YOUR JUNIOR YEAR IS THE MOST IMPORTANT FOR COLLEGE PLANNING !

1. Juniors: Time to Get Ready for College YOUR JUNIOR YEAR IS THE MOST IMPORTANT FOR COLLEGE PLANNING!

2. Junior ECAP Internet Resources http://www.mpsaz.org/rmhs/

4. 1. Get Academically Ready Work especially hard this year! Take advantage of any and all help/resources – get to know your teachers, ask questions, seek tutoring help if needed. Reason: As a part of your college application, you’ll be forwarding your transcript during the fall of your senior year. The transcript will be a record of how you’ve done during six semesters of high school. Put another way, you have the control during this year to determine the outcome of one-third of your high school record! Consider meeting with your counselor to discuss class choices for senior year. Your transcript that you forward to colleges will also reflect which classes you’re taking senior year. Colleges want to see that you’re continuing to challenge yourself through the types of classes you take and how well you do in them.

5. Check Your Student Portal- Often

6. Junior ECAP Academics SCHOLASTIC STANDARD vs differences? • 4 years of math: Algebra 1 & 2, Geometry & an advanced math following Algebra 2. • 2 years of same world language • 4 years of science: Biology, Chemistry and 2 advanced sciences OR SC09, Biology, Chemistry and an advanced science. • 1 year of fine art • 3.0+ G.P.A. • 2 weighted classes

7. STANDARD vs. SCHOLASTIC DIPLOMA Question: Do I need to attain the MPS scholastic diploma to attend a four-year university? Answer:Not necessarily. The key is to get familiar with the admissions requirements of the school(s) you’re considering. The scholastic diploma requirements may actually exceed in-state university and many out-of-state entrance requirements. These same requirements may not be enough, however, for some out-of-state/selective universities and/or honors/scholarship programs. Bottom Line: Take the most challenging collection of classes in which you can be successful. This was the original basis for the scholastic diploma – to shoot high and prepare for success in the world of college & careers.

8. 2. Get Career Ready Explore! Explore your interests/skills! Update your Educational/Career Action Plan (ECAP) throughout high school – take the assessments at least 2-3 times through high school as your interests/experiences change. Go to: www.mpsaz.kuder.com. Login formula is as follows – 1) user name – type in st and 6 digit school ID 2) password – type in 6 digit school ID. Through Navigator, students can do the following: Understand their interests/skills and jobs/educational training to which those correspond. Develop a resume. Research schools based upon a # of different criteria, i.e., location, major and more.

9. Careers- Education Pays Jobs that involve some type of education after high school are projected to grow the fastest through 2020, with jobs requiring a masters degree growing by 21.7%, doctoral/professional degree 19.9%, bachelors degree by 16.5% and an associates degree by 18%. For on-the-job training, jobs that require apprenticeships are projected to grow the fastest at 22.5%.

10. Another recommended exploration tool/site: Big Future by CollegeBoard: Go to https://bigfuture.collegeboard.org/ Amazing collection of college/career planning tools! Through Navigator or Big Future, explore the educational programs that match up with your career interests – they may involve a 1 year training program, a 2 year associates degree, a bachelors degree or more. This will also determine where you go to school, i.e., community college, tech school, 4-year university, etc. Explore the job outlook when you research career areas. It’s important to know where the jobs will and will not be when you’re an adult.

11. Explore Mesa Schools’ College & Career Readiness Tool Kit which includes valuable info that will assist you with college and career planning. Locate in the RMHS Counseling link.

12. 3. Get College Ready Explore! Use the same sites to begin to explore colleges. Navigator and Big Future both contain tools that allow you to specify criteria you may want to consider in your college search • Location (Urban, Suburban, Rural) • Distance • Academic Rigor • Size • Extra-curricular (i.e. athletics) • Field of Study/Major • Financial Aid

13. Get College Ready Explore! VISIT COLLEGES • Go while school is in session • Students-take notice • Bring a notebook and/or a camera • No more than two a day • Eat in the café if possible…. • See a FRESHMAN dorm • See the music/athletic facilities if applicable… • Look for anything else that will be important to you

14. 4. Get In Maricopa Community Colleges You can be admitted to a community college with your high school diploma. You do not need to take the ACT or SAT. A placement test will determine which classes you will enroll in. • Available programs can lead to: • Certificate, i.e., certified nursing assistant • Associate’s degree in a particular discipline, i.e., dental hygiene • Associate’s degree in general studies (transfer degree) – will allow • student to transfer coursework to the 4-year university to complete • a bachelors degree, i.e., elementary education

15. Get In AZ University Admission Requirements For admission directly from high school • Required course competencies: • 4 English • 4 Math (Algebra 1, Geometry, Algebra 2 & an advanced math such as Trig, Precalculus, AP Statistics, AP Calculus) • 3 Science • 2 Social Studies • 2 World Language (same) One or more of the following: Top 25% of class 3.0 min. competency GPA (unweighted and based upon grades in courses listed above) ACT of 22 and/or SAT of 1040

16. Get In Competitive and/or out-of-state universities MAY require: • AP & Honors Classes • Additional Academics • Additional Fine Arts • Additional World Language • Additional Tests, i.e., SAT Subject Tests • Letters of Recommendation Tip: Become familiar this year with the admissions requirements of the school(s) you’re considering.

