This document provides information for NBHS juniors on graduation requirements, dual credit options, college admission exams, NCAA eligibility, selective service registration, and important websites and dates. It discusses credits needed for different grade classifications and diplomas. It outlines important testing dates and registration deadlines for the SAT, ACT, and dual credit courses. It provides tips for college visits and the application process.

2. High School Graduation Requirements

3. Dual Credit Options

4. Important Items and Dates

5. Post High School Choices

6. College Admission Exams

7. SAT vs. ACT

8. NCAA

9. Selective Service Registration

11. Grade Classification Credits Earned Classifications 5-11.5 Grade 10 (Sophomore)‏ 12-18.5 Grade 11 (Junior)‏ 19+ Grade 12 (Senior)‏

12. Diplomas 26 Credits Required Recommended Diploma: English 4 credits Foreign Language 2 credits Math 4 credits PE 1 credits Science 4 credits Speech ½ credit Social Studies 4 credits (Communication Applications) Electives 4/5 credit Fine Arts 1 credit Health½ credit IPC taken prior to the 2010/2011 school year may take the following science sequence: Biology, IPC, Chemistry or Physics or PTI, and a 4th science Distinguished Diploma: 3 Credit of the Same foreign Language 4 advanced measures must be completed before graduation In addition to the credits above

13. Ways to Earn 4 Measures PSAT A student can receive 1 measure for a score on the PSAT that qualifies a student for recognition as a Commended Scholar or Semifinalist by National Merit Scholarship. Original Research Project An original research project in the field that is the focus of the project An original research project is conducted under the direction of mentor(s) and reported to an appropriate audience. Original research projects may not be used for more than one of the four measures. Dual Credit If a student completes a semester with a 3.0-80 or better in the following courses and is approved for Dual Credit status, he/she will receive 1 measure per semester.

14. Dual Credit Options If a student completes a semester with a 3.0/80 or better in the following courses and is approved for Dual Credit status, he/she will receive 1 measure per semester. Students can only be enrolled in 2 dual credit courses per semester. Anatomy & Physiology Dual Credit ***Biology Dual Credit*** Spanish III Dual Credit Spanish IV Dual Credit BCIS II Administrative Procedures/Business Education Career Prep College Algebra Dual Credit Speech (Communication Applications)

15. Senior 2011-2012 Registration Students will view the counselor presentation in class Students will visit one to one with their counselor and select courses for the upcoming school year. Choice cards will be given out January 27th in all history classes. Students will register online February 2nd.

16. Dual Credit Registration In order to insure proper registration for Dual Credit, Tina Truitt will be facilitating the Apply Texas application process in the Career Center. Please make plans to complete prior to January 13th. Students must turn in the dual credit applications to the counseling office no later then January 14th, 2011. Students that do not fill out and submit an Apply Texas application correctly before January 14th, 2011 might not be able to enroll in a Dual Credit Course.

17. Potential New Courses for 2011-2012 Practicum in Law I—(Criminal Justice Work Program)—Contact Jennifer Thompson for more info. Family and Community Services—(Similar to PALS)—Contact Stacy Kell for more info. European History AP Spanish Culture

19. Continue to take the more challenging courses, building your academic skills. (Monitor grades on TX connect.)‏

20. Continue to build your leadership and teamwork skills by being involved.

21. Start thinking about colleges and universities.

22. Continue to discuss your career and college interests with your high school counselor. (Visit the College and Career Center)‏

24. Important Dates for You!! June- Begin writing your resume and start assembling writing samples, portfolios, auditions tapes, or any other information that you may use in your college application. July- Try to narrow your school choices- selecting 2 to 3 schools is recommended. August- If you’re planning to attend a school that has an early decision deadline, start the admission and scholarship application process. KEEP COPIES Be aware of deadlines for admission, scholarships and financial aid dates will differ between schools.

