Graduation Requirements-Class of 2022 and Beyond

*3 years (credits) of 1 language, or 2 years (credits) each of 2 different languages.

Also required for both diploma types: 

•  A class with a virtual component (fulfilled through the Economics/Personal Finance course)
• A passing score on a CTE exam (the W!SE financial literacy test is given to all students in the Economics/Personal Finance course)
• Two of the required electives courses must be sequential (for example, Drama I and Drama II)
• SOL verified credits:  English Reading, English Writing, 1 math, 1 science, 1 history (for a total of 5)

GOVERNOR'S EARLY COLLEGE SCHOLARS AGREEMENT

The responsibilities of each party are outlined herein and the corresponding signature assures acceptance of responsibility of each party.

The student agrees to:

• Earn an Advanced Studies Diploma with a Governor's Seal;
  • To receive a Governor's seal, students must:
    • Complete the requirements for the Advanced Studies Diploma;
    • Earn a "B" average or higher; and
    • Successfully complete at least one Advanced Placement course (AP), international Baccalaureate (TB), or one college-level course for credit
• Earn at least 15 transferable college credits while enrolled in high school. College credits toward completion of this Agreement will be considered earned by:
  • Completing dual enrollment/dual credit courses and earning a "C" or better in the courses
  • Completing advanced placement courses Le., AP, IB or Cambridge and
  • Scoring a "3" or higher on the AP examinations or
  • Scoring a "4" or higher on any form of the IB examinations or
  • Scoring a "D" or better on the Cambridge examinations
  • Earning college credits by passing College Level Examination Program (CLEP) examinations
  • Completing college-level courses and documenting credit awarded
• Apply and be accepted to a college or university

Student Signature                                                                                           Date                                                                    

The parent/guardian agrees to:

• Support and monitor student's academic work and progress in school, particularly as it relates to fulfillment of the requirements for the Governor's Early College Scholars Agreement.

I understand that the actual number of transferable college credits awarded depends on the criteria of the admitting college or university.

• Provide the student opportunities to access college-level courses and/or advanced placement courses needed to fulfill this agreement.
• Provide the counseling services needed to fulfill the requirements of the Governor's Early College Scholars Agreement, including assisting students in developing a program of study.
• Provide the Virginia Department of Education with data regarding participation and completion of the Governor's Early College Scholars program.

High School Principal Signature                                                                    Date                                                                       

High School Guidance Counselor                                                                 Date                                                                      

COLLEGE ADMISSION TESTING

The SAT and ACT are college entrance examinations used by colleges and universities to assess a student's readiness for and potential to succeed in college. Almost all colleges require either scores from the SAT or the ACT; some colleges also require the SAT Subject tests as part of the admissions process.

SAT: The SAT test measures reasoning skills important to college success and helps colleges predict a student's college readiness and ability to succeed. It is composed of a reading and math test, and an optional writing test.

ACT: The ACT assesses general educational development and ability to complete college level work. Four skill areas are covered: English, math, reading and science.  An optional  writing test is included.

TOEFL: Test of English as a Foreign Language-  College  admissions  test  taken  by  students whose first language is not English.

AP: Advanced Placement- A placement test administered in May of each year. A qualifying score may allow students to waive and/or receive credit for the subject. Colleges vary in usage and score qualification.

ASVAB: Armed Services Vocational Aptitude Battery- this test provides academic and occupational composite scores, often taken by students interested in the military. However, there is no military obligation. This test is administered free once each year at the high school.

COLLEGE BOUND ATHLETES NCAA ELIGIBILITY

Students who want to play Division I or II sports in college must meet the NCAA requirements. Students must register online by the end of junior year. If you qualify for free/reduced lunch, you may qualify for a fee waiver for NCAA registration

COLLEGE ADMISSIONS CRITERIA WHAT DO COLLEGES LOOK FOR?

Most admissions officers will consider the following factors in the admissions process. Individual col­ leges, however, will differ in how this information is weighted and evaluated

• Grade Point Average (GPA) Class Rank
• Difficulty of Curriculum SAT I or ACT Scores
• Curricular & Extracurricular Activities
• Honors and Awards Recommendations Personal Essays
• Interviews and/or Audition

If you are aiming for admission to a top school, keep these factors in mind:

I. As the pool of applicants gets more competitive and the geographic fields enlarge, the competition is keener and the chances of success are statistically more difficult.

