a guide to college planning for junior year beginning the home stretch
TRANSCRIPT
A GUIDE TO COLLEGE PLANNING
FOR JUNIOR YEAR
Beginning the Home Stretch
Over View
Review Requirements: SMHS GraduationTOPS Louisiana Public University Minimum
Admissions Criteria as set forth by the Louisiana Board of Regents
College Readiness PSAT ScoresLSU Representative
SMHS Graduation Requirements for the Classes of 2012-2013, 2013-2014, & 2014-
2015
Total of 24 Credits Required
Religion 4 Credits- I,II,III,IV English 4 Credits-I,II,III,IV Mathematics 4 Credits-Algebra I, Geometry, Algebra II, and 1 unit from Adv. Math, Calculus, Probability
and Statistics, or Financial Math Science 4 Credits-Physical Science, Biology, Chemistry, and 1 units from Environmental Science, Physics,
Biology II, Chemistry II Social Studies 4 Credits-1 unit of Civics, World History, American History, and 1 unit from Religion
I,II,III,IV Foreign Language 2 Credits-2 units of same, Foreign Language or of Speech Courses Art 1 Credit-Art, Band, Choir, Fine Arts Survey Health and Physical Education 2 Credits-PE I/Health, PE II
NOTE:These are the minimum courses necessary to graduate from SMHS. College entrance standards have changed. Most major universities require their incoming freshmen to have two (2) credits in the same foreign language as well as a fine arts course.
NOTE:The Board of Regents and TOPS (Taylor Opportunity Program for Students) require completion of a specific high school curriculum. Detailed information about each of the programs is available at www.smhsbr.org and is reviewed with the students during the course selection process each year.
Louisiana Board of Regents Minimum Admission Requirements for FIRST-TIME
FRESHMEN
TOPS Core Curriculum 2014 and thereafter
Course Selections to Meet Graduation, Board of Regents and TOPS Requirements
Course Credits SMHS Graduation Board of Regents TOPS
Financial Math 1 Yes Yes No
Probability and Statistics
1 Yes Yes Yes
Advanced Math 1 Yes Yes Yes
Environmental Science
1 Yes Yes Yes
Speech I & II 2 Yes Yes** However, some universities require Foreign Language
No
Foreign Language (same language)
2 Yes Yes Yes
Fine Arts Survey 1 Yes Yes Yes
Performance ArtsBand, Art, Choir
1 Yes Yes**However, some universities require
two units of a performance art
Yes
Putting it All Together
SMHS Graduation Requirements, Board of Regents, and TOPS have a few differences. It is important to meet the requirements for ALL entities that are included in your goals.
Example 1: 1 unit of Financial Math meets the requirement for SMHS graduation, Board of Regents, but not for TOPS. Probability and Statistics, Advanced Math, and Calculus meet all 3 entity requirements.
Example 2: An additional course to take note of is Foreign Language. While SMHS provides the option to take 2 units of Foreign Language or 2 units of Speech to meet graduation requirements, and the minimum requirements set by the Board of Regents will allow Speech I and II in lou of Foreign Language, TOPS requires 2 units of Foreign Language. If you are interested in receiving TOPS your student must complete 2 units of the same Foreign Language.
Example 3: 1 unit of Fine Arts or 1 unit of a performance course meets graduation requirements, Board of Regents and TOPS; however, some universities, like LSU requires 2 units of a performance art or 1 unit of Fine Art Survey.
Even though the Board of Regents establishes minimum standards for admission to Flagship, Statewide, and Regional universities, institutions still establish their own admission requirements
Each post-secondary institution is different. It is the responsibility of the student to research the requirements for schools that he/she is interested.
Louisiana Board of Regents & TOPS
Refer to Websites.
Minimum Admission Standards. http://regents.louisiana.gov/
TOPS Core Curriculum. http://www.smhsbr.org/topsinformation.cfm
TOPS Standard Eligibility Requirements. http://www.smhsbr.org/topsinformation.cfm
Testing
ACT/SAT: It is recommended that all college-bound Juniors take the ACT/SAT at least once in the spring of junior year. Most colleges and universities will accept either the
ACT or SAT score, so it may be worth the while to look into both tests.
