Senior Guide
"When you reach for the stars you may not quite get one, but you won't come up with a handful of mud either" - Unknown
OPTIONS
UPON GRADUATION, YOU BASICALLY HAVE THREE OPTIONS TO CONSIDER:
Go to College Enlist in the Military Get a job
THESE OPTIONS WILL BE ADDRESSED IN THIS PLANNING GUIDE.
THE COLLEGE APPLICATION PROCESS
A. COLLEGE SEARCH ASSESSMENT 1. Have you: a) Met with your counselor last spring or this fall? Have you set up your senior interview? b) Run a computer search? c) Researched various schools, which offer programs in which you are interested? d) Talked with parents, friends, and teachers about possible future plans?
2. If you have answered “No” to any or all of the questions above, please schedule an appointment with your counselor soon.
B. COLLEGE VISITATIONS AND INTERVIEWS 1. Once you have narrowed your list to between three and seven schools, you need to schedule visits and possibly interviews. 2. Visiting a school will allow you to evaluate the institution as well as give them an
opportunity to get to know you as a candidate for admission. 3. Check to see if an interview is required or recommended. If not, be sure to at least meet with an admissions counselor who can answer your questions about the school. Be sure to have a copy of your transcript with you when you meet with admissions. 4. Be sure to meet and visit with admissions
representatives when they come to BAHS. Visiting colleges are posted on the bulletin board in the guidance office and on BAHS TV5. We encourage you to sign up to meet with representatives from the college or colleges of your choice. Be prepared with questions that you may have regarding the college or a particular program.
C. ADMISSIBILITY: TYPES OF ADMISSIONS SELECTIVITY 1. Basically three categories:
Highly Selective |
Institutions that seek students with excellent academic records, test scores, and recommendations. |
Selective |
Wide range of variance. Institutions seek students with excellent to very solid college preparatory backgrounds. Most like to see college prep curriculum, “B” average or better, ranked in the top half of class, and solid SAT I scores |
Open admission |
Institution will accept students who have obtained a high school diploma or GED. May also have specific academic prerequisites for certain programs within the school. |
2. Assessing your admissibility – What is considered? a) Your transcript – what is and is not on it. Review it with your counselor. b) Your rank in class c)
Evaluation by your teachers and counselor (letters of recommendation) d) Your involvement in extracurricular activities and other school and community organizations e) Your standardized test scores
D. WRITING YOUR APPLICATION 1. College applications vary from simple and direct one page informational forms to complicated, multi-faceted requests for an in-depth look at who you are both academically and personally. 2. Two primary rules: 3. If an essay is required, ask an English instructor to review it. 4. Refer to and follow Application Quick Reference Tips 5. Applications may be obtained from several sources: a. The guidance office b. Specific college view books c. The Common Application (be sure that the school that you are applying to accepts the Common Application) d. College Website – you may apply on-line or download an application e. You may call or write to the school of your choice to have an application mailed to you.
E. ADMISSIONS TESTING 1. Most four-year colleges and universities require that you take some type of admissions test. The most commonly required is the SAT I. Many schools will substitute ACT for the SAT I and/or the SAT II Subject Tests. Remember to check the specific
admissions test requirements for each school to which you apply. 2. Admissions testing information and registration materials are available in the guidance office. 3. The cost of the SAT is now $43., although if you qualify for ‘free or reduced lunch’, you can request a fee waiver. See your counselor if you qualify. 4. It is best to
register online at www.collegeboard.com, although you can mail a paper registration form available in the guidance office. 5.
Date |
Registration Deadline |
Late Registration Deadline |
November 7, 2009 @ BAHS |
October 1, 2009 |
October 15, 2009 |
December 5, 2009 |
October 30, 2009 |
November 12, 2009 |
January 23, 2010 |
December 15, 2009 |
December 30, 2009 |
March 13, 2010 |
February 4, 2010 |
February 18, 2010 |
May 1, 2010 @ BAHS |
March 25, 2010 |
April 8, 2010 |
June 5, 2010 @ BAHS |
April 29, 2010 |
May 13, 2010 |
F. GUIDANCE FORMS AND PROCESS In order for the guidance department to complete your transcript, to have your transcript(s) sent, and for your counselor to write your
letter of recommendation, you must complete and return the following forms to the guidance office:
*All the items listed below are available together in one packet. Please see the guidance department when you need them. Senior College Transcript Request Forms BAHS Extracurricular Activities Sheet (due at end of Oct.) Student Background Information Sheet Teacher Assessment Form (3) Parent Assessment Form
Please submit your Senior Transcript Request Forms to the guidance office at least TWO WEEKS prior to your application deadline.
