Life After High SchoolCollege 101

OPPORTUNITIES WHILE IN HIGH SCHOOL

DUAL CREDIT….DMED 101: Introduction to Digital MediaDMED 101 is an introduction to the major media forms used in Digital Media production, including print design, web design, audio production, video production, animation and authoring tools. Students will also investigate the impact of digital media on society and current issues in media and technology. Basic computer skills will be expected in the areas of word processing, graphic and paint programs. 3 HRSCSCI 101: Introduction to Computer Information ScienceThis course presents concepts of computer based systems; computer hardware, software, and organization environments; system categories, delivery modes; systems development methods; career opportunities and responsibilities. This is a lecture course with hands on experience with microcomputers. 4 HRS BIOL 114: Contemporary BiologyPrerequisite: Completion of Math through Beginning Algebra level or assessment. BIOL 114 will introduce students to a broad range of biological principles, including organization, structure and function, heredity, evolution, and ecology. Students will demonstrate how their knowledge in biology is relevant to them, their community, and their world. Students will use scientific evidence as the basis for their arguments. Students will improve their skills in relaying biological information to peers and to others. In addition, students will leave with a better understanding of scientific views that differ from their own. The laboratory component will emphasize scientific inquiry and use of knowledge in problem solving. This course is intended for students who are not pursuing a science career. 4 HRSIAI GEC Code - L1 900L HIST 135: History of the US to 1865This course covers the major political, social, economic and diplomatic trends that have shaped the United States from the early explorations of America to the Civil War and Reconstruction. 3 HRSIAI GEC Code - S2 900 HIST 136: History of the US Since 1865This course covers the major political, social, economic and diplomatic trends that have shaped the United States from the end of the Civil War to the present. 3 HRSIAI GEC Code - S2 901

MATH 111: Finite Math for Business and Social SciencePrerequisite: MATH 106 or MATH 109 with grade of C or better, or equivalent, or assessment. This class focuses on applications of the following topics: matrices, matrix algebra, linear programming, sets and counting techniques, probability, and the mathematics of finance. Note, a graphing calculator is required for this course (instruction will be based on a TI 83+). 4 HRSIAI GEC Code - M1 906

MATH 141: Introduction to StatisticsPrerequisite: Completion of Math through Intermediate Algebra Level 1 or assessment. A course in statistics that introduces various topics in probability and statistics, and demonstrates a variety of real life applications. Some of the topics covered are sampling techniques and simulation, data organization, distributions, measure of central tendency and variability, probability, estimation, and hypothesis testing. A graphing calculator is required for this course (instruction will be based on a T1 83+). 4 HRSIAI GEC Code - M1 902

Agri 120: Advanced HorticulturePrerequisite(s): Placement at college level English and ReadingThis course provides a general introduction to the principles of plant growth and development as they apply to the wide range of horticultural crops and the industries related to production, marketing and utilization of horticultural crops. This course is part of a special program with the College of ACES at the University of Illinois and will be taught by a University of Illinois instructor. 3 credit hours

Advanced Placement (AP)We have several AP courses at TVHS. Students have the opportunity to sit for an exam at the end of the course. If the student scores high enough on the exam college credit may be awarded. Each exam will cost approximately $90.

AP Language AP LiteratureAP Calculus

AP ChemistryAP Physics 1AP Physics 2

AP/Dual Credit Questions…

• Transferability – The Dual credit courses transfer easily to most colleges. AP credit will often vary from institution to institution. I have not had a student tell me the credit didn’t transfer in some fashion.

• There is no limit to the number of AP or Dual Credit courses a student can take. Dual Credit courses are available for Jrs and Srs Students must pass entrance exams (or have appropriate ACT scores) to be in the classes.

• We have criteria for students wanting to enroll in AP courses. Course descriptions for ALL classes can be found here: http://images.pcmac.org/SiSFiles/Schools/IL/TriValleySD/High/Uploads/Forms/Course%20offerings%20by%20grade%20level.pdf

Register at www.actstudent.org

Test Date Registration Deadline (Late Fee Required)September 12, 2014 August 7, 2015 August 8–21, 2015

October 24, 2014 September 18, 2015 September 19–October 2, 2015

December 12, 2014 November 6, 2015 November 7–20, 2015February 6, 2015* January 8, 2016 January 9–15, 2016April 9, 2015 March 4, 2016 March 5–18, 2016June 11, 2015 May 6, 2016 May 7–20, 2016

ACT EXAM DATES

ACT Questions

• When Can they start taking the ACT?• ACT prep – Does it help? When should a student take a class?

Does TVHS offer a prep course? Jason Franklin? http://betterprepsuccess.com/

• http://www.acetheact.org/ Tanya Zerbonia• Students can order the test questions/answers for the

December, April and May exams.• Does taking the ACT more than once have a negative impact?• What is the timeframe to meet application deadlines? Latest

date for jrs?• Will TVHS offer the ACT onsite/offsite

Distance from Home# of students on campusMake sure they offer your field of interestReputationMoney

SELECTING A COLLEGE

College Questions

• College Visits… when? How many?• What kind of notice do I need to give the

school?• Is there an order to the madness?!?!• What criteria should be considered?

Academics, athletics, cost…• Number of campus visits typical?• Number of applications?

Apply to……

• Select a “safe” institution, one you know that you will be comfortable attending and that you feel pretty sure you will get into. It is more competitive than it was when your parents went to school. They may not understand some of the procedures…… This is your chance politely to educate them.

