HOLY CROSS SCHOOL 12 th Grade PARENT PRESENTATION (2014-2015) ADMINISTRATIVE STAFF Mr. Charles DiGange – Headmaster Dr. Joseph Murry, Jr. – High School

HOLY CROSS SCHOOL 12 th Grade PARENT PRESENTATION (2014-2015) ADMINISTRATIVE STAFF Mr. Charles DiGange Headmaster Dr. Joseph Murry, Jr. High School Principal Mrs. Teresa Billings Middle School Principal/Director of Studies Mrs. Patricia Hrapmann Director of Curriculum and Instruction Mr. Eric DesOrmeaux Dean of Men/High School Mr. Ronnie Kornick - Dean of Boys/Middle School and 8 th Grade PROFESSIONAL SCHOOL COUNSELORS Ms. Karen duPlantier Director of Counseling and Guidance ( Grade 8 & Scholars ) Dr. Matt Wegmann - High School Counselor ( Grades 10, 11 ) Ms. Gaye Trombatore High School Counselor ( Grades 9, 12 ) Mrs. Stephanie Strain Middle School Counselor ( Grade 5, 6, & 7 ) COLLEGE COUNSELOR Mrs. Raynette Lumas - ( Grades 11, 12 ) PROFESSIONAL STAFF Mrs. Dixie Crayton Administrative Assistant Mrs. Tricia Bristow Registrar

Presentation Topics TOPS Creating a College List College Application Process Standardized Tests College Application Timeline Guidance Policies and Procedures Financial Aid Overview Introduce Family Connection by Naviance

LA Regents Core 4 Current Requirements 4 English 4 Math 4 Natural Science 4 Social Studies 2 Foreign Language (same language) 1 Art HC requires 2 years of Art, Drama, Chorus or Band (Fine Art Survey is 1 year) Total= 19 units

TOPS Eligibility 2.5 GPA CORE COURSE (GPA) PLUS 20 COMPOSITE ACT OR SAT Equivalent (verbal + math - 970 approximately) OPPORTUNITY AWARD : 2.5 CORE GPA AND 20 ACT Public LA Institution Tuition* (not including fees) Private LA Institution Weighted Average PERFORMANCE AWARD : 3.0 CORE GPA AND 23 ACT Opportunity Award Amount PLUS ($400.00 per year) HONORS AWARD : 3.0 CORE GPA AND 27 ACT Opportunity Award Amount PLUS ($800.00 per year) *See TOPS Award Amounts for 2014-2015 Award Year

UnitsCourses 1 ENGLISH = 4 Units 4 unitsEnglish I, II, III, & IV MATH = 4 Units 1 unit Algebra I, or Integrated Mathematics I, or Applied Algebra I or Algebra I - Parts 1 & 2 (two units) or Applied Mathematics I & II (two units) or Applied Algebra 1A and 1B (two units) 1 unitAlgebra II or Integrated Mathematics II 2 units Geometry, Pre-Calculus, Advanced Math-Pre-Calculus, Calculus, AP Calculus AB, Advanced Math-Functions and Statistics, Probability and Statistics, Discrete Mathematics, Applied Mathematics III, Integrated Mathematics III, or Algebra III SCIENCE = 4 Units 1 unitBiology I or II 1 unitChemistry I or II, or Chemistry Com 2 units Earth Science, Physical Science, Environmental Science, Integrated Science, Biology II, Chemistry II, Physics, Physics II, Physics for Technology I or II, AP Physics C: Electricity & Magnetism, AP Physics C: Mechanics, or Anatomy and Physiology or both Agriscience I & II (both for 1 unit) SOCIAL STUDIES = 4 Units 1 unitUnited States History 1 unitCivics (1 year), or AP Government and Politics: United States 2 unitsWorld History, Western Civilization, World Geography, European History, History of Religion or AP Human Geography FOREIGN LANGUAGE = 2 Units 2 unitsForeign Language (2 units in the same language) FINE ARTS = 1 Unit 1 unit Fine Arts Survey or 1 unit of a performance course in music, or dance, or theater or 1 unit of studio art or 1 unit of visual art or both Speech III & IV (both for 1 unit) TOTAL = 19 Units TOPS Core Curriculum For the Opportunity, Performance, and Honors Awards For High School graduates of 2014 through 2017. 1 Advanced Placement (AP) courses and International Baccalaureate (IB) courses with the same name as a course listed in the TOPS Core Curriculum may be substituted. (800) 259-5626 [email protected] www.osfa.la.gov P.O. Box 91202, Baton Rouge, LA 70821-9202 Updated : 08/01/2013

