Guidance and Counseling

ACT

$33 Registration

Deadline Test Dates

January 13, 2012 February 11

March 9 April 14

May 4 June 9

SAT

$47 Registration Deadline Test Dates

December 30 January 28

February 10 March 10

April 6 May 5

May 8 June 2

Important! Men-on or before your 18th birthday, you must register for selective service. It only takes a moment-to to http://www.sss.gov

If you do not register, you cannot apply for financial aid.

Scholarships:

Texas Lutheran University in Seguin, Texas is offering their TOP scholarship, the Pacesetter Award for College Excellence, to seniors of 2012.

The monetary value is up to full tuition (approximately $23,930).

Interested seniors, please see Mrs. Cosper for details/application.

Texas Lutheran University in Seguin, Texas is offering their TOP scholarship, the Pacesetter Award for College Excellence, to seniors of 2012.

The monetary value is up to full tuition (approximately $23,930).

Interested seniors, please see Mrs. Cosper for details/application.

What is Advanced Placement Program?

The Advanced Placement Program, administered by the College Board of New York, allows students to participate in college-level courses and possibly earn college credit while still in high school. Secondary schools and colleges cooperate in this program to give students the opportunity to show mastery in college- level courses by taking Advanced Placement (AP) exams in May of each school year.

What are the advantages of my child taking an AP course?

The main advantage of taking an AP course is better preparation for college. It has been shown that students master in-depth content at the college level more easily after completing AP courses in high school. Students also acquire sophisticated academic skills and increased self-confidence in preparation for college.

Scoring well on an AP exam can fulfill requirements of the Texas Distinguished Achievement Program. This special program requires high performance beyond that expected of students in high school. Those who meet the requirements of this program are awarded a special seal on their academic achievement record (transcript).

Additionally, students who succeed on AP exams may receive college credit while still in high school, saving both time and money. Credit on AP exams can save up to $1500.00 in college tuition alone and/or count as credit for one or more courses. Some parents have saved the equivalent of $18,000 for a full year of college and total living expenses for their student. Check with the college that the student is interested in to see if the institution awards credits for AP test scores in areas of interest.

What is the Distinguished Achievement Program?

The Distinguished Achievement Achievement Program is the advanced high school program for Texas students. The program is based on students completing the 24-credit recommended Perrin-Whitt CISD high school program. In addition to these credits, students must complete advanced measures at the college or professional level that are assessed by outside evaluators. In order to achieve this distinguished recognition, students must complete any combination of four of the advanced measures listed below:

Earn a score of 3 or above on a College Board AP exam or a score of 4 or above on an International Baccalaureate (IB) exam (each exam counts as one measure);

Earn a score on the PSAT that qualifies a student for recognition as a Commended Scholar or higher;

Earn a grade of 3.0 or higher on courses that count for college credit; or

Complete an original research project judged by a panel of professionals in the field that is the focus of the project or an appropriate audience (no more than two research projects can count toward the advanced measures.)

What AP courses does Perrin High School offer?

PWCISD offers the following courses and examinations: Calculus, Spanish, English, Computer Science.

CLASSIFICATION

The following classification system is used to place students:

Sophomore 6 credits

Junior 12 credits

Senior 18 credits

Graduate 26 credits

REPEATING COURSES

Students who fail courses will usually find scheduling conflicts when trying to “make up” the courses. Therefore, it is recommended that students take courses failed by enrolling in summer school, correspondence courses or Credit-By Exam tests, all of which are at the student’s expense. Information about these can be obtained in the counselor’s office.

TAKS TEST

Students are required to pass the Exit Level Texas Assessment of Knowledge and Skills (TAKS) test before they are allowed to receive a high school diploma. The TAKS test is a measure of academic mastery of English language arts, mathematics, social studies, and science. Students take this test during February of their 11^th grade year. If they fail part of it, they take that part each time it is offered until they pass it. More information about the TAKStest is available in the counselor’s office.

GRADING AND REPORTING

Grades are reported on a numerical average:

A (90-100)

B (80-89)

C (70-79)

F (below 70) FAILING

Six weeks grades are given on the Wednesday following the end of the six weeks grading period. Semester grades are given in January and May.

Courses offered at the high school for local credit will count toward graduation, but will not be computed for GPA, with the exception of G/T. All courses are placed on a weighted system and grade points are assigned according to the level of the course. A cumulative grade point average (GPA) is determined by dividing the total number of grade points earned by the actual number of credits completed. GPA is used for ranking of students in their PWHS class only.