25. When you visit a college You can find a list of questions to ask at: http://www.actstudent.org/college/visit.html. Also, the National Survey on Student Engagement offers a college visit pocket guide at http://www.nsse.iub.edu/html/pocket_guide_intro.cfm, Downloadable in English and Spanish And don't forget to take good notes. You can easily become confused if visiting several colleges. It might be helpful to take along a camera or camcorder to help capture the feel of each campus.

26. ACT/SAT Available Test Dates For 2010-2011 SAT Reasoning & SAT Subject Exams Register for the SAT at www.collegeboard.com ACT Register for the ACT at www.act.org www.fairtest.org A resource with a list of colleges and universities that do not require the ACT or

27. SAT vs. ACT SAT ACT No Science Reasoning No Trigonometry More Vocabulary Guessing Penalty Does not test English Grammar Includes an Experimental Section Includes writing Component Includes Multiple Choice and Grids Science Reasoning Math Section includes Trigonometry Less Vocabulary No Guessing Penalty Tests English Grammar No Experimental Section Optional Writing Component All Multiple Choice

28. When should I take the SAT/ACT? SAT and ACT – The best time to take any test is when you are academically ready to do so. To determine your optimum test time in 11th grade, consider the following: - It is recommended that you have recently finished English 11 or AP English Language. - You should have finished at least Algebra II for SAT and Trigonometry for ACT. In order to be adequately prepared to apply to colleges in 12th grade, it is recommended that students test at least once (SAT and/or ACT) in the 11th grade. By doing so, students have at least one more opportunity to re-test in12th grade. SAT Subject Tests - Take the subject test if needed; contact your College Counselor.

29. ACT/SAT Testing Vouchers Students interested in receiving a testing voucher foreither ACT or SAT will need to see Ms. Truitt in the Career Center. A Testing Voucher will enable a student to register for one of the two tests free of charge. Eligible test date for voucher use are: ACT SAT April 9thMay 7th June 11thJune 4th

30. College/University Applications The Apply Texas is the college application used to apply to Texas Public Colleges/Universities. The Common Application is the college/university application used to apply to most colleges outside of the state of Texas and private universities. You could be exempt from college entrance exams if: Next Page

32. NCAA If you are looking to participate in intercollegiate athletics at an NCAA Division I or Division II college or university in the future, follow these steps in your 11th grade year: 1.Logging on to the Eligibility Center's new Website at www.eligibilitycenter.org; 2. Selecting the “Fall 2010 or After” icon; 3. Selecting the “New Account” tab at the top of the screen; and 4. Beginning the registration process. 5. Questions, call 877-622-2321 NEW RULE FOR NCAA DIVISION 1 (Online Courses)‏ If you plan to apply to a Division 1 school, NCAA will no longer accept classes taken online though BYU or American University that were taken after August 1st 2010. If you have taken a class through one of these online institutions after August 1st 2010 please see your counselor to discuss eligibility as soon as possible.

33. Selective Service Almost all male U.S. citizens, and male aliens living in the U.S., who are 18 through 25, are required to register with Selective Service. The Selective Service System and the registration requirement for America's young men provide our Nation with a structure and a system of guidelines which will provide the most prompt, efficient, and equitable draft possible, if the country should need it. America's leaders agree that despite the success of the All-Volunteer Force, registration with Selective Service must continue as a key component of national security strategy. http://www.sss.gov/Processing/Processing.aspx?Func Failure to register with SS will effect your Financial Aide benefits It’s the Law!

34. Important Websites http://www.newbraunfels.txed.net/hsweb/index.html http://www.applytexas.org http://www.collegeboard.com http://www.actstudent.org http://www.bridges.com http://www.texasscholars.org http://www.thecb.state.tx.us http://www.testprep.collegefortexans.com http://www.fastweb.com http://www.window.state.tx.us/scholars/mspmain.html http://www.ed.gov/finaid.html http://www.nsse.iub.edu/html/pocket_guide_intro.cfm http://www.actstudent.org/college/visit.html.

35. Seniors 2012 Closing in on Your Future!! Go Unicorns !!!!!