A publication of the Guidance Department
Of Central Catholic High School
Anne Craig-McEldowney / School Social Worker
Bonnie Vericella / Guidance Counselor
School Code: 140-340
THE FOLLOWING WEB-SITE IS A COMPREHENSIVE GUIDE TO THE COLLEGE PLANNING PROCESS.
TIPS / COLLEGE TIME LINE
Even though individual colleges use their own criteria when evaluating prospective students, colleges generally consider a student’s GPA in a college preparatory program to be the most important criteria for college admissions. Most college and scholarship applications therefore are require that a student’s GPA be included on the application and/or high school transcript.
GPA is simply the average of a student’s semester (or end of term) grades, starting with the freshman year. Although there are variations, most high schools use a 4.0 scale (A=4, B=3, C=2, D=1,). If a student has all A’s, he/she has a 4.0 GPA. If the student ha s A’s in half of his/her courses and B’s in the other half, the student has a 3.5 GPA.
Some school s have “weighted grades” for honors and or AP (advanced placement) courses. If a high school has weighted grades, then the grade in a weighted course is worth more than it is in a non-weighted course. For an example, an A in an honors course might be worth 5 points instead of the usual 4, and a B worth 4 points instead of 3, etc.
A variety of methods are used to determine GPA. Regardless of the method used, the higher the grade, the higher the GPA, and the higher the GPA, the greater the college and scholarship opportunities.
CLASS RANK
Many high schools use class rank to show where a student stands academically in relation to the other members of his/her graduating class. The student who has the Highest GPA is number one , the student with the second highest GPA is number two, etc. In order to have an impressive class rank, it is necessary to have a high GPA.
Class Rank is usually written as two numbers (e.g., 35/295). The first number represents the student’s place in the class. The second Number represents the total number of students in the graduating class.
Many scholarships stipulate that a student must be in the top 10% (or 20%, 25%, etc.) of the graduating class. Class rank can, therefore, be very important to the student who’s applying for scholarships.
High School Transcript
A transcript is a document detailing a student’s academic achievement in high school. Although the appearance of the high school transcript varies from school to school, most high school transcripts include the following information:
1. Courses, grades and credits for each grade completed, beginning with grade nine.
2. Cumulative GPA, class rank, and attendance
3. Anticipated graduation date
4. ACT scores
A transcript provides admission and scholarship committees with important objective data. All colleges, and most scholarship programs, request that an official transcript be submitted with each application. Unless they are electronically transferred directly from one institution to another, all official transcripts must have a signature, stamp, or seal verifying their authenticity.
An unofficial transcript is exactly the same as an official transcript except that there is no signature, stamp, or seal. You can usually obtain an unofficial transcript to check credits or to take on a college visit by calling your high school guidance office.
School Profile
CCHS has a school profile that we send with every transcript. A school profile is a one or two-page document that includes pertinent information about the school and the community. School profiles usually include information on the size of the school, the percentage of the students who go on to a college, the average ACT and SAT scores of the previous graduating class(es), and information on how GPA is calculated.
While the transcript provides colleges and scholarship committees with information about the student, the school profile provides information about the high school the student is attending.
College Recommend Courses
Four-year colleges generally recommend that the students take the following college preparatory courses in high school:
4 years of English
3 years of math (including Algebra I & II, and Geometry)
3 years of science (with laboratory experience)
2-3 years of the same foreign language
3 years of social studies
1 year of fine or performing arts
*Individual states may have different or additional requirements.
College bound students should complete all of the above recommended courses if possible. Students who haven’t taken all of the above courses may be required to take remedial and/or additional course once they’re in college. Students who haven’t taken several of theses courses may want to consider starting at a community college or at a college’s branch campus. These students can then transfer to a four-year college (or to the main campus) after a year or two.
It is important to note that competitive schools and programs consider the above to be the minimum requirements. They recommend that students challenge themselves by taking advance, honors, and AP courses whenever possible. As a general rule, high school students should take as many college preparatory math, science, English, social studies, and foreign language courses as possible.
College Testing
PLAN- a practice test for the ACT. Some high schools make the PLAN available to sophomores.
PSAT/NMSQT (Preliminary SAT / National Merit Scholarship Qualifying Test) – a practice test for the SAT Reasoning Test. This test is also used to determine National Merit semifinalists. The PSAT/NMSQT is given in October, primarily to juniors.
ACT - a college entrance examination that students generally take during their junior and/or senior year. Students receive scores in English, Reading, Math, and Science, and a Composite score. There is also an optional Writing Test.
