Presented byPresented byShelia R. JacksonShelia R. JacksonSenior Activities Senior Activities

CounselorCounselor

Guidance Department StaffGuidance Department Staff

Mrs. “Missy” Ford, Mrs. “Missy” Ford, Head Counselor Head Counselor

Mr. Rod Fludd, A-E Mr. Rod Fludd, A-E (9(9thth Grade Activities Counselor) Grade Activities Counselor)

Dr. Ken Cooke, F-K Dr. Ken Cooke, F-K (10(10thth Grade Activities Counselor) Grade Activities Counselor)

Mrs. Shelia R. Jackson, L-R Mrs. Shelia R. Jackson, L-R (12(12thth Grade Activities Grade Activities Counselor)Counselor)

Mrs. Willene Freeman, S-Z Mrs. Willene Freeman, S-Z (11(11thth Grade Activities Grade Activities Counselor)Counselor)

Dr. Aubain-Roebuck,Dr. Aubain-Roebuck, Graduation Coach Graduation Coach

Mrs. Juanita Lumpkin,Mrs. Juanita Lumpkin, Professional Assistant Professional Assistant

Mrs. Sandra Brown-Allen,Mrs. Sandra Brown-Allen, Registrar Registrar

GUIDANCE PROCEDURESGUIDANCE PROCEDURES

Request for transcripts - 48 hour notice Request for transcripts - 48 hour notice (Lumpkin)(Lumpkin)

Letter of Recommendation - 5 days/ Letter of Recommendation - 5 days/ Resume’ (Counselor)Resume’ (Counselor)

Scholarships – 5 days (Counselor)Scholarships – 5 days (Counselor) College Admissions – Students mail College Admissions – Students mail Documents from Permanent Record Documents from Permanent Record

(Brown-Allen)(Brown-Allen)

Graduation Graduation RequirementsRequirements

Class of 2012 and Beyond

Core Area # of Units Required English 4 UnitsMathematics 4 Units Science 4 Units Social Studies 3 Units Health and PE 1 Units World Language/Fine Arts/Career Tech* 3 Units General Electives 4 Units

Total Units: 23 Units

*Note any combination of World Language, Fine Arts, and/or Career Technology satisfies the 3 units required for a High School Diploma; however, in general, colleges require a minimum of 2 consecutive years of the same World Language.

Alternatives to Earning Alternatives to Earning CreditsCredits

PLATO (12th Graders Only)PLATO (12th Graders Only) FULTON VIRTUAL ($250 per 1/2 credit)FULTON VIRTUAL ($250 per 1/2 credit) GEORGIA VIRTUAL ($300 per 1/2 credit)GEORGIA VIRTUAL ($300 per 1/2 credit) SUMMER SCHOOL ($225 per 1/2 credit)SUMMER SCHOOL ($225 per 1/2 credit) McClarin HS (alternative program)McClarin HS (alternative program) Any other options MUST be approved by Any other options MUST be approved by

the Fulton County Curriculum the Fulton County Curriculum Department. See counselor to complete Department. See counselor to complete the Off Campus Course Request Form.the Off Campus Course Request Form.

POST-SECONDARY POST-SECONDARY OPTIONSOPTIONS

Colleges/UniversitiesColleges/Universities4 Year4 Year2 Year/Junior2 Year/JuniorTechnicalTechnical

MilitaryMilitaryEmploymentEmploymentApprenticeshipApprenticeship

What colleges consider for admission:

Grade Point Average (GPA) Rigor of Curriculum (High School course selections) SAT/ACT scores (You are responsible for having the

Official test scores sent. Westlake cannot send scores)

Leadership/Extracurricular Activities/Community Service

Class rank Essays Letters of Recommendation

Things to consider when choosing a college:

Location Admission difficulty Cost Majors Offered Program Prestige Availability of financial aid Activities available

Narrow down your college selection

Preliminary College Search (www.collegeboard.com)

