Senior Survival Guide p. 1

IT’S THE BEGINNING

OF THE END…

HELPFUL SENIOR GUIDE ON HOW TO FINISH THE YEAR

WITH A BANG!

2013

Senior Survival Guide p. 2

CLASS OF 2013

IInnttrroodduuccttiioonn

If you are receiving this packet, congratulations, you have made it to

your senior year of high school. A long, long academic journey has almost

come to an end, but it is not over yet. Becoming a senior does not

guarantee that you will be a graduate. Every year there are seniors who start

out the year on track with their class, yet fail to become candidates for

graduation. Worse yet, many seniors make it to the end of the track,

graduation, to find out that they have not properly prepared for the next

journey after graduation.

Your senior year is a time to make positive/definite decisions about

what you will do after graduation. Remember your senior year should be

one of the most memorable, fun years of your high school career but your

destination after graduation is very important.

This packet has been prepared for you to help bridge the gap between

being a high school senior, graduation, and the world of work, military, and

post secondary education. Within this packet you will find all of the

information needed to enjoy your senior year, to graduate, and to move on

toward your post graduation goals.

Be a survivor, stay on the course to graduation, and have your ticket

ready for the journey after graduation.

Senior Survival Guide p. 3

Very Important Dates to Remember

September 6 --Senior Class Meeting 10:00 a.m.

September 6--Senior Parent Night 6:30 p.m.

September 10-14--Make-up Testing for GHSGT

September 12--Fall Probe College Fair 6:00-9:00 p.m. at Town Center @ Cobb

September 14--Fall Probe College Fair 9:00 a.m.-1:00 p.m. at Atlanta Metropolitan

College

October 1--Senior Class Meeting with Herff Jones(Graduation Announcements and Cap

& Gown information)

October 2--Latino Parent Night 6:30 p.m.

October 3-4--GHSGWT

October 7--Performing Arts College Fair 7:00-9:00 p.m.

October 8--Graduation Announcement Cap & Gown Orders

October 8--Graduation Announcement Cap & Gown Orders Parent Night 4:00-7:00

p.m.

October 9--Graduation Announcement Cap & Gown Orders

October 17--ASVAB Test

October 18--Pebblebrook H.S. College Fair 6:00-8:30 p.m.

October 27--ACT Administered at Pebblebrook High School

November 2--Homecoming Pebblebrook vs. Kennesaw Mountain High School

November 3--Homecoming Dance 7-11 p.m.

November 2--Make-up Graduation Announcement Cap & Gown Orders

November 5-9--Make-up Testing for GHSGT

November 6--Student Holiday No School**

November 9--Apply for College Day

November 10--Fall Sports Senior Day--Football Game PHS vs. So. Cobb High School

12:00 p.m.

December 1--SAT at Pebblebrook High School

December 4-13--End of the Course Testing

December 14--Last Chance to Place Grad. Announcements/Cap & Gown Orders

December 19-20--First Semester Final Exams

January 7--Student Holiday

January 21--Holiday School Closed

Senior Survival Guide p. 4

February 7--Financial Aid Night 6:30 p.m.

February 15--Student Holiday No School **

February 18--Student Holiday No School **

February 27-28--GHSGWT Make-up

March 5--Graduation Announcements Delivery

March 18-22--Make-up Testing for GHSGT

April 15-19--Senior Week

April 19--Changing of the Chairs Assembly

April 20--Prom

April 2--Cap & Gown Delivery/Graduation Announcements re-delivery

May 4--SAT at Pebblebrook High School

May 6-17--AP Testing

May 7-16--EOCT Testing

TBA-- Graduation!!!

Senior Survival Guide p. 5

PEOPLE TO KNOW

Senior Class Administrators: Ms. Creswell

Senior Class Faculty Sponsors: Ms. Lydigsen

Senior Class Counselors: Mr. Gordon

Senior Class Officers: President Ashley Lopez

Vice President Alexzandria Kimble

Secretary Paris Booker

Treasurer Desmond Baskin

Student Body Officer: President Nakiyah Flowers

Vice President Obianuju Okwuoma

Senior Survival Guide p. 6

WAYS TO MAKE THE MOST OF YOUR

SENIOR YEAR

Take lots of pictures (friends, teachers, events, etc.)!!

Attend all of your senior events and activities.

Make a MP3 mix of all of your favorite songs.

Attend school games, dances, and assemblies.

Show school spirit and senior spirit by participating in Homecoming activities,

class competitions, and pep rallies.

Make a scrapbook: Include a list of your favorite movies, favorite bands/groups,

favorite songs, favorite phrases/slogans, copy of school schedule, and newspaper

clippings about your school.

