Check with colleges for verification of required forms. A link for this form can be found at

Scholarships  Fastweb – This is a comprehensive scholarship database to which all students should subscribe  Monthly scholarship bulletins are distributed via English classes throughout the school year  The local scholarship directory is distributed to each senior student in the spring.

Factors to Consider When Choosing a College 1. Major 2. Location 3. Size 4. Competitiveness 5. Cost

How many schools should I apply to?  Reach Schools (1-2)  Target Schools (3-4)  Safety Schools (1-2)

Early Action vs. Early Decision Both require that applications are sent early, usually by November 1 or November 15 Both require that applications are sent early, usually by November 1 or November 15 Early Action – a binding decision on school’s part, no obligation to you Early Decision – a binding decision for both school and you. If accepted, you must attend

CRITERIA  This is a summary of the components that colleges use in evaluating students C- Course Selection C- Course Selection R- Rank in Class R- Rank in Class I- Interests I- Interests T- Testing T- Testing E - Essay E - Essay R- Recommendations R- Recommendations I- Interview I- Interview A- Academic Performance A- Academic Performance

Applying to College   Nearly 500 colleges and universities now accept this application.  Students can access the application in August, and be ready to submit their application materials as early as October of senior year.

Events to Remember  On-Site Admissions- students can submit their applications early in November and have them evaluated by admissions officers in the guidance office. Application fees are waived, decisions are rendered and sometimes scholarships are awarded on the spot!  College Planning Night- April 7, 2011, is a chance for students and parents to see an admissions committee at work. College representatives will evaluate mock applications and give insight into the admissions process.  Financial Aid Night- is scheduled for early December, Learn all about the financial aid process and have your questions answered by a representative from a college financial aid office.

More Events to Remember  College Visits- representatives from many colleges and universities come to the guidance office regularly to meet with students. Listen for announcements and get a pass to learn more.  College Trips- there is nothing like an actual visit to a college to help you learn whether a school is a good fit for you. Visit colleges on the weekend, during vacations, and join us on our visits to schools. Visit colleges on the weekend, during vacations, and join us on our visits to schools. Our next trip is scheduled for March 24, 2011 to visit University of Pennsylvania and Princeton University. Our next trip is scheduled for March 24, 2011 to visit University of Pennsylvania and Princeton University.  College Fair- Hicksville HS hosts an annual college fair in the evening during the month of October. Parents and students should plan to attend.

 All of the information presented tonight can be found on the district website.  Please visit the website frequently since information is updated regularly. Thank you!