From the Counselor’s Corner

— Key Dates June 2012

◊The ACT will be administered nationally on June 9. You may register with a late fee until May 18.

Using & understanding your ACT scores

The ACT test score is more than a number. It’s an indication of how prepared you are for college.

While the ACT score is one component considered during the admissions process, it can also be a factor in:

◊Course placement in first-year courses

◊Advising students on a course of study

◊Identification of qualified students for scholarships and financial aid

The most important use of your ACT score is college planning. You can use your score to:

◊Determine strengths and areas for developmentin your own skills.

◊Match the requirements of your preferred colleges.

◊See how you compare to other students.

◊Compare against your grades to see how you are applying the knowledge you learn.

College planning for first-in-the-family college students

For students who will become the first in the family to attend college, the planning process can be particularly emotional and challenging. Resources can help families throughout the decisionmaking process. Family Firsts, a booklet from ACT, was created for first-generation college students and their families to assist with college planning.

The key to being prepared is learning about the college planning calendar. Most two- and four- year schools follow approximately the same admissions schedule every year. ACT offers online checklists for keeping all students on track to a college education.

Visit actstudent.org/college/checklist.html to see the steps you should take in each year of high school.

Many potential firstgeneration students and their families believe that funding isn’t available.

However, several websites help explain financial aid and other resources for paying for college. Learn more by visiting:

www.fafsa.ed.gov - The Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) website. This is where you start when you are ready to apply for financial aid.

www.finaid.org - Features a free scholarship search as well as information on loans, savings programs and military aid.

www.act.org/fane - A financial aid need estimator.

www.hsf.net - A Hispanic Scholarship Fund website that features scholarships for Hispanic students and research reports on the education of Hispanic students.

www.studentaidalliance.org - Student success stories and descriptions of need-based financial aid programs.

Also, talk to your teachers and school counselors for advice. The rewards are worth the effort.

Matching skills to work

The ideal job candidate is well rounded, often with a strong work ethic and solid communication skills - written and verbal.

According to the National Association of Colleges and Employers the top skills many employers want their employees to have are communication skills, teamwork skills, problem-solving skills and analytical skills.

These are in addition to the computer and technical requirements of most jobs. If you want to see how you stack up, take a skills test. ACT’s Work-Keys® system, for example, analyzes the skills needed for specific jobs and tests those areas. If your school doesn’t offer the tests, visit http://act.org/workkeys/locations.html to find a testing site near you.

WorkKeys assessment scores also serve as the basis for the National Career Readiness Certificate, an easily understood and universally valued workforce credential. More than one million certificates have been issued and more than 40 states have statewide or regional certificate programs. By qualifying for one of four certification levels, you demonstrate your initiative and confirm your skills for potential employers and possible college internships.

National Career Readiness Certificate information can be found by visiting act.org/certificate.

Make summer count

Just because the academic year is coming to an end doesn’t mean that learning has to come to an end, too. Summer is a great time to do extra things away from school that will prepare you for next fall. Here are a few suggestions to help you make your summer count:

◊Use every opportunity to learn. Taking a family vacation? Spend time learning about the area you’ll visit, its history and its demographics. Painting your house? Learn about the chemistry of paint or calculate the amount of paint you’ll need to cover the desired square footage.

◊Read, read, read. Summer is a great time to read a book without a deadline.

Immerse yourself in each one, researching the author and relevant history.

◊Take a virtual trip around the world in 80 days. Since summer break typically lasts about 80 days, map your own way around the globe by studying different areas each week.

◊Seek out tutors. Talk with your teachers and school counselor for help locating individual coaching in areas you want to improve your understanding.

◊◊◊

Editor’s note: Randi Jo Hutchinson-Kelso is the counselor for Pea Ridge High School.

School, Pages 12 on 05/09/2012