HOLY CROSS SCHOOL
12th Grade PARENT PRESENTATION (2014-2015)
ADMINISTRATIVE STAFF
Mr. Charles DiGange – Headmaster
Dr. Joseph Murry, Jr. – High School Principal
Mrs. Teresa Billings – Middle School Principal/Director of Studies
Mrs. Patricia Hrapmann – Director of Curriculum and Instruction
Mr. Eric DesOrmeaux – Dean of Men/High School
Mr. Ronnie Kornick - Dean of Boys/Middle School and 8th Grade
PROFESSIONAL SCHOOL COUNSELORS
Ms. Karen duPlantier – Director of Counseling and Guidance ( Grade 8 & Scholars )
Dr. Matt Wegmann - High School Counselor ( Grades 10, 11 )
Ms. Gaye Trombatore – High School Counselor ( Grades 9, 12 )
Mrs. Stephanie Strain – Middle School Counselor ( Grade 5, 6, & 7 )
COLLEGE COUNSELOR
Mrs. Raynette Lumas - ( Grades 11, 12 )
PROFESSIONAL STAFF
Mrs. Dixie Crayton – Administrative Assistant
Mrs. Tricia Bristow – Registrar
Presentation Topics
• TOPS
• Creating a College List
• College Application Process
• Standardized Tests
• College Application Timeline
• Guidance Policies and Procedures
• Financial Aid Overview
• Introduce Family Connection by Naviance
LA Regents Core 4
Current Requirements
• 4 English
• 4 Math
• 4 Natural Science
• 4 Social Studies
• 2 Foreign Language (same language)
• 1 Art
– HC requires 2 years of Art, Drama, Chorus or Band (Fine Art
Survey is 1 year)
• Total= 19 units
TOPS Eligibility
2.5 GPA – CORE COURSE (GPA)
PLUS
20 COMPOSITE ACT
OR
SAT Equivalent (verbal + math - 970 approximately)
OPPORTUNITY AWARD: 2.5 CORE GPA AND 20 ACT
Public LA Institution –Tuition* (not including fees)
Private LA Institution – Weighted Average
PERFORMANCE AWARD: 3.0 CORE GPA AND 23 ACT
Opportunity Award Amount PLUS ($400.00 per year)
HONORS AWARD: 3.0 CORE GPA AND 27 ACT
Opportunity Award Amount PLUS ($800.00 per year)
*See TOPS Award Amounts for 2014-2015 Award Year
TOPS Core Curriculum
For the Opportunity, Performance, and Honors Awards For High School graduates of 2014 through 2017.
1
Advanced Placement (AP) courses and International Baccalaureate (IB) courses with the same name as a course listed in the TOPS
Core Curriculum may be substituted.
(800) 259-5626 custserv@la.gov
Units
ENGLISH = 4 Units
4 units
MATH = 4 Units
1 unit
1 unit
2 units
SCIENCE = 4 Units
1 unit
1 unit
2 units
SOCIAL STUDIES = 4 Units
1 unit
1 unit
2 units
www.osfa.la.gov P.O. Box 91202, Baton Rouge, LA 70821-9202
Updated : 08/01/2013
Courses1
English I, II, III, & IV
Algebra I, or Integrated Mathematics I, or Applied Algebra I or Algebra I - Parts 1 & 2 (two units) or Applied Mathematics I & II (two units) or
Applied Algebra 1A and 1B (two units)
Algebra II or Integrated Mathematics II
Geometry, Pre-Calculus, Advanced Math-Pre-Calculus, Calculus, AP Calculus AB, Advanced Math-Functions and Statistics, Probability and
Statistics, Discrete Mathematics, Applied Mathematics III, Integrated Mathematics III, or Algebra III
Biology I or II
Chemistry I or II, or Chemistry Com
Earth Science, Physical Science, Environmental Science, Integrated
Science, Biology II, Chemistry II, Physics, Physics II, Physics for
Technology I or II, AP Physics C: Electricity & Magnetism, AP Physics C: Mechanics, or Anatomy and Physiology or both Agriscience I & II (both
for 1 unit)
United States History
Civics (1 year), or AP Government and Politics: United States
World History, Western Civilization, World Geography, European History, History of Religion or AP Human Geography
FOREIGN LANGUAGE = 2 Units
2 units
FINE ARTS = 1 Unit
1 unit
TOTAL = 19 Units
Foreign Language (2 units in the same language)
Fine Arts Survey or 1 unit of a performance course in music, or dance, or theater or 1 unit of studio art or 1 unit of visual art
or both Speech III & IV (both for 1 unit)
Maximum TOPS Award Amount (2014-2015)
Institutions
Baton Rouge Community College (1)
TOPS Annual Award Amount (3)
$2,805.53
Delgado Community College (1)
$2,921.95
Grambling State University
$4,895.00
Nicholls State University
$4,922.28
LSU – BR
$6,464.54
Louisiana Tech University (Quarters)
$5438.80
McNeese State University
$4,679.40
Northwestern State University
$4,934.60
Southeastern La University
$4,798.20
UL – Lafayette
$4,915.42
UL – Monroe
$4,985.20
University of New Orleans
$5,536.70
Private LA Institutions
$4,648.00
Notes: (1) Includes all campuses within the designated colleges. (2) Schools that are specifically designed to accommodate deaf and hard-of-hearing students. Includes both
Academic and Technical Programs. (3) The total amount does not include summer payments allowed for students enrolled full time in technical programs or students in an academic
program that elect to have their award paid for a qualified summer session. The amount of the award may not exceed the tuition amount charged to the student for summer
attendance.
