The Guidance Gazette
PHS Counseling News
Hi, Class of 2016!
There are two important evening events coming up. A Move On When Ready informational meeting about dual enrollment requirements, the pros and cons of dual enrollment and the approval process is being held on Monday, October 19th at 6 pm in the Performing Arts Center. There will be college representatives on hand to discuss their individual programs. On Thursday, November 12 from 6-8 pm in the Performing Arts Center, Pickens High School will be hosting a College Fair for all students in grades 9-12 and their parents. Numerous colleges will have representatives available in the Performing Arts Center lobby. Several branches of the military will also be present to discuss the opportunities they offer. This is an excellent opportunity to speak individually with colleges about their programs, admission requirements and institutional scholarships. The College Fair is a drop-in event. A financial aid information night is scheduled for January 28th at 6:30 in the Performing Arts Center
As a reminder, seniors should have their college applications completed by the end of this semester. Transcripts are requested using the form available in the counseling office or using the form available in the Google Classroom. If you have not signed up for the Google Classroom, please do so. All announcements, scholarship information and forms are posted in the Classroom. Instructions are available in the Counseling Office. As always, please contact me if you have any questions. My email address is heatherwhitfield@pickenscountyschools.org.
Class of 2017 & 2018
October 14th Pickens High School will be giving the PSAT. All 10th grade students will be given the opportunity to take the exam free of charge. Eleventh grade students are also eligible to take the exam; however, there is a $15 fee. The PSAT is a two-hour test given once a year in October. Many students take the PSAT, not only as preparation for the SAT, but also to qualify for the National Merit Scholarship Competition.
The most common reasons for taking the PSAT/NMSQT are:
To receive feedback on your strengths and weaknesses on skills necessary for college study. You can then focus your preparation on those areas that could most benefit from additional study or practice.
To see how your performance on an admissions test might compare with that of others applying to college.
To enter the competition for scholarships from the National Merit Scholarship Corporation (grade 11).
To help prepare for the SAT. You can become familiar with the kinds of questions and the exact directions you will see on the SAT.
If you have any questions please contact Kathy Harrell at 706-253-1800 ext. 118.
Hi, CLASS OF 2019!
Meridith Jorgensen
Freshmen Advisement Announcements provided on 10/2
Post-Secondary Planning Timeline
9th Grade – FALL
- · Don't neglect your study habits! (If you need help ask your advisement teacher for a copy of the PHS TUTORING SCHEDULE) Keep up the good work, and continue to improve your study skills.
- · Create a place to file of the following documents and notes: (Trust me, you will need this your SENIOR year and it will be hard to remember everything!) report cards, lists of awards and honors, school and community activities, and volunteer work.
- · Find out about AP and other honors-level courses you can take in high school to help you prepare for college or earn college credit. (Plan to attend MOWR information night – Oct. 19th at 6PM) Explore post-secondary credit opportunities including college, technical schools, special purpose schools, apprenticeships, and the military related to your selected career interest.
- · Continue to get involved in campus and community activities. (If you need a copy of PHS club information, please ask your advisement teacher).
- · Consider a youth apprenticeship, internship or other work-based learning programs. (If you want more information about this opportunity please ask your advisement teacher for the WBL flyer).