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Covenant Christian High School
Junior Year Guidance Information
2011-12
1. THE KEY TO SUCCESS IS PLANNING
- credits, requirements
- post high school plans - educational and vocational
- self-assessment: Who am I? What are my strengths and weaknesses?
- Academic records are important! Colleges consider:
a) courses taken during high school
b) GPA of freshman - junior year
c) class rank
d) college entrance test scores (ACT/SAT/AP)
e) teacher and/or counselor recommendations
f) extra-curricular involvement and community service
2. GUIDANCE INFORMATION AVAILABLE
- guidance office - college application forms and scholarship information
- library - college and career information, college catalogs, videos & computer information
- internet search/careercruising (cchrhs;demotte)
3. JUNIOR YEAR TESTS
a. PSAT - This test is also called the National Merit Scholarship Qualifying Test. The PSAT is for college bound students, students wanting to assess college potential, and students wishing to qualify for National Merit Scholarships.
TEST DATE: Wednesday, October 12, 2011
TEST COST: This test is free for juniors.
TEST PRACTICE: Official Student Guides which include a practice test are being given to you today. Check out www.collegeboard.com/psat for information about the test and sample questions.
b. ACT and SAT - These are college entrance tests that should be taken no later than April or June of the student's junior year and can be retaken in fall of the student's senior year if desired. The ACT and the SAT are run by two different organizations: most colleges will accept either form of entrance test, but some colleges prefer one over the other. If you already have a college in mind, you may want to contact them to see which test they prefer. In general, liberal arts and/or private colleges prefer the ACT, while public institutions prefer the SAT. Most public institutions will accept either SAT/ACT if the ACT includes the writing portion.
TEST DATE: The ACT test dates are September 10, October 22, December 10, February 11, April 14, and June 9. The SAT test dates are October 1, November 5, December 3, January 28, March 10, May 5 and June 2. Please note that Covenant is an official test site for the June 9, 2011 ACT (site number 222-670). Test preparation will be offered for 6 hours one week prior to the June test date.
TEST COST: The ACT cost is $34.00 without the writing section and $49.50 with the writing section. The SAT cost is $49.00. Students can register for both of these tests by mail or online. When you register for the ACT or SAT, be sure to include our High School Code #150-798 to ensure that your test scores are sent to Covenant to be placed on your official transcript. If you are taking the ACT at Covenant on June 9, 2011, our site number is 222-670.
4. OTHER AVENUES FOR INFORMATION
A. A financial aid seminar for parents will be scheduled for some time in January at 6:30 p.m. Check announcements and KnightLine for reminders.
B. College visits: Juniors are encouraged to take up to four college visits during their junior year. Request forms are available next to the guidance board. There are a few steps to preparing for a college visit:
1. Call or e-mail the college (usually the admissions office) to decide on the best time for you to visit. Most colleges have designated "College Visit Days" with planned activities, tours, and classroom visits for potential students.
2. Pre-arrange your visit with the college. If you're going to be at the college for more than one day, it's a good idea to ask someone in the admissions office about staying overnight in the dorms.
3. Notify the Covenant office of your college visit and fill out the necessary forms at least two days in advance. Notification further in advance is encouraged and appreciated. (No visits the week before exams)
C. College representatives at Covenant:
1. Usually visits occur during lunch period in the cafeteria.
2. Sign-up sheets are located in the office.
3. Check the announcements for details.
D. College nights: Check announcements for information regarding college fairs. Information on local college fairs can also be looked up online.
E. Internet information sites for college and career information:
5. COLLEGE APPLICATIONS
College applications are not required until after the summer of 2012. This will become a more pressing concern as you begin your senior year. However, now is the time to begin seriously considering college choices. Courses taken, grades, class rank, test scores, and school, community, and church activities are taken into account during the admissions process, so pay attention to these things now! Acceptance into many colleges and universities is becoming more difficult due to the increased number of applications received. Some applications may need to be submitted as early as November 1, 2012 in order to be considered. DO NOT PROCRASTINATE!
6. YOUR COUNSELOR
I am available to all juniors for educational, vocational, or personal concerns. Please contact Mrs. Dorn with any questions or concerns you may have. Take school seriously, plan diligently, and pray that God will lead you as you seek His direction for a life of service for Him.
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