After preliminary research, choose schools that fall into 3 different categories “Reach Schools” “Target Schools” “Back up Schools”

There is no limit to how many schools to which you may apply, but people typically choose 3-6

Research your college selections

Visit your prospective college Pre-approved absence for college visitation should

be requested three days prior to absence Request must be made in writing from

parent/guardian for approval by the student’s administrator

Can request six days of pre-arranged absences per year

Attend college visits at Westlake (Sign up in advance in the Counseling Center with Mrs. Lumpkin)

Attend local college receptions Attend college Fairs

Scheduled College Visits at Westlake

Philander Smith – September 15thHoward University – September 16th

Tuskegee – September 19thUniversity of California – September

23rdFlorida A & M – October 5th

Valdosta State – October 13thGeorgia Southern – October 2

University of Alabama – November 15th

College Application Process

Identify Important Information Admissions deadlines (mindful of

holidays) Application checklist (in handout) GACollege411 (www.GAcollege411.org) Early vs. Regular decision (early action

vs. early decision)

Types of Admission Decisions

Regular Decision Early Action

Invite early applications Receives notice of admission early If accepted, student is not obligated to attend

Early Decision Early determination of admissibility Receives notice of admission early If accepted, student IS obligated to attend If accepted, student must withdraw all other

applications

Senior Year Responsibilities

Keep your grades up Make up any failed courses Take advantage of help from teachers

& tutors Pass all 5 sections of the GHSGT or

Corresponding EOCT GHSGT-for new seniors & re-tests is

September 12th & 13th Writing-September 27th

SAT vs ACTSAT ACT

Subjects Critical ReadingWritingWriting (required)

EnglishMath Reading ScienceWriting (optional)

Math Arithmetic, geometry, algebra, and algebra II

Arithmetic, geometry, algebra, and trigonometry

Score Composite 1/3 Math1/3 Reading1/3 Writing

¼ English¼ Math¼ Reading¼ Science (analysis, knowledge, problem solving)

Penalties Typically ¼ point deducted for wrong answers

No penalty for wrong answers

Score 600 – 24000 -12 for Essay

1 -36

SAT II: Subject TestsSAT II: Subject Tests Some highly selective four-year colleges require Some highly selective four-year colleges require

Subject specific Subject specific designed to measure knowledge and the ability to designed to measure knowledge and the ability to

apply that knowledge in specific subject areas. apply that knowledge in specific subject areas. Tests are given in American History, European Tests are given in American History, European

History, Biology EM, Chemistry, Physics, English History, Biology EM, Chemistry, Physics, English Composition, English Literature, Mathematics Level Composition, English Literature, Mathematics Level IC, Mathematics Level IIC, French, German, Modern IC, Mathematics Level IIC, French, German, Modern Hebrew, Italian, Latin, Spanish, Chinese, Japanese, Hebrew, Italian, Latin, Spanish, Chinese, Japanese, Korean, and ELPT (English Language Proficiency Korean, and ELPT (English Language Proficiency Test).Test).

Colleges use the Subject Tests for admissions, Colleges use the Subject Tests for admissions, course placements, or bothcourse placements, or both

Contact schools to see if neededContact schools to see if needed

Upcoming Test DatesUpcoming Test Dates

SATSATTest Test

Registration Registration DateDate DeadlineDeadlineOctober 1October 1 September 9September 9November 5November 5 October 7October 7December 3December 3 November 8November 8January 28January 28 December December

3030March 10March 10 February 10February 10May 5May 5 April 6April 6June 4June 4 May 8May 8

SAT I TEST FEE: $49.00SAT I TEST FEE: $49.00SAT II TEST FEE: $22.00SAT II TEST FEE: $22.00www.collegeboard.orgwww.collegeboard.org

