I’m A Senior! Now What?

1. I’m A Senior! Now What? Parent Meeting

2. Post High School Education • About 40-45% of seniors will attend a 2 year college after high school. • About 25-30% of seniors will attend a 4 year university after high school. • Some will enter the military • Some will work • Others will attend a trade school • In any case, get prepared for the “Real Life”

3. Graduation Requirements • 4 English (I, II, III, and a 4th English) • 3 Science (Physics First, Biology I, and a 3rd Science) • 3 Math • 3 Social Studies (American History, World History, US Government)

4. Graduation Requirements • 1 Fine Art (Band, Choir, Art) • 1 Practical Art (FACS, Ag, Business) • .5 Personal Finance • .5 Health • 1 Physical Education/JROTC • 8 Electives • TOTAL: 25 Credits

5. Graduation Requirements • Pass MO Constitution Exam • Pass US Constitution Exam • Complete End-Of-Course (EOC) Exams: • English II • Biology I • Algebra I • Government

6. A+ Requirements • Written agreement on file • Attend an A+ designated school for 3 consecutive years • Maintain a 2.5 GPA on a 4.0 scale • Maintain a 95% attendance rate • Perform 50 hours unpaid tutoring/volunteering • Maintain a good record of citizenship • Complete the FAFSA

7. This Is The Time • If you haven’t already. . .Take the ACT. . . NOW!!!! • If you score a 21.6 or higher on the ACT, the MG School District will reimburse you for ONE test score (non-writing only). • Mark 3 or 4 colleges to send scores to. • Make sure your name, date of birth, and SS # are accurate when you register.

8. Cost of the ACT • Cost of the ACT: • $36.50 Non-Writing • $52.50 Writing • If your student is on free or reduced lunch, the ACT provides fee waiver forms. The fee waiver form allows your student to take the ACT twice for free. Forms can be found in the Guidance Center. • If you use a fee waiver form, the school can not reimburse you.

9. Studying for the ACT • Study books located in the Guidance Center • Chad Cargill ACT Workshop • $30 per student • November 15, 2013 (8:30 am – 11:30 am) • Take practices tests! • Links to the practice tests can be found at www.mghscounselor.weebly.com

10. ACT Testing Dates

11. Dual Credit Classes • Mountain Grove High School offers both Fall and Spring Dual Enrollment classes through Missouri State University-West Plains. • Students attend classes at Shannon Hall. • If your student earns an “A” or “B” while taking dual credit classes, the school district will reimburse you for the cost of tuition. • The reimbursement does not include textbooks or other fees. • The reimbursement is good for one dual credit class during the 13-13 school year.

12. Dual Credit Classes • Dual Credit Classes count for BOTH high school and college credit. • It’s not too late to sign up for Spring Dual Credit Classes!! • Spring Offerings: • COM 115- Fundamentals of Public Speaking • ENG 110 – Writing I (English placement test to be administered in late October/early November) • HST 122- Survey of US History since 1877

13. Getting Prepared For Work • Check grades frequently! Make sure you meet graduation requirements. • Find an internship or volunteer to help you prepare for the workforce. This allows you to get “your foot in the door.” • Develop job connections. It truly is all about who you know!

14. Preparing for the Military • Check grades frequently! Make sure you meet graduation requirements. • Meet with one of the many recruiters that come to MGHS during scheduled lunch visits. • Take or re-take the ASVAB if your score does not qualify the first time. (Nov 19, 2013) • Sign the necessary paperwork. • Finish strong! The military is selective in their recruits.

15. Preparing for Tech School • Getting prepared for trade school: • Research, research, research • Stay involved! • Be sure to check what certifications they offer and check their graduate placement rates. • Some look great on paper and will promise the sun and the moon, but in reality don’t give you the useful training you pay for.

16. Preparing For College • Check grades frequently! Make sure you meet graduation requirements. • Be sure you meet A+ requirements! (2 year Community College) • Take the ACT (or the assessment the college prefers) • RESEARCH colleges to find one that is the right fit for you. • Take a college visit! Forms in the Guidance Center

17. Preparing For College • Start applying. Most colleges place scholarship deadlines before December 1. • Fill out the FAFSA AS SOON as you get your tax returns back (hopefully by late February or early March). • Start researching and applying for scholarships. • Compare schools you have been accepted to and choose based on cost, quality of program, location, size, scholarships, etc.

18. College Visits • Seniors may schedule two college visits during their senior year. • Forms found in the guidance center. • Must be approved before the visit. • Take advantage of these two days!

19. College Athletics • If you are interested in playing collegiate athletics through a NCAA University you must register through the NCAA Clearinghouse. • If you are interested in playing collegiate athletics through a NAIA University you must register through the NAIA Clearinghouse. • Both websites can be found on the MGHS Counselor’s Website.

20. FYI’S • Each college will have different admission requirements. Do your research! • After you apply please let us know ASAP when and where to send an official transcript and ACT scores. • Please do not wait till the day everything is due to have us mail a transcript. It’s called snail mail for a reason  • Please allow a one week notice on recommendation letters for scholarships and college applications. • Write up a list of everything you have been involved in during high school. Hand this information to the staff member who is writing your recommendation letter.

21. Scholarships • Most scholarship deadlines occur between November and March. • Check your choice college scholarship page. Most colleges have an entire scholarship page dedicated to incoming freshman. • Scholarships located in Guidance Center and posted on Facebook page/counselor webage

22. FAFSA (Federal Application For Student Aid) • You must fill out the FAFSA if you plan on attending college. • Make sure you go to www.fafsa.ed.gov • Any other “FAFSA Website” that asks you to pay to complete the application is not the correct website. Completing the FAFSA is free! • To electronically sign your FAFSA you must request a “PIN Number” One parent and the student must have a pin number.

23. Real Cost Of College • Begin comparing the cost of potential colleges • Fill out as many scholarships and aid applications as you can • Research schools that offer on campus work programs. The hours you spend working can be credited towards the cost of tuition

24. HS Counseling Website • www.mghscounselor.weebly.com • Financial aid and scholarships • College Planning Tools • ACT Information • List of upcoming events • Find us on Facebook at: Mountain Grove High School Counseling Department

25. Final Thoughts • It’s your life, and you only get one, so use it wisely. • Preparing for college takes a lot of time and legwork. • BE RESPONSIBLE • PLAN AHEAD • ALWAYS HAVE A BACK UP PLAN

26. QUESTIONS?