1. Class of 2016

2. Course Requirements 4 English Pass 10 th Grade FCAT Reading or ACT/SAT concordant 4 Mathematics Pass Algebra 1 EOC to earn course credit Take Geometry EOC Take Algebra 2 EOC if currently enrolled in the class 3 Social Studies World History American History – Take EOC Government/Economics 3 Science Biology EOC

3. Foreign Language 3 years of the same language Cannot take at BC through Dual Enrollment

4. Grade Point Average (GPA) Unweighted GPA- Cumulative calculation of grades Weighted GPA-gives extra weight to Honors and Advanced Placement if grade is “C” or above Weighted GPA carries most weight for colleges because it reveals rigor of courses. Academic Core GPA- only academic classes Colleges recalculate their own GPA, using academic classes. Gold Cord- At least a 3.75 Weighted GPA 2.0 un-weighted GPA is REQUIRED to graduate

5. What are your grades worth? A4.0D+1.5 B+ 3.5D1.0 B3.0F0 C+2.5I0 C2.0 *Honors classes give 1 extra quality point *AP classes give 2 extra quality points *Students must earn a “C” or better to earn extra quality points on GPA

6. How are semester grades calculated? Semester 1 components: Quarter 1/Quarter 2/Mid-Term Exam Semester 2 components: Quarter 3/Quarter 4/Final Exam In order to pass a semester you must pass 2 of the 3 components. Each quarter grade is worth 37.5% and the exam is worth 25% of your semester grade EOC Classes: Final Grade = 15%Q1 + 15%Q2 + 10%MT + 15%Q3 + 15%Q4 + 30%EOC http://www.bee-man.us/school/broward_grades.php

7. Myths Mid-Terms and Finals do not affect your GPA. D’s are passing grades. F’s in electives don’t count or they are not as bad as F’s in core classes.

8. Absences All absences, excused and unexcused absences show up on your transcript. You can get your drivers license suspended for missing 15 or more days of school in any 90 day period.

9. Rules to Follow for your GPA If your GPA is currently at a 2.0 be sure you get all C’s or better so that you will graduate. You can’t afford D’s or F’s. If your GPA is below a 2.0 you will need to get A’s and B’s to bring it up. Otherwise you will not make the 2.0 mark by senior year. Remember A’s and B’s boost your GPA C’s only keep your GPA at the same level, D’s and F’s lower your GPA. The better you do now the less you will have to worry about senior year.

10. Grade Forgiveness Check your grades on Virtual Counselor (VC) D’s or F’s can be recovered for forgiveness Email your counselor to ask about grade forgiveness. Last Name A-K = Estomba Last Name L-Z = Munoz Do course forgiveness this year don’t wait for senior year!!!!

11. Volunteer Hours 40 hours- Must be completed before high school graduation 75 Hours- Florida Medallion Scholars Award Bright Futures Scholarship $75 per credit hour 100 Hours- Florida Academic Scholars Bright Futures Scholarship $100 per credit hour 250 Hours- Silver Cord See Mrs. Rodriguez if you have questions.

12. AP and Dual Enrollment Its never too late to start. Earn college credit in high school. Looks good on your high school transcript. More information on Dual Enrollment to come in January.

13. What Do Colleges Look For? Rigorous course load Take honors, advanced placement, dual enrollment courses Well rounded student Get involved in school and/or in the community Join clubs and if possible hold officer positions in the clubs. *Remember that quality is better than quantity

14. SUS Matrix Shows you what the universities current freshman scores were.

15. ACT Vs. SAT Measures what you learned in school…more curriculum based 215 m.c. q’s and an essay which is now required 3 hours 25 minutes- Essay is last Algebra, geometry, and trigonometry 1-36 for each subject 36 is highest score Average composite score is 21 or 20 in each section Tests able to interpret science knowledge No guessing penalty. Answer all questions Measures how you apply what you have learned…considered a reasoning test 128 m.c. q’s, 10 fill-in the blank, and essay 3 hours 45 minutes- Essay is first Algebra I & II, geometry, problem solving and Grid-In Questions 200-800 each subject 2400 is highest score Average composite score 1500 or 500 in each sub section No science question Guessing penalty. If answer is wrong a fraction is deducted.