ACT ACT Test Test

Registration Registration

DateDate DeadlineDeadline

September 10September 10 August 12August 12

October 22 October 22 September 16September 16

December 10December 10 November 4November 4

February 11February 11January 13January 13

April 14April 14 March March 99

June 9June 9 May 4May 4

TEST FEE: $34.00TEST FEE: $34.00

ACT TEST + Writing FEE: ACT TEST + Writing FEE: $49.50$49.50

www.actstudents.orgwww.actstudents.org

SCHOOL CODE/ FEE SCHOOL CODE/ FEE WAIVERSWAIVERS

School Code 110-258School Code 110-258 Must meet requirement guidelines Must meet requirement guidelines

set by SAT/ ACT = Free/ Reduced set by SAT/ ACT = Free/ Reduced Lunch or Receiving Government Lunch or Receiving Government assistance.assistance.

Financial AidFinancial Aid Options available to help finance a college educationOptions available to help finance a college education

Four Types:Four Types: GrantsGrants (need-based money) and (need-based money) and Gifts Gifts (merit-based monies). (merit-based monies).

Grants and gift monies do not have to be repaid. Some schools Grants and gift monies do not have to be repaid. Some schools term these “scholarship.” term these “scholarship.”

College Work StudyCollege Work Study allows students to work either on or near allows students to work either on or near campus in a job arranged by the Financial Aid Office.campus in a job arranged by the Financial Aid Office.

Loans, Loans, which usually have low interest rates, must be repaidwhich usually have low interest rates, must be repaid Federal and/or State Loans Federal and/or State Loans must be repaid as stipulated.must be repaid as stipulated.

Application Process for Need-Based Financial Aid: Application Process for Need-Based Financial Aid: To qualify for To qualify for financial aid, complete one or both of these forms:financial aid, complete one or both of these forms:

FAFSA: FAFSA: Free Application for Federal Student Aid is the application all Free Application for Federal Student Aid is the application all students must file to be considered for the Title IV aid and the HOPE students must file to be considered for the Title IV aid and the HOPE Scholarship. All families desiring financial aid should complete this Scholarship. All families desiring financial aid should complete this form. Aid begins with the FAFSA. The FAFSA is to be completed, form. Aid begins with the FAFSA. The FAFSA is to be completed, signed, and mailed on or after January 1 of the student’s signed, and mailed on or after January 1 of the student’s seniorsenior year. year. This form should be completed and mailed before February 15.This form should be completed and mailed before February 15.

CSS PROFILE:CSS PROFILE: This is a form required by many private colleges. Ask This is a form required by many private colleges. Ask the college if it is required.the college if it is required.

Funding Your EducationFunding Your Educationwww.fafsa.ed.govwww.fafsa.ed.gov

FAFSA ON THE WEBFAFSA ON THE WEB

The PIN The PIN The PIN (Personal Identification The PIN (Personal Identification Number) is an electronic access code Number) is an electronic access code number that serves as your identifier.number that serves as your identifier.

Get a PIN Get a PIN If this is your first time filling If this is your first time filling out the out the Free Application for Federal Free Application for Federal Student AidStudent Aid (FAFSA), and you haven't (FAFSA), and you haven't applied for a PIN (Personal Identification applied for a PIN (Personal Identification Number), you should do so now. Your PIN Number), you should do so now. Your PIN is what allows you to complete the FAFSA is what allows you to complete the FAFSA paper-free! You'll need your PIN to make paper-free! You'll need your PIN to make online corrections to your FAFSA, online corrections to your FAFSA, including changing your name and address, including changing your name and address, or adding/changing the name of a school to or adding/changing the name of a school to receive your application data. receive your application data.

Georgia’s HOPE Scholarship Georgia’s HOPE Scholarship ProgramProgram

HOPE Scholarship (Pays 90% of Tuition)Meet the requirements for graduation and earn a 3.0 GPA in “state core” courses. Award adjusted annually based on lottery revenue

Zell Miller Scholarship (Pays 100% of Tuition)GPA of 3.7 or higher and a score of at least 1200 on combined Critical Reading Score and Math Score on the SAT or have received a score of at least 26 on the ACT. Full tuition or full private HOPE award.

