Beginning the Home Stretch
A GUIDE TO COLLEGE
PLANNING FOR
JUNIOR YEAR
Over View
 Review Requirements:
 SMHS Graduation
 TOPS
 Louisiana Public University Minimum Admissions
Criteria as set forth by the Louisiana Board of
Regents
 College Readiness
 PSAT Scores
 LSU Representative
SMHS Graduation Requirements for the Classes of
2012-2013, 2013-2014, & 2014-2015
Total of 24 Credits Required
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Religion 4 Credits- I,II,III,IV
English 4 Credits-I,II,III,IV
Mathematics 4 Credits-Algebra I, Geometry, Algebra II, and 1 unit from Adv. Math, Calculus, Probability
and Statistics, or Financial Math
Science 4 Credits-Physical Science, Biology, Chemistry, and 1 units from Environmental Science, Physics,
Biology II, Chemistry II
Social Studies 4 Credits-1 unit of Civics, World History, American History, and 1 unit from Religion
I,II,III,IV
Foreign Language 2 Credits-2 units of same, Foreign Language or of Speech Courses
Art 1 Credit-Art, Band, Choir, Fine Arts Survey
Health and Physical Education 2 Credits-PE I/Health, PE II
NOTE:
These are the minimum courses necessary to graduate from SMHS. College entrance standards have changed.
Most major universities require their incoming freshmen to have two (2) credits in the same foreign language
as well as a fine arts course.
NOTE:
The Board of Regents and TOPS (Taylor Opportunity Program for Students) require completion of a specific
high school curriculum. Detailed information about each of the programs is available at www.smhsbr.org and
is reviewed with the students during the course selection process each year.
Louisiana Board of Regents Minimum Admission
Requirements for FIRST-TIME FRESHMEN
TOPS Core Curriculum 2014 and thereafter
Course Selections to Meet Graduation, Board of Regents
and TOPS Requirements
Course
Credits
SMHS Graduation
Board of Regents
TOPS
Financial Math
1
Yes
Yes
No
Probability and Statistics
1
Yes
Yes
Yes
Advanced Math
1
Yes
Yes
Yes
Environmental Science
1
Yes
Yes
Yes
Speech I & II
2
Yes
Yes** However, some
universities require
Foreign Language
No
Foreign Language
(same language)
2
Yes
Yes
Yes
Fine Arts Survey
1
Yes
Yes
Yes
Performance Arts
Band, Art, Choir
1
Yes
Yes**However, some
universities require two
units of a performance
art
Yes
Putting it All Together
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SMHS Graduation Requirements, Board of Regents, and TOPS have a few differences. It is important
to meet the requirements for ALL entities that are included in your goals.
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Example 1: 1 unit of Financial Math meets the requirement for SMHS graduation, Board of Regents,
but not for TOPS. Probability and Statistics, Advanced Math, and Calculus meet all 3 entity
requirements.
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Example 2: An additional course to take note of is Foreign Language. While SMHS provides the option
to take 2 units of Foreign Language or 2 units of Speech to meet graduation requirements, and the
minimum requirements set by the Board of Regents will allow Speech I and II in lou of Foreign
Language, TOPS requires 2 units of Foreign Language. If you are interested in receiving TOPS
your student must complete 2 units of the same Foreign Language.
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Example 3: 1 unit of Fine Arts or 1 unit of a performance course meets graduation requirements,
Board of Regents and TOPS; however, some universities, like LSU requires 2 units of a
performance art or 1 unit of Fine Art Survey.
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Even though the Board of Regents establishes minimum standards for admission to Flagship,
Statewide, and Regional universities, institutions still establish their own admission requirements
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Each post-secondary institution is different. It is the responsibility of the student to research the
requirements for schools that he/she is interested.
Louisiana Board of Regents & TOPS
 Refer to Websites.
 Minimum Admission Standards.
http://regents.louisiana.gov/
 TOPS Core Curriculum.
http://www.smhsbr.org/topsinformation.cfm
 TOPS Standard Eligibility Requirements.
http://www.smhsbr.org/topsinformation.cfm
Testing
 ACT/SAT: It is recommended that all college-bound
Juniors take the ACT/SAT at least once in the spring
of junior year.
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Most colleges and universities will accept either the ACT or
SAT score, so it may be worth the while to look into both tests.
ACT vs. SAT
 The ACT and SAT are two very different college
entrance exams. Both are nationally administered
and are used to help colleges evaluate applicants.
