College Planning • Selecting Core Classes Research shows that completing “core” in high school is the single best predictor of baccalaureate attainment. Even students who do poorly in core courses will have a stronger likelihood of going to and succeeding in college. (HECB, 2003) The Importance of a Strong Senior Year “Taking a full academic load through senior year, including math through pre-calc or calculus, 4 or 5 years of the same foreign language; and 4 years of science- including chemistry and physics” is a distinguishing factor that had a positive impact on college admission.” Karen Copetas, Director of Admissions Western Washington U., 2003 Minimum College Admission Standards All college bound students •SAT/ACT required (ALL students can benefit from taking these tests.) •2.0 GPA required •3 CADR credits completed in each year of HS-(revised) •Comprehensive review of admission applications is the current trend in college admissions. College Academic Distribution Requirements (CADR’s) English 4 credits Math 3 credits Sr.-year math-based quantitative course 1 credit * Science 2 credits ** Social Science 3 credits Foreign Language 2 credits Arts 1 credit Total 15-16 credits * Quantitative math-based course required in senior year; does not require higher level math than current admissions policy. ** One credit of algebra-based science required for college admission in 2010-11. 6 Higher Education Coordinating Board Revised Minimum Admission Standards Policy Changes and Implementation Timeline In May 2007, the Higher Education Coordinating Board (HECB) adopted new minimum admissions standards for entering freshmen students in Washington’s public baccalaureate institutions. The standards, including revised College Academic Distribution Requirements (CADRs), will be implemented beginning with the 2012 summer academic term. 7 Revised Minimum Admission Standards Mathematics—3 credits Ninth-grade students in 2008 and thereafter should begin working towards earning: One credit each of algebra, geometry and Algebra 3-4. One math-based quantitative credit during students’ senior year of high school. Note: the above requirements do not mean a higher level of math than current admissions –Algebra 3-4. 8 Revised Minimum Admission Standards Options for meeting senior-year quantitative requirement include: Intermediate Algebra (Algebra 3-4 ) in senior year. A higher level of math (pre-calculus) if Intermediate Algebra is completed. The required algebra-based science course in senior year. Statistics, applied math, another algebra-based science course or appropriate career and technical courses that qualify as quantitative, math-based courses. Substitute Provision: Students who successfully complete math through pre-calculus would meet the math requirements and be exempt from the senior-year math requirement, even if they complete pre-calculus before their fourth year of high school. 9 Revised Minimum Admissions Standards Implementation Timeline and Impacts Summer 2008 In baccalaureate institutions: “Credit” replaces a “year of coursework” to recognize block scheduling or alternative course delivery models Use of the Admissions Index as admissions criteria eliminated (SAT/ACT still required; 2.0 GPA still required). Comprehensive review of admission applications encouraged but not required. 10 Revised Minimum Admission Standards Implementation Timeline and Impacts Fall 2008 Beginning with the entering ninth-grade class in 2008 and thereafter, students will be required to complete at least three credits of CADR coursework in each year of high school to meet admissions standards for fouryear public colleges beginning with the 2012 summer academic term. 11 Implementation Timeline and Impacts Spring 2010 Beginning with HSPE tests administered in 2010, students who meet proficiency on high school HSPE/WASL tests in math and reading (or the subsequent “re-takes”) can satisfy the first two CADR credits … beginning 2012-13 academic year. Summer 2010 Baccalaureate institutions implement the admissions requirement for two credits of laboratory science, with one credit required in algebra-based biology, chemistry or physics. 12 Revised Minimum Admission Standards Implementation Timeline and Impacts Fall 2011 High school seniors must earn one CADR credit in math or other math-based quantitative coursework, e.g., statistics, applied math, appropriate career and technical courses; algebra-based science also would satisfy the senior-year quantitative requirement. Does not mean students must pass a higher level of math; intent is meaningful math in senior year. 13 Admissions * Academic Requirements: Know what is required. * Recommendations: Know whether they are required. (Some won’t read them.) * College Essays: Take time with these. College essays are very important and are the student’s opportunity to make an impression. Extra-Curricular Activities: Use these activities to demonstrate a focus. This is better than a laundry list of unrelated activities. Community Service: Again, try to demonstrate a focus with community related activities. Options For College Preparation At Kentlake High School Honors and Advanced Placement University of Washington Academy Running Start What is the difference between Honors and Advanced Placement (AP) courses? Honors courses prepare students for college level courses. Advanced Placement courses teach college level curriculum and students have the opportunity to take the AP test at the end of the course and earn college credit. Options for College Preparation Honors/Advanced Placement/UW College in the High School Courses