Admissions to 4-Year Universities
High School Curriculum
Minimum HS GPA
Regents’ Core: 19 units (from Core 4 Curriculum)
AND
Minimum overall HS GPA: 2.0
Flagship, Statewide, & Regional
Minimum ACT sub-score: English 18+, Math 19+
Flagship, Statewide & Regional
Students meeting minimum admission standards except for the need for developmental courses may enroll in the summer and upon successful completion of the developmental courses will be
admitted for the fall.
AND ONE OF THE FOLLOWING
HS Core GPA
GPA on the CORE - 3.0 - Flagship
GPA on the CORE - 2.5 - Statewide
GPA on the CORE - 2.0 - Regional
OR
ACT Composite - 25 - Flagship
ACT Composite - 23 - Statewide
ACT Composite - 20 - Regional
ACT
% Admissions
Flagship – 4%
Exceptions Allowed
Calculated from the previous year’s entering freshman class
Flagship: LSU
Statewide: LA Tech, ULL, UNO
Statewide – 6%
Regional – 8%
Regional: Grambling, LSU-A, LSU-S, McNeese, Nicholls, NSU, SLU, SU, SUNO, ULM
Always check with the specific institution for additional requirements and information as they may choose to adopt other admission requirements.
Exam Exemptions
• All students take exams the 1st semester
• Student must receive an “A” 1st semester
• Prior to 2nd semester exam:
• Student must have an “A”
• Teacher will inform student they are exempt
• If exempt, student is not required to be here during
that exam period
Creating Your College List
Various resources to assist you:
• College Board
• Princeton Review
• Book of Majors
• College counselor
• Naviance/Family Connections
Factors to consider when creating
your college list:
• Major
• Location/Distance
• Type of School
• Size
• Extracurricular
• Cost & Financial Aid
Creating Your College List
• On average students apply to five to seven colleges
• Your list should include a minimum of three - five colleges:
• Reach – your academic credentials fall below the school’s
range for the average freshman
• Match – your academic credentials fall well within (or
exceed) the school’s range for the average freshman
• Safety – your academic credentials fall above the school’s
range for the average freshman
• Your list should include an in-state and out-of-state options
• List should also consider cost of attending
How Colleges Make Decisions
• Academic Record – most important
factor
• GPA – weighted vs unweighted
• Courses taken
• Strength of curriculum
• Trends in grades
• Standardized Test Results
• ACT or SAT
• SAT Subject Tests
• Essay
• Counselor or Teachear
Recommendation
• Extracurricular Activities
• Interview – required by some
schools
• Other factors
• Demonstrated interest
• Diversity – gender,
geographic, major, etc.
• Legacy
• Recruited Athletes
Standardized Testing
ACT
• Achievement test, measures English, Math, Reading, Science, Writing (optional)
• Score based on number of correct answers
• Score range 1-36
SAT
• Aptitude test, measures Critical Reading, Math, and Writing
• Score penalty for incorrect answers
• Score range 600-2400
SAT Subject Test
• Measures knowledge in particular subject areas, as well as the ability to apply that
knowledge (English, Math, Science, History, Languages)
2014 – 2015 ACT Test Dates
Test Date
Registration Deadline
Late Registration
(additional fee)
September 13, 2014
August 8
August 9-22
October 25, 2014*
September 19
September 20-October3
December 13, 2014
November 7
November 8-21
February 7, 2015
January 9
January 10-16
April 18, 2015*
March 13
March 14-27
June 13, 2015
May 8
May 9-22
*ACT offered on campus
Things to Know:
Holy Cross ACT Code – 192030
TOPS ACT Code – 1595
Indicate ACT Code for Colleges and
Universities you plan to apply
ACT Prep:
Prep class offered at Holy Cross prior
to October and April test
College Application Timeline
Early Decision
• Application deadline of November 1st or November 15th
• Decisions mailed by December 20th
• Binding Agreement
• If admitted, student must attend and withdraw all other applications
• Students must deposit within 2 weeks
• Can only apply to one school Early Decision
• Forfeit the ability to compare financial aid packages
• Students will be accepted, deferred, or denied
College Application Timeline
Early Action
• Earlier application deadline typically November 15th
• Admission decisions mailed by January 30th
• If admitted, it is non-binding and student may continue to apply to other
colleges
Rolling Admission
• Admission decisions typically mailed within 4-6 weeks of completed
application
• Colleges continue to admit qualified students until they have filled their
freshman class
• Recommended students apply by end of November (December at the latest)
Regular Admission
• Used by most selective colleges and universities
• Set deadline for all applicants – typically January 1st
• All applicants are reviewed relative to one another after the deadline
How to Apply
1. Common Application
• Over 500 colleges and universities in 47 states and the
District of Columbia
• Diverse schools that all share commitment to “holistic”
admissions
• Saves time by allowing students to submit one
application/essay to various colleges
• Student must still submit supplemental materials which
are required admission documents that may be unique to
the college/university they are applying to
2. Individual College/University application available on schools’
website
3. Paper Applications
Policies and Procedures
Requesting a transcript:
• Request should be made online via Family Connections or Common Application
• If student needs a transcript sent to place other than college, they must complete
Transcript Request Form located in the guidance office
• Must not have outstanding financial obligations
Counselor Recommendations:
• Request should be made online via Family Connections or Common Application
• Student must have a current resume on file
• Two –three weeks advance notice is required
Teacher Recommendations:
• Students should ask a teacher or coach that knows them well
• Provide teacher with updated resume
• Give at least 2-3 weeks advance notice
• May request via Common Application
• If not applying via Common Application, student should supply teacher with preaddressed envelope with college address and postage
Financial Aid Overview
• Financial Aid Night – January
• FAFSA – Free Application for Federal Student Aid
• Available January 1st
• Needed to be considered for need-based aid
• Needed to apply for TOPS
• Colleges award on a first-come basis so best to apply early
• Recommended deadline is mid-February
• CSS Profile
• Alternative method of determining need that is used by some
schools available via College Board
• Available in Mid-October.
