CLASS OF 2018

1. CLASS OF 2018

2. SCHOOL COUNSELING OFFICE COUNSELORS ASSIGNED ALPHABETICALLY LAST NAME • A-Di: Caitlin Hawkins chawkins@boyertownasd.org • Dj-Ho: Beth Shive bshive@boyertownasd.org • Hp-Mila: Karen Virtue kvirtue@boyertownasd.org • Milb-Sc: Sandra Gallagher sgallagher@boyertownasd.org • Sd-Z: Christy Greener cgreener@boyertownasd.org Counseling Office Staff • Counseling Secretary: Tracy Ali • Career Assistant: Michelle Bright

3. GRADUATION REQUIREMENTS • 9th -12th grades • 24 Credits • 4 years of math, social studies, English, P.E..(except NJROTC) • 3 years of science • 2 years of wellness (grades 10 and 11) • electives • Career Portfolio (non BCTC students) • Senior Project (BCTC students) • It is the STUDENT’S responsibility to make sure that all requirements are completed before graduation

4. ASPIRE/PSAT* the practice tests* • ASPIRE- sophomore year • PSAT- October 2016 • We have just been informed that the paper results will not arrive until the end of this month, however results have been available online since last month. • You and your child may create an account and access the scores ahead of time at the following link • https://collegereadiness.collegeboard.org/psat-nmsqt-psat-10/scores/student-score-reports

5. ACT & SAT • Students should register for and take the ACT and/or SAT as soon as possible, so they have the opportunity to take both and/or retest before the conclusion of this school year. • These tests are not offered over the summer • Registration, fees, testing dates and testing center information is available on the following websites: • www.actstudent.org • www.collegeboard.org

6. SENIOR PROJECT (BCTC STUDENTS) • Culminating project in the student’s content (“shop”) area • Completion of several learning guides • Presentation prior to spring/Easter break of senior year • Students work directly with theirr instructor to ensure timely completion of this project

7. CAREER PORTFOLIO (NON BCTC STUDENTS) • Grade 9 • Career Matchmaker • Resume • Grade 10 • Career Matchmaker • Business Visitation and Reflective Essay • Decision Making and Career Research Chart • DDL • Grade 11 • Job Shadow • DDL • Grade 12-Fall 2017 • Senior Career Portfolio Presentations • Prior to that date-Portfolio Completion Night (sign-up only, information will be sent home via Week in Review and available on the website)

8. Career Portfolio Presentation Sample Outline Remember: Your presentation should be between 8 and 10 minutes 9th Grade and 10th Grade Components • Review, discuss, and explain all necessary components: • Resume must be current • Career Matchmaker Activity • Business Visit Reflective Essay • Career search chart completed during Health • Discuss the relationship between the components and how the results of one may or may not have influenced your decisions with class choice, future job shadow, part time work, etc. 11th Grade Component – The Job Shadow Experience • Discuss and Explain your job shadow experience and its connection to the earlier components of your portfolio *Please feel free to include any other activities completed either through Career Cruising or in other areas. Personal Reflection • Your own personal reflections, what you have learned about yourself, and your personal growth should be evident throughout the presentation • This should include, but is not limited to: • How your career paths have changed or stated the same through the process and why. • What you discovered as strengths/needs about yourself throughout the career portfolio process. • How the portfolio process influenced your choices in the course/elective selection process for classes at BASH and/or part time job employment. Visual Aid • The use of technology is expected for the visual aid. • Suggestions: PowerPoint, Prezi, Google Docs, Corel, etc. • If you choose to imbed a video in your presentation, be sure the video does not monopolize the presentation. A video should add or enhance the presentation, not take the place of the presentation. • *You must bring a removable drive with your portfolio on it to the presentation As always, if you have any questions, please contact Mrs. Cassidy, Mrs. Virtue, or Mrs. Mason.

9. Tech Tips • Students should be establishing a professional looking email address (i.e. fullname@email.com instead of coolerthanyou@email.com) • Students should be cognizant of what is posted on social media sites – once it’s on the internet, it’s out there forever! The Career Portfolio’s DDL activities review this yearly with students. • Students should be using correct grammar and good etiquette when sending emails • Students should be checking their email on a regular (daily) basis and responding promptly • Students should follow up with emails that are sent – remember that “thank you” goes a long way!

10. COLLEGE TIMELINE – SENIOR YEAR

11. COLLEGE TIMELINE – CONTINUED

12. TIPS FOR A SUCCESSFUL APPLICATION PROCESS: • There is always a portion of your application that must be completed by your school counselor • Sometimes just transcripts, sometimes includes a school profile or counselor recommendation • We process the school portion of the Common Application online • We do not process any other applications online • Make sure your counselor has at least 10 school days to complete her portion before the application is due (this includes all scholarships) • Make sure you provide stamped, addressed envelopes for your school counselor and the teachers sending your recommendation letters • Make sure that your SAT or ACT results have been sent to the colleges you are applying to (does not apply to Community Colleges and most trade and art schools – ask your counselor for clarification) • If your application requires a counselor recommendation, please be sure to update your resume and have your parents fill out the “Parent Brag Sheet” • MAKE SURE YOU ARE AWARE OF ALL DEADLINES – SCHOOLS WILL NOT PROCESS YOUR APPLICATION IF IT IS RECEIVED AFTER THE DEADLINE HAS PASSED!

13. TIPS FOR ONLINE APPLICATIONS • PROOFREAD everything before hitting send • Print a copy for your records before hitting send • Look for e-mail confirmation within 48 hours. If you do not receive a confirmation email, make sure that the application was received. • Do not wait until the last minute to submit your application • Know the college’s policy for supplying supporting documents, such as letters of recommendation • Be aware of deadlines

14. SCHOLARSHIP INFORMATION • Scholarships will be posted on the BASH Website (Resources/School Counseling/Scholarship Information) • Additional scholarships can be found on websites such as: • www.fastweb.com • www.schoolsoup.com • Individual college websites • Questions on Financial Aid and grants should go through individual college Financial Aid Offices

15. FINANCIAL AID TIMELINE http://www.fafsa.ed.gov/

16. FSA ID – Create yours now!

17. Remind.com • Receive important information about your child’s graduating class • Information may include: • Scholarship updates • Seminar reminders • Unique opportunities • Text 81010 with the message “@boy18” • If you have trouble with 81010, try 484-334-4496 • Standard text messaging rates apply

18. Questions?