1. Welcome Parents and Students Guidance Info Night for 9 th and 10 th grade October 29, 2014

2. Why are we here? By the end of tonight’s program, you will be familiar with:...the importance of building a strong academic profile...why community service is beneficial...how to create a resume with extra curricular activities...how athletic involvement factors into an active high school lifestyle & college playing scenarios...the college counseling process

3. ATHLETICS Mr. Gist

4. Athletics Participation in Athletics at OP Importance of getting involved early in teams Opportunities –Eligibility (Freshman, JV, Varsity) –Sports Progression

5. Athletics Working toward the next level & playing in college ●Exposure ●Showcases ●Recruiting Services ●NCAA Process

6. ACTIVITIES AND INVOLVEMENT Mr. Martin

7. Activities and Involvement Levels of Involvement/Participation Level 1: Select Service Drives, Social/Recreational Clubs and Activities Level 2: Most Clubs/Activities and Committees (a commitment that requires regular and scheduled time) Level 3: Year long clubs and committees (Student Council/Newspaper) *Advantages and Disadvantages...

8. Activities and Involvement Benefits of Extra-Curricular Participation Several Academic Benefits Involvement in Activities = More Structure Mental Health Benefits Activities and the “Well Rounded Student” Enhanced Relationships and the Ability to Work as a Team

9. SERVICE Mrs. Marshall

10. Service Opportunities at OP -Bridges -SHIP -Drives for different causes Ways to get involved outside of school

11. ACADEMICS Mrs. Krause

12. Academics The most important components of a college application are your grades and academic profile Class placements and course progression – Course catalog on website provides a wealth of information! Study Skills classes and advisement Teachers hold multiple roles in your academic career: write letters of recommendation, assist socially, provide tutoring, are club moderators and coaches…

13. The Report Card -GPA – unweighted vs. weighted -Levels: CP, Honors, AP -Grades: Pass/Fail -Credits: 160 needed to graduate -Midterm averages on transcript -Tardies/Absences

14. The Final Transcript Cumulative GPA Midterm grades Tardies/Absences Discussion: How does a college admissions officer view this document?

15. Standardized Testing PSAT is the preview for the SAT – Taken at OP by freshmen, sophomores & juniors – PSAT Prep Course during freshman year ACT Aspire will be offered next year for the first time to grades 7-10 ACT test day – Taken at OP by juniors SAT - register on College Board website Career and Interest Inventories will be accessed through guidance classes in both 9th and 11th grades

16. THE ROLE OF GUIDANCE Mrs. Krause

17. The Role of Guidance Grade 9 Guidance Issues Class Transition from middle to high school Developing social skills and character Academic Support and individual counseling Peer Tutoring services Grade 10 Academic Support and individual counseling Encouraging involvement and service or summer opportunities College and career exploration Course placement decisions Peer Tutoring services

18. COLLEGE COUNSELING Mrs. Geissler

19. College Counseling Grade 11 ● College Research Class ● Meetings with parents ● Junior College Night ● Financial Aid Night (also for younger grades) ● Summer -- applications and essay writing ● Visits to college campuses Grade 12 The fun begins... ● Nov 1, Nov 15, Jan 1 deadlines ● Meetings with college representatives at OP ● Scholarship opportunities

20. The Common App Teacher Recommendation Teachers are rating you on: cooperation how you deal with setbacks how you work with peers how you write..impressions built over time

21. Common App Counselor Recommendation

22. Questions for Guidance

23. Keep in touch.. Twitter: @OPCollegCounsel @OPRamsAD @ORATORYPREP AGeissler@oratoryprep.orgKKrause@oratoryprep.org