Personal Finance: Module 1, Lesson 2 Prepare for the Journey Section 2.3 – How High School Impacts Your Future

Prepare for the Journey Slide 2 Section 2.3 Objectives Students should be able to  u nderstand the importance of planning to enroll in and successfully complete a postsecondary program,  examine the impact of high school grades and standardized test scores on their future, and  evaluate postsecondary admission requirements.

Prepare for the Journey Slide 3 Glossaries  KentuckianaWorks College Access Center KentuckianaWorks College Access Center  Iowa College Access Network Iowa College Access Network

Prepare for the Journey Slide 4 A person has to be careful about things he might regret years from now. –Linus (Peanuts Guide to Life by Charles M. Schultz, 2007) “ ”

Prepare for the Journey Slide 5 What’s your plan? No matter who you are…everyone can create the future they deserve. None of us can change yesterday, so let’s start right where we are today. Are you ready? ACT Guide for High School Students Make High School Count

Prepare for the Journey Slide 6 Grades & Standardized Test Scores If higher is better...what impact do they have?  Enable you to meet more college admission requirements  Show colleges that you performed well in high school  Help you qualify for merit-based aid

Prepare for the Journey Slide 7 GPA (Grade Point Average) Measures a student’s academic performance by assigning point values to grades Important tips  Colleges usually require an official transcript showing each course, the grade received, and a cumulative GPA (average based on grades from all four years of high school)  If possible, consider retaking classes in which your grade may have lowered your cumulative GPA

Prepare for the Journey Slide 8 Grade ABCDF Grade points CourseCredit HoursGradeGrade Points Biology 3B 9.0 Algebra II 3B 9.0 Physical Education 1A4.0 English 4D 4.0 TOTALS How to Calculate a GPA Raise your GPA (Calculator)

Prepare for the Journey Slide 9 Standardized Test Scores ACT SAT  ACT (American College Testing) and SAT (Scholastic Aptitude Test) – achievement tests designed to assess a student’s academic development and potential to complete college- level work. ACT Practice Questions  COMPASS – test that identifies academic skill level so schools (like community colleges or technology centers) can help make sure you have the best chance to succeed.

Prepare for the Journey Slide 10 Standardized Test Scores Important tips!  Know college admission requirements and deadlines!  Check with your guidance counselor about test dates. Practice and prepare (retake ACT/SAT if necessary).  Take the pre-SAT (PSAT) when offered! Full SAT practice testFull SAT practice test Information about the PSATInformation about the PSAT Copyright © The College Board. Reproduced with permission

Prepare for the Journey Slide 11 Technology Center Admissions  Click here for more information

Prepare for the Journey Slide 12 Community College Admissions For more information click here 

Prepare for the Journey Slide 13 Four-year University Admissions Click here for more information 

Prepare for the Journey Slide 14 UnitsCourses 4 English 1 Visual and/or Performing Arts 2 Algebra I and II 1 Geometry or advanced math course 2 Natural/Physical Sciences, including at least one unit (with lab) of biology, technology, chemistry, or physics 1 U.S. History 1 Social Studies or World History 2 Foreign Language (both units same language) Required High School Units Admission to Tennessee’s 4-year public universities require all incoming freshmen to produce a transcript showing they have earned at least these 14 high school credits:

Prepare for the Journey Slide 15 Additional Admissions Criteria  Extracurricular activities (high school activities, volunteer work, and college enrichment programs)  College essays Tips on writing admissions essays  Letters of recommendation How to get a great recommendation How to get a great recommendation

Prepare for the Journey Slide 16 The Tennessee HOPE Scholarship! Tennessee students can qualify (per year) for: $6,000  Up to $6,000 to attend eligible 4-year institutions! $3,000  Up to $3,000 to attend eligible 2-year institutions!  Will require completion of a FAFSA! Basic HOPE requirements: ACT or 980 SAT 3.0 or 3.0 GPA (cumulative/weighted) Tennessee Education Lottery Scholarship Programs

Prepare for the Journey Slide 17 Earn College Credit in High School!  Dual Credit  Dual Enrollment Dual Credit and Dual Enrollment Dual Enrollment Grant  Advanced Placement (AP) Explore Advanced Placement

Prepare for the Journey Slide 18 More College Support Information National College Access Program Directory  Federal TRIO Programs TRIO/Upward Bound/Talent Search TRIO/Upward Bound/Talent Search  COLLEGE for TN GEAR UP TN Programs GEAR UP TN Programs

Prepare for the Journey Slide 19 Interactive (html) Printable (pdf) High School Planning Timeline College Preparation Checklist

Prepare for the Journey Slide 20 “ No one has written your destiny for you. Your destiny is in your hands– and don’t you forget that. – Barack Obama, 44th U.S. President You want something. Go get it. Period. You want something. Go get it. Period. scene from the movie “The Pursuit of Happyness” ”

Prepare for the Journey Slide 21 For this project, the PR/Award Number is V215W and the Department of Education is the funding agency. This information is provided for the reader's convenience. Tennessee and U.S. Department of Education are not responsible for controlling or guaranteeing the accuracy, relevance, timeliness, or completeness of this information. Further, the inclusion of information or Web site address does not reflect the importance of the organization, nor is it intended to endorse any views expressed, or products or services offered. Financial Education for College Access and Success