Personal Finance: Module 1, Lesson 2

Prepare for the Journey

Section 2.3 – How High School Impacts Your Future

Prepare for the Journey • Slide 2

Section 2.3 Objectives

Students should be able to

understand the importance of planning to enroll

in and successfully complete a postsecondary

program,

examine the impact of high school grades and

standardized test scores on their future, and

evaluate postsecondary admission requirements.

Prepare for the Journey • Slide 3

Glossaries

KentuckianaWorks College Access Center

Iowa College Access Network

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A person has to be

careful about things

he might regret

years from now.–Linus (Peanuts Guide to Life

by Charles M. Schultz, 2007)

“”

Prepare for the Journey • Slide 5

What’s your plan?

No matter who you are…everyone can create the future they deserve.None of us can change yesterday, so let’s start right

where we are today.

Are you ready?

ACT Guide

for High School Students

Make High School Count

Prepare for the Journey • Slide 6

Grades & Standardized Test Scores

If higher is better. . .what impact do they have?

Enable you to meet more college admission requirements

Show colleges that you

performed well in high school

Help you qualify for merit-based aid

Prepare for the Journey • Slide 7

GPA (Grade Point Average)Measures a student’s academic performance by assigning point values to grades

Important tips

Colleges usually require an official transcript

showing each course, the grade received, and a

cumulative GPA (average based on grades from all four

years of high school)

If possible, consider retaking classes in which your

grade may have lowered your cumulative GPA

Prepare for the Journey • Slide 8

Grade A B C D F

Grade points

4.0 3.0 2.0 1.0 0.0

CourseCredit Hours

GradeGrade Points

Biology 3 B 9.0 

Algebra II 3 B 9.0 

Physical Education

1 A 4.0

English 4 D 4.0

TOTALS 11     26

How to Calculate a GPA

Raise your GPA (Calculator)

26 / 11 = 2.36 GPA = C

Prepare for the Journey • Slide 9

Standardized Test Scores ACT (American College Testing) and SAT (Scholastic Aptitude Test) – achievement tests designed to assess a student’s academic development and potential to complete college- level work.

ACT Practice Questions

COMPASS – test that identifies academic skill level so schools (like community colleges or technology centers) can help make sure you have the best chance to succeed.

Prepare for the Journey • Slide 10

Standardized Test Scores

Important tips!

Know college admission requirements and deadlines!

Check with your guidance counselor about test dates. Practice and prepare (retake

ACT/SAT if necessary).

Take the pre-SAT (PSAT) when offered!

Full SAT practice test Information about the PSAT

Copyright © 2011. The College Board.www.collegeboard.org. Reproduced with permission

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Technology Center Admissions

çClick here for

more information

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Community College Admissions

For more information click here

Prepare for the Journey • Slide 13

Four-year University Admissions

Click here for more

information

Prepare for the Journey • Slide 14

Units

Courses

4 English

1 Visual and/or Performing Arts

2 Algebra I and II

1 Geometry or advanced math course

2Natural/Physical Sciences, including at least one unit(with lab) of biology, technology, chemistry, or physics

1 U.S. History

1 Social Studies or World History

2 Foreign Language (both units same language)

Required High School UnitsAdmission to Tennessee’s 4-year public universities require all incoming freshmen to produce a transcript showing they have earned at least these 14 high school credits:

Prepare for the Journey • Slide 15

Additional Admissions Criteria

Extracurricular activities (high school activities, volunteer

work, and college enrichment programs)

College essays

Tips on writing admissions essays

Letters of recommendation

How to get a great recommendation

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The Tennessee HOPE Scholarship!Tennessee students can qualify (per year) for:

Up to $6,000 to attend eligible 4-year institutions!

Up to $3,000 to attend eligible 2-year institutions!

Will require completion of a FAFSA!

Basic HOPE requirements:

21 ACT or 980 SAT

or 3.0 GPA (cumulative/weighted)

Tennessee Education Lottery Scholarship Programs

Prepare for the Journey • Slide 17

Earn College Credit in High School!

Dual Credit

Dual Enrollment

Dual Credit and Dual Enrollment

Dual Enrollment Grant

Advanced Placement (AP)

Explore Advanced Placement

Prepare for the Journey • Slide 18

More College Support Information

National College Access Program Directory

Federal TRIO Programs

TRIO/Upward Bound/Talent Search

COLLEGE for TN

GEAR UP TN Programs

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Interactive (html) Printable (pdf)

High School Planning TimelineCollege Preparation Checklist 

Prepare for the Journey • Slide 20

“ No one has written your destiny for you.

Your destiny is in your hands–

and don’t you forget that. – Barack Obama, 44th U.S. President

You want something. Go get it. Period. scene from the movie “The Pursuit of Happyness”

”

Prepare for the Journey • Slide 21

For this project, the PR/Award Number is V215W100015

and the Department of Education is the funding agency.

This information is provided for the reader's convenience. Tennessee and U.S. Department of

Education are not responsible for controlling or guaranteeing the accuracy, relevance, timeliness, or

completeness of this information. Further, the inclusion of information or Web site address does not

reflect the importance of the organization, nor is it intended to endorse any views expressed, or

products or services offered.

Financial Education for College Access and Success