1. JUNIOR MEETING CLASS OF 2018

2. To-Do List for Juniors
What is your Post-secondary Plan and how can we help you get where you want to be?
Follow P3: The Post-Secondary Planning Program
Counseling Assistance
March 1: Junior Workshop Presentation (6:30 PM)
Classroom Visits
Individual Planning Meetings

3. Options Other Than College
What is the World-of-Work looking for?
Community College
Trade or Technical School
The Military
Apprenticeship Programs
Job Corps
Work

4. P3: Post-secondary Planning Program
Four Parts to the Process: 1. Preparation 2. Information 3. Visitation 4. Application

5. The Transcript, Test Scores, Resume
Preparation
The Transcript, Test Scores, Resume

6. Transcripts
Review your transcript & Graduation Requirement credit count with your counselor
Continue to build on solid academics: a good GPA based on rigorous course selection
The Junior Year is the MOST IMPORTANT YEAR!
If your grades aren’t where you’d like, seek interventions!
Course Selection for Senior Year begins in March– Select rigorous courses to show you are ready for the next step!

7. PSAT Exams
All College-bound Juniors should have taken the PSAT in October
Receive information about post-secondary options
NMSQT: The top 2% of scorers may qualify for scholarships
Scores were released in December. If you did not receive your scores, create an account on collegeboard.org
Score reports are comprehensive and provide specific detail about your performance, predicted performance on SATs, and aptitude for AP courses
Link score report with Khan Academy for individualized SAT preparation at no cost

8. SAT I, ACT, SAT Subject, ASVAB Tests
ASVAB: Administered in December. Score reports are available in Counseling. ASVAB will be offered again in December 2017
Register for and take the SAT
March 11 SAT is at BVA HS – Deadline is February 10!
May 6 SAT is at BVA HS – Deadline is April 7!
June 3 SAT is at BVA HS – Deadline is May 9!
Register for and take the ACT
April 8 ACT is at BVA HS – Deadline is March 3!
June 10 ACT is at BVA HS – Deadline is May 5!
Always use BVA HS CEEB CODE:

9. THE sat
The SAT is designed to be highly relevant to your future success
Two compulsory sections
Evidence Based Reading and Writing/Language - Score range (200 – 800)
Math – Score range (200 – 800)
Essay section is optional
Scored on three dimensions: Reading, Analysis, Writing
Scores range from 2 – 8 on each dimension

10. the sat Reading and Writing/Langauge Test
All questions multiple choice and based on passages – may include graphics such as tables, graphs, & charts
Passages include:
Classic or contemporary work of U.S. or World Literature
U.S. founding document or text inspired by those documents
Selection about Economics, Psych., Soc., etc.
Two science passages
Measures:
Command of Evidence, Words in Context, Analysis, Expression of Ideas, Standard English Conventions

11. the sat Math Test Two sections – one with, one without calculator
Focus
Heart of Algebra
Problem Solving and Data Analysis
Passport to Advanced Math
Measures
Fluency, Conceptual Understanding, Applications

12. The ACT
Some schools actually prefer the ACT to the SAT, especially with the recent changes to the SAT
The ACT is an achievement test, while the SAT is an aptitude test (you have lots of experience with achievement tests!)
Great for concrete thinkers!
The ACT actually has a SCIENCE SECTION; if you are a strong science student, you can highlight this strength
Most schools super-score (taking the highest possible test scores); taking the SAT and ACT provides multiple opportunity for best scoring. Multiple testing is advised: schools want your BEST score, not your ONLY score!

