College Counseling 9th & 10th grade
NEWSLETTER Our office hopes to educate and motivate students about key factors in the college search and application process. Through quarterly classroom programing, our freshman and sophomores hear topics valuable to them as they look to the future. Ongoing topics include: grade point averages, activities, standardized tests, course selection, rigor of courses, summer programs, leadership opportunities, community service, determining college search criteria, and scholarships. Students are continuously encouraged to explore their strengths and weaknesses, as well as, evaluate their likes and dislikes. Our office has an open door policy for students and parents, in hopes that we can be a resource to all UMSWright families!
INCLUDED IN THIS EDITION: ..ACADEMICS ..ACTIVITIES ..STANDARDIZED TESTS ..SUMMER PROGRAMS -.COMMUNICATIONS ..THE COLLEGE SEARCH ..SELF-ASSESSMENTS
If you have questions , please do not hesitate to call or email me….
479-6551 ext. 221 tchapman@ums-wright.org
Sincerely, Tiffany Chapman, Asst. College Counselor
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Academics
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.G.P.A.
The biggest focus 9th and 10th graders should have is earning the best grades possible in the classroom. The semester grades earned are reflected on their TRANSCRIPT and are averaged to determine their cumulative G.P.A.s. UMS-Wright posts two different type cumulative G.P.A.s on transcripts.
The 100 pt. scale (weighted/ unweighted) is a reflection of only the academic courses.
The and
A transcript is the first documentation a college sees on a student when they apply to that school. Make it a GOOD FIRST IMPRESSION!
4.0 scale (weighted) is an average of both academic non-academic courses.
Course Selection
Dr. Rice, Academic Dean, will be discussing course selection with students in early February. Students should aim to challenge themselves as much as possible without becoming overwhelmed.
Factors to consider when choosing classes:
Strengths and weaknesses in this year’s classes
College prep, Honors, AP…How much rigor can one handle without hitting their breaking point?
Students see their most current transcript every time we have a classroom college counseling session. If you would like to request a copy of your child’s transcript, email tchapman@ums-wright.org.
Activities
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School Activities
Summer Programs
Consider Leadership Roles
Out of School Activities
Building a Resume As students begin the college application process at the end of junior year, they will need to have a typed resume to include in their application packets. Beginning freshman year, students track the activities they are involved in at UMS-Wright, as well as, in the community. They also keep a record of any honors and awards received, employment, summer programs and community service. Each quarter during their college counseling sessions, students Community update their information.
Service
Honors & Awards
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Standardized Tests
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Students in both grades are given practice tests during the school year. Each test should give them a better idea of how the official tests are formatted, as well as, their strengths and weaknesses in each subject area.
This test is a curriculum based evaluation on math, science, english, reading & writing.
9th & 10th graders will take this practice test, known as ASPIRE (formerly known as the PLAN), on APRIL 14, 2015.
This test is a reasoning based evaluation divided into three sections: critical reading, math & writing.
9th & 10th graders took the PSAT in the fall and received their scores in December. If you have not seen your child’s scores, please email tchapman@ums-wright.org 11th grade students take the PSAT as the qualifier for the National Merit Scholarship Program.
As students enter their junior year, we begin encouraging them to make plans to take the official ACT and/or SAT. There is NO rush to do it before that time.
Summer Programs
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What will you do this Summer?
Work
College Programs
Shadow or Intern
Volunteer
Summer break
is an ideal time for students to explore their interests or take part in enrichment programs. Whether you get a job, volunteer in the community, shadow or intern with a professional, or participate in a college program, the OPPORTUNITIES are endless! Our office is a resource for helping students find summer programs that cater to their interests. Please let us know if we can help in anyway!
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BE INFORMED!!!!
Students have several means of receiving information from the College Counseling Office.
Other Info
There is a Remind 101 account for the Class of
2017 and Class of 2018.
Students were encouraged to add their school issued email to their cell phones as a means for checking it more frequently.
A College Counseling page has been set up on HAIKU. Your child has their own log-in information to access any news or posts.
Sophomores will be introduced to the college search by taking them to visit two local, yet vastly different types of colleges. What better way to learn how to compare schools than a real visit! Surveys show that campus visits are key to all 10th graders phases of the college search and will kick off the significantly outweigh any other resources. Therefore, getting an authentic campus experience will be an asset for the students as they begin to get a feel for what they are looking for in a college.
COLLEGE SEARCH
Students will travel to Spring Hill College and the University of South Alabama on Wednesday, March 4th. Colonial Trailways will transport us, and we will return to the UMS-Wright campus in time for lunch. The transportation fee is $10 per student and will be charged to your UMS-Wright account.
SelfAssessments
During the fall, students took self-assessments in the following areas:
9th graders —-personal learning styles 10 graders —–individual strengths
To view results, ask your child to login to https://connection.naviance.com/ umswright. If your child does not remember the login info they created, email tchapman@ums-wright.org