SAT Reasoning Test – a college entrance examination that students generally take during their junior year and/or senior year. The SAT has three sections: Critical Reading, Math, and Writing.
SAT Subject Test – one hour tests that measure a student’s knowledge in specific subject areas. SAT Subject Tests are required by some of the more competitive colleges.
Requirements for Athletes
Colleges are affiliated with athletic associations that heave their own rules, regulations, and eligibility requirements. Basic eligibility guidelines for the NCAA, NAIA and the NJCAA are outlined below.
NCAA- Division I and II colleges can offer athletic scholarsips; Division III colleges (mostly smaller, private colleges) cannot. Before an athlete can play a sport or receive a scholarship at a Division I or II college, he/she must meet NCAA’s academic requirements. Division III athletes do not need to meet the NCAA academic requirements.
Athletes who what to go to a Division I college must have a minimum GPA in a specified number o core courses. They must also have the required Sat or ACT score. ACT/SAT test score requirements for Division I eligibility are based on a sliding scale. The higher the core GPA, the lower the test score required. A student with a 2.0 core GPA, for example, will be required to have a much higher test score than the student with a 3.0 core GPA. Division II athletes need a 2.0 GPA inn their core courses and the required minimum ACT or SAT score.
Athletes should meet with their counselor as soon as possible to discuss NCAA requirements and to make sure that they’re taking the right courses. Athletes should also taker the ACT and the SAT in the spring of their junior year. To initiate the eligibility process, athletes need to register with the NCAA Cearinghouse. This should be done after the athlete’s junior year. www.ncaaclearinghouse.net
NAIA- NAIA colleges can award full or partial scholarships. To play a sport or receive ant athletic scholarship, an athlete must meet two of the following three NAIA requirements: 1) have a required ACT or SAT score, 2) have an overall 2.0 GPA, 3) graduate in the top half of his/her class. www.naia.org
NJCAA – Division I and II junior colleges can offer athletic scholarships; Division III colleges cannot. There are no academic eligibility requirements for athletes entering junior colleges. www.njcaa.org
9th Grade ~ What You Need to Do During Your Freshman Year
1. Work Hard to get good grades.
Set academic goals at beginning of each grading period. Make sure that you receive all progress reports and report cards, and share these with your parents. Remember, your freshman grades will be on your transcript, and these grades will be figured into your GPA.
2. Become Involved in a wide variety of activities.
Most college and scholarship applications ask students to list their high school activitie. Many applications also ask for eevidence of leadership. You should, therefore, be involved in a variety of activities and, whenever possible, take a leadership role (E.g., becomes an officer of a club or a squad leader in the band). Depth of involvement in any activity (e.g., being on the debate team or the soccer team for four years) is considered important because is shows focus and commitment.
It is important that you also participate in activities outside of school (community sports programs, church activities, scouting, etc.). If possible, also do some volunteer work. Work for Habitat for Humanity, the
Red Cross, a local charity, etc. Community service is very worthwhile, and it’s impressive on any application.
Tip: Sometime during your freshman year, start keep a record or your school activities, honors, unique educational experiences, awards, leadership position, employment, volunteer work, and community activities. Include everything! If you have a home computer, start an “Activities List,” and update it once a year. This information will be very helpful later when you’re required to list activities and honors on a college and scholarship applications.
3. Select appropriate 10th grade course.
In the spring, review your four-year high school plan with your counselor and your parents. Make sure that you select the most appropriate courses for your sophomore year.
4. Plan meaningful summer activities.
Many of the traditional summer activities can be very worthwhile. You could, for example, join an athletic team, take a course, develop a hobby, read, and/or do volunteer work at a local hospital, homeless shelter, blood bank, or nursing home.
A number of colleges also have excellent summer programs for high school students.
5. Start a college savings account.
10th Grade ~ What You Need To Do During Your Sophomore Year
1. Work hard to get good grades.
2. Be involved in activities and develop leadership skills
3. Sign up for the PLAN if it’s offered at your school.
The PLAN measures the same academic skills as the ACT (English,
Math, Reading, and Science). In addition to an “estimated ACT score
range,” students receive an evaluation of their interests.
4. Consider taking the PSAT / NMSQT.
The PSAT / NMSQT is a national tests that’s administered by the
high school in October. Although the PSAT / NMSQT is a test primarily
or juniors, many sophomores take it for practice.
