Druid Hills High School

1. Druid Hills High School SENIOR SEMINAR & JUNIOR JARGON 11th and 12th GRADE MEETING

2. DHHS Guidance Department • Rebecca England (A-C) (678) 874-6327 Rebecca_M_England@fc.dekalb.k12.ga.us • Darryl Robinson (D-Kh) (678) 874-6328 Darryl_D_Robinson@fc.dekalb.k12.ga.us • Shelley Staton (Ki-Re) (678) 874-6324 Shelley_V_Staton@fc.dekalb.k12.ga.us • Maura Pannier (Rf-Z) (678) 874-6330 Maura_L_Pannier@fc.dekalb.k12.ga.us • Melissa Perlmutter (Graduation Coach) • Susan Buchanan (Secretary) (678) 874-6332 • Lillian Frith (Registrar) (678) 874-6306

3. Druid Hills High School Guidance information that will be covered: Graduation requirements College Planning College Application Procedures HOPE Scholarship College Fair Dates Financial Aid Web sites

4. Graduating from High SchoolStudents are eager to graduate from high school and move on to the next part of their lives. In order to graduate, students in Georgia must: • Select a program of study • Successfully complete the required high school coursework • Pass the Georgia High School Graduation Tests • Satisfy attendance requirements

5. Programs of Study for SeniorsStudents may choose from the following programs of study. Type of Program of Study Units College Preparatory (CP) 24 College Preparatory with Specialization (CP) 24 Math/Science (CP)24 Technology Career (CP)24 Humanities (CP)24 Technology/Career Preparatory (TC) 24 *Honors and Distinction (CP) 24 *Must take three years of the same World Language 3.0 core CPA is required ( All Academic classes and World Language) 3.5 cumulative GPA required

6. Program of Study

7. Programs of Study for JuniorsStudents may choose from the following programs of study. Type of Program of Study Units College Preparatory Seal (CP) 24 Technology/Career Preparatory Seal(TC) 24 *Honors and Distinction Seal (CP) 24 *Must take three years of the same World Language 3.0 core CPA is required ( All Academic classes and World Language) 3.5 cumulative GPA required

8. Junior Program of Study

9. What happens if I don’t pass the High School Graduation Tests? Students who do not pass all the tests but have met all other graduation requirements may be eligible for a high school certificate of performance. Such students can return to retake the test(s) as often as they wish in order to qualify for a high school diploma.

10. BOARD POLICY • GRADUATION REQUIREMENTS – 2002-2003+ • High School Courses • For students who enter the ninth grade in the 2004-2005 school year and thereafter, a minimum of 24 units in grades nine through twelve must be completed satisfactorily in order to meet the requirements for graduation. • Mathematics Curriculum Requirements • To improve mathematics curriculum opportunities for all students who attend a DeKalb County School, the district will provide standards-based, algebra-rich, hands-on mathematics instruction to all students, PK - 12. The following are curriculum requirements for all students, effective beginning with the 2004-2005 school year. • The administration shall provide support as needed for student success. Support will include ensuring equitable access to programs and services as needed for students to successfully complete the curriculum requirements. (e.g., As world languages are required for high school graduation, those students who do not currently have access to the program or course in their assigned middle or high school will be offered those services in the future and, in the interim, through other options such as distance learning.) • Also, the administration and other staff will identify students who require special support (i.e., test scores below grade level) and provide access to acceleration through programs such as summer school, extended day, and so on for more time on task as part of a safety net to ensure success for all students. • High School (Grades Nine through Twelve) • • All students will participate in four credits of mathematics instruction. To meet this requirement, students will participate in higher level mathematics courses such as geometry, algebra II, trigonometry, and pre-calculus or calculus. • • Courses will be added to the curriculum to provide students with the opportunity to participate in advanced level mathematics.