16. SAT Test Dates

17. SAT Subject Tests Why take the tests Some colleges require or recommend that you take SAT Subject Tests. In addition, you can enhance your application, demonstrate knowledge you’ve gained outside the classroom, and potentially place out of introductory courses. Although most students take SAT Subject Tests beginning in their junior year, there are some tests that you should take as soon as possible after taking the subjects, for example: World History, Biology E/M, Chemistry, and Physics.SAT Subject Tests

18. SAT Subject Test Dates SAT DatesRegistration DeadlineLate Registration Deadline November 8, 2014October 9, 2014October 28, 2014 December 6, 2014November 6, 2014November 24, 2014 January 24, 2015December 29, 2014January 13, 2015 May 2, 2015April 6, 2015April 21, 2015 June 6, 2015May 8, 2015May 27, 2015

19. ACT Test Dates

20. What to do now? Plan for spring tests You can take either the SAT or up to three SAT Subject Tests on one test day. Plan your testing schedule carefully if you want to take both types of tests.SATSAT Subject Tests Get ready for the SAT Visit the SAT Practice section to take free practice questions and a free full-length official practice test.SAT Practicefree practice questionsfree full-length official practice test Be sure to sign up for The Official SAT Question of the Day for daily practice.The Official SAT Question of the Day Use the access code on your PSAT/NMSQT score report to sign into My College Quickstart. With this personalized planning kit, you can prepare for the SAT using a study plan based on your PSAT/NMSQT results.My College Quickstart Get ready for the SAT Subject Tests Visit the SAT Subject Tests Practice section to get free practice questions and answer explanations for all 20 tests.SAT Subject Tests Practice Take the SAT, SAT Subject Tests, and ACT at least twice before the end of your Junior Year!

21. Fee Waivers Students on Free or Reduced Lunch 2 Free ACT 2 Free SAT 2 Free SAT Subject 4 Free College Application Can only use during Junior and Senior Year

22. PERT for Reading If you don't have SAT/ACT scores by March/April then you will sit for the PERT Exam at school. Students who are FCAT Level 2 or 3 must take the PERT if they have not previously demonstrated a College Readiness score on the ACT (19) or SAT Verbal (440). Once they take the PERT, if they do not score 106 or higher on the PERT the student will be placed in College Prep English. If you do not want this class on your schedule you must take SAT or ACT by June before the school year starts. This class is for the year and you will not be removed if you take SAT/ACT during senior year.

23. PERT for Math Students who are Algebra 1 EOC Level 2, 3, 4 must take the PERT if they have not previously demonstrated a College Readiness score on the ACT (19) or SAT Math (440). You will be placed in Math for College Readiness along with your regular senior math class. Yes you will be in 2 Math Classes! If you do not want this class on your schedule you must take SAT or ACT by June before the school year starts. This class is for the year and you will not be removed even if you take SAT/ACT during senior year.

24. Junior Year is EXTREMELY Important! This is the LAST opportunity you will have to make a significant impact on your high school record before applying for college. Transcripts, GPA, and class rank will not change until January of your senior year. Get ahead of the game by working on college essays and resumes You are 1 year away from your college application deadline!

25. Fly In Programs Visiting campus is one of the most important steps in deciding if a particular college is right for you. Because of this, most colleges offer weekend programs where students can spend a couple nights on campus, and get to know the students and faculty who bring the college to life. Travelling to these campuses can be extremely expensive. http://blog.collegegreenlight.com/blog/2014-college-fly-in-programs/

26. What’s Next? 1. Figure our what you want to do/be when you grow up. ACT has a good interest inventory. 2. Identify possible college/universities that you want to apply to. Bigfuture.collegeboard.org 3. Evaluate your competiveness for the colleges you want to apply to. 4. Stay informed.

27. Scholarships Although most scholarships are for seniors, there are definitely some available for juniors Research scholarships that you qualify for Join my email list. Email me at epierce@somersetacademy.comepierce@somersetacademy.com Include your name and grade in the email.