5. Consider dual-credit courses.
Many high schools now offer courses that students can take for both high school and college credit. To find out if your school offers dual-credit courses, talk to your guidance counselor.
6. Explore and discuss college options.
Gather information, go to college fairs, and make informal visits
to college. Also, start thinking about your interests and abilities in terms of possible college majors.
7. Select appropriate courses for the 11th grade.
In the spring, review your four-year high school plan with your
counselor and your parents. Make sure that you select the most appropriate courses for your junior year.
8. Plan Summer Activities.
Choose meaningful activities for the summer months. If possible, look for activities that relate to a career or career field that you are considering.
9. Update your “Activities List”
At the end of the yea, add all sophomore activities, awards, etc. to your “Activities List”.
10. Add money to your college savings account.
11th Grade ~ What You Need to Do During Your Junior Year
1. Work hard to get good grades.
You will probably fill out your college applications in the fall of your senior year. This means that your junior grades will be the last grades on your transcript. It is, therefore, very important that you do as well as possible your junior year. Also, see your counselor lin the gall. Go over your academic record and find out what your GPA and class rank are.
2. Continue to be involved in activities and to develop your leadership skills.
3. Register for the PSAT / NMSQT in September.
4. Think about and explore your college options
There are over 2,000 four-year colleges and universities in the United States. When looking for a college, consider the following:
◦ Location ◦ Majors / Programs / Activities
◦ Campus Size ◦ Cost / Financial Aid
◦ City Size ◦ Admission Requirements
◦ Reputation ◦ Campus Environment
5. Register for the ACT and / or the SAT early in the spring. How is it Scored?
The ACT consists of four multiple-choice tests: English, Reading, Math, and Science. Students are given a score (1-36) for each test, and an overall composite score. There is also an optional Writing Test. The Writing Test score does not affect a student’s Composite Score; however, many colleges use this score for course placement. Since there’s no penalty for guessing, students should answer every question.
6. Make College Visits.
The junior year is an excellent time to make college visits. If you visit colleges during the summer months, go back and revisit the colleges you’re seriously considering so that you can get a feel foe what they are like when they’re in “full swing”.
To plan a college visit, call the admissions office several weeks ahead of time. Explain that you are a high school junior and that you are interested in setting up a college visit. Ask if they have any “visitation days” or “open houses” scheduled. These programs ar designed specifically for prospective students and there parents. They generally include tours and information sessions on a variety of topics (financial aid, admissions, honors program, etc.). If you want to visit a college on a day when no specific program is planned, you can schedule a tour and appointments through the admissions office.
7. Carefully select courses for your senior year.
Be sure that your senior year courses fulfill all high school graduation requirements, the requirements for the college(s) your are considering, and, if you’re an athlete, the requirements for athletic eligibility.
All colleges recommend that seniors continue to follow strong college prep program, and most college applications ask students to list their senior courses. Even though you may want to “take it easy” your senior year, you need to continue taking academic courses.
Tip: College freshman are often required to take a math placement test before they register for classes. Students who haven’t taken math their senior year are much more likely to have difficulty with this test. You should, therefore, definitely take a math course your senior year.
Tip: College students must be computer literate. At the very least, you need to know how to use word processing program, how to use the Internet for research, and how to send and receive e-mails.
8. Look up Scholarships.
9. Update your “Activities List”.
10. Meet with your counselor to discuss your college plans. Choose meaningful activities for the summer months.
11. Narrow your list of college choices.
12. Establish permanent e-mail address to use when communicating with colleges.
FYI JUNIORS:
BETTER TEST SCORES BY JASON FRANKLIN IS AN EXCELLENT WAY TO PREPARE FOR YOUR NEXT ACT. CALL 217-586-7560 OR GO TO
www.bettertestscores.net. FOR MORE INFORMATION. (NEW FALL SCHEDULES ARE POSTED.)
ACT
National Test Dates…(Sign up to take at BHS or Illinois Wesleyan University)
Register on line at www.act.org
April 12, 2008 Deadline: March 7, 2008
June 14, 2008 Deadline: May 9, 2008
Test Prep: Heartland Community College
Better Test Scores (Jason Franklin) # 217-586-7560
Your SAT® Checklist
As your ACT/ SAT test day draws near, be sure to review these last-minute tips to help you do your best.
The Day Before
□ Gather up everything you're going to need for the next morning. You don't want to be stuck frantically searching for your Admission Ticket just before you rush out the door. You'll need the following items:
o Acceptable photo ID
o Your SAT Admission Ticket
o Two sharpened No. 2 pencils (pens and mechanical pencils are not allowed)
o A calculator with fresh batteries
o A hand-held CD player with fresh batteries, if you are taking a Language Test with Listening
□ Write down the directions to the test center. Make sure you know how to get to your test center and how long it'll take you to get there.