11. College Planning and College Application Procedures • Checklist for senior planning • Early Admission vs. Early Decision • Campus Visits • Applying to Schools • Essay Writing • Testing • Letter of Recommendations

12. Senior College Planning September • Review graduation requirements and GPA. • Finalize the list of colleges/trade schools to which you want to apply. • Listen to announcement and check your FirstClass Email Accounts for college and trade school representatives who will be visiting. • Sign up to take the ACT or SAT if you have not done so or if you have not achieved the score you wish. • Attend upcoming college fairs if you have not selected a college/trade school.   • Start preparing for the application process by completing your senior information sheet and requesting catalogs and applications.

13. Senior College Planning October • Attend upcoming college fairs if you have not selected a college/trade school. • Request recommendations and give teachers and counselors the forms. • File early-action and early-decision applications. • If not applying early, file applications for schools with early deadlines. • Fill out a request for transcript form in the Guidance office. • If you haven't already visited colleges/trade schools, take advantage of upcoming holidays to do so.

14. Senior College Planning November • Begin to research scholarships. Check the DHHS Website, scholarship notebook, and additional scholarship websites.    • Write and polish any required essays. December • Take the SAT Subject Area Test if its required by your college.   • Deadline is 12/3/10 for Counseling staff to get applications with January deadlines

15. College Planning January • Begin to work on your financial aid forms after you and your parents compute your respective income tax forms. • Be sure that all forms, recommendations, and test scores are on file at the institutions to which you'd like to be considered for admission. Continue to watch for local scholarships.

16. College Planning February • Send mid-year grade reports to college/trade school that have requested them. • Keep your grades up. College acceptance is only conditional and based on continued good performance. • Make sure that you have submitted the financial aid form that your college requires.

17. College Planning March-April • Will start getting acceptance letters from colleges • Review college/trade school acceptance and compare financial aid offers.   • Decide which school to attend, send in your deposit May • Take advantage of the orientation and registration program at the local Community Colleges if you plan to attend   • Fill out the appropriate form with the Guidance secretary to have your final transcript sent to the college/trade school you plan to attend next fall. • Inform all colleges which accepted you whether or not you plan to attend. You may want to transfer to one of the other colleges at a later time.

18. Early Action vs. Early Decision

19. Early Decision Early decision plans allow you to apply early (usually in November) and get an admission decision from the college well in advance of the usual notification date.

20. But there is a catch!!! Early decision plans are "binding," meaning if you apply as an early decision candidate, you agree to attend the college if it accepts you and offers an adequate financial aid package. Although you can apply to only one college for early decision, you may apply to other colleges under regular admission. If you're accepted by your first-choice college early, you must withdraw all other applications. Usually, colleges insist on a nonrefundable deposit well before May 1.

21. Early Action • Early action plans are similar to early decision plans in that you can learn early in the admission cycle (usually in January or February) whether a college has accepted you. But unlike early decision, most early action plans are not binding, meaning you do NOT have to commit to a college to which you've applied for early action. Under these plans, you may apply to other colleges. Usually, you can let the college know of your decision in the late spring or whenever you've decided.

22. Should I Apply Under One of These Plans?

23. You should apply under an early decision or action plan only if you are very, very sure of the college you want to attend.These plans make a lot of sense if one college is your clear preference and if your profile closely matches that of the students at that college.Do not apply under an early decision or action plan if you plan to weigh offers and financial aid packages from several colleges later in the spring. Also, you shouldn't apply early if it is to your advantage to have more of your senior year work to show a college. If you plan to woo an admission office with your excellent grades this year, you may want to wait until after the semester ends to apply to colleges.

24. Don’t Rush Your Decision Many colleges expect your final decision by May 1st, so you have about one month to make up your mind. It's understandable if you're tempted to make a snap decision, just to end the uncertainty and get the whole process over with. However, try to keep your options open in case circumstances change (e.g. your parents decide to appeal your financial aid package or you decide to change your intended major). Decide and ReplyOnce you've made a decision, send in your acceptance letter. Don't forget to inform all of the schools that offered you admission of your final choice. You're holding onto someone else's spot. A simple letter, thanking them for their consideration, but declining their offer, will do.

25. Postsecondary Credit-based Transition Programs • Programs that allow students to earn both high school and postsecondary credit or advanced placement credit simultaneously while in high school.