Get involved with as many clubs and activities that you can. Remember it’s your

last chance!

Try to make the highest grades that you possibly can.

Make new friends with other seniors.

Plan outings with your homeroom members (bowling, pizza, attending a game

together).

REMEMBER THAT THERE IS ONLY ONE LAST YEAR OF HIGH

SCHOOL!!

Senior Survival Guide p. 7

THINGS TO DO DURING YOUR SENIOR YEAR

PPaarrttiicciippaattee iinn CChhaannggiinngg ooff tthhee CChhaaiirrss AAsssseemmbbllyy.. IInn oorrddeerr ttoo ppaarrttiicciippaattee,, yyoouu mmuusstt bbee iinn ggoooodd

aaccaaddeemmiicc ssttaannddiinngg ttoo ggrraadduuaattee.. TThhiiss iinncclluuddeess aallll aapppplliiccaabbllee ccoouurrsseess..

MMeeeett wwiitthh yyoouurr ccoouunnsseelloorr ttoo ddiissccuussss yyoouurr ccoolllleeggee aanndd//oorr ccaarreeeerr ppllaannss.. HHaavvee aa ppllaann!! RReevviieeww

yyoouurr ssttaattuuss rreeppoorrtt aanndd mmaakkee ssuurree yyoouu wwiillll mmeeeett tthhee ggrraadduuaattiioonn rreeqquuiirreemmeennttss.. KKeeeepp yyoouurr

ggrraaddeess uupp!! SSeenniioorr yyeeaarr ggrraaddeess aarree vveerryy iimmppoorrttaanntt..

AAppppllyy ffoorr aa ssoocciiaall sseeccuurriittyy nnuummbbeerr iiff yyoouu ddoo nnoott aallrreeaaddyy hhaavvee oonnee.. YYoouu ccaannnnoott rreecceeiivvee tthhee

HHOOPPEE sscchhoollaarrsshhiipp iiff yyoouu ddoo nnoott hhaavvee aa ssoocciiaall sseeccuurriittyy nnuummbbeerr..

TTaakkee tthhee SSAATT aanndd//oorr AACCTT iinn yyoouurr jjuunniioorr yyeeaarr.. IIff yyoouurr ssccoorreess wweerree nnoott hhiigghh eennoouugghh oorr iiff yyoouu

hhaavveenn’’tt ttaakkeenn iitt aatt aallll,, ssiiggnnuupp ffoorr aann OOccttoobbeerr oorr NNoovveemmbbeerr ddaattee –– DDeecceemmbbeerr iiss ttoooo llaattee ffoorr

mmaannyy ccoolllleeggeess.. AASSSSEETT ssccoorreess wwiillll mmeeeett tthhee aaddmmiissssiioonn rreeqquuiirreemmeenntt ffoorr TTeecchhnniiccaall CCoolllleeggeess..

DDeecciiddee wwhhiicchh tteeaacchheerrss yyoouu wwiillll aasskk ffoorr ccoolllleeggee oorr jjoobb rreeccoommmmeennddaattiioonnss.. AAllllooww ttwwoo wweeeekkss

ffoorr aannyy rreeqquueesstt ffoorr rreeccoommmmeennddaattiioonn lleetttteerrss.. NNoott aallll ccoolllleeggeess rreeqquuiirree rreeccoommmmeennddaattiioonn

lleetttteerrss..

AAtttteenndd oonnee ooff tthhee mmaannyy FFaallll PPRROOBBEE CCoolllleeggee FFaaiirrss ((DDaatteess aanndd ttiimmeess lliisstteedd oonn pp.. 33 aanndd 1111))

AAtttteenndd tthhee FFaallll CCoolllleeggee FFaaiirr ffoorr PPeerrffoorrmmiinngg aanndd VViissuuaall AArrttss oonn OOccttoobbeerr 77,, 77--99 PP..MM.. iinn tthhee

BBeettttyy GGrraayy BBuuiillddiinngg aanndd tthhee PPeebbbblleebbrrooookk HH..SS.. CCoolllleeggee FFaaiirr oonn OOccttoobbeerr 1188,, 66::0000--88::3300 PP..MM..

iinn tthhee MMeeddiiaa CCeenntteerr..

MMaakkee aa lliisstt ooff aallll tthhee ccoolllleeggeess oorr ccaarreeeerrss yyoouu aarree ccoonnssiiddeerriinngg.. FFiinndd oouutt mmoorree aabboouutt tthheemm bbyy

vviissiittiinngg tthhee CCaarreeeerr CCeenntteerr oorr wweebbssiitteess.. VViissiitt ccaammppuusseess.. RReesseeaarrcchh yyoouurr ooppttiioonnss!!