offered by grade: 9th Grade Honors English Honors World Studies 10th Grade Honors English AP Human Geography (meets Contemporary World Issues/Problems requirement) AP Psychology AP Biology Fluency in IT (Informatics 100) 11th Grade AP Language and Composition AP Chemistry AP Physics UW Oceanography (OCEAN 101) UW United States History Since 1940 (HSTAA 235) UW Elementary and Intermediate French (FRENCH 103 and FRENCH 201 & 202) UW Elementary and Intermediate Spanish (SPAN 103 and SPAN 201 & 202) 12th Grade AP Literature and Composition AP Psychology AP Government and Politics AP Statistics AP Calculus AB and BC Additional UW in the High School courses we will survey for this spring: UW PreCalc (MATH 120) UW Calculus I-III (MATH 124-126) UW Astronomy (ASTR 101) UW Earth & Space Sciences (ESS 101) UW English Composition: Literature (ENGL 111) and Exposition (ENGL 131) UW Comparative Literature (C LIT 240) What is UW in the High School? UW in the High School is an opportunity to earn university credit in your classroom with your teacher! Kentlake teachers use UW curriculum, activities, exams, and grading scales. You’ll receive the recognition of your UW courses at most public institutions and many private ones. The best part? UWHS courses cost a fraction of UW courses taught on campus! Running Start The Running Start Program is intended to provide students a program option consisting of attendance at certain institutions of higher education and the simultaneous earning of high school and college/university credit. Running Start was initiated by the Legislature as a component of the 1990 parent and student Learning by Choice Law . Students in 11th and 12th grade have a right granted by the Legislature to participate in Running Start at public expense. Pros of Participating in Running Start Earn college credit and high school credit at the same time (dual credit) Attend classes on a college campus Possible to earn Associates Degree when you earn your high school diploma Cons of Participating in Running Start Miss out on high school experience Parents do not have access to student records on college campus (i.e. grades, attendance, etc.) If you fail a class, by the time your high school gets notice of the failure, it may be too late to get into another class, thus putting your graduation in jeopardy Not all 4 year colleges/universities will accept credit from community/technical colleges Must have your own transportation to get to and from campus Must pay for textbooks and any associated fees (only tuition is paid for by the school district) What is the SAT? The SAT is a globally recognized college admission test that lets you show colleges what you know and how well you can apply that knowledge. It tests your knowledge of reading, writing and math — subjects that are taught every day in high school classrooms. Most students take the SAT during their junior or senior year of high school, and almost all colleges and universities use the SAT to make admission decisions. What does the SAT test? The SAT doesn’t test logic or abstract reasoning. It tests the skills you’re learning in school: reading, writing and math. Your knowledge and skills in these subjects are important for success in college and throughout your life. How can I do my best on the SAT? The best way to get ready for the SAT is to take challenging courses, study hard, and take the practice test in the fall. It’s certainly a good idea for you to become familiar and comfortable with the test format and question types. What is most important in college admissions? The SAT is just one factor among many that colleges use to get to know you better. It’s best to keep the test in perspective and understand that it’s only part of a comprehensive admission process that also recognizes other factors, like extracurricular activities and personal recommendations. The SAT and other College Board tests are offered several times a year. Most students take the SAT for the first time during the spring of their junior year and a second time during the fall of their senior year. Create a high school plan Make sure you know what high school courses are required by colleges and that you´re taking the right classes starting this year. Get to know the levels of courses offered by your school. Take challenging classes Explore the Advanced Placement Program® (AP®) Try out college-level work, improve your abilities, and, with the right grades, maybe even receive college credit While it’s usually given in the 11th grade, the PSAT is also often offered in the 10th grade. By taking it this year, you’ll receive a score report to help you improve your performance on next year’s exams. Take the PSAT Sign up for the test, which is given in October. Taking the PSAT is the best way to get ready for the SAT. Get ready for the SAT Take the SAT in the spring. taking the SAT again send more score reports •The ACT is curriculum-based. The ACT is not an aptitude or an IQ test. Instead, the questions on the ACT are directly related to what students have learned What About the ACT? The ACT is curriculum-based. The ACT is not an aptitude or an IQ test. Instead, the questions on the ACT are directly related to what students have learned in high school courses in English, mathematics, and science. Because the ACT tests are based on what is taught in the high school curriculum, students are generally more comfortable with the ACT than they are with traditional aptitude tests or tests with narrower content. What is the source of the 2010 ACT national average? The scores of all ACT-tested 2010 high school graduates (nearly 