2010-2011

JUNIOR IMMERSION

End-of-Course Assessments (ECAs)

• What are ECAs?- ECAs are tests developed specifically for students

completing their instruction in Algebra 1, Biology 1, or English 10.

• Why are ECAs given?

- The purpose of ECAs is to measure student achievement in the subject areas of English/Language Arts, Science, and Mathematics.

Dual Credit/ Advanced Placement (AP) Courses

• What is dual credit?- Dual credit is the term given to courses in which

high school students have the opportunity to earn both high school and college credits.

• What are advanced placement courses?

- Advanced Placement refers to courses offered in high schools administered by the College Board. AP courses are accelerated courses that may result in college credit.

Dual Credit/ Advanced Placement (AP) Courses Continued.

• Many colleges look favorably upon dual credits and AP courses when considering students for admission or for advanced academic standing.

• You can learn more about these opportunities in your area by contacting your high school.

SAT/ACT

• Can register online at:SAT: collegeboard.comACT: http://act.org

• Test fees for the SAT may be waived once as junior and once as senior.

ACT Testing Informationhttp://act.org

2010-2011 ACT Testing/Registration

2010/2011 Test Dates Regular Registration Deadlines

Late Registration Deadlines (fee applies)

09/11/2010 08/06/2010 08/07/2010-08/20/2010

10/23/2010 09/17/2010 09/18/2010-10/01/2010

12/11/2010 11/05/2010 11/06/2010-11/19/2010

02/12/2011 01/07/2011 01/08/2011-01/21/2011

04/09/2011 03/04/2011 03/05/2011-03/18/2011

06/11/2011 05/06/2011 05/07/2011-05/20/2011

SAT Testing Informationwww.collegeboard.com2010-2011 Testing/Registration

2010/2011 Test Dates

Test Regular Registration

Deadline

Late Registration Deadline (fee

applies)

10/09/2010 SAT & Subject Tests

09/10/2010 09/24/2010

11/06/2010 SAT & Subject Tests

10/08/2010 10/22/2010

12/04/2010 SAT & Subject Tests

11/05/2010 11/19/2010

01/22/2011 SAT & Subject Tests

12/23/2010 01/07/2011

03/12/2011 SAT only 02/11/2011 02/25/2011

05/07/2010 SAT & Subject Tests

04/08/2011 04/22/2011

06/04/2010 SAT & Subject Tests

05/06/2011 05/20/2011

What is the difference between the ACT and SAT?

• The ACT is an achievement test, measuring what a student has learned in school. The SAT is more of an aptitude test, testing reasoning and verbal abilities.

• The ACT has up to 5 components: English, Mathematics, Reading, Science, and an optional Writing Test (needs to be taken if required by the college(s) you are applying to). The SAT has 3 components: Verbal, Mathematics, and a required Writing Test.

• The SAT has a correction for guessing. That is, points are taken off for wrong answers. The ACT is scored based on the number correct with no correction for guessing.

SELECTING A COLLEGE OR SCHOOLThings to consider:

What is your eventual career goal?

Which school is the top choice for this kind of training?

Which school will provide the best financial aid package?

What are alternate schools in case I can’t get into my top choice?

ALWAYS HAVE A PLAN B!

INCENTIVES FOR SCHOLARS

scholars.in.gov•List of colleges that accept the

Twenty-first Century Scholarship

•Waiver of application fees or other incentives for scholars

•Click on Eligible Colleges – list is alphabetical by name of school

College EssayWhat an Admission Committee Looks For

A well written essay. Be sure to use proper grammar; punctuation, and syntax. Don’t try to impress committee by using words you’re unsure of – it makes your essay sound

stilted and self conscious.Content. Your essay should answer the question truthfully and insightfully – the question is designed to allow you to show your ability to think about yourself and to convey your

feelings clearly.Creativity. Admission committees, remember, are reading literally hundreds – maybe

thousands – of essays responding to the same question. Make yours one that stands out.

Choosing a TopicFind a topic which excites you. Enthusiasm is contagious. If you use a new angle, it

gives the admission committee a better idea of who you are and how you think.Bring your topic to life. Use vivid examples and sensory details whenever you can. It

will help you come across as self-assured and accomplished.Explore different options. If your topic lends itself to another approach than straight

prose, don’t be afraid to try it.Don’t use the same essay for all your applications. Each university is different; your

essays should reflect those differences.

1. Write quickly and freely, including unique details of your experiences, emotions, and thoughts. Describe actual scenes and tell a personal story if you can.

2. Reread your essay and ask yourself – and perhaps a trusted friend – let the real you come through. Let your essay sit for a day or so and then go back to finish proofing it.

3. Now with a critical eye, look at the order of your ideas. Since the college will expect you to write in a logical way, reorder your essay, if necessary, to reflect your ability to do this.

4. Make sure you used clear paragraph transitions, active verbs, an attractive introduction; and a confident conclusion. Avoid overusing the pronoun “I”.

5. Eliminate anything that doesn’t carry weight. Aim for a single page of clear, light, and readable prose.

6. Check mechanics. Check to see that your writing has rhythm and balance. Be satisfied that your essay reveals your special way of looking at the world.

7. Write a final draft and type it neatly.

Before You Submit YOUR Essay/Revision Checklist

Letter of Recommendation

Often applicants must provide three or more letters.

While requirements differ by institution, program and concentration, generally speaking successful academic recommendations should: -Provide testimony to your aptitude, curiosity and industriousness

-Demonstrate your maturity and seriousness of purpose

-Speak to your leadership ability -Paint you as “well rounded”

-Compliment your character -Include other pertinent information about you – things not readily apparent from admission tests scores or transcript.

TWENTY-FIRST CENTURY SCHOLARSHIP• Covers tuition only, not Room & Board,

books, etc.• Guarantees 100% tuition at public colleges

and at Ivy Tech Community College• Pays partial tuition at private or

independent colleges • Pays partial tuition at approved for-profit

specialty or proprietary schools• Provides up to 8 semesters of tuition

assistance toward an undergraduate degree

High School GPA Requirement

• Twenty-first Century Scholar students must graduate high school with a

cumulative high school grade point average (GPA) of 2.0 or higher on a 4-

point scale.

• High school guidance counselors will report your GPA to the Twenty-first

Century Scholars program.

March 10thFAFSA Receipt Date

Deadline FAFSA On The Web

• Get a PIN first (student and parent)

• Complete Pre-Application Worksheet Print and mail signature page if necessary

• Print and keep a copy of the confirmation page

• Make sure to create and submit FAFSA, not just create and save

NEVER FORGET!

Must file FAFSA every year by March deadline

Must file corrections by May deadline

Must enroll full time (12 credit hours or more) in a degree-granting program

Must remain resident of Indiana while using scholarship (as determined by the permanent residency of your parent or legal guardian)

QUESTIONS? ? ? ? ?