JUNIORS IN 500 WORDS OR LESS A documentary from Point Made Films “Going to college is a rite of passage for many American high school students, but the process can be overwhelming: college fairs, tours, SAT’s, applications. And then there’s thepersonal essay. How does a 17 year old define his/herself to total strangers when he/she’s only beginning to discover who he/she really is? And how can he/she be expected to do it an essay of 500 words or less? The documentary filmIn 500 Words or Less serves as a portrait of four of the nearly 1.5 million families who go through this process each year. While race, geography and socio-economic status affected how they got here, their stories converge as they all juggle acceptance, rejection, decision-making and letting go.” March 11, 2014 Lakewood High SchoolLecture Center 9:00 AM-11:00 AM Film showing followed by brief discussion Questions, please contact the Counseling Office.

Junior Information Meetings February 3rd - February 7th, 2014 Welcome! It’s time to take the next step in your future planning. Your counselors are here to help! Today we’ll be going over important information to help you in your process.

Agenda Credit checks/ graduation requirements Life After Lakewood Naviance Resources Spring tasks Summer tasks Fall tasks Individual Junior Conferences Questions

Graduation Requirements 23 credits to graduate You must complete all 23 credits to participate in the graduation ceremony CCHE expects 4 years of math, at least one year of a foreign language If you have failed a class, meeting with your counselor to develop a plan is essential.

Life after Lakewood: What’s Your Plan? Vocational or Technical College Military Job/Career College/University (2 year or 4 year) “I don’t have a clue...”

Vocational/ Technical Warren Tech--March 3 rd deadline (Get your application in early!) Check Naviance for schools Take the Naviance Career Interest Survey

Military- Enlisting Take the ASVAB test in the fall: Armed Services Vocational Assessment Battery Talk to a military recruiter: gather info, be careful about signing Meet graduation requirements

Job/Career Jeffco YouthWorks offers job readiness and placement: Naviance offers interest profiler and career exploration tools

Gap Year A Gap year is a post-high school opportunity for self-exploration and personal growth Watch for the Gap Year fair next spring If taking a Gap Year, you would apply to college and defer entrance

I Don’t Have a Clue! Make time to meet with your counselor !

Ya Gotta Do Sumthin’! Fair Friday, March 14 th 11:30am – 1:30pm (Location to be announced) Explore your options Representatives from community colleges, military, and career professionals

College/University Naviance Resources Timelines

Naviance: “About Me” Tab Update your address!! (Under Official Things click on Profile then click on the pencil icon) Update your cell phone number!! (Under Official Things click on Profile then click on Edit) Junior Conference Survey Game Plan Personality Type Resume

Naviance: “Career” Tab Career Interest Profiler Explore Careers and Clusters

Naviance: “College”Tab Search tools Scattergrams Comparison chart Colleges I’m Thinking About Scholarships Enrichment opportunities

Resources Counseling Website Helpful Websites Sheet Index Teacher Letter of Rec Data sheet Focus on Your Future: monthly newsletter to seniors Counseling office materials Display boards Announcements Scrolling announcements

Resources College In Colorado College Opportunity Fund College Representative Visits College Fairs

Spring Tasks Attend College Planning Night for Juniors: February 20th Use PrepMe on Naviance to prepare for the ACT Take the ACT practice test (March 4 th or 5 th ) and the ACT test (April 23 rd ) Register for the SAT and SAT ll subject tests, if needed Visit College campuses on their spring visit days Attend the College Fair at DU: Sun, April 14 th, 1:00 – 3:30pm Register with NCAA eligibility center Explore Enrichment Opportunities on Naviance Meet individually with your counselor (more about that in a minute!)

Summer Tasks Community Service Begin to narrow your college search Work on essays for college College Visits- summer visits vary Begin to plan for Letters of Rec Military Academies and ROTC- begin to explore requirements

Fall Tasks Attend Senior information night for seniors and a parent Meet with teachers regarding letters of recommendation Meet with your counselor: Letter of Rec? Common Application? Finalize your essay Fill out college applications, most of which are online Attend College Rep Visits Retake ACT/SAT if needed Attend In-State and Out-of-State College Nights

Individual Junior Conferences Each junior is strongly encouraged to sign up for an individual meeting with his/her counselor Sign-up between Monday, February 24 th and Friday, May 16th Schedule your conference during an off block Give your counselor at least 24 hours notice Complete the Junior Conference Survey on Naviance before your appointment Remember that the better we know you, the better we can advise you!

Questions?