Financial Aid Overview
Types of Aid
• Grants
• Scholarship
• Loans- Subsidized vs.
Unsubsidized
• Work-Study Programs
• The combination of all of
these sources of money is
your “Financial Aid Package”.
How Need is Determined:
• Expected Family Contribution
(EFC)
• Cost of Attendance (COA)
• Subtract EFC from COA.
Family Connection by Naviance
What is Family Connection:
• An on-line resource for students and parents for post high school
planning & advising
Family Connection Allows Students To:
• Create a résumé
• View upcoming colleges/universities visiting Holy Cross
• Complete a college search and compare colleges
• Provide access to scholarship search engines; over a hundred national
scholarships are available
• Links to selected third party resources (i.e. College Board, ACT,
financial aid, NCAA, college websites)
• Manage college applications by tracking college deadlines and
requesting counselor recommendation and transcripts to be sent
• Take assessments and surveys to help with career planning
• Create goals and to-do lists to manage the application process
Accessing Family Connection
http://connection.naviance.com/holycrosssch
Family Connection: Welcome Screen
Quick links to
helpful websites
Welcome
message/special
announcements
•
Messages sent by guidance
•
Document Library of
resources such as TOPS Core
Curriculum, NCAA
Eligibility Guide, Essay
Writing Tips, etc.
Helpful information about ACT
and SAT test dates and
announcements
Family Connection: Colleges Tab
Add colleges to a list
of schools you are:
• Considering
• Plan on applying to
College Search Tools
• Built in search
engine
• Look up a specific
college by name
Students can view:
• Complete list of
scholarship
available
• Or list of
scholarships that
match them
•
Show Dates and Times of
upcoming Colleges/Universities
Visiting campus
•
Provides links to helpful external
websites including national
scholarship search websites
Family Connection: SuperMatch
Provides a list of
suggested colleges
based on search
criteria such as GPA,
test scores, size,
major, etc.
Family Connection: College Lookup
Allows you to view colleges:
•
Contact Info
•
Deadlines
•
Admission Information
•
Financial Aid
•
Majors
•
Student Life
•
Link to college website and request
for information
•
Indicate if they are a common
application school
Family Connection: College Applications
Family Connection: Scholarship Information
Students can
access a list of
scholarship
opportunities
available
Students can
conduct a search
of national
scholarships
Family Connection: Scholarship Information
Family Connection: Careers
Assessment which helps a
student identify career
clusters that may be a
good match based on:
• Things that interest
them
• Personal qualities
• Subjects they enjoy
Look up a specific career
and see the major and plan
of study needed to achieve
the career. Can also view a
list of colleges offering
that major
Family Connection: About Me
Create college resume
Allows students to
view weighted and unweighted GPA
Place for students to keep
track/document what steps in college
admission process they have completed
Students can view all test scores on file
including: ACT, SAT, SAT Subject
Test, PLAN, PSAT, and AP
Family Connection: My Planner
College Outreach
• Personal meetings with student and/or parents
• Review student transcript and discuss college list/application process
• Financial Aid Night
• Senior college visit day (PSAT testing date – October 15th and possibly Aspire
testing – Spring)
• Classroom workshops:
• How Colleges Make Admission Decisions
• How to Apply to College
• College Essay and Resume
• Admissions Interview
• Making the Most of Your College Visit
• College visits to campus - September and October
• NACAC National College Fair – September 30th @ Pontchartrain Center
Contact Information
Gaye Trombatore
9th and 12th Grade Counselor
gtrombatore@holycrosstigers.com
504.598.5212
Raynette Lumas
College Counselor
rlumas@holycrosstigers.com
504.252.9416