Transcript Financial Education for College Access and Success

Personal Finance: Module 1, Lesson 2
Prepare for the Journey
Section 2.3 – How High School
Impacts Your Future
Prepare for the Journey • Slide 2
Section 2.3 Objectives
Students should be able to

understand the importance of planning to enroll
in and successfully complete a postsecondary
program,

examine the impact of high school grades and
standardized test scores on their future, and

evaluate postsecondary admission requirements.
Prepare for the Journey • Slide 3
Glossaries

Kentuckiana Work College Access Center

Iowa College Access Network
Prepare for the Journey • Slide 4
“
A person has to be
careful about things
he might regret
years from now.
–Linus (Peanuts Guide to Life
by Charles M. Schultz, 2007)
”
Prepare for the Journey • Slide 5
What’s your plan?
No matter who you are . . . everyone
can create the future they deserve.
None of us can change yesterday, so let’s start right
where we are today.
Are you ready?
ACT Guide
for High School Students
Make High School Count
Prepare for the Journey • Slide 6
Grades and test scores
If higher is better. . .what impact do they have?

Enable you to meet most college
admission requirements

Show colleges that you
performed well in high school

Help you qualify for merit-based aid!
Prepare for the Journey • Slide 7
GPA (Grade Point Average)
measures a student’s academic performance by
assigning point values to grades
Important tips

Colleges usually require an official transcript
showing each course, grade received, and a
cumulative GPA (based on grades from all four years
of high school)

If possible, consider retaking classes in which your
grade lowered your cumulative GPA
Prepare for the Journey • Slide 8
How to calculate GPA
Grade
A
B
C
D
F
Grade
points
4.0
3.0
2.0
1.0
0.0
Course
Credit Hours
Grade
Grade Points
Biology
3
B
9.0
Algebra II
3
B
9.0
Physical Education
1
A
4.0
English
4
D
4.0
TOTALS
11
26
26 / 11 = 2.36 GPA = C
Raise your GPA
Prepare for the Journey • Slide 9
Standardized test scores

American College Testing (ACT) / Scholastic
Aptitude Test (SAT) – achievement tests to
assess a student’s academic development
and potential to complete college-level work.

COMPASS – test to identify academic skill level
so institutions (like community colleges or tech
centers) enroll you in appropriate courses.
Prepare for the Journey • Slide 10
Standardized test scores
Important tips

Know college admission requirements
and deadlines!

Check with your guidance counselor about
test dates. Practice and prepare (retake
ACT/SAT if necessary).

Take the pre-SAT (PSAT) when offered!
College Board: Full SAT Practice Test
Information About the PSAT
Prepare for the Journey • Slide 11
Technology center admissions
Prepare for the Journey • Slide 12
Community college admissions
Prepare for the Journey • Slide 13
Four-year university admissions
Prepare for the Journey • Slide 14
Required high school units
Admission to any 4-year public university will require incoming
freshmen to produce a transcript showing they have earned at
least these 14 high school credits:
Units Courses
4
English
1
Visual and/or Performing Arts
2
Algebra I and II
1
Geometry or advanced math course
2
Natural/Physical Sciences, including at least one unit
(with lab) of biology, technology, chemistry, or physics
1
U.S. History
1
Social Studies or World History
2
Foreign Language (both units same language)
Prepare for the Journey • Slide 15
Additional admission criteria

Extracurricular activities
(high school activities,
volunteer work, and college
enrichment programs)

College essays
Tips on how to write
college admission essays

Letters of recommendation
How to get a great
recommendation
Prepare for the Journey • Slide 16
Tennessee HOPE Scholarship
Requires minimum
21 ACT (980 SAT) OR 3.0 GPA (cumulative/weighted)

Up to $6,000 for study at eligible four-year institutions!

Up to $3,000 for study at eligible two-year institutions!

Requires completion of a FAFSA!
Tennessee Education Lottery
Scholarship Programs
Prepare for the Journey • Slide 17
Earn college credit in high school

Dual Credit

Dual Enrollment
Dual Credit and Dual Enrollment
Dual Enrollment Grant

Dual Enrollment
Explore AP
Prepare for the Journey • Slide 18
More college access information
National College Access Program Directory

Federal TRIO Programs
TRIO/Upward Bound/Talent Search

COLLEGE for TN
GEAR UP TN Programs
Prepare for the Journey • Slide 19
High school planning timeline
Federal Student Aid - College Preparation Checklist
Interactive College Preparation
Checklist (html)
Printable College Preparation
Checklist (pdf)
Prepare for the Journey • Slide 20
“
No one has written your destiny for you.
Your destiny is in your hands–
and don’t you forget that.
– President Barack Obama
”
You want something. Go get it. Period.
from the movie The Pursuit of Happyness
Prepare for the Journey • Slide 21
Financial Education for
College Access and Success
For this project, the PR/Award Number is V215W100015
and the Department of Education is the funding agency.
This information is provided for the reader's convenience. Tennessee and U.S. Department of
Education are not responsible for controlling or guaranteeing the accuracy, relevance, timeliness, or
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