Maximum TOPS Award Amount (2014-2015) InstitutionsTOPS Annual Award Amount (3) Baton Rouge Community College (1)$2,805.53 Delgado Community College (1)$2,921.95 Grambling State University$4,895.00 Nicholls State University$4,922.28 LSU BR$6,464.54 Louisiana Tech University (Quarters)$5438.80 McNeese State University$4,679.40 Northwestern State University$4,934.60 Southeastern La University$4,798.20 UL Lafayette$4,915.42 UL Monroe$4,985.20 University of New Orleans$5,536.70 Private LA Institutions$4,648.00 Notes: (1) Includes all campuses within the designated colleges. (2) Schools that are specifically designed to accommodate deaf and hard-of-hearing students. Includes both Academic and Technical Programs. (3) The total amount does not include summer payments allowed for students enrolled full time in technical programs or students in an academic program that elect to have their award paid for a qualified summer session. The amount of the award may not exceed the tuition amount charged to the student for summer attendance.

Admissions to 4-Year Universities High School Curriculum Regents Core: 19 units (from Core 4 Curriculum) AND Minimum HS GPA Minimum overall HS GPA: 2.0 Flagship, Statewide, & Regional Minimum ACT sub-score: English 18+, Math 19+ Flagship, Statewide & Regional Students meeting minimum admission standards except for the need for developmental courses may enroll in the summer and upon successful completion of the developmental courses will be admitted for the fall. AND ONE OF THE FOLLOWING HS Core GPA GPA on the CORE - 3.0 - Flagship GPA on the CORE - 2.5 - Statewide GPA on the CORE - 2.0 - Regional OR ACT ACT Composite - 25 - Flagship ACT Composite - 23 - Statewide ACT Composite - 20 - Regional % Admissions Flagship 4% Statewide 6% Regional 8% Exceptions Allowed Calculated from the previous years entering freshman class Flagship: LSU Statewide: LA Tech, ULL, UNO Regional: Grambling, LSU-A, LSU-S, McNeese, Nicholls, NSU, SLU, SU, SUNO, ULM Always check with the specific institution for additional requirements and information as they may choose to adopt other admission requirements.

Exam Exemptions All students take exams the 1 st semester Student must receive an A 1 st semester Prior to 2 nd semester exam: Student must have an A Teacher will inform student they are exempt If exempt, student is not required to be here during that exam period

Creating Your College List Factors to consider when creating your college list: Major Location/Distance Type of School Size Extracurricular Cost & Financial Aid Various resources to assist you: College Board Princeton Review Book of Majors College counselor Naviance/Family Connections

Creating Your College List On average students apply to five to seven colleges Your list should include a minimum of three - five colleges: Reach your academic credentials fall below the schools range for the average freshman Match your academic credentials fall well within (or exceed) the schools range for the average freshman Safety your academic credentials fall above the schools range for the average freshman Your list should include an in-state and out-of-state options List should also consider cost of attending

How Colleges Make Decisions Academic Record most important factor GPA weighted vs un- weighted Courses taken Strength of curriculum Trends in grades Standardized Test Results ACT or SAT SAT Subject Tests Essay Counselor or Teachear Recommendation Extracurricular Activities Interview required by some schools Other factors Demonstrated interest Diversity gender, geographic, major, etc. Legacy Recruited Athletes

Standardized Testing ACT Achievement test, measures English, Math, Reading, Science, Writing (optional) Score based on number of correct answers Score range 1-36 SAT Aptitude test, measures Critical Reading, Math, and Writing Score penalty for incorrect answers Score range 600-2400 SAT Subject Test Measures knowledge in particular subject areas, as well as the ability to apply that knowledge (English, Math, Science, History, Languages)

2014 2015 ACT Test Dates Test DateRegistration DeadlineLate Registration (additional fee) September 13, 2014August 8August 9-22 October 25, 2014*September 19September 20-October3 December 13, 2014November 7November 8-21 February 7, 2015January 9January 10-16 April 18, 2015*March 13March 14-27 June 13, 2015May 8May 9-22 Things to Know: Holy Cross ACT Code 192030 TOPS ACT Code 1595 Indicate ACT Code for Colleges and Universities you plan to apply ACT Prep: Prep class offered at Holy Cross prior to October and April test *ACT offered on campus

College Application Timeline Early Decision Application deadline of November 1 st or November 15 th Decisions mailed by December 20 th Binding Agreement If admitted, student must attend and withdraw all other applications Students must deposit within 2 weeks Can only apply to one school Early Decision Forfeit the ability to compare financial aid packages Students will be accepted, deferred, or denied

College Application Timeline Early Action Earlier application deadline typically November 15 th Admission decisions mailed by January 30 th If admitted, it is non-binding and student may continue to apply to other colleges Rolling Admission Admission decisions typically mailed within 4-6 weeks of completed application Colleges continue to admit qualified students until they have filled their freshman class Recommended students apply by end of November (December at the latest) Regular Admission Used by most selective colleges and universities Set deadline for all applicants typically January 1 st All applicants are reviewed relative to one another after the deadline