CAUTION NOTES

The school cannot take the responsibility for the choice of subjects for college entrance. However, the counselor will be glad to work with the students in planning for college. The students should check carefully the local graduation requirements and check the catalogue of the college they plan to attend before choosing courses. No one can choose the courses for them—only recommendations and counsel can be offered. The students must make the final decision.

If the students know what college they will attend, they should check the entrance requirements each year before choosing math, science, or foreign languages. College catalogues, phone numbers, admission requirements, admission test applications, and forms for applying to college are available in the counselor’s office.

Some colleges accept any mathematics and science taught in high school as meeting entrance requirements. Others require higher levels of math and science. Again, the students should check with the college they plan to attend to see what is required of them in high school.

SUBJECTS FAILED

Subjects failed at the end of the first semester will have to be repeated, or new courses will have to be selected. In instances where the first half of a course is not offered in the second semester, students will be allowed to continue in the course, but will be required to make up the first semester of that course.

GRADUATION

Course requirements for graduation must be met before a student may participate in the graduation ceremony.

COLLEGE ADMISSIONS REQUIREMENTS

Colleges have different requirements. They can be grouped as follows:

Open Admissions: The college accepts practically all students who have a high school diploma or its equivalent. Example: Weatherford College

Traditional: The college accepts most students in the upper half of their graduation class. Example: Tarleton State University

Selective: The college accepts most students who are in the upper quarter of their graduating class. Example: Texas A&M University, The University of Texas

Highly Selective: Admission is highly competitive among those who meet the entrance requirements. Example: Rice University, Princeton University

The following page illustrates several admission requirements for this year. Admission requirements could change by the time you graduate, so it is important to check them each year.

STEPS TO COLLEGE

8^TH GRADE: Attend your high school orientation-8^th Grade Parent Night. Ask about the various classes and programs offered in high school; plan four years for your total program.

9^TH GRADE: Get to know your counselor. Visit the counseling office; discover its books and resources. Take advantage of meeting college representatives when they are at your high school for programs or Career Day. Begin to develop a list of all your activities, awards, and honors (a student resume’).

10^TH GRADE: Write for college catalogues and information. Apply for summer college programs for high school students. Share your interests and concerns about college with your parents and your counselor. Take the PSAT and the PLAN tests. Add to your student resume’.

11^TH GRADE: Take the PSAT in October. Take the ACT or SAT test in the spring or early summer. If possible, visit some college campuses that you are considering. Talk to college students and ask them “all you ever wanted to know about college…” Apply to military academies if you are interested.

12^TH GRADE: Repeat college entrance exams (SAT, ACT) if scores need to be increased. Narrow down your list of colleges, keeping in mind costs, admissions requirements, academic offering, your interests, strengths, and weaknesses. Meet deadlines!!! Apply for any scholarship for which you qualify. File three or four applications, including one to a “positive” (you have a very good chance) school and one to a “dream” (you always liked the idea, but…) school.

Campus Visits and Requesting College Information

It is very important to visit the colleges you are interested in. First "visit" them on the Internet. You can get great information and details from their websites. Then make arrangements to go to the college. You ge one excused absence for college visits during your high school career. You will need to clear the visit ahead of time with Mrs. Warterfield and be sure to get the college representative to provide you with documentation of the visit. Otherwise, it will not be excused.

Hints for a Campus Visit:

*Meet with an admission officer.

*Verify admission requirments

*Discuss your chances for success

*Obtain a school calendar and a catalog

*Determine college costs-total cost of attendance, not just tuition

*Ask about financial aid opportunities, as well as deadlines, forms, etc.

*Meet with faculty in the academic area of interest to you.

*Ask questions about academic requirements/offerings

*Identify career-planning services for undergraduates.

*Tour the campus (check out the dorms, dining hall, library, fitness facilities, etc.)

*Talk to students about the general academic environment and the study commitment necessary for success.

*Find out what student activities (clubs, organizations, intramurals, etc.) are available

*Get specifices on housing-do you have to live on campus-what are the requirements and deadlines and costs for dorms

*Investigate transportation options (parking fees, availability of spaces to park, what if you don't have a car, etc.)

*Pay attention to "how it feels" on campus-each one feels different and one is right for you.