CCoommpplleettee aapppplliiccaattiioonnss oonn--lliinnee oorr sseenndd ffoorr aapppplliiccaattiioonnss.. MMaakkee ssuurree yyoouurr aapppplliiccaattiioonnss aarree

lleeggiibbllee aanndd ccaarreeffuullllyy ddoonnee..

PPaayy cclloossee aatttteennttiioonn ttoo ddeeaaddlliinneess!! RReeqquueesstt ttrraannssccrriippttss ffrroomm GGuuiiddaannccee && aallllooww 2244 hhoouurrss ffoorr

ttuurrnn aarroouunndd.. AAfftteerr tthhee ffiirrsstt oonnee,, tthhee ccoosstt iiss $$22 ffoorr eeaacchh ooffffiicciiaall ttrraannssccrriipptt..

CCoonnttiinnuuee yyoouurr sscchhoollaarrsshhiipp//ffiinnaanncciiaall aaiidd sseeaarrcchh:: WWeebbssiitteess,, SScchhoollaarrsshhiipp NNootteebbooookkss iinn sseenniioorr

EEnngglliisshh ccllaasssseess.. PPaayy cclloossee aatttteennttiioonn ttoo ddeeaaddlliinneess..

FFAAFFSSAA –– YYoouurr ppaarreennttss nneeeedd ttoo sseenndd iinn yyoouurr FFAAFFSSAA ((FFrreeee AApppplliiccaattiioonn ffoorr FFeeddeerraall SSttuuddeenntt AAiidd))

aass ssoooonn aass ppoossssiibbllee aafftteerr JJaannuuaarryy 11sstt.. TThhiiss iiss rreeqquuiirreedd ffoorr mmoosstt ccoolllleeggeess nnaattiioonnaallllyy aanndd ffoorr tthhee

GGeeoorrggiiaa HHOOPPEE sscchhoollaarrsshhiipp..

TToo ggeett tthhee HHOOPPEE sscchhoollaarrsshhiipp,, yyoouu mmuusstt ccoommpplleettee tthhee FFAAFFSSAA oorr tthhee ee--HHOOPPEE aapppplliiccaattiioonn aanndd

hhaavvee tthhee aapppprroopprriiaattee GGPPAA..

Senior Survival Guide p. 8

GLOSSARY OF INFORMATION

AACCTT

AAllll ssttaattee ccoolllleeggeess && uunniivveerrssiittiieess iinn GGeeoorrggiiaa aass wweellll aass mmaannyy pprriivvaattee && oouutt--ooff--ssttaattee sscchhoooollss aacccceepptt tthhiiss

ccoolllleeggee aaddmmiissssiioonnss tteesstt,, ggiivveenn ssiixx ttiimmeess aa yyeeaarr..

TTeesstt CCeenntteerrss:: PPeebbbblleebbrrooookk HHiigghh SScchhooooll,, SSoouutthheerrnn PPoollyytteecchhnniicc,, LLiiffee UUnniivveerrssiittyy,, OOssbboorrnnee HHiigghh

SScchhooooll,, ootthheerr CCoobbbb CCoouunnttyy sscchhoooollss..

CCoosstt:: $$3355..0000 OOppttiioonnaall wwrriittiinngg tteesstt:: $$1155..5500 ((FFeeee wwaaiivveerr ffoorr ssttuuddeennttss wwiitthh ffrreeee aanndd rreedduucceedd lluunncchh))

RReeggiissttrraattiioonn:: Registration packets are available in the Guidance Office and on-line at ACT.org

RReeggiissttrraattiioonn DDeeaaddlliinneess:: When registering by mail, the completed registration form & a check

covering required fees must be postmarked by the registration postmark deadline for the test date

chose. Late registration fee: $22.00

2012–2013

Test Date Registration Deadline (Late Fee Required)

September 8, 2012 August 17, 2012 August 18-24, 2012

October 27, 2012 September 21, 2012 September 22–October 5, 2012

December 8, 2012 November 2, 2012 November 3–18, 2012

April 13, 2013 March 8, 2013 March 9-22, 2013

June 8, 2013 May 3, 2013 May 4-17, 2013

AARRMMEEDD FFOORRCCEESS

RReeccrruuiitteerrss ffrroomm tthhee AArrmmyy,, NNaavvyy,, AAiirr FFoorrccee,, && MMaarriinneess ccoommee ttoo PPeebbbblleebbrrooookk ffrroomm ttiimmee ttoo ttiimmee ttoo ttaallkk

ttoo iinntteerreesstteedd ssttuuddeennttss.. LLiisstteenn ttoo mmoorrnniinngg aannnnoouunncceemmeennttss ttoo ffiinndd oouutt wwhheenn tthheeyy wwiillll bbee aatt PPeebbbblleebbrrooookk

aanndd ssiiggnn uupp ffoorr aa vviissiitt iinn tthhee gguuiiddaannccee ooffffiiccee..