2.    Colleges would prefer to see slightly lower grades in a rigorous program, including advanced, AP, and Dual Enrollment courses, over straight A's in less challenging courses.

3.    High school counselors and college admissions directors stress intensity of commitment, a common success factor after grades and test scores are taken into consideration.

4.    The top schools are looking for a student who has exhibited a passionate interest in one or more areas and has excelled in those areas, rather than a long list of membership in clubs and activities.

5.    Admissions officers look for applicants who handle responsibility and have moved ahead in the cho­sen field of interest to positions of leadership and responsibility. Dedication, responsibility, and achievement  are a must.     -

6.    lf a top college is your goal, start early to excel in academics and school and community activities. Select an area of genuine interest and become passionately involved.

Take challenging classes and keep your grades up.

COMMUNITY/JUNIOR COLLEGE AS AN OPTION

Many students start their college studies at one of Virginia's 23 community colleges that offer several educational options.

I.    Transfer degree program: Attending community college for two years may allow you to transfer to a four-year college or university. Your community college credits will transfer. You will enter your four­ year college as a junior, and you will graduate with that college's diploma.

2.       Associate's degree:. You may chose to earn a two-year Associate's degree in a particular field of study.  Examples include Accounting, Culinary Arts, Nursing, Information  Systems Technology, Computer and Electronics Technology. A two-year degree may be all that is needed for your chosen career field.

3.       Community College Transfer Grant Program: The State of Virginia is offering a grant to students wanting to transfer from a community college to a four-year college. This grant will pay up to $2,000 per year of the cost of tuition to a four-year institute of higher education.  To obtain this  grant the student must have earned an associate degree at a Virginia community college, enrolled in a Virginia public or private college by the following fall, applied for financial aid, and maintained a cumulative grade point average of 3.0 on a 4.0 scale. See your counselor for more information.

THE PSAT

The PSAT/NMQT (Preliminary Scholastic Aptitude Test/National Merit Qualifying Test) is given each October nationwide. Sophomores and juniors may take the test at their high schools for a small fee. It is great practice for the SAT, and juniors who take the test may qualify to enter National Merit Scholarship Corporation programs.

Results are returned in December with valuable feedback to help students prepare for the SAT. A question-by-question review of answers enables students to see what answers they got right and to refer to the original test booklet for additional practice. Students also receive a personalized statement of specific academic skills that need attention, along with suggested steps to improve those skills.

When students register to take the PSAT, they receive a Student Bulletin that contains useful information, including a full-length practice test. Students should review the bulletin and take the practice test to be sure they understand the directions and know the types of questions that will be asked.

Students can receive admissions and financial aid information from colleges, universities, and scholarship programs if they request it on the PSAT form. Students will also be able to use the College Board's new online career, major, and college exploration website.

Note: The PSAT results are not sent to colleges and universities. Taking the PSAT, even if the student does not do well, will not hurt the student's chances of getting into college.

(Adapted from College Counseling Sourcebook 2004.)

College Admissions Timeline for Juniors

August/September

• Explore different kinds of higher education.
  • Current college guides which describe colleges throughout the U.S. (Example: School Guide Catalog).
  • Individual college and technical school catalogs as well as information on the armed services.
  • Collegeboard.com
  • Majorclarity.com
• Begin to explore financial aid resources.

October

• Remember that the JMHS College Board/ ACT code number is 470885 and our address is 2300 Washington Ave. Fredericksburg, VA 22401.
• Send for college brochures, view books and program information or visit the college "on line".

November, December, January

• Send for college brochures, view books and program information. Consider early decision if you:
• Qualify academically
• Complete all required testing before the beginning of your senior year
• Plan college visits for the spring and summer Expand your information about colleges.
• Talk to classmates, parents, teachers, recent graduates in college, employer, adult friends, college admissions officers, etc.....
• Visit www.collegeboard.com and www.act.org for SAT and ACT registration and test preparation.
• Study for course exams. Your junior grades are an important part of your record.
• Get to know your favorite teachers well. Start thinking about who you might ask to write evaluations.
• Focus on becoming a leader in a few extracurricular activities- run for an office, lead a team or start your own club, business or service project.
• If you think you will play athletics in college, register with the NCAA Eligibility Center online. Get a preview of how much financial aid you'll be likely to receive by completing the FAFSA4caster at fafsacaster.ed.gov.

