1. Junior Information & Resources
CHS Class of 2017
Junior Information & Resources

2. Things Juniors Need to Do
PSAT/SAT/ACT
Intensify your
College Search
Know and Use the
Resources Available to You

3. Take the PSAT
October 14, 2015
Junior year PSAT identifies students for the National Merit Scholarship Program
PSAT is also a good practice for the SAT
All Juniors are automatically registered this year, the cost is added to book fees
New, redesigned PSAT begins this year and new, redesigned SAT begins March, 2016
Go to for more information

4. Take the SAT and/or the ACT
Colleges require one of these tests for admission
Both are accepted at most colleges
Colleges will select the highest score from either test, so it is recommended that both tests are taken ~ and each more than once. Spring of your Junior year is a good time to take it for the first time.
Many colleges are “superscoring” both the SAT and ACT
Remember that a new, redesigned format of the SAT begins in March, 2016!

5. SAT and ACT continued
The ACT and SAT are structured differently, so review the information on your handout (accessible in your Family Connections account), and check their websites for details
When taking the ACT, we recommend taking it with the Writing section, most colleges will want to see it
Register online for each of them:
SAT
ACT
Changes are coming to the SAT, but not until the spring of 2016 – so it won’t affect you.

6. SAT/ACT Registration Changes
A photo upload is required for the SAT and ACT. Follow the guidelines for acceptable photos – you should be the only one in the photo. You will not be admitted to the test room without an acceptable picture.
Students must bring admission ticket AND picture ID on test day.
Stand-by registration is no longer allowed on test day.

7. Intensify your College Search
Brand new this year: Family Connection
Online platform to help you with college and career exploration
Explore colleges that are of interest to you
Sign up to meet with college representatives when they visit CHS
Complete college-related tasks assigned to you by your counselor

8. Family Connection (Accessible from Counseling Home Page)

9. Family Connection: College Information

10. Intensify your College Search (continued)
Attend College Fairs
Indy National College Fair– Sept. 17th, Indiana Convention Center, 9 am-12 pm & 6-8 pm
Hamilton County College Fair – Sept. 24th, HSE High School, 6:30-8 pm
Christian College Fair – Sept. 29th, Heritage Christian School, 6:30-8:30 pm; Sept 30th, Covenant Christian High School, 11:00 am-12:30 pm
Indy Westside College Fair – Oct. 1st, Ben Davis High School, 7-8:30 pm
Greater Indy Northside College Fair- March 16, 2016, Ritz Charles, Carmel, 6:30-8:30 pm
Meet with college representatives at CHS
Sign up in Family Connection
Schedule an appointment with College Advisors in
the College and Career Resource Center (CCRC)
(Gold days only)
Schedule campus visits with college admission
offices

11. Family Connection: College Rep Visits

12. Tips on Visiting Colleges
Carmel High School encourages students to plan college visits.
Absences for college visits must be prearranged with the Attendance office and will count against the Skip-a-final program.
Visit when students are on campus, and ask questions of students you see on campus. Your tour guide will probably be a student and could be a great source of information.
Design your own trip:
Make an appointment
Take a campus tour
Meet with the admissions office
Observe a classroom setting
Bring an unofficial transcript
Schedule an overnight visit when possible

13. College Athletics
Make sure you meet eligibility requirements and that your counselor is aware.
Check the NCAA and the NAIA website for details
Register with the NCAA Eligibility Center
NAIA Eligibility Center

14. College, Work, or Military - we can help…
Your goals may include college, military enlistment, identifying and applying for jobs, resume development, interviewing, and more.
Family Connection will help you explore a world of possibilities, make decisions about your future, and prepare for the next step in your education and career planning journey.
Log into Family Connection from the Counseling homepage
Develop a resume of high school activities, award/achievements, community service, work experience
Your counselor has already assigned a variety of tasks to complete during your junior year which focus on the career and college exploration process

15. Family Connection: Career Information

16. Resources
There are so many resources! Learn what is available to you and use them. We have listed useful internet sites for college, career and financial aid information in your handout.
Family Connection – College and Career Planning in one spot!
In Like Me – College Admissions and Student Resource Hub
Peterson’s college search
Bigfuture by the College Board

17. Important Dates College Information Nights: Financial Aid Night:
Two dates to choose from: September 10th or September 15th
6:30 pm in the CHS Auditorium
Parents are encouraged to attend!
Financial Aid Night:
January 21st at 6:30 pm in the CHS Auditorium
College Fairs:
Indianapolis National College Fair– September 17th, Indianapolis Convention Center, 9 am-12 pm & 6-8 pm
Hamilton County College Fair – September 24th, Hamilton Southeastern High School, 6:30-8:30 pm
Christian College Fair – Sept. 29th, Heritage Christian School, 6:30-8:30 pm; Sept. 30th, Covenant Christian High School, 11:00-12:30
Indy Westside College Fair – October 1st, Ben Davis High School, 7 pm- 8:30 pm
Greater Indianapolis Northside College Fair– March 16, 2016, Ritz Charles, Carmel, 6:30-8:30 pm

18. Counseling Center Resources
Utilize the Counseling Center page on the CHS website!
Information for every grade level, SAT/ACT, scholarships, general college information, links to resources and more
College and Career Resource Center
Extensive information on colleges available
Summer Programs
Scholarship Information
Schedule a meeting with Mrs. Boldt or Mr. Pettibone – Gold Days
Part-time job listings are posted in the Counseling Office
Note: Work permits are done in the Main Office

19. Cyber – “Stuff” What would a social media search say about you?
Pictures, postings, links, addresses
College admissions and future employers may do a search
- Carmel High School College Counseling
College Admissions Information Financial Aid
Application Deadlines College Rep Visits
Scholarships Summer Programs

20. Summary Work hard Prepare for Standardized Tests (PSAT, SAT, ACT)
Junior year is the last year reflected on your transcript that you send to colleges next fall.
Prepare for Standardized Tests (PSAT, SAT, ACT)
Explore Family Connection for College and Career Options
Use your resources
Pay attention to important dates and deadlines
Sign up to follow the CHS College Info Twitter , follow us on and like us on Facebook at Carmel High School College Counseling.

21. Class of 2017!
“A dream doesn’t become a reality through magic; it takes sweat, determination, and hard work.”
-Colin Powell