• Send an application to your dream school.

• Try to narrow your selection. You would be amazed the number of applications some students send. For $30 to $75 per application, you could furnish your dorm room by the time you send out 10 applications!

Where do I start??• Visiting campus: This is very important to do ASAP• Make an appointment with the admissions office• ASK QUESTIONS!!!!

• Find out what the 4 year graduation rate • Find out what the freshman attrition rate (What % of

freshmen do not return to be sophomores)• Ask to visit some classes• Some colleges allow visiting students to stay overnight with a

current student • Visit with an instructor, dean…. In the department in which

you are interested • KNOW: admissions standards ACT requirement, GPA, … for

your particular major and the college in general.• Ask about financial aid and what is required of that institution

Do NOT miss deadlines!!!

• Application Deadlines: Deadlines vary from institution to institution. Be sure you are aware of the individual deadlines. It is advisable to get all applications in by the institution’s priority deadline which is often by November 1. Circle Halloween on the calendar and get all applications complete by that date. You won’t regret it!!!!!!!!!

Transcripts……….. To have a transcript sent to a college…

* go to the TV website. * In the center, there is a drop down box labeled “AboutTV3”, below is

the Transcript Request Current Student. *You will find the date that I put the transcript in your Profile on Student

Access. DO NOT:• Have your parent call. I want it in writing and I want you to take the

responsibility for the process• Wait till the day before or the day you need the transcript. • DO:• Give me the paperwork that may need to be sent with the transcript. Not

all schools require additional paper work. READ your paperwork, it is your responsibility.

Admissions Expectations…

• Grades• Types of course work• Community service• Involvement• Work ethic• Writing ability• Test scores

Letters of Recommendation…..

• Remember to:• ASK the person to write the letter for you• Give that person at least 2 weeks notice• Give a simple resume of your activities• Hand them an envelope STAMPED and

addressed to the university • Letters should be confidential and therefore not

for you to read. Most individuals give you a copy for your files as well.

The Dreaded Essay

It has always been my dream

The University of Illinois

• ((ESSAY #1 “In an Essay of 300 words or less, please discuss your academic interests and/or professional goals.”

• ESSAY #2 “In an Essay of about 300 words or less, choose one extracurricular activity, work experience or community service project from the list you provided on the application and explain why you initially chose it, why you continued with it, and how you benefited from it.”

• “Is there any additional information that you feel we should be aware of while reviewing your application, including extenuating circumstances that affected your academic record?”

Illinois Wesleyan University• This essay is an important factor in evaluating applicants for admission.

Please carefully review the following four topics, and select the one that you feel will best help us understand your potential as a member of the Illinois Wesleyan University community. Recommended essay length is approximately two pages typed and double spaced. Please be sure your name is on each page.

• Select a quote from any source that has personal significance to you and explain why.

• What does diversity mean to you?• If you were given a year to provide service to others, what would you do

and why?• Topic of your choice (pick a topic that allows you to express how you

think, to explore issues and ideas that are important to you, and/or to offer a sense of your personal philosophy and goals.

Illinois State University

• Illinois State believes that student motivation and academic preparation are not fully revealed by student’s high school transcript(s) or standardized test scores. The ability to succeed at Illinois State may be indicated by factors which can only be explained in written personal statements.

• • ISU admissions process REQUIRES the submission of a personal statement,

which will be reviewed along with other documentation submitted.• • Your personal statement should indicate your interest in ISU and explain

circumstances that may affect our admissions decision and that are not readily apparent from academic records.

!!$$ Paying for College $$!!

• Have that discussion with your student/parentIs the student responsible for paying? All? Part?• Searching for scholarships is work.• There are scholarships out there for non seniors. • FAFSA – loans as well some institutions have their own

financial aid applications others use only the FAFSA• FAFSA – January begins filing season• Sources for scholarships• Remember to check out individual college resources• Who do you do business with?

TIMELINES

• Start searching college ideas now. • Think of the college search as seasons• Fall = Application season• Winter = Financial aid/Scholarship season• Spring = Decisions season

Websites…..www.collegezone.com• click under 9-12 graders• finding and applying• Handbook of Post Secondary Institutions• *****There is also a FAFSA link there as well. www.actstudent.org Register for testing financial aid College planning Career planninghttps://secure.whatsnextillinois.org/ This is a GREAT website. You can search for colleges, money as well as a variety of other

things. www.fafsa.ed.gov This is the official website for Federal Student Aid. Go to this website NOW

and apply for a pin number. Your parents need to do this as well. SAVE this PIN number as it is the same number your will use all 4 years when filling out your FAFSA

FAFA continued…..• AFTER January 1st, when your parents’ taxes as well as your taxes have

been completed (the sooner the better) return to the fafsa website to complete the financial aid form.

www.fastweb.com• You will fill out a short form and then will receive emails about

scholarships that fit your profile.• http://

images.pcmac.org/SiSFiles/Schools/IL/TriValleySD/High/Uploads/Forms/Scholarships_for_web.pdf This is the TVHS guidance page. I list scholarships as they come across my desk.

• https://fdo.foundationcenter.org/• www.scholarships.com• http://

www.nerdwallet.com/nerdscholar/scholarships/search?school_year=High+School+Senior&gpa=3.4

• https://bigfuture.collegeboard.org/college-search?navid=gh-csThe College Board is a tremendous resource. For searching for careers, financial aid, colleges…