These are some considerations as you complete your senior year and make your plans for your future.

I. College Choice

A. Large or small college?

B. Close to home or away from home?

C. In state or out of state?

D. Live at home, on campus or off campus?

E. Who pays – you, parents, scholarships, loans?

II. Career Choices

A. Have you made a decision on your career choice?

1. Don’t panic if you haven’t made a choice yet, many students wait

until the end of their freshman year in college before

making a career choice.

2. Remember, not all students need or want to go to college. If you

are planning a trade or other career choice, come see me

for assistance.

B. Have you researched the career you have chosen?

1. Where will you have to live to pursue your career?

2. Is your choice really in your area of strength?

3. What would it be like to be in the career you have chosen?

4. What is the salary range?

5. Do you prefer working independently or as part of a team?

6. Will your career choice still be available after 4 years of training?

III. Scholarships

A. Academic

1. Most universities require scholarship applications to be in by

mid December. Some schools, like LSU, have a

November 15 deadline.

2. Apply to several schools.

3. Look up your prospective university(s) on the WEB to find out

about available scholarships and qualifications.

4. Be sure to include your 6 semester transcript and letters of

recommendation with your application.

a. Get a copy of your transcript from your counselor.

b. Ask your counselor and/or your teachers to write letters

of recommendation.

B. Athletic

1. You need at least a 17 on the ACT to play college sports.

2. Be sure you are registered with NCAA Clearinghouse.

3. Have videos of your best performances.

4. Ask your coaches for assistance.

C. Financial Need

1. Families within certain income levels may qualify for financial

assistance. This level will fluctuate in relation to how many

children are in the family.

IV. ACT Testing

A. You will need a 20 on the ACT to qualify for TOPS and to

enter most universities. A score of 23 and a 3.0 GPA will

get you an additional $1600.00 in TOPS money, and a

score of 27 and a 3.0 GPA will get you an additional

$3200.00.

B.  Your next ACT Test will be Oct. 25, 2009.

1. You have until Sept. 20 to register for that test. If you

have not made a 20 yet, this test is strongly

recommended. Get registration packets in the

office, or register online. (www.actstudent.org )

C. The next ACT Tests will be  Dec.12, Feb. 6, April 10, and

June 12.

D. If you have not made at least a 20 by February, it’s strongly

recommend that you take an ACT Prep Course and/or

purchase and study CD ROMs and books  on ACT Prep.

The Sylvan Learning Center has been effective.

E. Diligent course work is the best method to increase your ACT

Score.

F. If you can’t seem to get above an 18 or 19 after several

testings, you may want to take the SAT Test. In rare

cases, students can qualify for TOPS that way.

V. Proper Attitude

A. Remember that you still have a full school year ahead of you;

keep on working.

B. Being diligent and studious now can have a positive effect on

your GPA and ACT Scores.

VI.  If you need help with any of the above considerations, come see me.

Good Luck

Mr. Bellard