Preparing for college and beyond

Curriculum Night Jan 2014

Standard Diploma 22 standard credits 4 English 4 Social Studies 3 Math 3 Science 2 Health & PE 5 Electives (Must include 1

fine art or career/tech elective; and 2 sequential electives)

1 Econ & Personal Finance Verified credits (6)

Advanced Diploma 26 standard credits 4 English 4 Social Studies 4 Math 4 Science 2 Health & PE 3 World Language (or 2x2) 1 Fine art or career tech 1 Econ & Personal Finance 3 other electives

Verified Credits (9)

Standard vs. Advanced

What do colleges want? Strong academic record

Standardized test scores (SAT, ACT, SAT subject tests)

Extracurricular, Athletic, and Community Involvement

Well-prepared application package - essays/personal statements- teacher/counselor recommendations

College Entrance Exams

• ACT (American College Test)– Consists of five subjects: English, Math, Reading,

Science, and Writing– Writing component is optional (though recommended)– Top composite score is 36

• SAT (Scholastic Aptitude Test)– Consists of three subjects: Verbal, Math, Writing– Each test is scored on a scale of 200-800 TEST FEE WAIVERS are AVAILABLE if your receive

FREE/REDUCED lunch!!

Take the SAT and/or ACT in the Spring of 2014

Junior Timeline

Winter 2014 – Begin exploring Family Connection as a research tool for college and careers

February/March 2014 – Register for college entrance exams SAT or ACT

Spring - Summer 2014 – Visit colleges, start college essays, and compile a college list. Counselors will be meeting juniors individually at this time for course registration.

September 2014 – Tentative college list is submitted October 2014 – Early Decision/Early Action requests for

transcripts and counselor recommendations are submitted to school counselor

“What if I’m not ready to go to college?”

Gap Year Military Apprenticeship programs (through FCPS

ACE) Two-year Colleges/Community Colleges Employment

FCPS 24-7 and Family Connection

To get to Family Connection you must enter through your Blackboard/FCPS

24‐7 account (http://fcps.blackboard.com). Click on Family Connection logo.

Use Family Connection

Before you know it…

Resources

For college/career counseling:– Renee Foster Career Center Specialist

– Amy Marketos Student last names A-Cer– Camilo Cardona Ces – Gom– Lan Nguyen Gon – Lin– Madelein Doudaklian Lio – Ort– Evan Carter Osa – Sey– Patti Welch Sez – Z– Joanne Perdu Intervention Counselor