*Once you've decided on a college, go to their financial aid office and request forms for ALL scholarships for which you might qualify. Fill them ALL out. You never know which one you might receive!

THEA

The THEA test is the college entrance test required in Texas. Students must pass the THEA before the admission process is completed.

A student is exempt from the THEA test if:

ACT – Composite score of 23 or higher with a minimum of 19 on both the English and the math portion.

SAT – Combined score of 1070 or higher with a minimum of 500 on both the verbal and math portions.

TAKS – refer to specific college for required TAKS scores for exemption

Local Policy-EIC(Local)

CLASS RANKING AND GRADE POINT AVERAGE (GPA)

Class ranking shall be calculated by averaging all semesters for which final grades were given. All coursework in grades 9–12 shall be included in the ranking of graduating seniors, with the exception of grades earned through:

1. Courses and/or tests taken for credit recovery;

2. Summer school classes;

3. Physical education classes and athletics;

4. Annual classes;

5. TAKS remediation classes;

6. Teacher aid, office aide, counselor aide, or library aide;

7. Courses not recognized by TEA; or

8. Courses for credit awarded by a nonaccredited institution.

HONOR GRADUATES

0.To be recognized for District scholastic honors, students shall be required to maintain a numerical average of 90 or more during the high school program, excluding the last six weeks of the senior year, and be on the Recommended or Distinguished Achievement Program. Senior students competing for honors must have been continuously enrolled in the District high school for two years prior to graduation.

TOP TEN PERCENT

All students whose grade point averages make up the top ten percent of the graduating class and qualify for automatic admission under Education Code 51.803 shall be recognized. Eligibility standards required for the local procedure for determining valedictorian and salutatorian (or other local honor positions) shall not apply to the procedure for determining the top ten percent. The GPA shall be reported on the student’s transcript and made available in accordance with the application deadline for the college or university when requested by the student.

VALEDICTORIAN / SALUTATORIAN

The honor of valedictorian shall be given to the senior student making the highest numerical average. The honor of salutatorian shall be given to the senior student making the next highest average. To be eligible for valedictorian or salutatorian honors, a student must have been continuously enrolled in the District high school for his or her entire junior and senior years and must have completed the Recommended Program or the Distinguished Achievement Program for graduation.

TIES

In cases of a tie in weighted grade averages among the top ranking students, the following methods shall be used to determine who will be recognized as salutatorian or valedictorian.

**Definitions and Terms to Know

CONTENT MASTERY PROGRAM

The content mastery program provides a comprehensive program for each student who has been identified as having a special need. Special needs include physical, mental or emotional needs as well as learning disabilities. Consideration of a student’s need for special education services is initiated by a referral, which may be made by the parents, physician, a community agency, and/or school personnel.

504 SERVICES

A student who qualifies for 504 services is entitled to individualized instruction designed to meet the needs of that student.

TAKS TEST

The class of 2005 and beyond must take and pass the Exit Level TAKS (Texas Assessment of Knowledge and Skills) Test during their junior year of high school. Any failed section of the test may be retaken several times prior to graduation. A student may not graduate unless he/she passes all parts of the TAKS test. The Exit test includes English/Language Arts, Math, Science, and Social Studies.

PSAT/NMSQT

This test is designed to test the verbal and mathematical skills of students. This test may be taken in the sophomore year in preparation for the SAT. The test is taken during the junior year and National Merit Scholarships are available for juniors if the scores qualify them to be a Finalist. The National Merit Finalist or National Merit Commended Status counts as one advanced measure for the Distinguished Achievement Graduation Plan. This test is given only once a year in the fall. Merit Finalists are announced in September of the student’s senior year.

EXPLORE

This test is designed to test the verbal, science reasoning and mathematical skills of students. It is the first of the tests in the ACT series. PWCISD students are encouraged to take the EXPLORE Test in the 8^th grade. This gives students, teachers, and parents feedback regarding areas of strength and weakness. It is very important to carefully go over test results. This allows the student to focus on improvement in areas of weakness as well as enrichment in areas of strength. This test and the results of this test are key to ensuring that a student graduates from high school fully prepared for college.

PLAN

This test is also designed to test the verbal and mathematical skills of students, as well as science reasoning skills. It is the second of the tests in the ACT series. The test is taken in the sophomore year both in preparation for the ACT and to measure academic growth since the student took the Explore test. This test is given once a year in the fall.

