Welcome to….Your Junior Year

Credits Required for Graduation:Are you on track?

Regents Exams Required for Graduation

Courses where you can Earn College CreditListed below are classes offered here at N-W where students can earn college credit from NCCC. Credits are transferrable to most 2 and 4 year colleges.Course Credits GradeCalculus 4 Credits – NCCC 12Precalculus 4 Credits – NCCC 11,12College Composition I 3Credits – NCCC 12College Composition II 3 Credits – NCCC 12Intro/Adv. Marketing 3 Credits – NCCC (for Business Majors only)French 4 3 Credits –NCCC 11,12French 5 3 Credits – NCCC 12Spanish 4 3 Credits – NCCC 11,12Spanish 5 3 Credits –NCCC 12Topics in Leadership 3 Credits – NCCC 10,11,12 NCCC Approx. $55/Credit HourAdvanced Placement (AP) CoursesCollege Level Classes at NWStudents may earn college credits in AP courses based on their scores on the AP exam. Scores range from 1-5. Credits earned vary by individual colleges. AP English (12th) AP Studio Art (11th,12th)AP World History 10th) AP Physics (11th,12th)AP US History (11th) AP Biology (11th,12th)AP Macroeconomics (12th) AP Chemistry (11th,12th)AP Government and Politics (12th)AP Stats (11th,12th)AP Calculus (12th) NCCC/Niagara University Seniors who are approved for Early Dismissals, may take courses at Niagara University or NCCC. Students will take regular college courses with college students. The cost

to take courses at NU is $60 per credit hour which is significantly reduced from the regular tuition rate. The cost for NCCC courses is at the regular NCCC tuition rate which is approximately $130/credit hour. Students should talk with their school counselor if they are interested in taking a course at a college campus.

IMPORTANT JUNIOR YEAR TESTS

A Quick Review:PSAT, SAT, ACT, ASVAB

Standardized College Admission Exams

• SAT – Reasoning Test – This SAT is a three-hour, primarily multiple-choice test that measures verbal and mathematical reasoning abilities that develop over time. Many colleges require SAT scores for admission.

• Subject Tests – Subject Tests are one-hour, primarily multiple-choice tests that measure your knowledge of particular subjects and your ability to apply that knowledge. Check the requirements of the colleges you are considering. More selective colleges may require or recommend one or more Subject Tests for admission or placement.

• ACT – Assessment Test – A group of tests administered by ACT and required or recommended by many colleges. The tests measure educational development in English, mathematics, reading, and science reasoning and are given at specified test centers throughout the year.

GENERAL TESTING INFORMATION

• Why should I take the SAT or ACT Exams? Most two and four year colleges require students to take at least one college entrance exam as a requirement to be considered for admission.

• When do I take the exams? The “rule of thumb” is to take the SAT exam once in the spring of your junior year and once in the fall of your senior year. Most colleges will take your highest combined score so it is to your benefit to take them at least one time. The ACT exam should be taken, once, either in the junior or senior year.

• What is the benefit of taking both the SAT and ACT exams? Colleges will take either your highest ACT or SAT score. Most kids tend to do better on one than the other.

• Where do I take the exams? Niagara Wheatfield offers the SAT exam three times during the school year and the ACT exam two times during the school year. If you are not available on those test dates, you may take them at a local area school that offers them on different dates.

• How do I register for the exams? You may pick up a registration packet either in the Counseling or Career Centers or you may register online. You can register for the SAT at www.collegeboard.com and the ACT exam at www.actstudent.org It is YOUR responsibility to make sure you register for the exam before the registration deadline.

• Is the writing section on the ACT and SAT exam optional? The writing exam IS optional for the ACT exam, however it is NOT optional for the SAT. Many colleges are now requiring a writing score for any kids planning on entering college in the fall of 2006 and after.

• What are the SAT II Subject Tests? These are specific subject area tests that some of the more competitive colleges may require you to take. You must check with the colleges you are applying to see if they are required.

• How do I receive the test accommodations stated on my IEP or 504 Plan? You must fill out an additional application and have your accommodations approved in advance of taking the exams. See your counselor to pick up the accommodation form.

• NIAGARA WHEATFIELD CEEB CODE: 335-028 Test Center Code: 33-834

TimelineOctober

• 5th -ASVAB• 12th -PSAT• 22nd -ACT

November

• 5th -SAT (registration deadline October 7th)

December

• 3rd -SAT (registration deadline November 8th)

• 8th -Financial Aid Night @ NWHS-6:00 PM

February

• 2nd – Junior College Night @ NW (5:45 PM HS Aud.)

March

• CCI Day @ NCCC• National College Fair @

Buffalo Convention Center

April

• Finalize course selections for senior year

• 14th - ACT at NW (registration deadline March 9th)

May

• 5th- SAT @ NWHS (registration deadline April 6th)

June

• 2nd - SAT @ NWHS (registration Deadline (May 8th)

PSAT Exam• Wednesday- October 12th Periods 1-4• Content

– Critical Reading: 2-25 Minute Critical Reading Sections• 13 sentence completion• 35 passage based reading

– Mathematics: 2-25 Minute• 28 multiple choice• 10 student produced responses

– Writing: 1-30 Minute Writing Skills Section• 20 improving sentences• 14 identifying sentence errors• 5-imporivnig paragraphs

– Scoring: 20-80 point scare for each section (80 highest possible score)• Correct answer-earn 1 point• Incorrect anwer-1/4 point reduced from score• Omitted questions-no points added, no points reduced• Incorrect answer on math student produced response- nothing deduced

PSAT Exam- Test Day

• Bring 2- # 2 Pencils• Bring Calculator• Know what room you are assigned to before

test day.• Report to homeroom first• DON’T Be Late For School!

