“We have an ethical responsibility to ensure readiness for college, career
and responsible citizenship.”
-Rochester City School District Mission Statement
A Guide for Parents & Students
College & Career Readiness
Keys to College and Career Readiness
Core Academic Knowledge and Skills•Strongfoundationincoreacademicareas: English,Math,SocialStudiesandScience
•Atleast75%onELARegents.Atleast80%onAlgebraRegents•Strongfoundationinart,musicandphysicaleducation
Key Behaviors and Attitudes•Gettingalongwithothers—teamwork•Advocatingforownneeds
Career-Specific Knowledge and Skills•CareerandTechnical(CTE)skillsandlearning•Explorationofcareersandpersonalstrengths
Name
School
Dear Student and Family,
Welcometomiddleandhighschool!You’reabouttobeginanewstageofyourjourneyinschool,andwewantyoutobereadyforit.Thisguidehasimportantinformationabouthowtoprepareforhighschool,howtobesuccessfulinhighschool,andhowtoprepareforyourfutureafterhighschool.Youdon’thavetodoitalone!Therearelotsofpeopleatyourschoolandinyourcommunitywhocanhelpyoubesuccessfulinschool.
Thisguidehasalistofresources,checklists,information,andplanningtoolsin-cludingwebsites,communityorganizations,activitiesandadditionalprogramstohelpyou,too.Takeadvantageoftheseresourcesasmuchaspossible–theyarehereforYOUandyourfamily!
Thisguidewillhelpyouunderstandwhatmiddleandhighschoolareallabout,andhelpyouplanforsuccessnowandinyourfuture.We are all excited to see what unique experiences and talents YOU will bring to your school.
-TheRochesterCitySchoolDistrict
FormoreinformationaboutotherRegentsdiplomaoptionsvisit:www.p12.nysed.gov/part100/pages/1005.html#regentsdiploma orseeyourschoolcounselor.
Regents Diploma Requirements
Credit: 22 units of credit distributed as follows:
4ELA4SocialStudies3 Science3 Mathematics½ Health1Arts1LanguageotherthanEnglish(LOTE)2PhysicalEducation3½Electives
Assessment: 5 required Regents exams with a score of 65 or better as follows: 1English/LanguageArts1GlobalHistoryandGeography1 Mathematics 1USHistoryandGovernment 1 Science
Regents with Advanced Designation
Same credit requirements as Regents diploma above.
In addition,astudentmustearnanadditional2unitsofcreditinLOTEora5unitsequenceintheArtsorCTE.Thesecreditscanbeincludedinthe22requiredcredits.
Assessment: 8 required Regents exams with a score of 65 or better as follows: 3 Mathematics 2 Science1ELA1GlobalHistoryandGeography1USHistoryandGovernmentandeitheralocallydevelopedCheckpointBLOTEexaminationora5unitsequenceintheArtsorCTE.
Questions to Ask Your Child’s Teacher1. Whatismychildexpectedtolearn,know,anddoatthisgradelevel?Howwillitbeassessed?
HowaretheCommonCoreLearningStandardsbeingusedinmychild’sclassroom?2. Canyouexplainhowmychild’sclassworkispreparinghim/herforcollegeandcareersuccess?3. Whatkindofworkshouldmychildbedoingathometosupportwhatistakingplaceintheclassroom?4. Whatdoesmychilddowell?Whatdoesmychildstrugglewith?5. WhatcanIdotopreparemychildforthenextschoolyear?
Ask about your child’s attitude. A positive mindset and belief in oneself are also essential to staying on track and achieving success...
1. Doesmystudentshowacommitmenttoschool?Ishe/sheattendingschoolconsistently?2. Doesmystudentsetandstriveforappropriategoals?3. Doesmystudentfinishtasksevenwhenhe/sheencounterssetbacks?4. Doesmystudentknowhis/herpersonalstrengths?5. Doesmystudentknowthesupportsavailabletohim/her?6. Ismystudentabletoadvocateonhis/herownbehalf?
3 Attendance is important, so set limits onbedtimeandhelpyourstudentgetout thedoorontimeeachmorning.
3 Make sure your teen is doing homework every night. Provideaquietworkspaceandroutinesthatallowenoughtimeforschoolwork.Ifyourchildstrugglesinaparticularsubject,asktheteacher,counselor,orprincipalaboutaplantohelpyourchildlearn.