SAT

Scholastic Aptitude Test. This test is used by many colleges as a measure of a student’s ability to succeed in college. Many colleges require a particular score on the SAT before a student may be admitted. This test should be taken in the spring of their junior year. For more information you can go to www.collegeboard.com.

ACT

American College Test- a test used by many colleges as a measure of a student’s ability to succeed in college. Many colleges require a particular score on the ACT before a student may be admitted. This should be taken in the spring of their junior year. For more information you can go to www.act.org.

ASVAB

The Armed Services Vocational Battery is available to students in the 11^th grade. It measures aptitudes and abilities and relates them to specific occupations in civilian and military life. The ASVAB is free and provides valuable information to students.

THEA Test (formerly called the TASP)

www.thea.nesinc.com

ADVANCED PLACEMENT TEST

This test is given by the College Board after the student completes an AP course. Score range is 1-5. Students who score 3 and above will earn 1 advance measure toward the Distinguished Achievement Graduation plan and 3 or more hours of college credit from many colleges. Students must, however, check with individual colleges for their policy regarding AP courses.

CREDIT

Credit towards graduation are earned for passing courses with a grade of 70 or above.

CREDIT BY EXAM

A test used to give a student credit for a state approved high school course with or without prior instruction.

ELECTIVE COURSE

A course chosen by the student. The state requires 3.5 elective credits in order to graduate.

GPA

Grade Point Average

LOCAL CREDIT

A course approved by the local Board of Trustees that will count toward graduation, but will not count for state credit. PWCISD local policy states that you must have 2 local credits in order to graduate.

PREREQUISITE

A course that must be passed before taking another course.

REQUIRED COURSE

A course that each student must take and pass before graduation. (A required course that is failed must be repeated until it is passed.)

SEMESTER

Half of the school year or three (3) six week periods.

SEMESTER GRADE

An average of 3 six-week periods of work recorded twice a year in January and in May (One-half credit is earned for each one period semester course passed)

College Application Help

Applying to college can be one of the most stressful things to do in your senior year of high school. Not only will you decide which colleges to apply to, but you must also be sure to send in the correct items for each. Every college has its own set of requirements and guidelines, but with some extra attention you can be sure the right materials reach the right school. Below are some tips to help you organize your college applications:

1) Obtain applications from the colleges you wish to apply to. Some colleges have electronic applications, while others require you to fill out a paper application and send it in. Another option is to utilize application services where you can apply to many colleges at once using only one form, such as the Common Application.

2) Ask your high school guidance counselor for copies of your transcripts and test scores. Be sure to have copies of transcripts and test scores for every school that you apply to and make sure to send the appropriate documents. Does the school request official high school transcripts, or do they accept copies? Do you need to request that your test scores are sent directly from the testing agency, or will the test scores your high school has on file work? Make sure you send the right type of transcript and test scores to each college to ensure there are no delays in your application review.

3) Be prepared to write a personal statement or admission essay. You can prepare a personal statement or essay ahead of time to send to each college you apply to. Although not all colleges require it, it’s still a good idea to have an essay ready in case one is requested with your application. Most often colleges will ask you to write on a personal experience and you are advised to write about something that will not be revealed in other portions of your application. For example, instead of restating a list of your extracurricular activities, you could highlight the reasons you enjoy being involved in those activities and why you want to continue them in college. Note: If you plan on using one essay to send to numerous colleges be sure you do not have the wrong college’s name on the essay you send. Many colleges receive an essay or two with another college’s name on them.

4) Gather letters of recommendation. Ask your teachers, coaches, and mentors to write recommendations for you based on your academic aptitude and personal character. Some colleges will require up to five or more recommendations, so be sure to have plenty to choose from. Also, be sure to inform the writers of the letters about the colleges that you are applying to in case an admissions counselor contacts them for more detailed information.

5) Last but not least, be sure to pay the appropriate application fees. Your application may be free, or there could be a processing fee. Contact your counselor at each college to ensure you have met all the requirements for applying and that they have received your payment.

Campus Visit 101:

Visiting college campuses is one of the most important steps in deciding which college is right for you. When choosing between several schools, campus visits can help narrow your choices by giving you a more accurate depiction of how a particular college will meet your needs. Here are some tips on how to get the most out of a campus visit:

1) Bring a high school

Translate page: