1. Information for Juniors and Their Parents
JUNIOR ADVISEMENT
Information for Juniors and Their Parents

2. Topics for Discussion Counselors Graduation Requirements
- Credits and Honor Points
- Numeric Average
- Senior Schedule
- AP
Dual Enrollment
Move on When Ready
- GHSGT and PSAT
- College Admission Standards
- GPA
- Researching colleges
- Narrowing List of Colleges
- Honor Code
- SAT/ACT
- Scholarships/Financial Aid
- HOPE
- NCAA
- Junior Status Meeting

3. Northview High School – Counselors
Students are assigned to counselors according to their last name:
Counselor Student Caseload
Samiah Garcia (A – Co)
Jamie D. Brown (Cr – Hu)
Andrew Alhadeff (Hw-Lim)
Renee Ferrerio, Dept Chair (Lim – O)
Allison Leja (P- Sn)
Steve Creel (So – Z)

4. Graduation Requirements
Credits
Language Arts 4
Mathematics
Social Studies 3
Science
Health/Personal Fitness 1
W Lang and/or Fine Art and/or CTAE
Electives
Students planning to enter/transfer into a 4 year college/university must take a minimum of two units of the same world language.

5. Math
In order to graduate a student must take and pass the following four on-level math classes
1: Integrated Advanced Algebra
2: GPS Geometry
3: GPS Advanced Algebra
4: GPS Pre Calculus

6. Math
OR the student must take and pass the following four Accelerated Math classes:
1. Accelerated Integrated Advanced Algebra Honors
2. GPS Accelerated Geometry Honors
3. GPS Accelerated Pre Calculus Honors
4. AP Calculus AB/BC or AP Statistics …If you are in Accelerated Math, you will need to take AP Calc AB/BC or Statistics to graduate.

7. Credits and Honor Points
How many credits are required to be in the 12th grade?
17 credits earned by the start of the 2013/2014 school year
If a student does not have 17 credits then the student is placed in an 11th grade homeroom and cannot attend any senior activities.
Student can be promoted to 12th grade when proper credit is earned.
Honor Points
Which courses receive honor points?
7 additional points are added at the end of each semester to passing grades in honors, AP, and joint enrollment / college courses.

8. Numeric Average
Fulton County calculates numeric averages by adding up all grades in classes and dividing by the total number of classes taken. The numeric average is on a 100 point scale i.e. 87 out of 100
All grades included in this calculation – failed grades, summer grades, online grades…
Fulton County adds 7 points to the final passing grade for each Honors, AP, and college course taken; shown on transcript

9. Sample Senior Schedule
Students should take 4-5 academic courses per semester
Research classes carefully
Be aware of the schedule change policy (announced when scheduling begins for 13/14)
Semester
English
Math
Economics
Elective
World Language or another elective
World Language or another elective
Science

10. Advanced Placement - AP
AP Night – Thursday, January 24, 2013, 6:30 pm, NHS Theater
MANDATORY MEETING IF YOU ARE PLANNING TO TAKE AN AP CLASS NEXT YEAR
More information to follow…

11. Move on When Ready – MOWR/ACCEL Move on When Ready
MOWR/ACEEL
An opportunity for students to attend a postsecondary institution full-time (MOWR) or part-time (ACCEL)during their junior and/or senior year of high school
Students will receive high school credit and college credit simultaneously while attending college classes on the college campus fulltime.
-Tuition is paid through local system
funds
- Students can live on campus or commute but are responsible for
these expenses
- All high school End of Course Tests and Georgia High School
Graduation Testing requirements must be met
-Any student interested must notify their counselor early in Spring Semester. Deadline for applications to be submitted to college and paperwork with counselor to be completed is March 30th, regardless of colleges deadline. Deadline for application to college to be complete is May 1st.

12. End of Course Test (EOCT)/Georgia High School Graduation Test (GHSGT)
Georgia High School Graduation Tests (GHSGT)
End of Course Test (EOCT)/Georgia High School Graduation Test (GHSGT)
For each subject, students may either pass the GHSGT content area or substitute a passing score on one of the two EOCTs offered in each subject.
ECOT is 15% of the grade so after it is averaged in, the grade must be 70 or above to receive credit for the course.
All students must pass the GHSWT.
MATH SOCIAL STUDIES ENGLISH/LANGUAGE ARTS SCIENCE
Algebra U.S. History Ninth Grade Literature and Composition Biology
Geometry Economics American Literature and Composition Physical Science
Feb Writing
March 18- Eng/Lang
March 19- Math
March 20- Science
March 21- Social Studies
March 22- Makeup Exams

13. College Admission Standards
GPA – Typically average in academic core on a 4.0 scale (English, Math, Science, Social Studies, and World Language)
Course Selection (rigor; difficulty level) – Selective colleges are looking at the strength or rigor of your courses throughout high school, including your senior year. We highly recommend seniors take a minimum of 4 academics each semester- for highly selective colleges, a minimum of 5 each semester.
Test Scores (SAT and/or ACT)
Class Rank – Based on overall numeric weighted average
Extracurricular Activities – Leadership and participation in clubs, service and sports can be particularly important to competitive colleges
College Application Essays – Required essays on the college application are important because they demonstrate your writing ability and give the college more information about you. Please seek advice when writing an essay and make sure to proofread for errors
Letters of Recommendation – Request teacher recommendation two weeks before needed and counselor recommendation at least two weeks prior to the school’s deadline
Resumes – Contains academic info., honors & awards, extracurricular activities, work/volunteer experience, etc.
Interviews

14. A Word on Grade Point Average (GPA)
High School GPA is calculated by the postsecondary institution not the high school (Fulton County does not calculate)
College GPA is different than the Fulton County Numeric Average
Student should contact college to find how they calculate GPA
Most colleges use this scale: A = 4.0, B = 3.0, C = 2.0, D = 1.0, F = 0.0
Most colleges only consider academic courses (Language Arts, Math, Science, Social Studies, Foreign Language)
Some colleges may give additional points for Honors, AP, and College courses
Some colleges may take off the additional 7 points added for Honors, AP and college courses

15. Research Colleges Use the Internet GAcollege411 www.gacollege411.org
Georgia Career Information Service (GCIS) User ID: nviewhs Password: gcis1890
Visit college websites and note admission requirements and deadlines Research admission requirements, e.g., The University of South Carolina requires 1.0 unit of fine art.
Visit with College Representatives at Northview High School
Pre-register in the Counseling Office by signing a list and receiving a permission slip 24 hours in advance
Visit College Campuses
Request up to 6 days of pre approved absences
Start visits junior year and complete them by early fall of your senior year
Use the College Career Room to research colleges and scholarships
We encourage students to visit during their lunch period.
Attend College Fairs
NACAC Atlanta National College Fair
GA International Convention Center
February 13th 12 pm – 4 pm

16. Focus / Target Your List
Narrow your list of colleges – balance is key
View the school profiles, and compare the admissions data to your own academic record and test scores.
- Dream/Reach school (less than 30% chance of admission)
- Your Academic Record/Test scores are below average
- For highly selective schools, your scores may meet or be above avg
- Good Fit/Target school (30%-60% chance of admission)
- Your Academic Record/Test Scores are in line with average
- Safety school (greater than 60% chance of admission)
- Your Academic Record/Test Scores are above average
- You need one at least one safety school
- Highly selective school should never be considered safety
- Close to home (more affordable)
- Consider location and the cost of traveling home
Apply to schools that are a good match for your personality, interests, and career goals

17. Honor Code and Discipline
If a college or scholarship program inquires about honor code violations or discipline, we are obligated to report this information.
Also, inquiries on a student's integrity may also be affected if the student has a documented out of school suspension or honor code violation.
Acceptance to college is provisional and the colleges hold all of the rights.
Colleges reserve the right to rescind admission or put you on immediate probation.

18. College Entrance Exams
SAT I
College admission test that measures students’ mathematical ability, critical reading knowledge, and writing skill.
SAT Subject Tests
One-hour tests offered in subjects such as English, foreign language, science, history, and mathematics. Some colleges require the SAT II test(s) & students should check with each college to determine whether it is necessary to take the SAT II(s).
American College Testing Program (ACT)
College admission test which measures aptitude and skill in English, math, reading, natural sciences, and writing.
Test Registration
SAT
ACT
High School Code
It is recommended students take the SAT and/or ACT at least twice during junior year and once at the beginning of their senior year

19. SAT Versus ACT SAT ACT Type of Test Test Dates Score
Test of critical thinking
and problem solving
ACT
Content-based test
Test Dates
November 3
December 1
January 26
March 9
May 4
June 1
December 8
February 9
April 13
June 8
Score
600 to 2400
1 to 36
Penalty for wrong answers
Yes No
Structure
Critical Reading
Math (through Algebra 2)
Writing
English
Math (through trigonometry)
Reading
Science Reasoning
Writing (Optional)