17. Get In What Colleges Consider For Admission • Transcript • Test Results • Extracurricular activities • Recommendations • Essay(s)

18. TRANSCRIPT You’ll initially forward your transcript when you apply to college (fall of 12th grade) then once more after you graduate from RMHS (a mid-year transcript may also be required by certain colleges). Name: Rufus D. Lion ID #: 654321 TRANSCRIPT Sending your transcript to a university: Visit Mrs. Haller, our registrar, to request that it be sent to specific school(s) OR Have it sent electronically via www.parchment.com Graduation Requirements: 22 credits Meets/exceeds in AIMS subject areas. Completed ECAP Service Learning: 150+ hours required for Honor for Excellence diploma seal/transcript notation. 109 Class rank: based upon GPA from completion of 17 courses. Cumulative GPA: GPA based upon how you’ve done in ALL classes.

19. The SAT and ACT are exams that are one component of admission into most four-year universities across the country. Universities consider your performance on the SAT and/or ACT one predictor of how you may do academically in college. Universities will take whichever is your best score, meaning you can take them both and more than once. Students generally make some improvements upon retake. Many universities don’t require/consider the writing portion of these exams. For example, ASU requires a combined math/reading score of 1040 out of 1600 . It is, however, automatically a part of the SAT and is an optional part of the ACT. It is generally a good idea, however, to take/do your best on the writing portion as some universities, scholarship programs and college programs will take a look at this score. ACT Quick Facts: Frequency: 6 times/year Duration: 3 hours, 3½ hours including essay Sections: English, math, reading, science, writing Achievement-based - looks at the skills you’ve learned in school Cost: $34 - $49.50 Max. Score: 36 Avg. Score: 21 SAT Quick Facts: Frequency: 7 times/year Duration: 3 hours, 45 minutes Sections: math, critical reading, writing (optional) Aptitude-based - looks at your critical thinking skills Cost: $50 Max. Score: 800 per section Avg. Scores: math – 516, critical reading – 501, writing - 492

20. Extracurricular Activities • If you haven’t yet started, get involved at school and/or in your community! • Join something in which you’d grow, enjoy and that shows others your passions. • Look for leadership opportunities, i.e., club officer positions, youth group leader, programs such as Boys’ & Girls’ State • Service Learning • Summer Programs • Internships

21. LETTERS OF RECOMMENDATION Colleges & scholarship programs often ask for two or three recommendation letters from people who know you well. These letters should be written by someone who can describe your skills, accomplishments and personality. Develop relationships with your teachers, counselor and other key people who know you, i.e., coaches and volunteer supervisors. Allow them to truly get to know you – your character, your strengths and your accomplishments. These may then be potential adults who can write strong letters on your behalf.

22. ESSAYS Often required as part of admission to universities/specific college programs. Typically required for scholarships and honors program applications. Your essay reveals something important about you that your grades and test scores can't—your personality. It can give admission officers a sense of who you are, as well as showcasing your writing skills. Topics may include overcoming an obstacle, discussing a special accomplishment or your own personal story. Go to College Board’s Big Future for some great tips on writing your essay.

23. APPLY TO FOUR-YEAR UNIVERSITIES: Early Admissions: Deadline typically by November 1stof senior year Early admissions means early answer plus the possibility of additional perks depending upon university, i.e., priority housing/orientation. Two types of early admissions – Early action – non-binding: you can choose whether or not to attend that school. Early decision – binding: if you’re accepted, you must attend that school. Typically used by more selective colleges. Regular Admissions: Deadline typically around February 1st of senior year Reply Date: May 1st of senior year Make your decision by or prior to this date, submit enrollment deposits.

24. 5. GetMoneyReady College is generally paid for by: * Private funds, i.e., the Bank of Parents/Relatives * Grants – based upon financial need * Loans * Work-Study * Scholarships

26. After the fafsa is filed Your family’s financial information is analyzed using the federal need formula. You will receive a Student Aid Report (SAR) which shows the expected family contribution (EFC). Your EFC is an indicator of your family’s financial strength. It is sent to your state scholarship agency as well as to the colleges you listed on the FAFSA. They use this number to determine your financial aid award. You’ll receive an award letter showing your “financial package,” which may consist of scholarships, grants, loans and work study. You can decline all or part of it. You’ll need to report information about private scholarships you’ve been awarded to the university’s financial aid office. Your financial aid award may then be adjusted.