□ Check to see if your test center is open. Especially if there is bad weather in your area, tune into your local media (like you do for school closing announcements) or visit www.collegeboard.com on the Friday before the test to make sure your test center is open.
□ Be well-rested and ready to go. Get a good night's sleep the night before the test.
□ Set two alarms—one in your room and one in someone else's room, in case you hit the snooze button one time too many.
The Morning of the Test
□ Eat breakfast. You'll be at the test center for four hours and you're likely to get hungry.
□ Bring snacks. During one of the breaks, you can eat or drink any snacks you have brought with you. A healthy snack will go a long way toward keeping you alert during the entire test.
* Arrive at your test center no later than 7:45 a.m. Don't risk getting locked out because you're 30 seconds late. Give yourself plenty of time to get to get there. Consider traffic, weather conditions, flat tires, and anything else that could slow you down.
□ Leave your cell phone at home. Don't run the risk of having your phone ring or vibrate during testing. It could cost you your scores! If you are seen using a cell phone or any other prohibited electronic device while in the test center, or if the device makes noise or vibrates, you may be dismissed immediately, your scores may be canceled, and the device may be confiscated. This policy also applies to any other prohibited digital and/or electronic devices such as Blackberries, pagers, PDAs, cameras or other photographic equipment, or separate timers of any kind. We strongly advise you not to bring them.
During the Test
□ Use breaks to eat or drink any snacks you have brought with you. You will have several breaks during the test. Use them to relax and eat a snack so you can stay focused.
□ Work only on the section you are supposed to be working on. You're not allowed to go back to a section once that section has ended. You also can't start the next section if you finish a section early.
□ Do easier questions first. You earn just as many points for easy questions as you do for hard ones.
□ Make sure you use a No. 2 pencil on the answer sheet. It is very important that you fill in the entire circle darkly and completely. If you change your response, erase it as completely as possible. It is very important that you follow these instructions when filling out your answer sheet.
□ Use all of your time. Students around you may close up their test books and rest their heads on their desks, but you know better. Go back to review problems you weren't quite sure about the first time. Or, if you skipped any hard problems use the time to try to work them out.
□ Stay positive and focused. Keep your mind on your work, not your score.
□ Try not to worry about whether you "nailed it" or "blew it." Know you did your best—and celebrate. You deserve it.
Good Luck!
SAT VS ACT
Students may take the Act or SAT for college admissions. We recommend that all Juniors take the ACT in the spring/summer of their junior year. Students often take both tests as they may score higher on one than the other. Most colleges accept either test. CCHS curriculum aligns with the ACT as do most schools in the mid west. Students planning on attending schools on the East or West coast may want to take the SAT.
Web sites to help with the college search process:
www.careercruising
User name: centralcatholic
Password: careers
www.usnews.com
www.collegeboard.com
FYI:
Be careful with inappropriate “My Space” or “Facebook” blogs. Websites can and are being accessed by college admission counselors prior to admission. Future employers are also researching these sites and are refusing to hire otherwise eligible candidates. Your decisions now can affect your future
All of our CCHS seniors have registered on FASTWEB, a free way to be notified of legitimate scholarships available for college. Ask your student about this!!
Find your Dream College at www.fastweb.com as well.
NEW ACT INFO: PLEASE VISIT THE ACT WEBSITE FOR A COMPREHENSIVE GUIDE TO COLLEGE AND CAREER PLANNING.!
Taking the ACT Plus Writing will provide you and the schools that you choose with two additional scores beyond what would be reported if you took only the multiple tests. If you take both the English Test and Writing Test you’ll receive a Writing Test subscore and a Combined English/Writing score, plus comments on your essay. Your essay will be available to your high school and the college to which ACT reports your scores from that test date.
You must take both the English and Writing Tests to receive Writing scores. Combined English/Writing score is created by using a formula that weights the English Test score two-thirds and the Writing Test score one-third to form a combined score. This combined score is then reported on a 1-36 scale. Taking the Writing Test does not affect your subject area scores, or your composite score.
ACT does not deduct any points for incorrect answers when scoring the test.
Scores in (English, Math, Reading, and Science) range from 1 (low) to 36 (high). The Composite Score is the average of your Test Scores, rounded to the nearest whole number.