Class of 2012

Senior

Presentation

Mrs. Michaels – Senior Counselor

GUIDANCE DEPARTMENT “Where futures begin”

New Division of Counselors Mr. James Knapp, Counselor – Class of 2015 (412) 854-8576

Mr. Michael Bruce, Counselor – Class of 2014 (412) 854-8587 Mrs. Lorri Smith, Counselor – Class of 2013 (412) 854-8501 Mrs. Kristen Michaels, Counselor - Class of 2012 (412) 854-8500 Mrs. Kathy Janosik, Secretary-Counseling (412) 854-8597 Ms. Janet Davin, Secretary-Counseling/Gifted Ed (412) 854-8632 Mrs. Cathy Born, Secretary – Records (412) 854-8595

By now you should have:

Taken the PSAT , SAT and/or ACT

Became involved in school and/or community activities and made a note-worthy

contribution in one or more areas

Started familiarizing yourself with the Bethel Park Website (www.bpsd.org) for

information about jobs, college meetings, scholarships, and tests dates

Completed surveys on Bridges/Career Cruising to assist you with choosing a major

Started investigating features of colleges that suit your interests, needs, and abilities

Consulted with a range of sources about colleges such as your counselor, teachers,

parents, recent graduates, current students, etc.

Attended College Meetings last year in the Counseling Office

Visited colleges over the summer

Continued good study habits to earn the best grades possible, as your Junior Year

grades will be the last full year represented on your transcript that will be mailed to

colleges

• Created or adjusted your senior schedule to reflect your interests and intended major

By now you should have:

Senior TO DO List:

Register for the fall SAT and/or ACT…and SAT II (Subject Tests – IF required)

Attend College Meetings in the Counseling Office (Learn of opportunities on

the website, Counseling Office, or Records/Counseling Bulletin Board)

Narrow down the list of colleges and universities you plan to apply to

Start completing your applications and have all applications completed by

December (in some cases earlier)

Senior TO DO List:

Apply for scholarships throughout the year (Learn of opportunities on the

website, Counseling Office, or Records/Counseling Bulletin Board)

Have your parents file the FASFA Form for Financial Aid between January and

March

Register for May AP Exams if applicable

Maintain your grades as colleges DO request a final transcript

Receive college acceptances in March/April, make your decision by May, reply

to the colleges, and secure your place by sending in your deposit

Log on Summary for Choices and Career Cruising

www.cx.bridges.com See Counselor for access codes www.careercruising.com See Counselor for access codes

Quick Access: School or Program Lists

To use BRIDGES: Log on to: www.bridges.com

Enter: Portfolio Name (If you have created one) Portfolio Name (Hint: first initial last name all one word) Portfolio Password (Hint: student ID number) - OR - Site ID See Counselor for access information Choose: 1. Choices Planner 2. Learn 3. More… 4. Find programs by Alphabetical List – or – 5. Find schools by Alphabetical List

Quick Access: School or Program Lists

To use CAREER CRUISING: Log on to: www.careercruising.com See Counselor for access information Choose: 1. Search for Schools 2. Search for Programs

Question and Answer:

Q: If I am applying online do I still need to come to the Records Office?

A: YES! If colleges require online forms of any kind you should print out these forms and bring them with you to the Records Office. We do not submit forms online as of yet. When you bring these printed forms you should also bring your application fee, essay(s), 3 stamps, and any other paperwork including any Letters of Recommendation you want sent with your records and application. While you are in the Records Office, Mrs. Born will have you complete your Transcript Request (must do this for every application), a Recommendation Questionnaire (one time only), and Activities Report Sheet (one time only).

Question and Answer:

Q: What does a complete transcript include?

A: A complete or “Official” transcript must be sent directly from the High School and includes: Final grades for 9-11 Courses in progress for grade 12 Weighted and Non-Weighted QPA SAT/ACT/PSAT/PSSA/AP Exam (if applicable) Total credits attempted and earned Grading Scale Principal signature Official School Seal

Question and Answer:

Q: Are SAT scores on the transcript?

A: Yes. All SAT’s and ACT’s are listed on your transcript IF you used our school code (392-270) when you registered for the SAT/ACT. If you did not use our school code your scores will be sent to the testing site. You will also get a score report sent to your home and you can bring this report to the records office so that they can be added to your transcript In addition, MOST schools accept SAT/ACT scores directly from our school transcript. Two exceptions we know of are Penn State University and James Madison University. For both of these schools you must enter their code when you are registering for the test(s). If you did not do this and are applying to either of these schools (or another school that states they have to receive them directly) you must contact SAT/ACT and pay a fee of $10 for each score report you want sent to a school. If you are a student athlete and are or are planning to register for the Clearinghouse, you will want to enter code 9999 when registering for the SAT/ACT so that your scores are sent directly to them as well.

Question and Answer:

Q: When applying to a college do I have to send in everything at once?

A: You do not have to send it in at once (especially if you are applying online. However, you should try to send as much as possible at once. Since transcripts are not sent electronically, you will still have “paper” to send to each school. The records office will be happy to include all items that you may be sending to a college or university at the same time as your transcript, if it is provided when you fill out your Transcript Request. These items may include but are not limited to: Letters of Recommendation Addendum (Resume) Essay Statement explaining an additional retest date for the SAT/ACT Application Fee Counselor or School Forms (PLEASE remember to print out copies of “online” forms as we do not yet submit electronically!)

GO HAWKS!