AASSVVAABB ((AARRMMEEDD SSEERRVVIICCEESS VVOOCCAATTIIOONN AAPPTTIITTUUDDEE BBAATTTTEERRYY))

TThhiiss aappttiittuuddee tteesstt iiss aavvaaiillaabbllee ttoo aannyy iinntteerreesstteedd ssttuuddeenntt.. AAlltthhoouugghh iitt iiss uusseedd ffoorr jjoobb ppllaacceemmeenntt bbyy tthhee

mmiilliittaarryy,, iitt ccaann ggiivvee aallll ssttuuddeennttss ggoooodd iinnffoorrmmaattiioonn aabboouutt tthheeiirr aabbiilliittiieess.. IIff yyoouu aarree iinntteerreesstteedd iinn ttaakkiinngg

tthhee AASSVVAABB sseeee MMss.. WWaallkkeerr iinn tthhee GGuuiiddaannccee OOffffiiccee.. TThhee AASSVVAABB tteesstt wwiillll bbee ggiivveenn oonn OOccttoobbeerr 1177,, 22001122..

CCAAMMPPUUSS VVIISSIITTSS

CCaammppuuss vviissiittss aarree aa vveerryy iimmppoorrttaanntt ppaarrtt ooff tthhee ccoolllleeggee sseelleeccttiioonn pprroocceessss.. SSoommee ccoolllleeggeess hhaavvee sseett ttiimmeess;;

wwhhiillee ootthheerrss wwiillll hheellpp yyoouu sseett uupp aa vviissiitt oonn aann iinnddiivviidduuaall bbaassiiss.. HHeerree aarree ssoommee aaddddiittiioonnaall ssuuggggeessttiioonnss

ffoorr ppllaannnniinngg yyoouurr ccaammppuuss vviissiittss..

CCaallll tthhee aaddmmiissssiioonnss ooffffiiccee ooff eeaacchh ccoolllleeggee yyoouu wwoouulldd lliikkee ttoo vviissiitt..

IItt iiss bbeesstt ttoo vviissiitt wwhheenn ccllaasssseess aarree iinn sseessssiioonn.. TTrryy ttoo aarrrraannggee ttoo ssiitt iinn oonn aa ccllaassss iiff yyoouu ccaann..

IIff yyoouu hhaavvee aa mmaajjoorr iinn mmiinndd,, ttrryy ttoo ttaallkk wwiitthh ssoommeeoonnee ffrroomm tthhaatt ddeeppaarrttmmeenntt wwhhiillee yyoouu aarree tthheerree..

SSppeenndd tthhee nniigghhtt iinn aa ddoorrmm iiff yyoouu ccaann.. IIff yyoouu aallrreeaaddyy kknnooww ssoommeeoonnee aatt tthhee sscchhooooll,, ttrryy ttoo aarrrraannggee

ttoo ssttaayy wwiitthh tthheemm.. SSoommee ooff tthhee ccoolllleeggeess wwiillll aallssoo hheellpp aarrrraannggee oovveerrnniigghhtt ssttaayyss..

UUssee tthhee ssttuuddeenntt hhoolliiddaayyss ttoo sscchheedduullee ccaammppuuss vviissiittss..

PPrreeppaarree aa lliisstt ooff qquueessttiioonnss.. IIff yyoouu aarree nnoott ssuurree wwhhaatt ttoo aasskk,, sseeee yyoouurr ccoouunnsseelloorr..

Senior Survival Guide p. 9

CCAARREEEERR CCEENNTTEERR

LLooccaatteedd iinn tthhee GGuuiiddaannccee OOffffiiccee,, tthhee ccaarreeeerr cceenntteerr hhaass mmaannyy bbooookkss,, ppaammpphhlleettss,, hhaannddoouuttss,, ccoommppuutteerr

pprrooggrraammss,, aanndd ootthheerr iinnffoorrmmaattiioonn aabboouutt ccaarreeeerrss.. TThhee CCaarreeeerr CCeenntteerr iiss ooppeenn,, sscchheedduullee aa ttiimmee ttoo vviissiitt..