13. OTHER IMPORTANT TESTS Keystone Exams AP Exams SAT Subject Tests
Algebra I, Biology, Literature
Proficient or Advanced score is needed for graduation per BVASD policy
Testing will be in May again
If proficiency isn’t achieved: Local Assessment in Gr. 12
AP Exams
You have the potential to earn college credit with a score (a 5 is a perfect) AND the cost will be reimbursed!
SAT Subject Tests
Your college or university requires them?
You have an area of strength to highlight?
May or June testing is recommended

14. Resume
Resume – a good way to highlight activities and provide explanations about your involvement
Include only Grades (your high school years)
A template is available in Career Cruising
Your Career Cruising log-in will be provided in your classroom meeting
A Resume and Cover Letter are now required as part of the Senior Project
Portfolios – for art – start working on this now
Music CDs – start working on this now

15. The best ways to gather information about schools

16. College fairs
PITTSBURGH NATIONAL POST-SECONDARY FAIR National Association of College Admissions Counselors February 9 at the David L. Lawrence Convention Center The largest national college fair in the country! BVAHS will take buses and ALL JUNIORS!

17. College tour One day… two schools this year!
: W&J, Pitt, CalU
: Pitt-Greensburg, Seton Hill, St. Vincent
: Duquesne, Point Park, Chatham
: WVU and W&J
: Destinations to be determined
You and your parents MUST attend the Junior Workshop at 6:30 PM on March 1 (at Open House/Curriculum Night) to be eligible to attend the College Tour!
The College Tour will be on Wednesday, April 5, 2017.

18. Post-secondary reps The Military Trade & Technical Schools Colleges
Universities
All are invited during the lunch periods and Interventions to visit with Juniors!
Never underestimate the importance of this personal contact with those who make decisions!

19. Consider the SEVEN FACTORS plus the X FACTOR!
visitation
Consider the SEVEN FACTORS plus the X FACTOR!

20. The Seven factors +X Size Location Reputation Major(s)
Cost/Financial Aid (Can I afford it?)
Admissions Criteria (Can I get in?)
Can I be happy there?
And… THE X FACTOR!

21. application
Forms, Fees, Deadlines, Supporting Documents, and the final touches – we will talk about this more in the senior year!

22. applications
It’s not a bad idea to begin looking at applications now, as you will be meeting with different representatives.
Take advantage of the personal visits to get FACE TIME with representatives
Making that personal contact could mean the difference in an admission decision
Get all of your questions answered
Having a good understanding of the process will help you be more calm and confident in the fall of your Senior Year!

23. Recommendations/references
Begin to think about those professionals in your life who would say nice things about you.
Teachers
Coaches
Clergy
Activities sponsors
Community service supervisors
Your counselor
Remember, this year is the MOST IMPORTANT YEAR with regard to grades… it’s also very important in cementing your reputation at BVA HS! Make it a great Spring!

24. NCAA, Financial Aid, Scholarships
Other applications
NCAA, Financial Aid, Scholarships

25. NCAA
Athletes should apply online at the NCAA Eligibility Center at the end of the Junior year (in June 2017)
Send SAT/ACT scores directly to NCAA
Bring in the NCAA transcript form with your NCAA ID number on it along with…
A Transcript Release Form is needed with the NCAA forms to complete your registration with the NCAA Eligibility Center
A word about recruitment: Have your coach contact the coach(es) at your desired schools. Coach-to-coach communication is most effective in recruitment.

26. Scholarships & Financial Aid
Look for scholarship announcements for local $$$ and get a head start for next year.
Register for scholarship databases
Google “Scholarship Search Engine” and enter your information; the engine will do a web search for you!
Look at the powerful search engine in Career Cruising for access to a database of national scholarships!
Look for scholarships offered by colleges & post-secondary schools as you gather information
This process really begins in January of the Senior year, but there’s much you can do now to prepare!

27. REMEMBER TO…

28. …BE A JUNIOR! Take responsibility for your future!
Next Step: Classroom Presentations and Individual Planning Meetings
Check Graduation Requirements & Transcript
Formalize your Post-secondary Plan
Check on testing questions
See your counselor to review and finalize your plans!
Be courteous and respectful to everyone you deal with! This is an important year!

29. And remember we are here to help!!!
Mrs. Switala
Dr. McHugh

30. THANK YOU!
See you soon!