maximizing high school night preparing for college in high school preparing for college in high...

Maximizing High School Night http://www.hopkinsschools.org

Preparing for College in High School

November 10, 2015


Topics for Today

• Maximizing A High School Schedule• Naviance/Family Connection: Putting it

to Use• ACT, SAT and Prep Options• What Colleges Look For in a Perspective

Student• High School Timeline


Preparing for College: Schedule, Activities and More

• Build a rigorous schedule that plays to a student’s strengths, challenges him/her in positive ways and is balanced.

• Students should participate in activities/clubs about which they are passionate-less is more in this case!

• Real world experience is valued as well (volunteer experience, part time job, etc.).

• Have a strong junior AND senior year.

Earning College Credit in HS

• AP • CLEP• CIS• HTC

• PSEO


Take the class, pass a test. Some colleges may give credit.

Take the class, pass the class.Credit good at that specific college. Might be transferable.


Factors for Admission

• PRIMARY FACTORS:– Grades– Difficulty of Courses– ACT/SAT Scores

• SECONDARY FACTORS:– Activities/Involvement– Letters of Recommendation– Connection to the College (“Legacy”)

ACT vs SAT

• ACT has five components: English, math, reading, science and an optional writing. SAT has three: critical reasoning, math and writing (not optional).

• ACT questions tend to be more straightforward, while SAT has a stronger emphasis on vocabulary.

• ACT tests more advanced math concepts-aside from algebra I & II and geometry, some trigonometry is included (this doesn’t necessarily make the test harder, as the ACT is more straightforward).

• Takers are not penalized for incorrect answers on either the ACT or the SAT (this is new this year).

• ACT has more of an emphasis on the “bigger picture”. College admissions officers look at the composite score. With SAT, they are looking at section scores.

• All colleges now accept the ACT, but some elite East Coast schools may want a specific subject test from the SAT.



ACT/SAT: How to Prep

• Register for ACT prep classes offered by the high school (ACT/SAT Math Prep & ACT/SAT Reading Prep)

• Register for ACT prep classes run through Community Ed (information can be found on the HHS Community Education page)

• Go to a private institution (Kaplan, Huntington, College Nannies and Tutors, etc.)

• Visit www.actstudent.org for study materials and practice tests opportunities (as well as their counselor)

http://www.actstudent.org/

Counseling Website

Counseling Website



Family Connection

Online college/career planning site

Click Here for Family Connection Log-In

• The College Search• Scattergrams/Admissions Data• College Match• Resume Tools• Career Planning

http://connection.naviance.com/hopkinshs

Tasks for High School

• Take ACT or SAT– HHS offering all 6 test dates next year (including Sept)– Register online– Take SAT II Subject Tests (if necessary)

• Meet with your counselor• Go to a college fair/visit reps at HHS• Visit some college campuses• Do some online college searches

– Family Connection– College Board


Counselor Assignments

• Denise Nohlquist (A-Ch)• Shanna Jadwin (Ci-G)• Xeev Xmn Vang (H-K)• Nate Schoch (L-N)• Jeff Matchette (O-Sh)• Serena Schmidt (Si-Z)


maximizing high school night preparing for college in high school preparing for college in high...

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