Welcome to College & Career Information Night for Seniors, Juniors and Parents

1. Welcome toCollege & Career Information Nightfor Seniors, Juniors and Parents September 25, 2013 6:00-7:00 p.m. SSES Media Center

2. Introductions • Mr. John Rollack, Principal • Ms. Gwen D. Roulhac, School Counselor • SSOE Families

3. Future-Ready Core Graduation Requirements English I, II, III, IV World History, Civics & Economics, US History Earth/Environmental Science, Biology, Physical Science course (Physics or Chemistry or Physical Science) Health/PE

4. Future-Ready Core Graduation Requirements

5. Future-Ready Core Graduation Requirements 2 credits in any combination of: World Language CTE Cluster Arts Education Additional elective credits for a total of 28 credits

6. End-of-Course Tests Algebra I English I (seniors) English II (juniors) Biology

7. Transcripts • The transcript is the official school record of a student’s coursework, grades, test data, attendance and more.

8. Student Information: verify accuracy of all information Spelling of student’s name Address Phone number Date of birth Transcripts

9. Credit History Grade 10 Quality Points Cr Mark Wtd Unwtd Geometry 93 3.6250 3.6250 1.0 Hn English II 89 4.1250 3.1250 1.0 AP Chemistry 78 3.7500 1.7500 1.0

10. Performance Information Cumulative GPA Weighted: 4.3177 Cumulative GPA Unweighted: 3.4427 Class Rank: 4 of 49 Total Points Weighted: 103.3250 Total Points Unweighted: 82.6250 Total Credits: Earned 24 Potential 24

11. Also Included • Immunization Information • Attendance Information

12. Not Included • Awards / Achievements & Extra-Curricular Activities • Curriculum-Related Work Experience • SAT/ACT Scores

13. Transcript Request • As of August 15, 2012, DPS will no longer be accepting records requests by email, phone, fax, or walk-ins. Records types include transcripts, shot records, report cards, birth certificates, etc. • https://durhamnc.scriborder.com/

14. Course Selection:Rigor & Balance SSOE offers: AP courses Honors courses All PLTW courses receive AP weight.

15. Extracurricular Activities • Improve time management skills • Foster leadership • Give students opportunity to explore interests • Look good on college applications • Can be fun!

16. Volunteer in the Community • Volunteermatch.org and thevolunteercenter.org are great websites to search community organizations that need volunteers. • Find an organization that meets your child’s interests. • Opportunity to gain experience, network and obtain references for college applications

17. PSAT • Juniors who wish to take the test must register and pay $14.00 by September 26. • Test will be given Wednesday, October 16, 2013. • Scores will be returned in January.

18. SAT, SAT Subject Tests and ACT SAT Three sections: Critical Reading, Math, Writing Register online at www.sat.org/register. Fee is $51 and includes submission of scores to 4 colleges/agencies. Students who qualify for the fee waiver may take the test twice for free and submit scores to 8 colleges/agencies.

19. SAT, SAT Subject Tests and ACT SAT Subject Tests Students may take up to three subject tests in one day. Some colleges require as many as three subject tests; other colleges just recommend subject tests. Basic registration fee is $24.50. Language tests with listening are $24; all other tests are $13 each. Students who qualify for the fee waiver may take six subject tests for free.

20. SAT, SAT Subject Tests and ACT ACT • Five sections: English, Reading, Math, Science and Writing (optional) • Register online at www.actstudent.org. • Fee without Writing is $36.50. • Fee including Writing is $52.50. • Students who qualify for the fee waiver may take the test twice for free. • All juniors will take the test on March 4.

21. SAT vs. ACT

22. SAT/ACT It is recommended that students take SAT and/or ACT in spring of junior year and fall of senior year.

23. Test Prep Options • Free test prep materials available in the Main Office • Free test prep available online • CHANCE offers free tutoring on Tuesdays from 7-9 p.m. on Duke’s East campus. • Durham Public Schools Community Education offers a six-session SAT prep class for $20 (for SSOE students); $20 for optional test prep books; 919-560-3816 or www.dpsnc.net • Several other private agencies offer test prep for fees ranging from $100 to over $1,000.

24. Conducting the College Search . . . It doesn’t have to be stressful

25. How does my GPA & SAT/ACT score match with school of choice? • Visit https://bigfuture.collegeboard.org/college-search -Type in the name of any college/university -Click on “Academic Tracker” icon; then “How do I stack up?” tab • Visit www.cfnc.org for NC schools -Click on “Plan for College” tab; then “Explore Postsecondary Schools” tab

26. Your College Search: Characteristicsto Consider • Major • Minor

27. Your College Search: Characteristicsto Consider • 2 year vs. 4 year • Public vs. Private • Large vs. Small • Rural vs. Urban

28. Your College Search: Characteristicsto Consider • More than just academics . . . • Student Life activities • Fraternities & Sororities • Athletics

29. Your College Search: Visits • Official or unofficial • Visit local colleges • Activities while on the visit: eat in the dining hall, sit in on a class, talk to students, tour key buildings • Take notes and then compare colleges

30. College Application Deadlines Colleges offer various opportunities to apply. Each has advantages and disadvantages. Be informed to make the best decision for you and your child. • Early Decision • Early Action • Regular Admission

31. Which is best? Early Decision orEarly Action or Regular Admission • Early Decision (Binding) and Early Action (Non-Binding) typically have November 1-15 deadlines • Apply to 1 college Early Decision; Apply to multiple colleges Early Action • Students typically receive admissions decision in December or January • Regular Admission application deadlines vary, usually January-March • Check college admissions websites for details • Students typically receive admissions decision in March or April

32. Admissions Essay/Personal Statement Share something about yourself not found elsewhere in the application in YOUR OWN VOICE. Make it perfect: proofread and read aloud. Get the right essay to the right college.

33. Letters of Recommendation FAQ • Who do I get to write my letter? • How many letters should I send? • How do I ask someone to write a letter for me?

34. What SSOE Sends • Transcripts • School Profile • Counselor’s Statement / Secondary School Report (if applicable)

35. What Student Sends • Completed Application • Application Fee or Fee Waiver • SAT/ACT Scores

36. Scholarships • Start looking early. • SSOE’s list of scholarship information (online and bulletin board) • Check websites of colleges of interest • Register on www.cfnc.orgwww.fastweb.comwww.schoolsoup.com

37. Need-Based $$$ • FAFSA stands for FREEApplication for Federal Student Aid • www.fafsa.ed.gov ~ Apply beginning January 1, 2014 for the 2014-2015 academic year • http://student.collegeboard.org/css-financial-aid-profile (CSS Profile) ~ Apply beginning October 1, 2013 for the 2014-2015 academic year

38. Dates to Remember DPS College Fair September 29, 2013 1:00-3:00 p.m. Northgate Mall FAFSA Day February 22, 2014 9:00 a.m.-12:00 p.m. Multiple locations

39. A Few Good Books • College Board College Handbook 2014 • Fiske Guide to Colleges 2014 • Colleges That Change Lives • Letting Go: A Parent’s Guide to Understanding the College Years

40. To contact Ms. Roulhac: By phone ~ (919) 560-9184 x. 81108 By email ~ gwen.roulhac@dpsnc.net Online ~ http://www.teacherweb.com/nc/gwen/roulhac Questions?