ACT vs. SAT
The ACT and SAT are two very different college entrance exams. Both are nationally administered and are used to help colleges evaluate applicants.
The ACT is an achievement test with four core sections (English, Math, Reading and Science).
The SAT is essentially a three-part aptitude test (Reading, Math, and Writing).
Test Registration
When registering for the ACT or SAT, be sure to have the testing agency send scores directly to LA Tuition Opportunity Program-Students (TOPS) as well as each college or university the student is considering. TOPS ACT Agency Code 1595 TOPS SAT Agency Code 9109
Note: Some colleges may require that the ACT be taken with Writing at least once. Please look at individual admission requirements before registering for the test. Additionally, special programs within universities, for example, LSU’s
Honors College, require the writing section.
ACT Registration Website: www.actstudent.org
SAT Registration Website: http://sat.collegeboard.org/register
2013 Testing Dates
SAT Test Dates Regular Registration Date
Late Registration Closes
March 9, 2013 Feb. 8 Feb. 22
May 4, 2013 Apr. 5 Apr. 19
June 1, 2013 May 2 May 17
ACT Test Dates Regular Registration Date
Late Registration Closes
Feb. 9, 2013 Jan. 11 Jan. 12-18
Apr. 13, 2013 March 8 March 9-22
June 8, 2013 May 3 May 4-17
ACT/SAT Test Preparation
Being in the Classroom
PSAT Scores
On our website you will find many resources that are designed to prepare your student for the ACT or SAT. Kaplain Princeton Review-offers free practice tests at local
libraries St. Michael’s online software
Course Selection
Late February scheduling will take place.
Maintaining a rigorous schedule and competitive GPA.
Create an Email Account for College Admissions
Students should establish an email account for college admission purposes prior to senior year.
Colleges and universities send periodic updates on the application process and the student’s admission status.
Academic Résumé
Prior to the senior year, students should create an academic résumé.
Academic résumés are useful when: Requesting letters of recommendation from teachers,
administrators, and counselors. When completing college and scholarship
applications. When visiting with college representatives. When applying for a part-time job, apprenticeship, or
internship.
What Should an Academic Resume Include?
Content Grades Volunteer accomplishments Sports awards Leadership accolades Extracurricular Activities Any other achievements from a high school career
Sections Identifying Information
Name, address, home phone, email Education Section
GPA, class rank, anticipated graduation date Academic Awards
Academic letterman, Principal’s list School Activities
Varsity swim team, Student council, peer ministry team Athletic Awards
Varsity letters in swimming Extracurricular Activities
Boy Scouts of America, 4-H Club, Altar Server: St. Patrick’s Church Community Service
Habitat for Humanity, St. Vincent de Paul Kitchen, St. Patrick’s Church VBS Additional Activities
March for Life, Student Council Retreat, Boy Scout Camp Work Experience
Lifeguard Professional Certifications
CPR, Lifeguard Training and First Aid
Sample of Academic Resume
Academic Resume Continued
College Visits
Visit the Campus
Contact admissions office in advance to schedule a tour of the campus.
Preparing for Your College Visit
Prepare a list of questions.
Bring a notebook to record thoughts and impressions.
Take photos.
Schedule an appointment with an undergraduate admissions counselor.
Junior Check List
College Exploration Websites
College Visits Campus Tours
Formulate Academic Resume Getting more involved
Register for ACT or SAT Take either test this spring
Begin thinking about your applications Summer applications
Senior Year
Senior Meeting in September
FAFSA Information (Deadlines to Apply)
College Application Information
Read the Newsletter
www.nacacnet.org
Sources Cited
(2012). College Planning Checklist.Retrieved December 10, 2012 from NACAC website.
http://www.nacacnet.org/studentinfo/articles/Pages/Preparing-for-College-Junior-Checklist.aspx
(2012). Minimum Admission Standards for First-time Freshmen.
Retrieved December 10, 2012 from the Louisiana Board of Regents Website:http://
www.regents.doa.louisiana.gov/assets/docs/Data/Publications/MinimumAdmissionStandards-Approved_2011_1027.pdf
(2012). TOPS Core Curriculum.Retrieve December 10, 2012 from the Louisiana Office of Student Financial Assistance Website:http://www.osfa.la.gov/MainSitePDFs/Core_Curriculum_14.pdf