Junior Parent Night

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Junior Parent Night

• Planning for the Future

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Topics of Discussion

• Registration Information
• Graduation Requirements
• College Admission Requirements
• Post Secondary Planning
• ACT/SAT Testing
• Questions

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Registration Information

• Students registered for 2007-2008 classes in
  February
• Graduation requirements
• College admission requirements
• Interests/skills
• Classes that will best prepare for post secondary
  plans
• Students will have the opportunity to request
  schedule changes in May.

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MWHS Graduation Requirements

• Required coursework
• Required credits
• Required MN Basic Skills Tests

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1. Required Courses

• English 4 credits
• Social Studies 3.5 credits
• Science 3 credits
• Math (including statistics) 3 credits
• Physical Education 1 credit
• Health .75 credit
• Speech .25 credits
• Arts (Visual or Performing) 1.0 credits
• Microsoft Office (gr. 8 or 9) .5 credits

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2. Required Credits

• 23.5 credits required for graduation
• 1 semester course 0.5 credits
• 1 full year course 1.0 credits

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3. MN Basic Skills Tests

• MN BST Mathematics
• Score of 600 or better
• MN BST Reading
• Score of 600 or better
• MN BST Writing
• Score of 3.0 or better

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Post-Secondary Options

• 4-Year Schools
• 2-Year Schools
• Armed Forces
• Entry Level Jobs

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Public 4-Year Schools

• 4 years of English (Composition, Literature)
• 3 years of Social Studies (US History, Geography)
• 3 years of Math (Algebra, Algebra II, Geometry)
• 3 years of Lab Science (Biology, Physical
  Science)
• 2 years of a single World Language
• 1 year of World Culture or Fine Arts

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Public 4-Year Schools

• Average ACT
• Mankato 21.4
• SCSU 22.0
• Bemidji 22.0
• Winona 23.0
• UMD 23.0
• U of M TC 24.7
• Numbers from act.org

• Average ACT
• UW-Stout 21.5
• UW-Eau Claire 24.3
• UW-Lacrosse 24.7
• UW-Madison 28.0
• Average high school GPA for incoming freshman
  class above 3.2

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Private 4-year Schools

• 4 years of English (Composition, Literature)
• 4 years of Social Studies (US History, Geography)
• 3-4 years of Math (Algebra, Algebra II, Geometry)
• 3-4 years of Lab Science (Biology, Physical
  Science)
• 3-4 years of a single World Language
• Arts recommended
• Advanced courses recommended

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Private 4-Year Schools

• Average ACT Score
• Augsburg 22.6
• Concordia 23.5
• Hamline 24.4
• St. Bens 25
• Gustavus 26
• St. Olaf 27
• St. Thomas 24
• Bethel 24.3
• Numbers from act.org

• Average high school GPA for incoming freshman
  class above 3.4

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Explore Options Wisely

• 4-Year colleges option right out of high school
  may not be for everyone
• Many of the top 20 fastest growing occupations
  require only a 2-year degree.
• Financial considerations
• University of St. Thomas - 24,808
• St. Cloud State University - 5,483
• Normandale Community College - 4,318
• Hennepin Technical College - 3,947

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2-year Schools

• 4 years English
• 3-4 years Social Studies
• 1-4 years Math
• 1-4 years Science
• Advanced courses in technology are recommended
  for students applying to technical schools.

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Community and Technical Colleges

• Most state community and technical colleges have
  an OPEN ADMISSION policy which means that if you
  have a high school diploma or GED you may enroll
  (space available).
• Some community colleges have articulation
  arrangements with nearby 4-year colleges.

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Post Secondary Planning OBJECTIVE

• The goal is to identify personal attributes
  (interests, abilities, values) and explore
  post-secondary options in order to find the best
  fit!

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Post Secondary Planning RESOURCES

• On-line Research
• Website handout
• www.mnscu.edu (MN public 2 and 4 year)
• www.umn.edu (U of M system)
• www.privatecolleges.org (MN private)
• www.wisconsin.edu (UW system)
• www.careercruising.com
• User Name Mound
• Password Westonka
• College Representative Visits
• Campus Visits
• Parent, counselor, teacher, coach, advisor

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Post Secondary Planning CALENDAR

• Remainder of Junior Year
• Keep grades up junior grades will be the last
  listed on college applications.
• Utilize resources to begin narrowing post
  secondary choices
• Register for the ACT and/or SAT

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ACT Registration

• Test Dates
• April 14 (registration March 9)
• June 9 (registration May 4)
• Registration
• www.actstudent.org
• High school code 241-775
• Test center code 178630

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SAT Registration

• Test Dates
• May 5 (Registration April 3)
• June 2 (Registration April 27)
• Registration
• www.collegeboard.com
• School code 241-775

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Post Secondary Planning-Senior Year Calendar

• September October
• Double check completion of graduation
  requirements
• Attend college representative visits
• Campus Visits
• Attend College Fair
• Re-take ACT and/or SAT
• NCAA Clearinghouse
• Request college applications and note deadlines

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Post Secondary Planning-Senior Year Calendar

• November December
• Send College Applications
• Fill out the official application form (on-line
  or paper)
• If paper/pencil turn into guidance office (will
  be sent with transcript and test scores)
• If on-line complete a transcript release form in
  the guidance office (to send transcript and test
  scores)
• Research available scholarships
• Attend Financial Aid Night (December)

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Post Secondary Planning-Senior Year Calendar

• January June
• Complete Federal Financial Aid Forms (FAFSA)
• Complete Local Scholarship Forms (March)
• AP Tests (if applicable)
• Review college acceptance and officially notify
  each college of your decision (in writing) by May
  1st.

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Application Procedure

• If paper/pencil, students turn completed
  application in to the Guidance Office
• Official application form
• Personal statement/essay (if needed)
• Letters of recommendation (if needed)
• Application Fee
• If on-line, students notify Guidance Office by
  submitting the Official High School Form or
  completing a Transcript Release Form. This is an
  important step so that transcripts and test
  scores are sent.

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Application Procedure

• Counselors will
• Review the application for accuracy (if
  paper/pencil)
• Complete the official high school section
• Attach a copy of official transcript, test scores
  and senior year schedule.
• Send it to the appropriate school

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Application Suggestions

• Set a goal to have all completed applications
  sent by the end of November
• Submit application or complete a Transcript
  Release Form to the Guidance Office at least 2
  weeks prior to the actual application deadline
• When requesting a letter of recommendation
• Complete a Senior Information Sheet
• Include a self addressed, stamped envelope or
  specific information about where to turn it in.
• Send a thank you note!

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Questions?

• Tina Kampa
• Counselor, grades (A-H)
• 952.491.8117
• kampat_at_westonka.k12.mn.us
• Todd Munsterteiger
• Counselor, grades (I-L)
• 952.491.8116
• munsterteigert_at_westonka.k12.mn.us
• Meg Kozar
• Counselor, grades (M-Z)
• 952.491.8118
• kozarm_at_westonka.k12.mn.us