26. ACCEL Program-The program allows high school students to take academic college courses to receive both high school credit and postsecondary credit. For more information visit www.gacollege411.org • To provide GA high school students with the opportunity to earn academic college degree-level credit hours as they simultaneously meet their high school graduation requirements • To provide students who have already successfully completed most of the academic coursework available at their high school with additional academic opportunities at a local private or public college/university

27. ACCEL-eligibility • Students must… • be a legal resident of Georgia • meet citizenship requirements • meet Selective Service Registration requirements • not owe a refund on a State program • be in compliance with Georgia’s Drug-Free Postsecondary Education Act of 1990 • meet the postsecondary admissions requirements ACCEL-length of eligibility for HOPE SCHOLARSHIP • Not available during Summer terms. • Hours will be included in the 127 semester/190 quarter HOPE Combined-Paid-Hours limitation. Juniors in DeKalb County Schools may participate in the ACCEL program but are only allowed to take electives. Forms for the ACCEL Program are found at www.gacollege411.org

28. Move on When Ready Move on When Ready provides opportunities for high school juniors and seniors to enroll full-time in postsecondary institutions to earn both high school and college credits simultaneously. Students are eligible to participate in Move on When Ready if they are entering 11th or 12th grade, as determined by the system, and spent the prior school year in attendance at a public high school in Georgia. Institutions eligible to participate in Move on When Ready include: a unit of the University System of Georgia, a branch of the Technical College System of Georgia, a private independent nonprofit postsecondary institution eligible for tuition equalization grants, or a private proprietary postsecondary institution eligible for tuition equalization grants. For more information on 2010-2011 participation in this program, please contact the Druid Hills High School Counseling Department at 678-874-6332.

29. DUAL ENROLLMENT-is a collaborative effort between GDOE and DTAE (GA Department of Technical and Adult Education) whereby high school students take technical college courses to receive both high school credit and postsecondary credit. • To provide GA high school students with the opportunity to earn technical course credit in a diploma or certificate program as they simultaneously meet their high school graduation requirements • To provide GA high school students with the opportunity to participate in college level technical courses not available at the local high school or participate at a higher level than what is offered at the local high school. http://www.dekalbtech.org/search.html

30. DUAL ENROLLMENT-eligibility • Students must … • be a legal resident of Georgia • meet citizenship requirements • meet Selective Service Registration requirements • not owe a refund on a State program • be in compliance with Georgia’s Drug-Free Postsecondary Education Act of 1990 • meet the postsecondary admissions requirements DUAL ENROLLMENT-length of eligibility for HOPE GRANT • Available during all school terms • Grant hours will be included in the 63 semester/95 quarter Grant-Paid Hours and Combined-Paid Hours limit

31. Advanced Placementis administered by College Board as a cooperative endeavor between high schools and colleges/universities. (http://www.collegeboard.com/ap) ADVANCED PLACEMENT-purpose • To provide high school students with the opportunity to earn college degree-level credit hours or receive advanced placement at the postsecondary level as they simultaneously meet their high school graduation requirements • To assist students who wish to have a more academically challenging program at the high school level ADVANCED PLACEMENT-eligibility • College Board advocates an inclusive approach to AP classes which means all students are eligible. ADVANCED PLACEMENT-award • Students must meet postsecondary admissions requirements • AP exam scores range from 1 to 5, with “5” being extremely qualified; a score of “3” will usually qualify a student for credit or advanced standing

32. Articulated Credit-is a program which allows students who take an eligible career and technical education program to receive credit or advanced placement at the local technical college or other postsecondary institution that has a signed agreement with the local high school. • To facilitate the seamless transition of students from secondary to postsecondary education • To eliminate duplication of course content in career and technical coursework at the postsecondary level For more information regarding articulated credit visit the counseling center for pamphlets or contact the Consortium Coordinator for Tech Prep at the local technical college for information.

