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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. The following classification system is used to place students: Sophomore 6 credits Junior 12 credits Senior 18 credits Graduate 26 credits 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. 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 11th 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. 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. 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 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. Course requirements for graduation must be met before a student may participate in the graduation ceremony. 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. 8TH GRADE: Attend your high school orientation-8th Grade Parent Night. Ask about the various classes and programs offered in high school; plan four years for your total program. 9TH 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’). 10TH 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’. 11TH 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. 12TH 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! 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 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. A student who qualifies for 504 services is entitled to individualized instruction designed to meet the needs of that student. 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. 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. 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 8th 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. 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. 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. 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. The Armed Services Vocational Battery is available to students in the 11th 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) 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 towards graduation are earned for passing courses with a grade of 70 or above. A test used to give a student credit for a state approved high school course with or without prior instruction. A course chosen by the student. The state requires 3.5 elective credits in order to graduate. Grade Point Average 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. A course that must be passed before taking another 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.) Half of the school year or three (3) six week periods. 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 portfolio. Make sure you have copies of transcripts, test scores and recommendation letters. If you are interested in athletics make sure to bring copies of any game tapes as well. It’s important to be prepared in case you meet with your admissions counselor or coach while on campus. Having the above items will show that you are seriously interested in the school and well prepared for your college career. 2) Take a guided campus tour. While you may think you know the campus, taking an official tour will give you a better perspective on the college. Campus tour guides are almost always current students who can tell you about their favorite hang-outs, both on and off campus and give you insider tips on professors and classes. They can give you information that you may miss if you roam the campus on your own. Taking a guided tour is a must while visiting a college. 3) Sit in on a class. Although it may seem intimidating, sitting in on a college class will help you get an idea of the format, (i.e. whether it’s a lecture or discussion based course) and it will allow you to prepare for what classes will be like if you choose to attend that particular college. 4) Attend a campus event. Whether it’s a soccer game or a guest lecture series, you should sneak a peak at different campus events. Not only will you be entertained, but you’ll be able to see college students participating in something they are excited about. This may also help you decide whether or not you are interested in participating in different clubs or organizations once you arrive on campus. 5) Extend your campus visit to include an overnight session with current students. If the college allows this type of visit, it is one of the best ways to gain useful information about the campus. All day you will hear from admission counselors, coaches, professors, and other campus officials. But when staying with a student you will be able to get an insiders opinion on everything from how the food tastes in the cafeteria and the fun things to do on campus, to what they really think about their literature class. They can also tell you what they did to prepare for the transition from high school to college and how they chose their major; all questions you may have that aren’t addressed in college introductory materials. Managing Your Money While in College By Wells Fargo Education Financial Services Soon you’ll be off to college, and it may be the first time you’re managing your money on your own. Now is the time to develop some good habits to keep your finances in order. Taking charge of your money now, means you may have more cash throughout college for the things you want and need. Here are some good guidelines to get you started on the right foot: If You Borrow, Borrow Wisely Managing your money in college can start even before you arrive on campus. If you’ll be financing college on your own, or with your parents, be sure to explore all your options to ensure you’re getting the best deal possible. First you should focus on scholarships and grants which don’t need to be repaid. These opportunities will provide free money that will cut down on the total dollars owed on those monthly statements after graduation. If you’ll be taking out a student loan, strive to borrow only what you need each year you’re in school. Remember that whatever you do borrow you have to pay back with interest. This calculator can help you determine how much you need to borrow. Consider interest rates as you look at each loan. Use federal loans, which have the lowest interest rates, before looking at private loans. When borrowing, think about your potential income after graduation and estimate the amount of debt you can afford. (When estimating your potential income, remember to subtract an additional 15 percent for income taxes.) Ideally you should figure that ten percent or less of your monthly income should go to make payments on student loans. Use this calculator to help estimate your monthly loan payments. Commit yourself to making timely payments on student loans. Set up automatic payments since many lenders reward you for this. You’ll also protect your credit rating and avoid late fees. Keep Your Spending Under Control These budgeting basics will help you keep your cash flow and expenses under control. First, keep a record of what you earn each month and what you spend. By tracking your income and expenses, you’ll have a better idea of what you can afford. Try using this monthly cash flow worksheet to get started. Understand the differences between your needs and wants. Basic needs include food and rent, while you should save extra for special events like concerts or spring break trips. Keep track of your account balances online, balance your checkbook and don’t forget those ATM withdrawals. This will help prevent costly surprises from overdrawing your account. Use Common Sense to Save Once you’ve established your budget basics consider these additional steps. After tracking your monthly income, decide how much you can put away for emergencies like car repair. Explore other ways you can cut costs. Here are a few ideas to get you started: cook at home instead of going to a fast food restaurant, use public transportation, car pool to school, find a roommate to save on rent, buy used textbooks whenever possible and watch for coupons to save on food and home products. Keep track of credit card purchases. By keeping this under control there shouldn’t be any unpleasant surprises when those monthly statements arrive. Get into a routine. Establish a monthly bill-paying schedule and set up a filing system for all your financial documents you receive. Don’t forget yourself. You need a perk every once in a while so “pay yourself first” by setting aside a little money each month in your savings. Search for other tips Take the time to develop your own budget-saving ideas. There are tons of ideas on the Web that will give you more ways to save money and pay off your debts. By using financial moderation you can have a great college experience and be prepared to pay off those loans and still enjoy the special activities on and off campus. Financial Aid: If you are interested in financial aid, it is very important for you to file your FAFSA (Free App[lication for Federal Student Aid) as soon after January 1 as possible. It is best to file online. To do so *first, go to www.fafsa.ed.gov and request a pin both for yourself and for your parents (the ones who will sign your FAFSA). You can do this anytime, but keep the pin # and the password in a safe place where you can find it when you need it. *You and your parents need to file your 2008 Federal Income Tax Return as soon as possible after 1/1/09 *Go online and fill out the FAFSA form any time after 1/1/09. It takes quite a while to complete the form so give yourself time to work on it. You can save it in increments and complete it over several days' time. *If you do not have the internet available, come to the school to file. *We will help you! The FAFSA will tell you how much the government expects your parents to contribute to your education. All other monies needed will be possible through loans or grants. You cannot get any federal aid unless you file a FAFSA. A great website for financial aid and other college information is www.collegefortexans.com Nova Net is a computer-based program that offers students the opportunity to recover credit or accelerate instruction in an interactive instructional setting. More information about the Nova Net program is available at: www.novanet.com Dual credit is offered in conjunction with Weatherford College for students in their junior or senior year of high school. Students enrolled in a dual credit course receive both high school and college credit for courses taken. www.wc.edu
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