Transcript Welcome to…. Your Junior Year

Welcome to….
Your Junior Year!
Once a Falcon Always a falcon!!
Credits Required for Graduation:
Are you on track?
Subject
Regents
Regents with A.D.
English
4
4
Social Studies
4
4
Math
3
3
Science
3
3
Art/Music
1
1
Health
.5
.5
PE
2
2
LOTE**can do 5 credits in Business,
1
3
Electives
3.5
1.5
Total
22 Credits
22 credits
Tech, Art, Music or BOCES
Regents Exams Required for
Graduation
Subject
Regents
Regents w/ A.D.
English
1- ELA 11
1- ELA 11
Social Studies
2- Global & US
2- Global and US
Math
1-Math
3- Algebra, Geometry and
Trig
Science
1-any science
2- Living Env. & Chemistry or
Earth Science, or Physics
LOTE
0
1
Total
5 exams
9 Exams
College credit in High school!
 Niagara Wheatfield offers many classes that you can take to earn college credit
Advanced Placement
NCCC
World History (10th)
Topics in Leadership (10th, 11th, 12th) 3
credits
U.S. History (11th)
Precalculus (11th, 12th) 4 credits
Statistics (11th, 12th)
French 4 (11th, 12th) 3 credits
Studio in Art (11th, 12th)
French 5 (12th) 3 credits
Physics (11th, 12th)
Spanish 4 (11th, 12th) 3 credits
Biology (11th, 12th)
Spanish 5 (11th, 12th) 3 credits
Chemistry (11th, 12th)
Intro/ Adv. Marketing (12th) 3 credits
English: Literature and Composition
(12th)
College Composition I (12th) 3 credits
Macroeconomics (12th)
College Composition II (12th) 3 credits
Government and Politics (12th)
Calculus (12th) 4 credits
Calculus (12th)
IMPORTANT JUNIOR
YEAR TESTS
A Quick Review:
PSAT, SAT, ACT, AP
Timeline
November
October
December
• 2nd-SAT
(registration
deadline October
3rd)
• 2nd -ASVAB
• 19th -PSAT
• 26th –ACT
(Registration
deadline 27th)
• 7th-SAT (registration
deadline November
8th)
• 14TH ACT
(Registration
deadline Nov. 8th)
April
February
• 4th – College
Night @ NW (6:00
PM-8:00 PM ALC)
April
• National College
Fair April 8 -9
Buffalo
Convention
Center
May
• 3rd- SAT @ NW (registration
deadline April 4th)
• Finalize course
selections for senior
year
• 12th- ACT at NW
(registration
deadline March 7th)
June
•
7th-
SAT @ NW (registration
Deadline May 9th)
PSAT Exam
 Saturday- October 19th
 7:30am-11:30am
 Cost: $25- Cash Only!!!
 REGISTRATION DEADLINE: October 10th
 Sign up in the Counseling Center!
PSAT Exam 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 improving paragraphs
 Scoring: 20-80 point scale 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 deducted
Standardized College Admission Exams
 SAT – This SAT is a 3 hour and 45 minute, 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 multiplechoice 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.
 NIAGARA WHEATFIELD CEEB CODE: 335-028
SAT Test Center Code: 33-834
ACT Test Center Code – 193630
Calculator Use for PSAT/SAT
 Scientific Calculator
 Graphing Calculator
 Four Function Calculator
SAT/ACT Dates 2013-2014
Test
Date
Registration
Deadline
Test
Date
Registration
Deadline
SAT
Nov 2nd *
Oct 3rd
ACT
Oct 26th *
Sept 27th
SAT
Dec 7tht *
Nov 8th
ACT
Dec 14th *
Nov 8th
SAT
Jan 25th
Dec 27th
ACT
Feb 8th
Jan 10th
SAT
March 8th
Feb 7th
ACT
April 12th *
March 7th
SAT
May 3rd *
April 4th
ACT
June 14th
May 9th
SAT
June 7th *
May 9th *
* SAT and Subject Tests and ACT exams that are located at Niagara Wheatfield High School
Comparison Chart
ACT
SAT, Scholastic Assessment Test
$36.50, $52.50 with writing
$51.00
Measures academic achievement
in English, Math, Reading and
Science Reasoning
Designed to measure academic
aptitude in critical reading, math
and writing
Each part 25% of score
CR 1/3, Math 1/3, Writing 1/3
Scored based on number of
correct answers. No penalty for
guessing.
