A Guide for your Junior Year
John Handley High SchoolP. O. Box 910Winchester, VA 22604540-662-3471CEEB Code: 472-435
Working Together To Make It Happen
Candid discussions between student and parent regarding family parameters including but not limited to finances, expectations, goals and feelings.
Commitment from the student, parent and counselor to meet timelines and stay within the boundaries of designated roles.
Higher Education Options
Community Colleges
Certificate Programs ~ Provides students specialized training in a wide range of occupations
Associate of Applied Science Degrees AAS Provides students the opportunity to move into the job market with specialized skills
Associate of Arts (AA) and Associate of Science (AS) Degrees prepare students to transfer to a four year college to complete the final two years of their Bachelors Degree
Military All branches provide training and further
educational opportunities
Employment Entry level positions with on the job
training Apprenticeship Programs that provide an
income and specialized training Management Training Programs that train
those employees who are ambitious, motivated and have a strong work ethic
Four Year Colleges any career fields require as a minimum a
degree from a four year college (BA, BFA, BS) . Many career fields require advanced degrees (MA, MS, M ED, JDD, PHD MSW, or MD) to remain competitive in their career field.
Gap Year Volunteer for a year with programs like
the Peace Corp, Americorps or City Year
Career and College Planning
Know yourself Know how to access the wide range of
resources available for career and college searches
Know how you measure up (do I meet the qualifications for a particular career, the military or college)
Know and meet the deadlines for your post high school plan
College Admission 101
Do your research (large vs. small, public vs. private, major area of study). What are your criteria?
College Visits (make a list of what you want in a school and evaluate each school using that tool when you visit)
Narrow your choices (ideally two safe schools, two “good fits” and one or two reach schools)
The Application Student Portion SAT or ACT Scores Recommendations Essay/Personal Statement Transcripts
– Courses to date– Grades to date– Grade Point Average
SAT and ACT Tests
Required by 4-year colleges/universities Objective measure used to compare students
from across the state and nation Used as a predictor of academic
readiness/success at collegiate level Both tests are widely accepted by most
colleges Tests can be taken multiple times (consider
testing at least once during junior year).
SAT and ACT Tests
SAT– Critical Reading– Math– Writing– 7 national test dates– Register online at
collegeboard.com
ACT– English – Math – Reading – Science – Writing – 6 national test dates– Register online at
actstudent.org
SAT and ACT (cont’d)
SAT– Scores range from
200-800 on each subtest
– National/state/JHHS averages around 500 on each subtest
ACT– Scores range from 1-
36 on each subtest– National/state
averages around 20-21 on each subtest
RESOURCES FOR YOUR COLLEGE
SEARCH
College Board collegebord.com
The Princeton Review princetonreview.com
Peterson’s petersons.com
National Center for Education nces.ed.gov
Virginia Career View vacareerview.org
Recent Admission Statistics
University of Virginia 18,363 applied; 6,735 admitted; 3,256
enrolled SAT Critical Reading score range (600-710) SAT Math score range (620-730) Mid Range for ACT Scores (27 – 32) GPA of 3.75 or higher = 88%
James Madison University 19, 245 Applied; 12,522 admitted; 3, 957
enrolled SAT Critical Reading score range (520-620) SAT Math score range (540-630) Mid Range for ACT Scores (22 – 26) GPA of 3.50 or higher = 71%
Radford University 7,819 applied; 5,768 accepted; 1,875
enrolled SAT Critical Reading score range (460-
550) SAT Math score range (460-550) Mid Range for ACT Scores (19 – 23) GPA of 3.5 or higher = 61%
Old Dominion University 9,484 applied; 6,800 accepted; 2,812
enrolled SAT Critical Reading score range (480-
570) SAT Math score range (490-590) Mid Range for ACT scores (18-23) GPA of 3.0 or higher = 75%
NCAA Clearinghouse
If you plan to participate in Division I or II athletics as a freshman, you must first register and be certified by the NCAA Initial-Eligibility Clearinghouse. Refer to the NCAA Academic Eligibility section to determine the initial-eligibility standards that apply to you. If you don't register you will not be eligible to play or practice during your freshman year.
At the beginning of your senior year in high school, please visit www.ncaa.org for more details on how to begin the certification process. Once you register, be sure to print out the transcript release form from the Clearinghouse and bring it to the Counseling and Guidance Office for processing.
FEELING OVERWHELMED?
STEP BY STEPMONTH BY MONTH
YOU CAN DO IT!
DECEMBER ‘09 Review PSAT scores and results (access My
College Quick Start which includes enhanced online score report, SAT study plan, college matches and career/major matches
Sign up for the SAT and/or ACT Focus on grades Begin the college discussion with parents and
talk specifics Develop a system (that fits your personality)
to organize your college search
JANUARY ‘10
Prepare for 2nd Semester Review your GPA Begin considering course selections for next
year Set up an appointment with our Career Coach
to take a career and interest inventory Review for SAT and/or ACT Take SAT or ACT? Visit colleges
FEBRUARY ‘10
Work on your resume Meet with a military recruiter March SAT…have you registered? Should you consider SAT Subject Tests (do
some of your school’s of interest require them)?
How are your grades so far this semester? Set up an appointment with your counselor to
discuss your progress and share any concerns
MARCH ‘10 Have you met with our Career Coach? Begin thinking about which teachers you may
want to ask to write a recommendation Continue or begin college visits SAT or ACT Planning to take the Subject Tests in June? Don’t forget the SOL Writing Test if you are
enrolled in English this semester Breathe
APRIL ‘10 Narrow your search Continue your college visits Have you met with your counselor? Are you satisfied with your SAT or ACT scores ~ should
you test again? Don’t forget to update your parents on your progress Keep up those grades as all the spring activities begin Make sure your senior course selections are
challenging and are a reflection of your interests and abilities
MAY ‘10
AP Exams and SOL tests Ask teachers if they will do a letter of
recommendation Have you narrowed the college list? Don’t forget SAT and/or ACT if you have been
putting it off ~ don’t wait till the fall Prom Don’t forget to meet with your school
counselor
JUNE ‘10
SAT Subject Test (especially if you have finished courses like AP US History, AP English Language and Composition and AP Calculus)
Refine your college list Begin working on college essays and
personal statements Have fun!
JULY AND AUGUST ‘10
Enjoy your summer vacation Take some time to review online
applications and fall deadlines Organize your materials and continue
working on essays and your personal statement
Prepare for your Senior Year Continue College Visits
September ‘10 Senior Student and Parent Meeting (look for date in the
first newsletter ~ topics will include application process, JHHS counseling center deadlines, scholarships and a brief overview of financial aide)
Register with the NCCA Clearinghouse if you hope to participate in sports at a Division I or II college
Meet with your school counselor Get off to a good start in all your senior classes Continue working on your applications and make note
of deadlines for both admission and institution scholarships