The Class of 2015 is College-Bound!
Coming to you Second Semester...
ACT Prep and Practice Test Opportunities 36 is Where it is!!!!!!!!!
Standardized tests are an important component of the college admission process for most selective colleges and universities. ACT/SAT scores along with a students GPA, rigor in coursework, and extracurricular activities are often times the most important factors in deciding which applicants will be admitted. In fact, the importance placed on tests scores has grown in recent years and can make a huge difference in the amount of scholarship money awarded.
Taking this information into consideration, aside from the ACT preparation incorporated in our junior curriculum, Brooks is:
- Offering ACT Prep Courses on our seminar days
- Offering ACT Practice test opportunities once a month on the following Saturdays: January 18, February 15, March 15, and April 5, 2014
We strongly encourage every junior student to take advantage of these free resources and make the best of every opportunity so that you may obtain the best score possible on the PSAE: ACT April 23, 2014 and WorkKeys April 24, 2014!
Junior College Knowledge Sessions
Throughout second semester of the junior year, students will meet with their counselor once a month via their English and History courses for required Junior College Knowledge sessions. The objective of this curriculum is to inform students about the phases of the college search process and assist each student develop the following:
- An understanding of what classes selective colleges recommend for senior year course work
- A self-understanding of the college match process- identifying one’s match, safety and reach schools.
- An understanding of the college exploration, selection and application process: types of applications, interviews, essays, resumes, and recommendations.
- Exposure to college search resources including Naviance, What’s Next Illinois, College Board and College Navigator
- Familiarity with what colleges look for in an applicant: admission criteria, GPA, ACT/SAT Scores, Course Rigor, Extracurricular Involvement.
- Familiarity with the components of a college application: Application Form, Official Transcript, Test Scores, Essay/Personal Statement, Letter of Recommendation, Application Fee or Fee Waiver Form
- An understanding of the student, school counselor, and parent roles in the college search process.
- An understanding of how to finance their college education
College Process General Timeline
- Spring/Summer 2014- Research colleges/universities that are an appropriate match and fit. Visit college websites, schedule college visits and attend college tours and/or fairs
- June-December- Plan to take the SAT (if any of the schools on your list require it) and/or retake the ACT
- August/September 2014- Refine your possible colleges list and look at their websites to review application requirements and deadlines. Review your list with your parents/guardians.
- September/October- Schedule your Senior One on One Interview with your school counselor; begin the college application process starting with schools that have early action deadlines.
- December 2014/January 2015- Wrap up college applications with late deadlines
- January 1, 2015- FAFSA Application is available on-line; complete no later than mid-February to ensure you receive all of the aid you are entitled to.
- Spring 2015-Finalize commitment to the school you will attend, secure housing (provide deposit if required), sign up for orientation and placement testing if available.