February

• Register for April ACT (if required or interested) early in February. Register for March SAT Reasoning Test.
• Begin application process for the service academies (Example: West Point).

March

• Take SAT 1 test if appropriate.
• Register for May SAT Reasoning and SAT Subject tests. Check to see if the colleges of your choice require SAT Subject Test Scores.

April

• Look at college brochures and applications. Register for June SAT Reasoning or Subject Tests. Take ACT in April if appropriate.
• Write or email for college applications for use in the early fall or check out collegiate internet sites for information and applications.

May

• Take SAT Reasoning Test or SAT Subject Tests if necessary. Make appointments at colleges for interviews.
• Register for June ACT in early May.

June

• Take SAT Reasoning Test or SAT Subject tests if appropriate. Take ACT if appropriate.
• Narrow college choices.
• Visit colleges over the summer and in the fall.
• Most colleges expect students to help pay for college costs while in school. Use this summer to earn money for college.
• Plan family vacations so that you can also visit some of the colleges where you might want to apply for admission.

If you have any questions, see your counselor, career coach, or college advisor.

COLLEGE: NARROWING THE CHOICES

ACADEMIC PROGRAM: What degrees are offered? What majors, minors, and electives are available?  What credit is given for AP and 18 exams?                                        .

Is there a possibility of starting immediately on a major? Are there any special programs such as inde­ pendent study, cooperative work-study, study abroad, joint programs with nearby colleges? What pro­ grams is the college noted for? How intense is academic pressure on students?

ACTIVITIES: Are the activities in which you presently participate and enjoy available? Remember that college is also a social experience and that, often, people meet others who will remain close friends or business contacts long after the college days have passed.

ADMISSIONS: What tests are required?' SAT I, SAT II, ACT? What are minimum acceptable scores? What is the range of scores for the middle 50% of enrolled freshmen? What high school GPA is re­quired? Which high school academic subjects are required? Is an interview required or do special pro­ grams require auditions, a portfolio, or special tests? When is the application deadline? Are recommen­dations from teachers or a counselor required? Is an essay required? What percent of applicants are accepted?

COSTS: Get a comprehensive picture of all costs for room and board, tuition, and fees, as well as transportation to and from home, and personal expenses. Is your family eligible for financial aid?

COUNSELING: What kind of academic or personal counseling is available? Is it provided by faculty advisors or student advisors? Does the college offer financial, career, or placement counseling?

FACULTY: What is the faculty-to-student ratio? What is the average class size? Are classes taught by graduate students? What percentage of the faculty has Ph.D.s? Are there tutorial services  or organ­ized, monitored study or research groups?

FINANCIAL AID: What scholarships, grants, loans, or work-study programs are available? What per­centage of students receive financial aid? Try to find out if the same amount of financial aid available to freshmen is also available to upperclassmen. How do interested students apply for aid? Are they auto­matically considered when they apply for admission or must they submit a special financial aid applica­tion?

FACILITIES: Does the college have facilities or special programs to accommodate students with dis­ abilities? Is special tutorial help available?

LIVING ACCOMMODATIONS: Are dormitories available? To whom?·· In what  condition  are  the dorms? What precautions are taken for student safety? What restrictions apply to students  living in dorms (such are curfews)?

LOCATION: In-state or out-of-state? Do you need to be close to home or do you want to be really on your own and go to another state? If moving away, consider homesickness and cost of travel. Try to determine a preference for an urban, suburban, or rural environment.

RELIGION: Is the college religiously affiliated? Are certain religion courses required for students not affiliated with the religion? Is there a place on campus or nearby that conducts religious services? Are there any religious organizations?

SOCIAL LIFE: What activities are available for students on weekends and evenings? What is available in the community in the form of movie theaters, sports events, cultural activities, etc.? What kind of spirit do the students have? ts the campus atmosphere friendly or closed?

SPORTS: What are the college's athletic facilities? Are there opportunities to participate in intramural sports? Are there facilities to work out as well as opportunities to participate in or observe intercollegiate sports? Are there athietic scholarships?

STUDENT BODY: How many students return for the sophomore year?  How many graduate? Where  do the students come from? What is the ethnic mix? What are their academic abilities?