Please let the guidance secretary know when you have sent your application(s). Your transcript(s) and letter of recommendation will be sent once your application(s) have been mailed.
G. LETTERS OF RECOMMENDATION It is fairly standard practice for a college to request one letter of recommendation from your guidance counselor. Though the input that you provide to us through informational forms is helpful, it is also important that you let your counselor know of anything in particular that you would like us to address in our letters.
Some schools may request additional letters from one or two of your teachers, and sometimes from individuals outside of your high school and family. Be sure to follow the admissions application request for letters of recommendation carefully.
When requesting letters of recommendation from faculty members or other professional people in the community, please provide a stamped envelope and allow them at least two weeks to complete your letter. Also, be sure to write them a thank-you note once it is completed.
H. COLLEGE APPLICATION QUICK REFERENCE TIPS 1. FIRST AND FOREMOST – FOLLOW DIRECTIONS Carefully read all instructions on your application prior to
writing, and follow them faithfully.
2. BE METICULOUSLY NEAT Remember that the application is a reflection of you. Typing the application is probably the most preferred option, but you may hand write or print in ink as long as it is extremely neat and legible.
3. CHECK YOU SPELLING – AGAIN AND AGIN
4. USE A WORKING DRAFT Photocopy your application to use as a working draft before writing your final copy.
5. ASK QUESTIONS If you are not sure about a specific question or section on the application, be certain to clarify before you complete it. Your counselor will be happy to go over your application with you.
6. CHECK YOUR ESSAY If an essay is a required part of your application, you may want to get an English teacher to read your final draft. Regardless, be sure that the essay communicates what you want it to communicate, and that it is a clear and concise example of your writing style.
7. WATCH FOR DEADLINES Be sure to meet all deadlines --- give yourself plenty of time to complete your application. Don’t wait until the last minute to start. Be sure to mail your application on time.
BAHS C.E.E.B. Code 200-080
I. APPLICATION TIME LINE 1. Most importantly, follow the application deadlines listed in the application. Please note that though most deadlines are postmark deadlines that may not always be true. Check carefully. 2. Remember to allow the guidance office staff at least two weeks prior to your deadline to complete and submit your material 3. A general target time slot to submit your application is between late November and Jan 15. Again, check your application deadlines carefully. 4. If you are considering an early decision option, please see your counselor early in the fall to discuss your plan and other early decision considerations. 5. Some technical/community colleges that have no specific application deadlines do have programs that fill very quickly. Please see your counselor early to check on popular programs throughout the state.
J. FINANCING YOUR EDUCATION 1. The general philosophy held by most institutions of higher education is that the primary responsibility of financing a college education lies with the student and his or her family, as much as they are financially able. The difference between a family’s ability to pay and the total cost of the institution each year is deemed “financial need,” and is
met through “financial aid.”
2. Financial need is met through a combination of financial aid programs including grants/scholarships, loans, and other self-help programs such as work-study. Financial aid is either need based, depending upon the family’s ability to pay, or merit based, which is dependent on academic or other types of talent.
3. To apply for financial assistance, you must fill out the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA). You do this in JANUARY. It is best to access the FAFSA online at www.fafsa.ed.gov. Paper versions of the FAFSA will be available in the guidance office in December. A. To access the
online version, the student and parent must both apply for a PIN number at www.pin.ed.gov. You must wait approximately 3 days between the time you receive your PIN and starting the FAFSA. B. You may obtain your PIN now, but must wait until after January 1st to start the
FAFSA. Standard Rule of Thumb: C. The later you submit the FAFSA, the less aid you will receive.
4. If financial costs for college are a consideration for you and your family, it is suggested that you apply to at least one Maine public institution.
5. FAME (The Finance Authority of Maine), which is responsible for administering all the State financial aid programs, offers a free computerized scholarship search program.
MILITARY ENLISTMENT
A. DECISION MAKING 1. Entering a branch of the US Military can be a very rewarding and positive experience. The military offers a wide variety of training and skill development, as well as many opportunities for continued education. The decision to enlist is one that should be considered very carefully, however, as a career or job the armed services is certainly not for everyone. Please discuss your thoughts about enlistment with your parents, your counselor, and anyone else whose opinion you value.
2. There is a substantial amount of information regarding the different opportunities available in the military in the guidance office.