20. Scholarships/Financial Aid
All Scholarships that we become aware of will be posted to the NHS Counseling website. Student should check this resource frequently.
- Research scholarships on the internet
Contact colleges directly about financial aid and scholarship opportunities. Colleges award many renewable scholarships. Ask about criteria, procedures and deadlines
A great site to learn about types of Financial Aid, who is eligible, FAFSA and more is:
Financial Aid Night at Northview High hosted by the Georgia Student Finance Commission and a local Expert on Financial Aid, Joni Towles. A representative will be at Northview on January 17, 2013 at 6:30pm in the NHS Auditorium to outline the FAFSA form and review HOPE scholarship information. This meeting is for senior parents but junior parents are welcome. Junior students will meet with Ms. Towles during the day on the 17th

21. HOPE GPA
A 3.0 GPA is required by averaging core coursework, including failing grades, on a 4.0 scale
Core Courses Conversion
English
Math
Science
Social Science
World Language
Honors points are removed and a 0.50 weighting is added back in for AP courses only, not to exceed 4.0
Middle school credit is not calculated in the HOPE GPA
All calculations are done by the Georgia Student Finance Commission A
90 to 100
4.0 Points B
80 to 89
3.0 Points C
70 to 79
2.0 Points F
0 to 69
0 Points
Counselors are not responsible for calculating the HOPE GPA
A 2.99 GPA does NOT qualify you for HOPE

22. HOPE Scholarship Basic eligibility requirements:
Students graduating under the single diploma type must have a 3.0 GPA as calculated by GSFC.
The GPA calculation is the same calculation that was mandated in the HOPE changes in 2004.
Students must maintain a 3.0 GPA in college to maintain the HOPE Scholarship.
If a student falls below a 3.0 GPA in college, they may only regain the HOPE Scholarship one time.
A student that does not graduate from high school as a HOPE Scholar, can earn a 3.0 GPA in college and enter the HOPE Scholarship program at the 30, 60 or 90 semester hour check point or equivalent quarter hour check point.
The HOPE Scholarship will not pay for remedial or developmental courses.

23. The HOPE Scholarship will pay:
At an eligible postsecondary institution, a percentage amount of the standard tuition charges from the previous year.
At an eligible private postsecondary institution, a percentage amount of the HOPE award for private colleges.
Award Amounts:
Payment amount for private & public colleges and universities can be located on GAcollege411.org on the HOPE Program Changes page

24. Zell Miller Scholarship
Major premise of the program is that a student must meet all the requirements to be eligible for the HOPE Scholarship, plus:
Graduate from an eligible high school with a grade point average of at least a 3.7 as calculated by GSFC and having received a score of at least 1,200 combined critical reading score and math score on a single administration of the SAT or an ACT score of at least 26; or
Graduated from an eligible high school as the valedictorian or salutatorian

25. Zell Miller Scholar Program
A student must maintain a 3.3 grade point average in college to maintain the Zell Miller Scholar program.
If a student loses eligibility for the Zell Miller Scholar program for any reason, they may regain that eligibility one time. They remain eligible for the HOPE Scholarship provided the student’s GPA is still a 3.0 or above.

26. HOPE
Apply for the HOPE
Apply for the HOPE – Complete FAFSA starting January, senior year:
Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) - or
Georgia Student Financial Aid Application System (GSFAPPS) -
View your HOPE average
Go to and login to your account.
For Additional Information on HOPE
Contact Georgia Student Finance Commission (GSFC) or

27. Program changes are available on the www.gacollege411.org website

28. NCAA Initial-Eligibility Clearinghouse
If you are planning on participating in intercollegiate athletics at an NCAA Division I or II institution you must register with the NCAA Initial-Eligibility Clearinghouse
Access the registration materials by visiting the NCAA website
When taking the SAT/ACT, enter 9999 for scores to be sent to NCAA
Students and parents are responsible for determining
NCAA eligibility to Division I and Division II schools
Counselor’s are neither responsible nor allowed
to determine eligibility
Be aware that the NCAA may or may not approve courses taken through a non-traditional format such as online, distance learning, correspondence, credit recovery, etc.
Counselors are not responsible for researching or advising NCAA policies. It is up to the student and family to investigate NCAA regulations as they pertain to non-traditional courses