TRANSPORTATION: What forms of public transportation are available? Can students have a car on campus? What is the ease of getting to and from airports or train stations?

THE COLLEGE VISIT

When was the last time you spent a lot ,of money on something without even looking at it before you bought it? College is a huge investment, in terms of time, energy, and money. It is a very good idea to get a look at your potential investment. Even a brief visit to the college or university you are considering will give you a perspective that reading or discussion will not.

Try to visit when the college is in session. Call the admissions office to schedule a tour,  visit classes and dorms, and have a meal in the dining hall. Talk with students and professors if possible. Ask them about dorm life, academic pressure, availability of professors and advisors, computer access, campus security, and activities. Ask yourself, did the people you met seem open, friendly, interested, and help­ful? Were they positive about their college?

COLLEGE NIGHT

Every year in the fall there is a regional "College Night' at Spotsylvania Mall. Plan to attend this event to browse among the many college booths, talk to the college representatives, and collect brochures.

APPLICATION TERMS

Regular Admissions - Students must apply by a fixed date. The colleges will announce  their decisions at a later date.

Rolling Admissions - Decisions are made on a first come - first served basis with replies to applicants 4 to 6 weeks after application. Students are encouraged to apply early.

Early Decision - Highly qualified students may apply in November {usually) of their senior year. Deci­sions are made in December (usually). This option is highly selective and binding. Students who apply Early Decision make a commitment to attend if accepted. Students who are not accepted Early Deci­sion are generally considered later in the regular admissions process.

Early Action    Highly qualified students may apply early, as in the Early Decision option; however, there is no commitment on the part of the student if he/she is accepted until a later date.

Early Admissions - Exceptional students with parental and school permission finish their few remaining high school requirements at the college.

Open Admissions - Virtually all students who apply are accepted.

LIFE AFTER HIGH SCHOOL WHAT ARE YOUR CHOICES?

4-YEAR COLLEGE OR UNIVERSITY:

College - An academic institution that offers two or four-year programs granting associate or under­ graduate degrees.

University - An academic institution which grants undergraduate and graduate degrees in a variety of

fields, and supports at least two degree-granting professional schools (such as medicine, agriculture, en­gineering, journalism, education).

JUNIOR/COMMUNITY COLLEGE: 2-year academically and vocationally oriented programs. Some programs lead to graduation and some to 4-year college transfer.

ENGINEERING/TECHNICAL SCHOOL: Independent professional schools providing 4-year training programs in engineering and physical sciences.

TECHNICAL SCHOOL: A one or two-year institution offering technical occupational programs which prepare students for immediate ,employment.

BUS!NESS SCHOOL: Business or secretarial courses.

MILITARY ACADEMIES: Federal military academies which prepare officers for the: Army (US Military Academy, West Point, New York)

Navy (US Naval Academy, Annapolis, Maryland)

Air Force (US Air Force Academy, Colorado Springs, Colorado)

Merchant Marines (US Merchant Marine Academy, Kings Point, New York)                      .

These require recommendation and appointment by a member of Congress. Students should begin the application process in the spring of the Junior year.

MILITARY:     

Army: www.goarmy.com           1-800-USA-ARMY

Navy: www.navvjobs.com          1-800-USA-NAVY

Air Force: www.afmil          1-800-423-USAF

Marine Corps:  www.usmc.mil          1-800-MARINES

APPRENTICESHIP PROGRAMS: A salary is paid during on-the-job training which increases ona regular basis, and classes in the trade are held one or two nights a week. At the end of the apprentice­ ship, the apprentice receives a certificate as a journeyman in the trade. For more information call 804- 786-238 I.

JOB CORPS: Students receive integrated academic, vocational, and Social skills training. To be eligible for this program, a person must be between the ages of 16 and 24, have a low family income, and be in need of job training. Benefits include a cash spending allowance; free medical and dental care; a clothing allowance of more than

$300 per year; free books, uniforms, and tools; free housing and meals; social activities and recreation; free transportation; job placement assistance; and up to $2,400 for graduates to start out in a new job.

For more information call

l-800-624-9191 or visit the web site: <;vww.jobcorps.org.

Understanding Standardized Exams

You have two choices when  it comes to  standardized  testing- the  Scholastic  Aptitude Test {SAT), or the American College Testing {ACT) exam. The majority of U.S. colleges & universities accept both exams.