1.6 million students) 36 What is the highest possible ACT score? What percentage of 2010 graduates who took the ACT scored 36? What subject areas do the ACT questions cover? How many questions are asked? Less than one-tenth of 1 percent English, math, reading, science, and writing (optional) English: Math: Reading: Science: 75 60 40 40 Total: 215 How much does it cost to take the ACT? The 2010–2011 basic registration fee is $33.00, which includes sending score reports to up to four college choices. The basic registration fee for the ACT Plus Writing is $48.00. How long does the test take? Just over 4 hours for the ACT without the Writing Test. Actual testing time is 2 hours and 55 minutes, broken down as follows: English: 45 minutes Math: 60 minutes Reading: 35 minutes Science: 35 minutes The ACT Writing Test adds 30 minutes to the testing time. Helpful Websites for College Planning Wage Information www.wtb.wa.gov Washington Community & Tech Colleges www.checkoutacollege.com The Electronic Guidance Counselor www.eguidancecounselor.com College Application Questions http://www.collegeconfidential.com/dean/ College and Career Planning, Test Prep http://www.nationalappcenter.com/ The College Board www.collegeboard.com ACT The Common Application Peterson’s Princeton Review US News and World Report www.act.org www.commonapp.org www.petersons.com www.princetonreview.com www.usnews.com/usnews/edu/eduhome.htm Kaplan www.kaptest.com Black Excel www.blackexcel.org Latino College Resource http://www.studentnow.com/collegelist/latino.html Unofficial College Reviews www.studentsreview.com Rankings Pages www.library.uiuc.edu/edx/rankings.htm Historically Black Colleges and Universities www.hbcunetwork.com/ Women’s Colleges www.womenscolleges.org Jesuit Colleges http://www.ajcunet.edu/ Catholic Colleges www.catholiccollegesonline.org/ Jewish life on 500 different campuses Canadian Colleges http://www.hillel.org/index www.schoolfinder.com/ Ivy League (includes very competitive colleges in all regions of the country) www.go4ivy.com/ivy.asp US Accredited Colleges in Europe www.aaicu.org College Newspapers Online http://newslink.org/statcamp.html Greek System Information www.greekpages.com/index2.cfm Art Schools Medical Schools www.aicad.org www.aamc.org/students/considering/start.htm Combined BA/MD Programs http://www.minimedicalschool.com/ba_md_programs.html Nursing Schools http://www.wsna.org/Links/#USPrograms Nursing Schools in Washington http://www.doh.wa.gov/hsqa/professions/Nursing/documents/ApprovedSchools.pdf Law School Architecture School Engineering School www.lsac.org http://www.naab.org/architecture_programs/ www.nspe.org/students/ NCAA National Collegiate Athletic Association ELIGIBILITY DIVISION I NCAA Division I requires 16 core courses as of August 1, 2008. This rule applies to any student first entering any Division I college or university on or after August 1, 2008. See the chart below for the breakdown of this 16 core-course requirement Division I has a sliding scale for test score and grade-point average . Only core courses are used in the calculation of the grade-point average. 16 Core Courses: 4 years of English. 3 years of mathematics (Algebra I or higher). 2 years of natural/physical science (1 year of lab if offered by high school). 1 year of additional English, mathematics or natural/physical science. 2 years of social science. 4 years of additional courses (from any area above, foreign language or nondoctrinal religion/philosophy). DIVISION II NCAA Division II requires 14 core courses. See the breakdown of core-course requirements below. Please note, Division II will require 16 core courses beginning August 1, 2013. Division II has a minimum SAT score requirement of 820 or an ACT sum score of 68. The Division II grade-point-average requirement is a minimum of 2.000 Only core courses are used in the calculation of the grade-point average. DIVISION II 14 Core Courses: 3 years of English. 2 years of mathematics (Algebra I or higher). 2 years of natural/physical science (1 year of lab if offered by high school). 2 years of additional English, mathematics or natural/physical science. 2 years of social science. 3 years of additional courses (from any area above, foreign language or nondoctrinal religion/philosophy). TEST SCORES SAT : NCAA purposes includes only the critical reading and math sections. The writing section of the SAT is not used. ACT: NCAA purposes is a sum of the four sections on the ACT: English, mathematics, reading and science. Division II has no sliding scale. The minimum core gradepoint average is 2.000. The minimum SAT score is 820 (verbal and math sections only) and the minimum ACT sum score is 68. The SAT combined score is based on the verbal and math sections only. The writing section will not be used. All SAT and ACT scores must be reported directly to the NCAA Eligibility Center by the testing agency. Test scores that appear on transcripts will not be used. When registering for the SAT or ACT, use the Eligibility Center code of 9999 to make sure the score is reported to the Eligibility Center. Division lll Division III does not use the NCAA Eligibility Center. Contact your Division III college regarding its policies on admission, financial aid, practice and competition. www.eligibilitycenter.org For more information regarding the rules, please go to www.NCAA.org. Click on “Academics and Athletes” then “Eligibility and Recruiting.” Or visit the Eligibility Center Web site at www.eligibilitycenter.org. Please call the NCAA Eligibility Center if you have questions: Toll-free number: 877/262-1492. QUESTIONS ???