33. Testing Information • SAT • ACT • PSAT • GHSGT • EOCT

35. SAT Test Dates

36. ACT Test Dates

37. PSAT Wednesday, October 13, 2010 Cost: $15.00 Please register and pay for the exam in the Counseling Center with Ms. Buchanan. The deadline for registration is September 30, 2010. It will be the only opportunity that 11th grade students have to qualify for the National Merit Scholarship Program. The $15.00 fee includes the exam cost of $13.00 and a $2.00 donation to the counseling department for student recognition programs and/or testing expenditures.

38. GA High School Gradation Test • Make Up GHSGT September 14-18 (For students who previously failed) • Writing Test September 29 • Make Up GHSGT November 9-13 • Make Up Writing Test Feb. 25 or 26 • GHSGT March 22-26

39. EOCT TESTING • EOCT Week of 12/7/10 • EOCT Week of 5/03/11 Math I, Math II, Geometry, Biology, 9th Lit, Physical Science, Economics, American Lit, and US History

40. HOPE Scholarship Changesand Eligibility

41. HOPE Calucation High School Reports to GSFC…………...A Complete Transcript HOPE Grade Eligibility……………………GSFC Nominal Standard for Eligibility College Prep……………………………….3.0 on a true 4.0 Scale Other Diploma Types……………………..3.2 on a true 4.0 Scale Academic Credits Counted English …………………………………….All Credits Attempted Math………………………………………..All Credits Attempted Science …………………………………….All Credits Attempted Social Studies……………………………..All Credits Attempted Foreign Language………………………...All Credits Attempted Course Weighted………………………….AP and IB Weighting Done By……………………….GSFC Value of Weights………………………….Uniform Across the State(+.5)

42. To Qualify for HOPE • College Preparatory Diploma: Cumulative GPA of 3.0 on a 4.0 scale. Technical/Career Diploma: Cumulative GPA of 3.2 on a 4.0 scale. • At public colleges, HOPE provides full tuition, approved mandatory fees, and a $300 book allowance per year. • At private colleges, HOPE provides $3,500 per academic year. To apply for HOPE a student/parent MUST complete the GSFAPPS and FAFSA form; students are limited on the number of hours they can use HOPE funding For more information contact the Georgia Student Finance Commission www.GAcollege411.org

43. HOPE Grant Program -The HOPE Grant provides full tuition, approved mandatory fees, and a $300 book allowance per year at public institutions. -No GPA requirement for the HOPE Grant -Students are limited in the number of hours for HOPE Grant funding or any combination scholarship, Accel, or grant hours attempted.

44. How do I pay for school?

45. Myths Regarding Financial Aid • Only students with highest GPAs get aid • College is too expensive for my family • Income is too high, so don’t bother to apply • There’s less aid available than there used to be • Sibling didn’t qualify, so neither will I • I should live at home to cut costs • Attend the college that offers the most aid • If I apply for a loan, I have to take it • Cost is the only way to compare colleges

46. Financial Aid is… • Money given, paid, or loaned to help pay for college • Gift Aid • Grants and Scholarships (free money) • Self-Help Aid • Work-Study (job opportunity to earn money) • Loans (money borrowed that must be repaid)

47. Categories of Financial Aid • Merit-based (or non-need) • Aid based on your grades, test scores, hobbies and special talents (artistic, athletic, etc.) • Need-based • Aid based on your financial situation

48. Sources of Financial Aid • Federal and State Grants • Federal Work-Study • Federal Loans • Institutional Aid • Private / Other Government Aid

49. Other Financial Resources Use free scholarship searches • Fastweb www.fastweb.org • College Board www.collegeboard.com • Mapping Your Future www.mapping-your-future.com • www.GAcollege411.org Apply for private local scholarships Apply for institutional scholarships • Academic, performance, entitlements scholarships Apply for company scholarships • Some Companies offer scholarships to employees and theirfamilies

50. Application Process For ALL SCHOOLS • Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) • Required for federal and state aid Deadlines vary depending on the school • Filing methods: • Paper version (forms must be requested by student) • FAFSA on the WEB www.fafsa.ed.gov