NW SAT/ACT Dates in 2011-2012

SAT• Nov 5 –reg by Oct 7• Dec 3 -reg by Nov 8• May 5 -reg by Apr 6• June 2 –reg by May 8

ACT• Dec 10 -reg by Nov 4• April 14 –reg by Mar 9

Comparison Chart

ASVAB Test (Oct. 5th)

• Armed Services Vocational Aptitude Battery• Identifies your abilities in 16 vocational

subject areas• Helps you identify strengths and areas of concern

to assist in exploring career interest areas• The military does not have access to your test

results unless you provide results to them

Post Secondary Planning

• What opportunities will be available to you after you graduate from NW?

• In what ways can you continue your education?

Top Factors in College Admissions Decisions (National Association of College Admissions Counseling, 2008)

•Factors•PercentageFactors PercentageGrades in College Prep Courses 80%

Strength of Curriculum 64%

Standardized Tests 58%

Grades in All Courses 52%

Essay/Writing Sample 26%

Demonstrated Interest 22%

Counselor Recommendation 21%

Teacher Recommendation 20%

Interview 11%

Student Activities 7%

Subject Tests (AP, etc) 7%

Finding the Match:

Values

Research

List Schools

Visitation

Group Schools

Values-identify college characteristics

• Distance from home (sleep in your bed?)• Size: small, medium, large• Location: suburban, urban, small town, rural• Majors and educational programs• Public vs. Private• Academic reputation• Athletic programs

Values- Create Initial List of Schools

• Use values to create initial list of schools• Use information of your knowing:– Rigor of transcript- most important– Significance of ACT and SAT– Essays– Recommendations– Resume/activities

• If list is LARGE- further RESEARCH to refine list

Research- Refine List of Colleges

• College catalogs and Mrs. Reed• College representatives• College fairs• Parents, students, and alumni• School counselor (duh) and teachers• Counseling website• Professionals in the field of interest

Visitation- Check for campus visit

• Take a tour• Talk with students, faculty• Investigate your academic program• Meet with an admissions counselor• Verify admissions requirements• Inquire about a class visit• Discuss your chances of success: admission,

graduation, placement, etc• Ask thoughtful, mindful, active questions!

Group Schools

• Safe• Realistic• Reach• Group by decision policy– Early action– Early decision– Rolling– Regular admissions– Open admissions

Details- application process and procedures

• Letters of recommendation– Ask your teachers– Coaches– Etc.

• Having ACT and SAT reported• Follow Close Deadlines • Follow up with Teacher Recommendations• Transcript release form

There are things you should know…High School Transcripts

Students who are making college visits during the fall should bring an “unofficial” copy of their high school transcript. Students can obtain these by calling the Counseling Center at 215-3101. Please keep in mind we will need a THREE DAY advance notice to process the transcripts.

Financial Aid Night

The Counseling and Career Center will host a Financial Aid Night in the High School Adult Learning Center on December 8 th at 6 PM. The purpose of this program is to inform parents and students of the financial aid process. Information on student loans, grants, and scholarships will be discussed. There will also be a discussion on how to fill out the FAFSA (Free Application for Federal Student Aid). There will be information mailed to parents about this evening. Parents are encouraged to fill out their Financial Aid Forms between January 1st and February 1st. The form should be filled out online at www.fafsa.ed.gov.

Useful WebsitesACT Registration - www.actstudent.org

SAT Registration/ College searches - www.collegeboard.orgFinancial Aid and Scholarships - www.finaid.org, or www.fafsa.ed.gov

NW Counseling and Career Center - www.nwcsd.k12.ny.usCollege Searches - www.petersons.com

SUNY Schools - www.suny.eduCommon Application www.commonapp.org

NACAC College Fair11th grade NW students will have the opportunity to attend the National College Fair at the Buffalo Convention Center this March. The National College

Fair will have over 200 colleges nationwide available to speak with students about opportunities at their schools.

College Information Night• February 2nd, 2012

• The Niagara Wheatfield High School Counseling and Career Centers will host a College Information Night for parents of juniors and sophomores on February 2nd, 2012 at 5:45 p.m. in the auditorium. Admissions Counselors from 5 local colleges and universities will be on hand for a panel discussion on the college admission's process. These counselors will also be available later in the evening for individual questions. There will also be a session on Standardized Tests (SATs/ACTs) and Financial Aid.

• Parents and their students are encouraged to attend.

Buffalo National College Fair

• When: • High Schools take students to meet with College

Representatives• Sign up IF– You’re interested in the colleges attending– Fill out permission form and turn into Counseling

Office before– Ability to behave and conduct oneself as an excellent

representative of Niagara Wheatfield High School!

NCAA Initial Eligibility Clearinghouse

• Division 1 & 2 must meet eligibility• NCAA: www.eligibilitycenter.org

– Fee– Request your transcript

• When do I register? – You can register anytime after you compete 6 semesters of high school. Most

students will register at the beginning of their senior year• How do I qualify to participate in sports at a D I or II school?

– Complete minimum of 16 core courses– Take your SAT or ACT– Eligibility is determined by sliding scale– You MUST have your SAT or ACT scores sent to NCAA directly from collegeboard

or ACT. Scores on a high school transcript will NOT be accepted– NCAA code is 9999

5 Reasons to visit Mrs. Reed in the Career Center

WHERE DO I TURN TO ASK QUESTIONS?

•COUNSELOR •CAREER CENTER •COLLEGE WEBSITES•Like us on Facebook – we’ll send updates and reminders on deadlines