CCLLAASSSS RRAANNKK

CCllaassss rraannkk iiss aa wwaayy ooff ccoommppaarriinngg oonnee ssttuuddeenntt’’ss rreeccoorrdd ooff aaccaaddeemmiicc ppeerrffoorrmmaannccee wwiitthh hhiiss//hheerr

ccllaassssmmaatteess.. IItt iiss iinnddiiccaatteedd oonn tthhee ttrraannssccrriipptt.. CCllaassss rraannkk iiss oonnee ooff tthhee ffaaccttoorrss ccoonnssiiddeerreedd bbyy ccoommppeettiittiivvee

ccoolllleeggeess..

CCOOLLLLEEGGEE AADDMMIISSSSIIOONNSS –– PPrreeppaarriinngg ffoorr CCoolllleeggee:: TThhee UUnniivveerrssiittyy SSyysstteemm ooff GGeeoorrggiiaa

SSeeee pp.. 1144 ffoorr ddeettaaiilleedd iinnffoorrmmaattiioonn..

CCOOLLLLEEGGEE AADDMMIISSSSIIOONN RREEPPRREESSEENNTTAATTIIVVEESS

CCoolllleeggee aaddmmiissssiioonnss rreepprreesseennttaattiivveess aarree tthhee lliinnkk bbeettwweeeenn tthhee ccoolllleeggee aanndd tthhee aapppplliiccaanntt aanndd aarree aa ggoooodd

ssoouurrccee ooff iinnffoorrmmaattiioonn aabboouutt tthhee ccoolllleeggee.. SSttuuddeennttss mmaayy ssppeeaakk wwiitthh tthheemm bbyy aatttteennddiinngg oonnee ooff tthhee

PPRROOBBEE CCoolllleeggee FFaaiirrss,, PPTTSSAA CCoolllleeggee FFaaiirr,, oorr mmeeeettiinngg wwiitthh tthheemm wwhheenn tthheeyy vviissiitt tthhee PPeebbbblleebbrrooookk

ccaammppuuss.. SSeenniioorrss wwiisshhiinngg ttoo ssppeeaakk wwiitthh aann aaddmmiissssiioonnss rreepp wwhheenn tthheeyy aarree aatt sscchhooooll sshhoouulldd ttaakkee tthhee

ffoolllloowwiinngg sstteeppss::

SStteepp 11.. BBee aawwaarree ooff tthhee sscchheedduullee ooff vviissiittiinngg ccoolllleeggee rreepprreesseennttaattiivveess bbyy lliisstteenniinngg ttoo tthhee mmoorrnniinngg

aannnnoouunncceemmeennttss aanndd ssiiggnniinngg uupp iinn tthhee GGuuiiddaannccee OOffffiiccee..

SStteepp 22.. RReecceeiivvee aa ppaassss ffrroomm tthhee CCoouunnsseelliinngg OOffffiiccee tthhee ddaayy ooff tthhee vviissiitt..

SStteepp 44.. GGeett ppeerrmmiissssiioonn ffrroomm yyoouurr tteeaacchheerr ttoo bbee oouutt ooff ccllaassss.. HHee//sshhee mmuusstt aallllooww yyoouu ttoo ggoo bbeeffoorree

yyoouu wwiillll bbee aalllloowweedd ttoo mmeeeett wwiitthh tthhee RReepp..

SSttuuddeennttss mmaayy aallssoo ttaallkk wwiitthh ccoolllleeggee rreeppss wwhheenn vviissiittiinngg ccoolllleeggee ccaammppuusseess..

CCOOLLLLEEGGEE AAPPPPLLIICCAATTIIOONN PPRROOCCEEDDUURREE

Students may obtain college applications from a variety of sources. Students may call or write the

admissions office of a college or university and ask to have an application and a catalog mailed to

them. Representatives often have applications available at PROBE fairs. Many schools now have their

application on their web site and students may apply online or print the application and apply by

mail. Students applying to college must always arrange for an official transcript to reach the college.

See TRANSCRIPTS on p. 7 for specific information.

COLLEGE CATALOGS

The Pebblebrook Career Center has catalogs from many of the colleges & universities in Georgia and

other states. Students and parents may review them in the Career Center. Admissions information is

often available on the website of the college or university.

