1. Welcome class of 2014 Junior FORECASTING Choosing Classes for next year and MORE Benson Counseling Ms Henry A to L Mr Wren M to Z Winter 2013

2. Participate in Your Education Someone is going to plan your future.... It may as well be you. It may as well be you.

3. Your Transcript  Check your personal information for accuracy.  Semester Grades are permanent.  Note Overall GPA.

4. Graduation Requirements table from a transcript. What grade is this student?

5. Credit Recovery  Failed classes must be made up to count toward graduation.  No retakes are allowed at Benson.  Portland Evening Scholars.  Summer Scholars.  Virtual Scholars (online learning at Benson)  Other online programs. See your counselor.

6. Typical Four Year Plan all students move to the next class in the series.

7. Pre AP and AP Classes More challenging higher level classes in English, US History, Biology, Physics, Calculus, and Government are available. There are good reasons to step up the challenge of these classes:  Earn college credit through AP tests.  Stand out in the college admission process.  Gain skills to help you succeed in college. A brochure with more details is available.

8. Pre AP and AP Classes Before selecting a pre AP or AP class you should consider:  Did I earn at least a C in prerequisite classes?  Do I have a passion for this subject?  Am I willing to employ more time and do more work to meet higher standards? If you sign up for an AP class you will be invited to an informational session in the Spring.

9. What is a SLIP Exam? What does # mean?

10. Why Forecast?  Open Course Guide to page 1.  Read the first two paragraphs. We will use your choices to make classes, hire teachers, and set up the schedule. Choices cannot be changed in the Fall.

11. Steps in forecasting  1 Fill out your forecasting sheet clearly. sheet clearly.  2 Discuss choices with teachers, parents, classmates. CHOOSE WELL.  3 Mark your sheet with all classes you plan to take and collect signatures.  4 Bring signed sheet to class to meet with your counselor next week.

12. Using The Course Guide Using The Course Guide  Inside Cover – complete list of majors  Table of Contents  Researching majors  Researching Academic classes  The Benson Diploma; page 3

13. Other Graduation Requirements for Juniors class of 2014  Pass state OAKS tests in reading, writing, and math.  Reading - taken as a sophomore. Will retake this Spring if not yet meeting standard.  Math - may have taken as a sophomore. Will take this Spring if not yet meeting standard.  Writing - will take this Spring then complete worksamples if not yet meeting standard.

14. Other Graduation Requirements  Personalized Learning Requirements: Complete a resume and career related learning experience. Record in Naviance.

15. Planning Ahead for College for Juniors class of 2014  Most colleges require a GPA of 3.0, some require higher, some lower. See page 4 for details.  Colleges require a C or higher in 15 core classes. You must retake Ds in core classes.  All Juniors will take the ACT this April at Benson. This is a college admission test.  You should also take the SAT this Spring if you plan to go to college.  Begin thinking of your college major.

16. Should this student make up the D? (Note GPA)

17. Seniors transcript with many test scores including PSAT and ACT

18. Extracurricular Activities  Athletic Teams. Course guide to page 49.  (NCAA Eligibility see page 5)  Clubs. Page 50.  Leadership.  Volunteering/ Community Service

19. Resources  Counseling.  College/ Career Center.  School Nurse.  See Course Guide page 6 for details.

20. Getting Help  Yourself: set goals, manage time,  Teachers: the expert on their topic. Try going in after school.  Parents  Classmates: form a study group.  Tutors

21. CAREER EXPO  March 19 th, 2013  Bring a resume and do a mock interview this year!

22. SEE YOU SOON  Counselors will come back to your class to answer any final questions and collect your forecasting sheet.  BE READY.

23. Job Market Trends