27. RMHS Website, Counseling or Career Center ; Scholarship/Scholarship Bulletin Counseling

28. Resources! • Get familiar with all of the tools located at Red Mountain’s Counseling link – explore, explore and explore! • Subscribe to Red Mountain’s College & Career newsfeed to learn about upcoming visits from college admissions reps and more – locate in our Counseling link. • Visit/subscribe to MPS’ scholarshipbulletin/siteforscholarshiptips and infoaboutspecificscholarshipopportunities– locate in our RMHS Counseling link. • Schedule an appointment with your counselor for assistance with planning classes for senior year and for college/career planning.

31. SAT Subject Tests The Why and What WHY: Many selective schools and honors/scholarship programs require you take at least one or more SAT Subject Tests. Check with the admissions department of your top schools to learn more about their requirements. WHAT: SAT Subject Tests are one hour tests that focus on specific academic subjects. The best part about the Subject Tests is that in many cases you get to choose which ones you'll take, so you should pick the ones where you're strongest. What specifically do the SAT Subject Tests test? It depends on the test. There are 5 content areas–Math, History, Literature, Science, and Languages. There are multiple tests in every content area except Literature. How are the SAT Subject Tests scored? Each Subject Test is scored on a scale of 200–800.

32. Experience! Take courses that interest you! Join clubs/organizations that interest you! Consider job shadowing/summer internship opportunities

33. THE COLLEGE ADMISSIONS PROCESS • COLLEGES CONSIDER • Student Record/Transcript • Strength of Schedule • Scores (SAT/ACT/Optional?) • STUDENTS CONSIDER • Location/Distance • Size • Extra-curricular (i.e. athletics) • Field of Study/Major Fall ‘13 Summer ‘14 Winter ‘13 Winter ‘14 Spring ‘14 Fall ‘14 Spring ‘15 Explore college search sites & indiv. college sites. Attend college presenta- tions. SAT/ACT prep Consider financial aid award packages. Accept Take SAT/ACT College visits Letters of rec – give 2-3 wks notice. Apply to colleges Complete FAFSA by February. Explore college search sites & indiv. college sites. Attend college presenta-tions. SAT/ACT prep Take SAT/ACT

34. Learning More… Attend tonight’s presentation, called “Beating the High Cost of College,” presented by the HEFAR Group. Attend Red Mountain’s Financial Aid Night in January. Get the facts about college costs by going to: https://bigfuture.collegeboard.org/pay-for-college/college-costs/understanding-college-costs Look into types of aid that could help you cover college costs. Start by reading 7 Things You Need to Know About Financial Aid, located at https://bigfuture.collegeboard.org/pay-for-college/financial-aid-101/7-things-you-need-to-know-about-financial-aid. See how much you need to save for college. Use the College Savings Calculator, located at https://bigfuture.collegeboard.org/pay-for-college/paying-your-share/college-savings-calculator, to get an idea of where you are compared with your savings goal.

35. Exploration + experience = Information Information will help you develop a plan! This is important because any kind of education program after high school is an investment of time and $$$. Examples of students we’ve seen: Angela wants to become an X-ray tech and has taken the SAT and already applied to ASU. She later learns, however, that the educational programming required to become an X-ray tech is a 2-year associates degree program through Gateway Community College. The SAT is not required for admission, although there are specific prerequisites she must take to be admitted to this program. Dustin has scored very high in the health science pathway in the interest/skills assessments he’s taken. He takes biotech classes @ RMHS, loves them and learns that this is a field with a very healthy job outlook. He researches and ends up attending a university with a biotech program. Because of his strong grades and background in the biotech field, he is awarded an excellent scholarship from a biotech corporation.

36. SAT/ACT: WHEN TO TAKE AND HOW TO PREP Take in the spring of your junior year and/or summer after your junior year Register online at the SAT/ACT sites – links located on the RMHS Counseling page Tools to Prep: Online practice questions/tests available on the SAT/ACT sites. Many free/low-cost smartphone apps available Prep books available @ library/bookstores Software programs available Test prep classes available through companies such as Princeton Review & Kaplan Ideally, spend 6-12 months preparing. Grab your calendar and plan when you will: * Practice * Take shortened exams * Sit for between 8-10 full-length exams

37. The cost of attending a college minus the average amount of gift aid that a student at that school receives from the college and the government Colleges typically report their financial data to College Board. This becomes a valuable tool for you to learn about college costs! Financial Need = Cost of Attendance minus Estimated Family Contribution. Your financial aid package may include a combo of scholarships, grants, loans and work study. Get an idea of the amount of financial need typically met by various schools.

38. Preparing to apply to Colleges & for scholarships GET ORGANIZED! OrganizeYourSpace Create paper and file management systems so that you can keep track of all the documents, essays, brochures, scholarship applications, et al. Create an online file management system through Dropbox or Google Drive since most applications are done online now. Organizeyour Time Set aside a block of time every day or week that you can dedicate to the college & scholarship application process. Think of it as a part-time job (that costs you money). Set up a good calendar system where you can set goals and get reminders for upcoming deadlines.