WELCOME!

Gig Harbor High School

Senior Parent Night

2014 – 2015

This presentation will be posted on our Counseling website

Overview

• Counselor Assignments

• Graduation Requirements

• Senior Exhibition

• Post High School Options

• Admissions

• Application Process

• Tests

• Scholarship and Financial Aid Information

• Important Dates

Counselor Assignments

Lillian Amrine A – D

Jen Clarke/Erin Doran -Ho E – K

Todd Dempewolf L – Rof

Todd Davis Rog – Z

Kim Lubin Social Worker

Kristine Nyberg Career Education Counselor

Julie Barnett Psychologist

Karen Lindberg Secretary

Lorraine McCormick Career Education Specialist

GRADUATION REQUIREMENTS

• 22 CREDITS—Check the Graduation Progress on Power School

• HSPE READING & WRITING

• 1 EOC IN MATH

• EOC IN BIOLOGY

• HIGH SCHOOL & BEYOND PLAN

• SENIOR EXHIBITION

SENIOR PROJECT

District Requirement for Graduation

Encourage your Senior

to stay on top of the deadlines

QUESTIONS?

Contact current Civics/Decisions/AP Gov teacher

TCC Experiential Learning 200 (EXPLR 200)

Reporting College Credits Earned in High School

• Running Start Credits

• AP Courses

• College in the High School Courses

• Articulated Agreement Courses for Duel Credit w/Community Colleges

Your student is responsible for sending an official transcript from the reporting institution to the college to which he/she is applying.

Post High School Training is necessary for EVERYONE!

Post High School Options

• Specialty schools - Cosmetology, Art, Fashion, Culinary, Commercial Diving, etc.

• Military • Apprenticeships • Community/Technical Colleges • Four Year Colleges/Universities • Community Service Volunteer Programs • Live at home with parents and watch TV

Roads to

Success

Apprenticeships

Check out web sites: LNI.wa.gov/scs/apprenticeship/default.htm

Military Service

• Explore/Compare career and education opportunities between branches

• Take the ASVAB exam this Spring

• Require written assurances from recruiters

• ROTC and Military Academies

Community & Technical Colleges

Professional Certificate Associate in Arts and

Science Degree

Employment Opportunities Transfer to a

4 Year College

Employment Opportunities

Community & Technical College Admissions

• Community Colleges:

– Placement exam required prior to entry

– Apply early

– Know transfer requirements if seeking baccalaureate degree

• Technical Colleges:

– Must have a career focus

– Placement exam required prior to entry

– Waiting lists possible

4 Year Colleges/Universities

Check Specific

Admission Requirements

4 Year Bachelors Degree (BA or BS)

Other Degree Options

Masters (MA-MS), Doctorate (Dr.), Professional (MD – DDS – etc.)

Employment Opportunities

Minimum University Entrance Requirements

• English: 4 years (Some “English” classes may not meet requirements.)

• Math: 3 - 4 years—Minimum through Algebra 2

• Social Studies: 3 years

• Science: 2 - 3 years lab science (one must be year long, algebra-based course)

• World Language: 2 - 3 years—same one

• Fine/Visual/Performing Art: 1.0 credit (requirement varies among schools—some require 1.0 of the same genre)

Admissions • Criteria varies for each school

• Information available on the web or contact the institution

• Be Aware of deadlines & Instructions

• May require: – Transcripts –Release Form required

– letters of recommendation (2 WEEKS NOTICE)

– entrance exams

– interviews

– portfolios and/or auditions

Students are responsible for all correspondence

Tips to strengthen your application (adapted from WWU admissions packet)

• Strong Finish (grade trends matter)

• Write compelling personal statement

• Make positive difference in the lives of others

• Demonstrate sustained involvement

• Convey personal contributions to the college

• Express appreciation for cultural diversity

• Take risks (embrace challenges)

• Personally contact colleges (not through parents)

WHAT IS GOING TO MAKE YOU

STAND OUT FROM THE REST?

ACT and/or SAT?

• ACT—competency/curriculum-based test

– English, Math, Reading, Science – Writing test is optional

• SAT—critical reasoning/general knowledge test

– Critical Reading – Math – Writing is mandatory

• SAT 2 (specific subject tests, select schools only)

Choosing A College/University • Admission requirements • Courses of study offered • College environment

– Size, Class size, Gender ratios, Climate, Urban versus rural

– Religious affiliations – Distance from home – Sports programs – Dorms versus Greek system – Job opportunities

• Financial costs A College’s reputation—Be cautious of

rankings and rumors.

Parent Role

• Encourage career exploration

Know interest & skills

Research requirements & employment outlook

Arrange a job shadow

• Recognize and encourage student’s right to choose—Give Wings not Strings

• Set financial parameters

• Seek “best fit” not “best college”

Make memories & teach them life skills

Financial Aid

• FAFSA application required for financial aid – www.FAFSA4caster.ed.gov – Complete on-line after January 1st--Sooner is better – Four types of assistance:

• Grants • Scholarships • Loans • Work Study

• Merit versus need-based scholarships • Loans can also be obtained through local lending institutions • WUE – The Western Undergraduate Exchange Program

– reduced tuition www.wiche.edu

• Financial aid from private institutions can often neutralize the costs

FINANCIAL AID NIGHT WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 19, 6:30 – 8PM at PHS

Scholarship Information

• Check scholarship websites • Contact individual schools and programs

– Most schools have their own scholarships

• Check parents’ place of employment, organizations and banks/credit unions

• Scholarship Notebooks (Check website for dates)

Be cautious about paying for scholarship search programs.

Important Dates to Know* Check the website

November 19th Financial Aid Meeting at PHS (6:30 pm) Jan. 1st First day you may submit your FAFSA Jan. 20th Scholarship Notebooks Due April 24th Senior Project service completion date May 19th Scholarship Awards Assembly May 28th Senior Exhibition, Oral Boards June 11th Seniors check out day June 12th Graduation Rehearsal June 14th Graduation!! (3:00 PM) July Diplomas mailed

QUESTIONS?

THANK YOU FOR

ATTENDING!