There are 2 main differences between the SATs and the ACTs. The first is the type of material that is covered. The ACT is, essentially, an achievement  test,  measuring what a student  has directly  learned in school. The SAT is an aptitude test, testing reasoning and verbal abilities.  The ACT has 5 components: English, Mathematics, Reading, Science, and an optional Writing Test.  The SAT has only 2 components: Critical Reading and Mathematics. There is also an optional Writing Test.

The second difference between the SAT and the ACT is the scoring. SAT scoring is simple. The number of correct answers is totaled for each section. Then¼  of  a  point  is subtracted  for each  incorrect answer. Questions that  are not answered  are  not  considered.  The  remaining  total  is then  equated with a scale between 200 and 800. The highest possible score on the SAT is 1600.

ACT scoring is a little more complicated. The number of questions answered correctly is totaled. There is no penalty for wrong answers. All ACT scores range from 1 to 36. The number of questions answered correctly for each subject test is aligned with a number on that scale, giving the  score for the test. If more than one test is taken the scores are averaged, giving the final ACT score.

Many college admissions officers encourage students to take these exams multiple times. Schools will only focus on the best score of each section. In addition, students may take both the SAT and the  ACT and submit both scores, if they choose. Colleges will typically take the score of the exam on which the student did best.  This  means it is critical to  allow enough time to  prepare AND take the exam  prior to a school's admissions deadline.

Finally, there are some four-year institutions that do not require standardized  test scores.  However, you will need to conduct sufficient research to find out if you're eligible for this exemption. Often, schools will not require your scores if you meet certain academic eligibility requirements. If you  plan on attending a community college or a vocational school, you typically will not have to submit test scores.

Remember that while colleges use more than scores to determine admission, these exams can play a key factor in whether you are admitted or not to your top school choice. They may also be used to determine qualifications for particular academic scholarships and financial aid. Therefore, it is important for you to prepare yourself as much as possible so that you can do well on test day.

Cap & gown orders: 1-800-567-8367 or SRM@Jostens.com

The "Cliff Notes" Version of the College Application Process for Seniors

Be conscious of the registration deadlines for SAT: Reasoning Test, SAT: Subject Tests (if recommended or required by your college of choice), and ACT.

If colleges require that scores be sent from the testing agency (four may be sent for free and additional reports have a fee) to the college's admissions office, be sure to have them sent as appropriate.

Check application deadlines carefully for receipt or postmark dates.

Many institutions require that your school counselor complete secondary school reports to mail with your transcript and school profile separate from  your  part  of the application. The secondary school report (sometimes called school report, supplemental high school form, etc.) has a place for you to enter your name, address, school, birth date, and other information of this kind prior to printing it out and submitting it to your school counselor. It also may require you to indicate (by signature and date) if you "waive right of access" to the form if you enroll at the institution. We suggest you consider waiving rights to access the form so the admissions staff is confident the counselor evaluation is accurate and written with objectivity.

Be sure to give your Student Profile Sheet to your counselor in enough time (2 weeks prior to deadlines and take into account school breaks) to write a strong recommendation for you if you desire. Please note that some secondary school report instructions ask for the counselor to attach a recommendation or a summative evaluation to the report.

To have your transcript and the accompanying profile sent to an institution, you must have a Transcript Request Form completed and return it to Mrs. Ripley in the Counseling Office with your $2.00 payment per college. Many transcripts may now be uploaded through the Common Application, Coalition Application, and SENDEdu and do not need to be mailed.

You may wish to make copies of your Student Profile Sheet to give to those you ask to write recommendations for you.

Please be sure to say "thank you" to those who write references on your behalf and who have helped you through this process (such as Mrs. Ripley, our Counseling Secretary).

COLLEGE ADMISSIONS TIMELINE FOR SENIORS

 Keep in mind......

• Register for SAT and ACT tests (if appropriate). Registration booklets are available in the Counseling Office. If you can't afford test fees, see Ms. Rollins to determine if you qualify for a waiver.
• Identify two teachers who might be willing to write a positive college recommendation for you if required by your college(s).
• Check to see if the colleges to which you are applying require both the SAT and SAT: Subject Tests, and/or ACT test.
• Our school CEEB number is 470885.
• Our high school address is 2300 Washington Avenue, Fredericksburg, VA, 22401.
• Explore financial aid resources - some applications are due before college applications.