How to Apply 1.Common Application Over 500 colleges and universities in 47 states and the District of Columbia Diverse schools that all share commitment to holistic admissions Saves time by allowing students to submit one application/essay to various colleges Student must still submit supplemental materials which are required admission documents that may be unique to the college/university they are applying to 2.Individual College/University application available on schools website 3.Paper Applications

Policies and Procedures Requesting a transcript: Request should be made online via Family Connections or Common Application If student needs a transcript sent to place other than college, they must complete Transcript Request Form located in the guidance office Must not have outstanding financial obligations Counselor Recommendations: Request should be made online via Family Connections or Common Application Student must have a current resume on file Two three weeks advance notice is required Teacher Recommendations: Students should ask a teacher or coach that knows them well Provide teacher with updated resume Give at least 2-3 weeks advance notice May request via Common Application If not applying via Common Application, student should supply teacher with pre- addressed envelope with college address and postage

Financial Aid Overview Financial Aid Night January FAFSA Free Application for Federal Student Aid Available January 1 st Needed to be considered for need-based aid Needed to apply for TOPS Colleges award on a first-come basis so best to apply early Recommended deadline is mid-February CSS Profile Alternative method of determining need that is used by some schools available via College Board Available in Mid-October.

Financial Aid Overview Types of Aid Grants Scholarship Loans- Subsidized vs. Unsubsidized Work-Study Programs The combination of all of these sources of money is your Financial Aid Package. How Need is Determined: Expected Family Contribution (EFC) Cost of Attendance (COA) Subtract EFC from COA.

Family Connection by Naviance What is Family Connection: An on-line resource for students and parents for post high school planning & advising Family Connection Allows Students To: Create a rsum View upcoming colleges/universities visiting Holy Cross Complete a college search and compare colleges Provide access to scholarship search engines; over a hundred national scholarships are available Links to selected third party resources (i.e. College Board, ACT, financial aid, NCAA, college websites) Manage college applications by tracking college deadlines and requesting counselor recommendation and transcripts to be sent Take assessments and surveys to help with career planning Create goals and to-do lists to manage the application process

Accessing Family Connection http://connection.naviance.com/holycrosssch

Family Connection: Welcome Screen Quick links to helpful websites Welcome message/special announcements Messages sent by guidance Document Library of resources such as TOPS Core Curriculum, NCAA Eligibility Guide, Essay Writing Tips, etc. Helpful information about ACT and SAT test dates and announcements

Family Connection: Colleges Tab Show Dates and Times of upcoming Colleges/Universities Visiting campus College Search Tools Built in search engine Look up a specific college by name Students can view: Complete list of scholarship available Or list of scholarships that match them Add colleges to a list of schools you are: Considering Plan on applying to Provides links to helpful external websites including national scholarship search websites

Family Connection: SuperMatch Provides a list of suggested colleges based on search criteria such as GPA, test scores, size, major, etc.

Family Connection: College Lookup Allows you to view colleges: Contact Info Deadlines Admission Information Financial Aid Majors Student Life Link to college website and request for information Indicate if they are a common application school

Family Connection: College Applications

Family Connection: Scholarship Information Students can access a list of scholarship opportunities available Students can conduct a search of national scholarships

Family Connection: Scholarship Information

Family Connection: Careers Assessment which helps a student identify career clusters that may be a good match based on: Things that interest them Personal qualities Subjects they enjoy Look up a specific career and see the major and plan of study needed to achieve the career. Can also view a list of colleges offering that major

Family Connection: About Me Create college resume Students can view all test scores on file including: ACT, SAT, SAT Subject Test, PLAN, PSAT, and AP Allows students to view weighted and un- weighted GPA Place for students to keep track/document what steps in college admission process they have completed

Family Connection: My Planner

College Outreach Personal meetings with student and/or parents Review student transcript and discuss college list/application process Financial Aid Night Senior college visit day (PSAT testing date October 15 th and possibly Aspire testing Spring) Classroom workshops: How Colleges Make Admission Decisions How to Apply to College College Essay and Resume Admissions Interview Making the Most of Your College Visit College visits to campus - September and October NACAC National College Fair September 30th @ Pontchartrain Center

Contact Information Gaye Trombatore 9 th and 12 th Grade Counselor [email protected] 504.598.5212 Raynette Lumas College Counselor [email protected] 504.252.9416

Documents

HOLY CROSS SCHOOL 12 th Grade PARENT PRESENTATION (2014-2015) ADMINISTRATIVE STAFF Mr. Charles DiGange – Headmaster Dr. Joseph Murry, Jr. – High School