DIPLOMAS

DDiipplloommaa oorrddeerr ffoorrmmss wwiillll bbee ccoommpplleetteedd dduurriinngg hhoommeerroooomm aanndd rreettuurrnneedd ttoo MMss.. TTuurrnneerr iinn tthhee

GGuuiiddaannccee OOffffiiccee.. BBee pprreeppaarreedd ttoo pprroovviiddee yyoouurr ccoommpplleettee ““ooffffiicciiaall”” nnaammee ssppeelllleedd ccoorrrreeccttllyy.. NNeeiitthheerr

nniicckknnaammeess nnoorr iinniittiiaallss wwiillll bbee aacccceepptteedd..

FINAL TRANSCRIPT

If you will be attending a college, university, technical institute, or other type of school next fall, you

will be required to have a final transcript sent to the institution as proof that you have graduated.

Seniors will be told when to sign up for final transcripts. After the first free transcript, there is a fee of

$2.00 per transcript requested. Note: The Guidance Office will need the complete mailing address of

Senior Survival Guide p. 10

the institution to which we will be sending the final transcript. All transcripts will require a 24 hour

turn around time.

FINANCIAL AID FORMS

There are several forms that are used to apply for need based financial aid:

FREE APPLICATION FOR FEDERAL STUDENT AID (FAFSA) – This form is used by all colleges to

determine eligibility for need-based financial aid. It is also used to establish eligibility for the HOPE

Grant.

FAFSA ffoorrmmss aarree aavvaaiillaabbllee oonn--lliinnee aafftteerr JJaannuuaarryy 11sstt.. CChheecckk wwiitthh ccoolllleeggeess ffoorr tthheeiirr FFAAFFSSAA ddeeaaddlliinneess!!

RReemmeemmbbeerr tthhaatt FFiinnaanncciiaall AAiidd ffoorr tthhee ffrreesshhmmaann yyeeaarr iiss bbaasseedd oonn yyoouurr yyeeaarr 22001122 iinnccoommee aanndd aasssseettss..

FAFSA application also on-line at www.fafsa.ed.gov

HOPE ALTERNATE APPLICATION – This form may be used in lieu of the FAFSA if your college

accepts it. Check with the Financial Aid Office at your college for more information, they may

require additional paperwork. You may also apply for HOPE electronically by completing the e-

HOPE Application at www.gsfc.org/ehope.

FINANCIAL AID SEMINAR

Students and parents needing help with the FAFSA should plan to attend the FINANCIAL AID

SEMINAR that will be held in February, date pending. A financial aid specialist from the Georgia

Student Finance Commission will discuss in detail completion of the FAFSA & assist in the steps.

GGRRAADDEE PPOOIINNTT AAVVEERRAAGGEE ((GGPPAA))

Students have several GPAs. When you are talking to a counselor, college admissions representative,

etc. make sure that you specify which one you are talking about.

OVERALL WEIGHTED GPA: All grades count. Bonus quality points from weighted classes are

included. This GPA is used to determine class rank.

OVERALL UNWEIGHTED GPA: All grades count. No bonus quality points are included.

ACADEMIC GPA: Only courses from English, Math, Science, Social Studies, and Foreign

Languages count. The HOPE Scholarship uses a weighted core GPA, allowing a weight of .5 for

an AP class, which includes only the 16 core classes, required for the College Prep Diploma.

Most colleges calculate an academic grade point average for each applicant rather than use the

overall grade point average (GPA) that appears on the transcript. Some colleges use a bonus

quality point system; some do not. IF they do, they will use their system, not the system used

by the student’s home school. The only way to make sure how a particular college will view

your grades is to ask that college.

GRADUATION ANNOUNCEMENTS

Herff Jones is the representative that we utilize, and orders will be taken in the fall for spring delivery.

Don’t wait until the last minute to order. Representatives will be at lunches to start taking orders in

October.

Senior Survival Guide p. 11

HONOR GRADUATES

Any student completing high school with a weighted GPA of 3.5 or better (no rounding) will be

designated an honor graduate. Honor graduates will be announced during the last graduation

practice.

HOPE SCHOLARSHIP

Students who meet the criteria listed below qualify for tuition assistance if they attend college in

Georgia.

You must have a 3.0 GPA in your core classes. *Core classes include English, Math, Science, Social

Studies, & Foreign Language. Only AP classes are weighted.

The student and their parents must complete a FAFSA or special HOPE Alternate Application (See

FINANCIAL AID FORMS on p. 10). Eligibility is reported by social security number, so it is very

important that each student check his/her transcript to make sure that the social security number

showing on the transcript is correct.

NCAA FORMS

NNCCAAAA CClleeaarriinngghhoouussee ffoorrmmss && ootthheerr rreellaatteedd rreeqquueessttss sshhoouulldd bbee mmaaddee ttoo tthhee GGuuiiddaannccee OOffffiiccee cclleerrkk..