B. MEETING WITH RECRUITERS All military recruiters schedule visits to BAHS throughout the year. If you would like to be in contact with a recruiter, please see your counselor. It is recommended that you speak with recruiters from all branches of the Armed Services when considering the military as an option.
U.S Army / Army Reserve Sgt. Ballard 56 Western Ave, Suite 4 Augusta ME
04330 207.622.1111 |
U.S. Air Force Tech. Sergeant Mark Jorgensen 667 Hogan Road, Suite
7 Bangor, ME 04401-3605 207.942.9509/9574 or 207.753.0515 |
U.S. Marines Sgt. Hazen 56 Western Ave, Unit #1 Augusta, ME 04330 207.662.0896 |
U.S. Navy PO1 Robinson 667 Hogan Road, Suite 8 Bangor, ME 04401 207.947.4228 |
Coast Guard Chief Smalley 1041 Brighton Avenue Portland, ME 04102 207.761.4307 |
Maine Air Guard Staff Sgt. Vanessa Vhay 102 Ashley Avenue, Suite
489 Bangor, ME 04401 1.800.643.2384 |
Maine Army National Guiard Sgt. Steve Grotton State
Armory US Route One, Box 331 Belfast, ME 04915 207.338.5758 |
C. TAKING THE
ASVAB The ASVAB is the entrance exam for each branch of the military. You must attain a certain score on the test in order to enlist, and your scores are also utilized to determine your qualifications for various jobs within the service. The ASVAB is administered regularly in the area, and you can easily arrange to take it through any recruiter.
D. ACADEMIES AND ROTC (Reserve Officer Training Corps) 1. The academies of the armed services (US Military Academy, Naval Academy, Air Force Academy, and the Coast Guard Academy), are all highly selective four-year universities. Upon graduation, candidates receive an officer’s commission in their respective branch.
2. Many four-year colleges and universities offer ROTC programs. Students who enroll in ROTC may also receive an officer’s commission in a branch of the military upon graduation. These programs also offer scholarship opportunities for qualified candidates. Please see your counselor and recruiter for more information.
Service Academy Information Night – There will be a service academy information night on Monday, September 28, 2009 at the Clarion Hotel in Portland, Maine exploring opportunities in the military. Registration starts at 5:30pm. To confirm attendance, please contact Maine Maritime Academy at 1-800-464-6565 or admissions@mma.edu. More information in the guidance office.
ENTERING THE JOB MARKET A. ASSESSING YOUR MARKETABILITY
1. If you plan to seek employment right after graduation, take some time to assess exactly what skills you have attained over the past few years. Specific skills, such as mechanical, graphic arts production, word processing/clerical, are very important. Additionally, remember that employers are seeking individuals who have a diligent work ethic, communicate clearly (writing and speaking), and are able to work well with others.
2. It is also important to write a clear and concise resume outlining your skills and work experience. You should also be able to write a very articulate letter of inquiry, as well as letters of application.
B. EXPLORING THE JOB MARKET 1. It may be helpful to take time early in the year to arrange appointments with various employers in the area to speak with them about opportunities within their business, and also to see what kind of employee they would consider to be highly qualified. Explain to them that you are not necessarily looking for a job at this time, but that you are basically exploring the job market and seeking information. Please see your counselor if you would like some assistance and direction.
2. Remember that the unskilled labor market has lessened considerable over the past few years, and that employers are demanding a higher skill level of their prospective employees. Please explore the potential for employment in your specific area of interest early on in your senior year. You may find that a technical college, business college, or a similar program is attractive after all.
C. BEING PREPARED Prior to seeking employment, have you: Written a resume? Become proficient at writing letters of inquiry and application? Assessed your skills and can communicate them clearly to a prospective employer? Thoroughly explored the job market?
GUIDANCE RESOURCES
COLLEGE INFORMATION The College Handbook Index of Majors Peterson’s Guide to 4-Year Colleges Rugg’s Recommendations on the Colleges Barron Profiles of American Colleges The Performing Arts Majors College Guide Scholarship
Handbook Christian Colleges and Universities The Complete Guide to Canadian Universities Colleges with programs for Students with Learning Disabilities Randax College Education GuideCollege Catalogs, Videos Writing Your College Application Essay 100 Successful College Application Essays Selecting the Right College Kaplan SAT Prep Course
CAREER INFORMATION Career Connection Occupational Outlook Handbook Enhanced Guide for Occupational Exploration Dictionary of Occupational Titles Dictionary of Holland Occupational Codes Resumes That Get Jobs Guide to Military Careers
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