Earn points for correct answers.
Lose ¼ of a point for wrong
answers. No penalty for not
answering.
Scoring scale 1-36
Scoring scale for each section 200800, sum up of all three areas
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 4 times
during the school year and the ACT exam 3 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.
GENERAL TESTING INFORMATION, cont.
 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.org and the ACT 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 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.
New SAT Security Measures!
 Students will need to upload a photo when they register on-
line for the SAT
 The photo must be of the STUDENT ONLY! A clear photo of
the face is necessary.
 You MUST bring Photo ID (license, passport, permit, school
ID, etc.) AND your Registration Form to the exam or you
will not be admitted!!!!!!
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
Factors
 inPercentage
Grades
College Prep Courses
Percentage
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
 Size: small, medium, large
 Location: suburban, urban, small town, rural
 Majors and educational programs
 College affiliation
 Academic reputation
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 your 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 and 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!
 Have questions written out and ready!
Group Schools
 Safe
 Realistic
 Reach
 Group by decision policy
 Early Action
 Early Decision
 Rolling Admissions
 Regular Admissions
 Open Admissions
Details- Application Process and
Procedures
 Letters of recommendation
 Ask your teachers
 Coaches
 Adults who know your academic and extra-curricular work
ethic and will write a positive letter
 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 making college visits during the fall should bring an “unofficial” copy of
their transcript. Students can obtain these by calling the Counseling Center at
215-3101. Please keep in mind we need a THREE DAY advance notice to
process the transcripts.
Useful Websites
ACT Registration - www.actstudent.org
SAT Registration/ College searches - www.collegeboard.org
Financial Aid and Scholarships - www.finaid.org , or www.fafsa.ed.gov
NW Counseling and Career Center - www.nwcsd.k12.ny.us
College Searches - www.petersons.com
SUNY Schools - www.suny.edu
Common Application www.commonapp.org
College Information Night
 February 4th , 2014
 The Niagara Wheatfield High School Counseling and Career
Centers will host a College Information Night for parents of
Juniors and Sophomores on February 4th, 2014 at 6:00 p.m. in the
ALC. 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!
11th Annual Buffalo National College
Fair
When: April 8 - 9, 2014 at 6pm-8:30pm
Where: Buffalo Convention Center
Cost: FREE!
Students and parents will have the opportunity to meet face to
face with over 200 college admission representatives from local
schools and schools throughout the country who will be able to
answer questions and provide informational handouts
 Multiple information sessions will be taking place throughout the
evening for information on financial aid, essay writing, NCAA
requirements, and many more aspects of the college preparation
process
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 This is a great opportunity to get even more questions answered and
learn about all of your options!
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
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Options for the Military
 ROTC
 Reserve Officers Training Corps
 Program offered at many colleges and universities
 Visit http://www.goarmy.com/rotc.html for information
 Military Academies
 Prepare for a career in the armed forces
 Army, Navy Air Force, Marines
 Entering the Military after graduation
 Discuss options with your family
 Contact a recruiter for more information
Trade Schools
 Trade Schools differ from other schools by typically only
taking classes directly related to your field
 BOCES programs
 Cosmetology, Plumbing, Auto, Heating and Cooling,
Conservation, Food Service, Welding, etc.
 Can attend BOCES after graduation, but must pay tuition
 See Mrs. Reed for more information!
Employment after Graduation
 Read the Want Ads regularly
 Attend Job Fairs
 Civil Service Positions
 Employment through the federal, state, or city government
 Must take Civil Service Exams
 Contact the Employment Training Office through Niagara
County
 Get assistance with resumes and finding employment
WHERE DO I TURN TO ASK
QUESTIONS?
•COUNSELOR
•CAREER CENTER
•COLLEGE WEBSITES