PPRROOBBEE CCOOLLLLEEGGEE FFAAIIRRSS

Meet with college admissions reps at one of the fairs listed below:

Day / Date Time Location

Wednesday, September 12, 2012 6:00 PM - 9:00 PM Town Center @ Cobb

Friday, September 14, 2012 9:00 AM- 1:30 PM Atlanta Metropolitan College

RECOMMENDATIONS

If a narrative counselor recommendation is required as part of your college admission application, you

need to see your counselor as soon as possible to make arrangements. You will need to bring the

counselor a resume and the recommendation form. A week (minimum) is required for the counselor

to complete and send your recommendation. Do not wait to the last minute to ask for a

recommendation from the counselor or teacher. Please adhere to these guidelines so that the

counselor and teachers will have adequate time to prepare a good recommendation.

Senior Survival Guide p. 12

SSAATT II

This college admission test is also given seven times a year and is accepted by all state colleges &

universities in Georgia as well as many private & out-of-state schools.

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SScchhoooollss && MMaarriieettttaa HHiigghh SScchhooooll

CCoosstt:: $$5500..0000 ((FFeeee wwaaiivveerr ffoorr ssttuuddeennttss wwiitthh ffrreeee aanndd rreedduucceedd lluunncchh))

RReeggiissttrraattiioonn:: Registration packets are available in the Guidance Office or on-line at

collegeboard.com.

RReeggiissttrraattiioonn DDeeaaddlliinneess:: When registering by mail, the completed registration form & a check

covering required fees must be postmarked by the registration postmark deadline for the test date

chose. Late fee is $27.00.

Test Dates Test Registration Deadlines *

U.S. Regular U.S. Late (fee applies)

October 6, 2012 SAT & Subject Tests Sep. 7, 2012 Sep. 21, 2012

November 3, 2012 SAT & Subject Tests Oct. 4, 2012 Oct. 19, 2011

December 1, 2012 SAT & Subject Tests Nov. 1, 2012 Nov. 16, 2012

January 26, 2013 SAT & Subject Tests Dec. 28, 2012 Jan. 11, 2013

March 9, 2013 SAT only Feb. 8, 2013 Feb. 22, 2013

May 4, 2013 SAT & Subject Tests Apr. 5, 2012 Apr. 19, 2013

June 1, 2013 SAT & Subject Tests May 2, 2013 May 17, 2013

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SAT II

These subject area tests are given at the same time and location as the SAT. See College Board for

registration information. Some colleges require specific tests. It is the student’s responsibility to be

aware of each college’s requirement in this area. Students should take this test only if required by a

college or university to which they are applying. See your counselor for additional information.

SCHOLARSHIP INFORMATION

To keep seniors posted with current scholarship information, the Pebblebrook Guidance Office offers

the following:

An information notebook on current scholarships available in 12th grade English classes and

homerooms. If you are interested in a specific scholarship go to the Guidance Office for specific

details.

The Internet is now a valuable tool in the search for scholarship information.

One great source is wwwwww..ffaassttwweebb..ccoomm

Senior Survival Guide p. 13

SELECTIVE SERVICE

Federal law requires that males between the ages of 18 and 26 register with the selective service in

order to be eligible for any federally funded student aid (such as Pell Grants) and any state funded

student aid (such as HOPE scholarships, teacher scholarships).

SOCIAL SECURITY NUMBER

A student must have a Social Security number on file to be eligible for HOPE and other student loans

and grants. We strongly encourage students to check their transcript to make sure that the number on

file is correct. Incorrect numbers can cause significant delays in college acceptance & HOPE Grant

qualification!

TRANSCRIPTS

A transcript is a history of your academic record and test scores for grades 9 & higher. It also shows

your grade point average and class rank. The first transcript requested is free; there is a fee of $2.00

each for subsequent ones. There are two kinds of transcripts:

Official – Has the school seal and is required when applying to college. The Guidance Office can

mail it directly to the college or it can be given to students or parents in a sealed envelope. DO

NOT OPEN THE SEALED TRANSCRIPT.

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uusseedd ttoo aappppllyy ttoo ccoolllleeggee..

The Guidance Office will include SAT/ACT scores along with the transcript, if requested, however

be aware that some schools, such as UGA and GA Tech, require an official copy of the scores. An

official copy of SAT or ACT scores can be requested when registering for the test or directly over

the Internet at wwwwww..aacctt..oorrgg (ACT) or wwwwww..ccoolllleeggeebbooaarrdd..ccoomm (SAT).