October

• Complete early decision college applications (check deadline- usually November 1st).
• Turn in transcript request form for early decision applications at least 2 weeks before due date. Register for SAT or SAT: Subject Tests (if appropriate), and take the ACT test if appropriate.
• FAFSA opens October 1^st- Attend FAFSA workshop event!
• If necessary, ask two teachers to write recommendations for you. Supply teachers with information about you (student profile sheet), the college's address, necessary forms, envelopes, and postage.
• Attend meetings with college representatives. Sign up in the Counseling Center.
• Visit colleges.
• Start preparing essay notes and an outline now for any college application or scholarship that requires an essay.

November

• Turn in transcript request forms for any additional college applications. Meet deadline for early decision application.
• Take SAT or SAT: Subject Tests (if appropriate).
• Apply for scholarships. Check scholarships on the school website. Register for December ACT test in early November (if appropriate). Complete the FAFSA if you haven't done so already.

December

• Take ACT test (if appropriate).
• Take SAT or SAT: Subject Tests (if appropriate).
• Check college applications for January 1 deadlines. Make sure these applications are completed and submitted in early December- teachers and counselors have Winter Break, too!
• Check in with the college advisor to make sure you're on track with everything Financial aid information and application
• Register early in the month for the January SAT and SAT: Subject Tests (if appropriate).

January

• Complete all college applications. Be careful with mid-January and February 1 deadlines. Take SAT or SAT: Subject Tests (if appropriate).
• Apply for February ACT tests in early January (if appropriate). Fill out financial aid forms and mail as soon as possible.
• Request that mid-year grades be sent to your colleges if needed (request with Mrs. Ripley).

February

• Take ACT test (if appropriate).
• Check college applications for February 1 and February 15 deadline dates. Mid-year grade reports are sent to the colleges which you applied.
• Fill out financial aid forms if not already mailed.
• Apply for local scholarships. Look on the school website for what is available. Mark on your calendar colleges that require early Spring response and deposit. Accepting colleges do look at 2"d semester senior grades.

March

• Watch for local scholarship deadlines.
• Submit financial aid forms if not already mailed- most priority deadlines are by March 15. Explore college scholarships offered by community, religious groups, businesses, and other organizations.
• Keep active in school. If you are given the option to be wait-listed (you have to accept this option-it's not automatic!), the college will want to know what you have accomplished since the time you applied.
• NOTE: It is not too late to apply to some colleges- look for schools with rolling admissions.

April

• Most selecting colleges begin announcing their decision this month. Seniors accepted by more than one college must make a choice. Campus visits may help with your decision.
• If you have been accepted at one or more colleges but have not yet heard from your first choice, contact the college or ask your counselor for help in getting a decision before any nonrefundable deposits are due.

May

• As soon as you have decided which college's offer of admission to accept, notify that college of your decision. Advise all other colleges to which you have been accepted of your decision.
• If you are wait-listed at a college, call or write the director of admissions and ask how to strengthen your application. (Recent academic or other achievements may help). Send acceptance deposit by deadline specified.
• Notify your high school which college you have selected so that your final grades, class rank, and proof of graduation can be submitted.
• Request (with Mrs. Ripley) which college you want your final transcript to go to.
• Request immunization records from the school nurse before graduation.

College Application Deadlines

Due to the large number of requests for letters of recommendation and the time it takes to process transcripts, please request these items at least 2 weeks prior to your application deadline.  In order for counselors to do a thorough job for each senior, please request application materials by the following dates:

October 17 for a November 1 deadline

November 4 for a December 1 deadline (this allows for Thanksgiving Break when the counseling center is closed)

December 2 for a December 15 or a January 1 deadline (this allows for Winter Break when the counseling center is closed)

January 6 for a January 15 deadline

January 15 for a February 1 deadline

*If you are not using the Common Application, Coalition Application or SendEdu to apply, you must request your transcript through Parchment online. Go to JM’s main webpage and click on Transcript Requests.

*The counseling center will be CLOSED during Thanksgiving Break and Winter Break. Therefore, any requests for application materials will not be reviewed until school is back in session after each break. Please plan accordingly.