College Planning 101 Preparing for the Future Topics v Graduation - PDF document

College Planning 101 Preparing for the Future Topics v Graduation Requirements v Grading Scales v Grade Point Averages v Class Rank v Standardized Test Scores v College Admissions v NCAA Eligibility v Guest Presenters 1

Graduation Requirements v English 4 credits v English I, II, III, & IV v Math 4 credits v Math I, II, III, & 4 th math v Science 3 credits v Earth/Env Science, Biology, a Physical Science Graduation Requirements v Social Studies 4 credits v World History, Civics/Econ, Am. History I & II or World History, Civics/Econ, AP US History, & additional social studies course v Health/PE 1 credit 2

Graduation Requirements v World Languages v Not Required for graduation v However, 2 credits of same language required for UNC System & most other colleges/universities v Electives 12 credits v Total Credits for Graduation 28 credits v Some community college courses can be substituted for graduation requirements. Grading Scales: Old Scale v School Years: 2013-2014, 2014-2015 v 7 point grading scale v A = 100 - 93 v B = 92 - 85 v C = 84 - 77 v D = 76 - 70 v F = 69 and below 3

Grading Scales: Old Scale v School Years: 2013-2014, 2014-2015 v Quality points for GPA 96 – 100% = 4.000 89% = 3.125 82% = 2.250 75% = 1.375 95% = 3.875 88% = 3.000 81% = 2.125 74% = 1.250 94% = 3.750 87% = 2.875 80% = 2.000 73% = 1.125 93% = 3.625 86% = 2.750 79% = 1.875 72% = 1.000 92% = 3.50 85% = 2.625 78% = 1.750 71% = 1.000 91% = 3.375 84% = 2.500 77% = 1.625 70% = 1.000 90% = 3.25 83% = 2.375 76% = 1.500 Grading Scales: New Scale v School Years: 2015-2016 and beyond v 10 point grading scale v A = 100 – 90% v B = 89 – 80% v C = 79 – 70% v D = 69 – 60% v F = 59 – 0% 4

Grading Scales: New Scale v School Years: 2015-2016 and beyond v Quality points for GPA v 100 – 90% = 4.0 v 89 – 80% = 3.0 v 79 – 70% = 2.0 v 69 – 60% = 1.0 v 59 – 0% = 0.0 v Grade Point weighting remains same v Honors = +1, AP = +2 Grade Point Weighting v Students entering HS prior to 2015-2016 school year Honors: +1 v Advanced Placement: +2 v College Transfer Courses: +1 v v Students entering HS 2015-2016 and beyond Honors: +0.5 v Advanced Placement: +1 v College Transfer Courses: +1 v 5

Grade Point Averages…. What is it? How do I calculate it? FAQ’s… Common terms (Can be found under “credit history” on your transcript) Course- The class that you have taken/ are taking • GPA - Grade Point Average • Weighted vs . Unweighted • Cumulative GPA- GPA throughout your entire high • school career Mark- Course average • Credit earned: Each 1 block course is worth 1 credit. • You have to pass the course to earn the credit. • 6

How do I calculate my GPA… v Grade Point Average v Total amount of quality points earned divided by total amount of credit hours attempted. GPA = Total Quality Points Credit Hours Attempted Example: Course Mark/Average Quality Points Credit (look at chart) English III 88 3.0 1.0 Foods II 96 4.0 1.0 Chemistry 84 3.0 1.0 Algebra II 80 3.0 1.0 -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Total 13.0 4.0 Quality Points - 13.0 Credits attempted- 4.0 = 3.250 GPA 7

Class Rank v Class Rank is used to show where a student stands academically in relation to the other students in the class. v Class Rank is written as e.g. 35/248. The first number represents the student’s place in the class. The second number represents the number of students in the class. v Rank at Northwood is based on your weighted GPA. Standardize Test Scores ACT and/or SAT SAT - CollegeBoard.com ACT – ACTstudent.org 8

Standardize Test Scores v ACT v SAT v Max score 36 v Old max score: 2400 v Writing Optional v New max score: (check w/college) 1600 v Writing Optional (check w/college) Standardized Test Scores v ACT v SAT v All 11 th graders v Students must will take the register online. ACT here at v It is offered at NHS during the Northwood in school day in October, February 2017. December, March, & May . 9

Redesigned SAT Beginning Mar. 2016 Current SAT Essay Required Essay Optional v v 171 questions 154 questions v v Test time: 3 hrs 45 min Test Time: 3 hrs v v (3 hrs 50 min w/ Essay) Mathematics, Critical v Reading, Writing Math, Evidenced-Based v Reading & Writing Score Range: 600-2400 v Score Range: 400-1600 v Points subtracted for v incorrect answers No penalty for guessing v College Admissions Process 10

College Admissions v In the college admissions process, a student’s academic record is the most important. v The grades earned in your high school prep courses are considered to be one of the most important criteria for college admissions. v Class rank is important. College Admissions v Most colleges require a standardized test score, either SAT or ACT . v Essays are very important. v Recommendations are important. v Extracurricular activities, leadership positions, work experience, volunteer experiences, character/personal qualities, etc. are also considered. 11

College Admissions • Involvement • Encourage involvement in meaningful activities. Be consistent. • Quality vs. Quantity • Look for opportunities to take a leadership role. College Admissions v UNC Minimum Admissions Requirements v Fall 2013 and beyond v Minimum GPA v 2.5 cumulative weighted v Minimum SAT Score (Critical Reading & Math) v New SAT: 880; Old SAT: 800 v Minimum ACT Composite Score v 17 12

College Admissions v Since most college applications are completed in the fall of the student’s senior year, junior year grades are usually the last grades on a student’s transcript. College Admissions v Colleges will see your senior year courses on the transcript, so your student should choose courses for their senior year wisely . v College freshmen are often required to take a math placement test before they register for classes. In order to keep their math skills sharp, all high school seniors should take a math course. v Woodburn Press 13

College Admissions v Things needed for completing applications: v Transcript v Test Scores directly from testing site v Resume v Brag Sheet provided to recommenders v Letters of Recommendation What should your student be doing this year? v Check out the College Planning Timeline handout 14

Scholarships v Research scholarships, grants, loans at CFNC.org. v Scholly- App for your phone (not free, but very good) v Sports and Scholarship Eligibility Playing Sports in College v Talk to your coach v Register through NCAA Eligibility Center v Students must meet core course, GPA, and test score requirements. v All requirements available on the NCAA Eligibility website. 15

Guest Presenters v CCCC v Elon Admissions v UNC-CH Admissions Questions? Thank you for coming! 16