Senior Survival Guide p. 14

Preparing for College

University System of Georgia

Admissions Standards

Required High School Curriculum (RHSC) for Students Graduating High School 2012 or

Later Students graduating high school in 2012 or later should complete the following curriculum:

Carnegie Unit Requirements* In Specific Subject Areas

4 units English Literature (American, English, world) integrated with grammar, usage and

advanced composition skills

4 units mathematics Mathematics I, II, III, and a fourth year of advanced math or algebra I and II,

geometry, and a fourth year of advanced math, or equivalent courses.

4 units of science The four science units should include two courses with a laboratory component.

Students graduating from a Georgia public high school should have at least one

unit in biology, one unit of physical science or physics, one unit of chemistry,

earth science or environmental science and a fourth science.

3 units social science Must include one unit focusing on U.S. studies and one unit focusing on world

studies

2 units of the same foreign language or American

Sign Language

Emphasizing speaking, listening, reading and writing skills

*Note: A Carnegie unit is a full academic year of credit

Standardized Test Score Requirements Research, Regional and State Universities

Students seeking admission to a Research, Regional, or State university are required to submit SAT or ACT test scores. The following

are the System test score requirements for admission to a Research, Regional or State university. Students seeking admission to one

of these universities should contact the Admissions Office as institution requirements may be higher.

SAT ACT

Critical Reading Math English Math

430 400 17 17

Additionally, the following schools have lower testing requirements and Freshman Index Requirements (around 310-350 for the SAT

and 12-14 for the ACT):

Abraham Baldwin Agricultural College College of Coastal Georgia

Dalton State College Gainesville State College

Gordon College Macon State College

The following schools have no testing requirements:NOT REQUIRING TEST SCORES

Atlanta Metropolitan College Georgia Highlands College

Darton College Georgia Perimeter College

East Georgia College Middle Georgia College

Georgia Gwinnett College South Georgia College

Senior Survival Guide p. 15

Freshman Index Requirements

The Freshman Index is calculated by combining the high school grade point average (GPA) with the highest earned SAT or ACT test scores. The high school GPA is calculated from the grades earned in the 17 Required High School Curriculum (RHSC) courses for those students graduating 2012 or later. The following formulas are used to calculate a student's freshman index:

Formula for SAT Test Takers Formula for ACT Test Takers

Freshman Index =

(500 x High School GPA) + SAT Critical Reading + SAT Math

Freshman Index =

(500 x High School GPA) + (ACT Composite score x 42) + 88

Students seeking admission to a University System of Georgia college or university are required to meet the freshman index requirements. The following are the System freshman index requirements. Students should contact the Admissions Office for more information as institution requirements may be higher.

Type of Institution Minimum Freshman Index (FI)

Research Institutions 2500

Regional Universities 2040

State Universities 1940

State and Two-Year Colleges 1830 (some state schools may have lower requirements)

Senior Survival Guide p. 16

10 WAYS TO RUIN YOUR SENIOR YEAR

1. BECOMING LAZY WITH YOUR SCHOOL WORK- Remember that GPA is very important on

college applications. Now is not the time to get lazy.

2. ASSUMING THAT TEACHERS WILL LET YOU PASS BECAUSE YOU ARE A SENIOR- You

will get what you earn …nothing more … nothing less.

3. NOT KEEPING UP WITH IMPORTANT DATES- Scholarships due dates, order dates, testing dates,

clearance dates and etc.

4. NOT REVIEWING YOUR SCHOOL CREDITS/TRANSCRIPTS- The month of May is too late to

realize that you are short on credits!!!

5. ASSUMING THAT SCHOOL RULES DO NOT APPLY TO SENIORS- All Pebblebrook rules apply

to all Pebblebrook students. Participation in the graduation ceremony is a privilege that can be revoked.

6. ASSUMING THAT YOUR PARENTS WILL AUTOMATICALLY KNOW ABOUT IMPORTANT

SENIOR INFORMATION- Your parents will not know unless you tell them!

7. ASSUMING YOUR PARENTS WILL AUTOMATICALLY TAKE CARE OF ALL OF YOUR

SENIOR ORDERS- You have to be responsible to make sure that your parents or you place the proper

orders.

8. NOT PAYING FINES- All senior fines have to be cleared before graduation.

9. LOSING IMPORTANT PAPERWORK- Senior clearance forms, applications, letters of

recommendations.

10. ASSUMING THAT COLLEGES WILL MAKE AN EXCEPTION FOR YOU IF YOU MISS

THEIR APPLICATION DATES- You are one student among thousands of applicants …miss the date

and miss your opportunity.

Senior Survival Guide p. 17

ONE

Three

And

Free