The GPA FOR HOPEThe GPA FOR HOPE The GPA for HOPE will be determined The GPA for HOPE will be determined

by averaging ALL core curriculum by averaging ALL core curriculum coursework (English, Math, Science, Social coursework (English, Math, Science, Social Science, and World Language), including failing Science, and World Language), including failing grades on a grades on a 4.0 scale (A = 4.0, B = 3.0, C = 2.0, 4.0 scale (A = 4.0, B = 3.0, C = 2.0, D = 1.0, F = 0).D = 1.0, F = 0).

GA College 411 website GA College 411 website http://gacollege411.comhttp://gacollege411.com All honors points are removed before the All honors points are removed before the

calculation calculation AP courses receive HOPE value AP courses receive HOPE value pointpoint. .

Please note: A 2.99 GPA does NOT qualify you Please note: A 2.99 GPA does NOT qualify you for HOPE.for HOPE.

All calculations are done by the Georgia All calculations are done by the Georgia Student Finance Commission.Student Finance Commission.

HOPE ScholarshipHOPE Scholarship Students with missing or invalid Students with missing or invalid

Social Security Numbers will have their Social Security Numbers will have their HOPE scholarship award delayed. HOPE scholarship award delayed.

If you used a nickname instead of your legal If you used a nickname instead of your legal name at the time you enrolled in the Fulton name at the time you enrolled in the Fulton County School system, your HOPE County School system, your HOPE scholarship award will be delayed. scholarship award will be delayed.

All young men are required to register with All young men are required to register with the Selective Service no later than 30 days the Selective Service no later than 30 days of their 18th birthday. HOPE eligibility will of their 18th birthday. HOPE eligibility will be delayed until this requirement is met. be delayed until this requirement is met. Men can register as early as 17 ½. Register Men can register as early as 17 ½. Register at www.sss.gov.at www.sss.gov.

NCAA Clearinghouse NCAA Clearinghouse If your student is planning on participating

in Intercollegiate athletics at an NCAA

Division I or II institution, student must register with the NCAA Clearinghouse at www.eligibilitycenter.org

SAT / ACT Scores must be sent directly to SAT / ACT Scores must be sent directly to the Eligibility center from Testing Agency.the Eligibility center from Testing Agency.

PLATO courses are NOT accepted by NCAA.

ScholarshipsScholarships RESEARCHRESEARCH scholarship opportunitiesscholarship opportunities

Senior NewsletterSenior Newsletter

College and Career CenterCollege and Career Center

Web SitesWeb Sites www.fastweb.com www.fastweb.com http://gacollege411.comhttp://gacollege411.com www.scholarships.com www.scholarships.com www.fastaid.com www.fastaid.com www.finaid.org www.finaid.org September Issue of Ebony MagazineSeptember Issue of Ebony Magazine

Call the Financial Aid Office at Individual Call the Financial Aid Office at Individual SchoolsSchools

AdviceAdvice Let your student take ownership of the Let your student take ownership of the

processprocess Do not wait until the last minute to apply Do not wait until the last minute to apply

to college.to college. May 3rd – Decision Day (required to tell May 3rd – Decision Day (required to tell

college of your decision)college of your decision) Just say no to senioritisJust say no to senioritis Rescinding admission and scholarship Rescinding admission and scholarship

offersoffers Failing grades second semesterFailing grades second semester Schedule changes (rigorous to less rigorous)Schedule changes (rigorous to less rigorous)

If the student changes his or her schedule, he or she If the student changes his or her schedule, he or she must notify the Office of Undergraduate Admissions must notify the Office of Undergraduate Admissions immediately in writing.immediately in writing.

Food for ThoughtFood for Thought ”Your children need your presence more than your presents.”

Jesse Jackson