WELCOME! Gig Harbor High School

1. WELCOME!Gig Harbor High School Outgoing Tide Night 2013 – 2014 This presentation will be posted on our Counseling website

2. Overview • Counselor Assignments/Communication • Graduation Requirements • Senior Exhibition • Post High School Options • Admissions • Application Process • Tests • Scholarship and Financial Aid Information • Parent’s Role

3. Counselor Assignments Kim Lubin A – Bar Lillian Amrine Bas – F Jen Clarke G – Lau Todd Dempewolf Law – Rof Todd Davis Rog – Z Dave Burmark Career Education Counselor Julie Barnett Psychologist Karen Lindberg Secretary Lorraine McCormick Career Education Specialist

4. Parent/School Communication • Student Progress • “Parent Portal” • Emails • Teacher web sites • Phone Contacts • Individual Conferences or Staffings (please call for an appointment) • GHHS counseling websitefor other information, i.e. scholarships, college visits, senior timeline

5. Credits/State Tests/High School & Beyond Plan To graduate you need 22 credits You need 16 credits minimum after your Junior Year 1st SEMESTER 2nd SEMESTER 19 22 Any questions??? See Your Counselor!!!

6. SENIOR CULMINATING PROJECT Opportunity to explore interest. Choose a topic based on: -career choice -perceived need -skill student wishes to learn -product student wishes to create Summer start—get approval from Mr. Whitesell QUESTIONS? Contact Civics/Decisions/AP Gov teacher

7. College Credits Earned in High School • Running Start Credits • AP Courses • College in the High School Courses • Articulated Agreement Courses for Duel Credit w/Community Colleges

8. Changing Career Demographics Post High School training is necessary for everyone!

9. Volunteer/Gap Year Employment Military Apprenticeships Specialty Schools 2 year programs 4 year colleges 72% of Washington High School graduates go on to a post high school program. Options after High School

10. Military Service and Apprenticeships • Apprenticeships: Check out web sites: LNI.wa.gov/scs/apprenticeship/default.htm • Military Service: • Explore/Compare career and education opportunities between branches • Take the ASVAB exam in Fall or Spring • Require written assurances from recruiters • ROTC and Military Academies

12. Community & Technical College Admissions • Community Colleges: • Placement exam required prior to entry • Apply early • Apply on-line • Know transfer requirements if seeking baccalaureate degree • Technical Colleges: • Must have a career focus • Placement exam required prior to entry • Waiting lists possible • Contact directly or on-line

14. Large or Small? School Selection…”Which school is best for me?” Business or Psychology? Art or Engineering?

15. Rural or Urban? Warm or Cold Climate?

16. How to Learn More about your College • VISIT, VISIT, VISIT • COLLEGE FAIRS/INFO NIGHTS • CAREER CENTER VISITATIONS • VIRTUAL TOURS • BOOKS/RESOURCES • MAILING LIST • VISIT, VISIT, VISIT

17. Minimum University Entrance Requirements • English: 4 years (Some “English” classes may not meet requirements.) • Math: 3 - 4 years—through Algebra 2 • Social Studies: 3 years • Science: 2 - 3 years lab science (one must be year long, algebra-based course) • World Language: 2 - 3 years—same one • Fine/Visual/Performing Art: .5 to 1.0 credit (requirement varies among schools—some require 1.0 of the same genre)

18. Factors Influencing Admissions • Minimum entrance requirements met • Cumulative GPA • Trend towards “Holistic Review” • Essays • Activities, Talent, Diversity • Special circumstances • Character • Course Rigor (“more core”) • SAT or ACT Scores—possible Subject Tests • Possible Letters of Recommendation/Interviews

19. Tips to strengthen your application(adapted from WWU admissions packet) • Strong Finish (grade trends matter) • Write compelling personal statement • Make positive difference in the lives of others • Demonstrate sustained involvement • Convey personal contributions to the college • Express appreciation for cultural diversity • Take risks (embrace challenges) • Follow application instructions • Personally contact colleges (not through parents)

20. Application Process • KNOW THE DEADLINES! • EARLY DECISION • EARLY ACTION • ROLLING DECISIONS • ON-LINE/PAPER APPLICATIONS • REQUIREMENTS/FEES • ENTRANCE EXAMS • FOLLOW INSTRUCTIONS

21. Application Process (continued) • Official Transcript requests (3 days notice required) • Transcript Release form must be on file • Letters of Recommendation/school evaluation forms • Personal Data Form • Two week notice required • Best to include in single mailing • Mailing of Information: • Students are responsible for all correspondence • Provide self-addressed stamped envelopes for teachers preferring to send recommendations directly

22. Financial Aid • FAFSA – Free Application for Student Aid • Scholarships—Apply now Be cautious about paying for scholarship search programs. • Loans • Access various scholarship websites • Financial aid from private institutions can often neutralize the costs FINANCIAL AID NIGHT & COLLEGE/CAREER FAIR COMING IN THE FALL

23. Parent’s Role • Encourage career exploration • Know student’s interest & skills • Research requirements & employment outlook • Arrange a job shadow • Recognize and encourage student’s right to choose • Set financial parameters • Seek “best fit” not “best college” It’s time for the student to step up

24. QUESTIONS?

25. THANK YOU FOR ATTENDING!