Helpful Resources
COLLEGE ATHLETICS? Apply your Junior year to NCAA
College Readiness
Take an ACT Prep Classes at CEC
ACT Preparation Classes @ ECA/CEC includes:
- Breakdown the Content of the ACT
- Test-Taking Strategies Explained
- ACT Questions to Expect
- ACT Vocabulary of Essential Terms
- Top ACT Tips to Avoid Misleading Questions
- Time-saving Techniques for Questions and Passages
- Study Guides and Practice Tests
ACT Exam Dates:
Saturdays – Various Locations
Oct. 28th; Dec. 9th; Feb. 10th; Apr. 14th; June 9th
ACT Prep Class Dates:
Monday nights from 5:45 to 8:30pm at CEC
Session 1 (Oct. 28 test): October 2, 9, 16, and 23rd
Session 2 (Dec. 9 test): November 13, 20, 27 & December 4th Session 3 (Feb. 10 test):January 15, 22, 29 & February 5th
Session 4 (Apr. 14 test):March 12, 19 & April 2, 9th
Session 5 (June 9 test):May 14, 21, 28 & June 4th
Cost per Student:
$100.00 for a working session that includes
4 – 2½ hour ACT prep classes, prep book & all materials
(Students designated as FRLP will receive a 50-75% reduction in course fees-must get verification from your high school counselor)
Seats are limited- please contact Ms. Ramsey at ramsey_l@aps.edu
or call 247-3658 X45595 to reserve your space!
Do the FAFSA before Jan 1st
- Go to: www.fafsa.gov
- Click on start FAFSA
- Request a Pin
- Submit
- You will get a SAR (Student Aid Report) within a few weeks if you need to make corrections
- YOU WILL NOT GET FINANCIAL AID OR THE BRIDGE SCHOLARSHIP IF YOU DO NOT DO THIS!!!
Parents and Student will need the following documents to complete the FAFSA:
- 2016 Federal Income Tax Return
- W-2 forms
- Birthdate
- Social Security Number
- Any 2016 business and investment mortgage information, business farm records, stock, bond and other investment records
- Current bank statements
- Alien registration card if you are not a U.S. citizen
College Readiness Checklist
9th Grade:
- Know graduation requirements
- Create a 4 year plan for high school
- Start your child thinking about careers/take an inventory
- Encourage extra-curricular activities
- Save for college- 529 plans
- Stress that study skills and grades are important!
10th Grade:
- Make sure student is in college prep courses
- Take a foreign language
- Take the PLAN
- Are you interested in attending a US Military Academy? Research requirements
- Attend College and Career Fairs
- Participate in a school activity or volunteer effort
- Tour college campuses when possible
11th grade: Fall
- Make lists of abilities, social/cultural preferences and personal qualities
- Review high school courses and activities.
- Explore internship opportunities
- Take a Dual Enrollment or AP class sometime this year
- Learn about colleges-check out western states participation in WUE
- Attend the College Fair in September/October
- Take the PSAT
- Make a file of searches, tests and applications
11th grade: Winter
- Register for the SAT or ACT in the spring
- Begin a search for financial aid sources- register with www.fastweb.com and www.cityofcollegedreams.org
- Research SAT subject tests
- Register to take AP exams for current courses
- Continue looking at colleges
- Military Academies and Colleges-apply for summer programs
11th grade: Spring
- Visit local colleges-get a feel and use the score card!
- Develop a list of 15-20 colleges that interest you
- Make college visits over spring break
- Meet with counselor to ensure you are on track for graduation
- Take the ACT or SAT
11th grade: Summer
- If an athlete, register with NCAA clearinghouse
- Work, volunteer or participate in a camp or summer program
- Visit and tour college campuses
- Create a resume/ complete personal profile form
- Request application materials from colleges and check deadlines
- Narrow your list to 5-10
Senior year: Fall
- Do a credit check and be sure you are in the right classes
- Meet with your counselor
- Meet with college reps visiting your school
- Apply to 3-5 colleges (reach, math, and safety schools)
- Create a master list or calendar: tests, applications and financial aid due dates, any other deadlines
- Send test scores to the colleges
- Take or Retake ACCUPLACER, ACT, or SAT if necessary
- Attend College Fair in October
- Apply to CA schools and early decision by Nov 1st
- Finalize your college choices
- Complete school specific scholarship applications
- Prepare Early Decision, Early Action or other applications ASAP
- Contact teachers and others for recommendations if you need. Give them your personal profile/resume!!! Provide a stamped envelope
- For essays, write drafts and ask teachers to read them
Senior Year: Winter
- NO SENIORITIS Second semester grades count and are looked at
- Apply for a FAFSA pin at www.pin.ed.gov
- Parents complete taxes
- Apply for housing
- Schedule AP exams
- Keep active in school!
- Complete FAFSA by March 1st
Senior Year: Spring
- Receive acceptance letters and financial aid packets
- Notify college of your decision of admission and/or financial aid
- Send your deposit to one college only
- Wait-listed? Talk to admissions on how to strengthen your application
- Request final transcript be sent
- Schedule summer orientations/registrations
- Set up college internet account
- GRADUATE!!!
AP Expectations:
The expectation of any AP course is that a student can anticipate 2-3 hours of homework for each AP class every night. Students get a weighted .025 added into their overall gpa for taking an AP class.
ACT Test:
Attached also are dates of the ACT this year. Seniors should take/retake on Sept 9 or Oct 28 and Juniors should plan to test next spring. Fee Waivers are available for students who qualify for Free/Reduced Lunch- see Ms Ramsey.
ACT Test Prep:
CEC will offer an ACT Test Prep class on Mondays beginning for the October test. See flyer. Cost is $100 and includes prep book and other materials. Space is limited- see Ms Ramsey to sign up.
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