29. Georgia Perimeter College Gwinnett Technical College
Freshman Profile
GA. Tech.
Middle 50% GPA
Middle 50% SAT
Middle 50% ACT 28-32
Avg AP courses 7.31
Georgia Perimeter College
Min Critical Reading SAT 480
Min ACT English 20
Min Math SAT 440
Min ACT Math 18
No deficiencies allowed in Math or English
SAT or ACT not required, Compass test instead
Gwinnett Technical College
Graduate from High School
Submit SAT/ACT scores or take Compass test
UGA
Middle 50% GPA
Middle 50% SAT
Middle 50% ACT 27-31
Avg AP courses 4-8
GA State
Middle 50% GPA
Middle 50% SAT
Middle 50% ACT 22-27
Ga Southern
Average GPA 3.2
Middle 50% SAT
Middle 50% ACT 21-24

30. A Word on College Applications
Senior Advisement will take place in August of At Senior Advisement, students will be instructed on policies and procedures for requesting transcripts, evaluations, and letters of recommendation for colleges and scholarships from the counseling office and your teachers.
The first available date to make requests out of counseling is typically the Tuesday after Labor Day.
The counseling office requires a three week (15 business day) window prior to any stated college/scholarship deadline to process requests
Transcript and evaluation requests will not be processed earlier than this date because class rank and numeric averages will not be ready until this date or later.
The date for updating class rank, numeric averages and uploading updated senior transcripts into GACollege411 is set by Fulton County Schools and The Georgia Student Finance Commission and the local school has no control over this.
Summer requests for evaluations and recommendations will not be honored as counselors are off contract in the summer and transcripts and class rank have not been updated

31. NACAC Ethics
The NACAC (National Association of College Admissions Standards) Statement of Principles of Good Practice Mandatory Practices states that…
Postsecondary institutions will not establish any application deadlines for first-year candidates for fall admission prior to October 15 and will give equal consideration to all applications received by that date

32. What does this mean??
If a college encourages or pressures you to apply during the summer, they are breaking NACAC ethical guidelines. No college will penalize you for waiting until the October 15th deadline!!
Therefore…waiting until our determined date after Labor Day will give you plenty of time to get your applications in to us and our evaluations, recommendations and transcripts in to the colleges of your choice.

33. Can I start my college applications in the summer?
As soon as a college posts their 2014/2015 student applications online, you may begin working on the college application. This typically occurs in August.
Be sure that if you start your applications early, you understand that in order for the counselor to write a confidential letter of recommendation or evaluation, you must WAIVE YOUR RIGHTS to view the application. If you chose not to waiver your rights, only grade and course information will be sent.
You may also request SAT/ACT scores to be sent to colleges
You must wait until our date after Labor Day to request transcripts, evaluations and letters of recommendation

34. Junior Status Meeting- Purpose…
Students meet individually with their counselor to discuss
Graduation Requirements
12th grade classes
Post Secondary Plans
Please do not be concerned if your student does not receive an appointment letter until the latter part of this timeframe - the process takes time and is planned so each student will have a quality meeting prior to the end of February. Parent attendance is optional and the majority of the information we discuss will focus on the information presented here.
October 2012 – February 2013
Samiah Garcia A-Co Late Nov-Feb
Jamie Brown Cr-Hu Late Jan-Feb
Andrew Alhadeff Hw-Lim Late Nov-Feb
Renee Ferrerio Lin-O Late Oct-Dec
Allison Leja P-Sn Early Nov-Jan
Steve Creel So-Z Late Oct-Jan

35. Junior Status Meeting- Students Bring…
Whether you are attending college, technical school, military, or work, come to the junior status meeting prepared to discuss your senior year and your post-secondary plans
Student must bring to meeting
1) List of colleges of interests
2) Questions to ask your counselor pertaining to the information presented here
NHS counselors will mail and hand-deliver appointment letters to students approximately two weeks prior to the scheduled appointment. 

36. NHS Counseling Website
Posted online at
-Junior Advisement PowerPoint Presentation
-College Profile Summary
-Helpful Websites
-GPA Calculation Sheet
-College Organization Worksheet
-Junior Advisement Sheet
- And much more…

37. COMMUNICATION You should have received email alerts for this meeting.
If you do not receive any communication from the counseling office, make certain we have your updated address.
You may send your updated to
Make sure to include your student’s legal name and grade level

38. Don’t Forget….
Check the counseling website frequently for scholarship opportunities:
Follow us on Facebook at: facebook.com/NHSTitansCounseling
Follow us on Twitter
 This entire presentation will be added to the counseling website to review as needed!

39. Q & A
Complete the Survey and hand it back to counselor or teacher before leaving
It is the policy of the Fulton County School System not to discriminate on the basis of race, color, sex, religion, national origin, age, or disability in any employment practice, educational program, or any other program, activity or service.