 The ACT is an achievement test with four core
sections (English, Math, Reading and Science).
 The SAT is essentially a three-part aptitude test
(Reading, Math, and Writing).
Test Registration
 When registering for the ACT or SAT, be sure to have the testing
agency send scores directly to LA Tuition Opportunity ProgramStudents (TOPS) as well as each college or university the student is
considering.
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TOPS ACT Agency Code 1595
TOPS SAT Agency Code 9109
 Note: Some colleges may require that the ACT be taken with
Writing at least once. Please look at individual admission
requirements before registering for the test.
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Additionally, special programs within universities, for example, LSU’s Honors
College, require the writing section.
 ACT Registration Website: www.actstudent.org
 SAT Registration Website: http://sat.collegeboard.org/register
2013 Testing Dates
SAT Test Dates
Regular Registration
Date
Late Registration
Closes
March 9, 2013
Feb. 8
Feb. 22
May 4, 2013
Apr. 5
Apr. 19
June 1, 2013
May 2
May 17
ACT Test Dates
Regular Registration
Date
Late Registration
Closes
Feb. 9, 2013
Jan. 11
Jan. 12-18
Apr. 13, 2013
March 8
March 9-22
June 8, 2013
May 3
May 4-17
ACT/SAT Test Preparation
 Being in the Classroom
 PSAT Scores
 On our website you will find many resources that are
designed to prepare your student for the ACT or SAT.
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Kaplain
Princeton Review-offers free practice tests at local libraries
St. Michael’s online software
Course Selection
 Late February scheduling will take place.
 Maintaining a rigorous schedule and competitive
GPA.
Create an Email Account for College Admissions
 Students should establish an email account for
college admission purposes prior to senior year.
 Colleges and universities send periodic updates on
the application process and the student’s admission
status.
Academic Résumé
 Prior to the senior year, students should create an
academic résumé.
 Academic résumés are useful when:
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Requesting letters of recommendation from teachers,
administrators, and counselors.
When completing college and scholarship applications.
When visiting with college representatives.
When applying for a part-time job, apprenticeship, or
internship.
What Should an Academic Resume Include?
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Content
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Grades
Volunteer accomplishments
Sports awards
Leadership accolades
Extracurricular Activities
Any other achievements from a high school career
Sections
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Identifying Information
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Education Section
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Academic Awards
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School Activities
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Athletic Awards
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Extracurricular Activities
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Community Service
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Additional Activities
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Work Experience
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Professional Certifications
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Name, address, home phone, email
GPA, class rank, anticipated graduation date
Academic letterman, Principal’s list
Varsity swim team, Student council, peer ministry team
Varsity letters in swimming
Boy Scouts of America, 4-H Club, Altar Server: St. Patrick’s Church
Habitat for Humanity, St. Vincent de Paul Kitchen, St. Patrick’s Church VBS
March for Life, Student Council Retreat, Boy Scout Camp
Lifeguard
CPR, Lifeguard Training and First Aid
Sample of Academic Resume
Academic Resume Continued
College Visits
 Visit the Campus
 Contact admissions office in advance to schedule a
tour of the campus.
Preparing for Your College Visit
 Prepare a list of questions.
 Bring a notebook to record thoughts and
impressions.
 Take photos.
 Schedule an appointment with an undergraduate
admissions counselor.
Junior Check List
 College Exploration
 Websites
 College Visits
 Campus Tours
 Formulate Academic Resume
 Getting more involved
 Register for ACT or SAT
 Take either test this spring
 Begin thinking about your applications
 Summer applications
Senior Year
 Senior Meeting in September
 FAFSA Information (Deadlines to Apply)
 College Application Information
 Read the Newsletter
 www.nacacnet.org
Sources Cited
(2012). College Planning Checklist.
Retrieved December 10, 2012 from NACAC website.
http://www.nacacnet.org/studentinfo/articles/Pages/Preparing-for-CollegeJunior-Checklist.aspx
(2012). Minimum Admission Standards for First-time Freshmen.
Retrieved December 10, 2012 from the Louisiana Board of Regents Website:
http://www.regents.doa.louisiana.gov/assets/docs/Data/Publications/Minimum
AdmissionStandards-Approved_2011_1027.pdf
(2012). TOPS Core Curriculum.
Retrieve December 10, 2012 from the Louisiana Office of Student Financial
Assistance Website:
http://www.osfa.la.gov/MainSitePDFs/Core_Curriculum_14.pdf