3 Check your child’s report card each marking period. Makesurethatyourchild’spermanentrecordreflectsaccurategradeandattendanceinformation.
3 Get a copy of the state academic standards for each subject. Makesureyouknowwhatyourchildshouldbelearningandreviewyourchild’shomework.www.engageny.org
3 Use the District’s ParentCONNECTxptokeeptabsonyourchild’sattendanceandgradesandforcommu-nicatingwithteachers.Youcanalsofindoutaboutmissingassignments.
3 Beginning in middle school, there is an academic path that your child should follow to ensure college and career readiness.Findoutwhatsubjects/classesareofferedatyourchild’sschoolandmakesurehe/sheisinclassesthatarechallengingandwillhelppreparehim/herforhighschoolandbeyond.
3 Be an advocate at school.Volunteeratschooleventsand/orjointheparentassociation.
3 Attend parent teacher conferences. Seebelowforalistofquestionstoasktheteacher.
3 Work with your child’s counselor to map a course of study that prepares your child for college and career. Asktoseeyourchild’sschedule,4-yearplan,and transcript.Askquestionsandmakesureyouget copies.Lookforcollegeprepcoursesincluding honors,AdvancedPlacement,anddualenrollment, ifpossible.
3 Find out the high school course requirements for competitive four-year colleges that interest you and your teenager. Checktheadmissionspageonthecollege’swebsiteforthisinformationorvisit www.collegeboard.org
3 Learn all you can about college financial aid.UsetheFAFSA4castertoreceiveanearlyestimateofhow muchfederalstudentaidyourchildiseligiblefor. Goto https://fafsa4caster.ed.gov.
3 Find out which colleges offer your child the best chances of success. Trytovisitandtourcollegesofintereststartingfreshmanyear(orbefore).
Tips for Parents
College and Career ExplorationExploreearly!Learnmoreaboutyourinterestsanddifferentkindsofcareers.Talkwithadultsinyourfamilyandthecommunitywhohavedifferentkindsofcareers.Researchtheeducationqualificationsnecessaryto pursuethosecareers.Visitcollegecampuses.Learn aboutthedifferentmiddleandhighschooloptions availabletoyou.Eachschoolhasitsownareasofstrength,andmanyhavedifferentthemes.Lookforschoolsandprogramsthatmatchyourinterests.
Strengthen Study Skills•Useacalendarororganizertowritedownassignmentsandplanwhentogetworkdone
•Beginassignmentsassoonastheyaregiven•Doyourbesteverytime•Setasideaplacetodohomeworknightlyandspendtimestudyingeveryday
•Doworkforallclasses•Eatnutritiousfood,participateinatleast60minutesofphysicalactivity,andgetenoughsleepeveryday
•Beatschoolandinclasseveryday,unlessyouaretrulyill.Getmake-upworkwhenyoumuststayhome
Be High School Ready3 Whatisacreditandwhyisitimportant?3Whatisatranscriptandwhatdoesittellyou?Howisitused?
3Whatareyourhighschoolgraduationrequirements?3Whatisyourfour-yearplan?3Howdobehavioralexpectationsdifferfrommiddleschool?
3Howwillmyhighschoolschedulebedifferentfrommymiddleschoolschedule?
Summer LearningMakethemostofhowyouspendyourtimeeachsummer:
• Findasummerprogram,internshiporjobthatyouwillenjoy
•Readatleastthreebooks•Planasummeractivitythathelpsyoudevelopcollegeandcareerreadyskills,suchasajob,internship,classes,volunteering,orenrichmentactivities
•Plananengagingsummerbyresearchingandapplyingforsummerprogramsandinternships
1. Do well in school. Attend all your classes and get good grades.
q Developgoodstudyhabits.Setasidetimeeacheveningtoworkonhomework,projects,orstudyfortests.Findaquietplacetowork.
q Askforhelpfromateacher,schoolcounselororfellowstudentifyouarehavingtroubleinaclass.
q Makesurethatyougettoknowyourteachersandthatyourteachersknowyou.Theseteachersmaywriteyourecommendationsforcollege,jobs,or internshipsinthefuture.
2. Get to know your school counselor and start planning.
q Mapoutafour-yearplanfortheclassesyou’llneedforgraduation.
q UnderstandcreditrequirementsandRegentsexamsneededforhighschoolgraduationaswellaswhatadditionalcoursesyoumayneedtotaketobecollegeandcareerready.
q Exploreyourcareerinterestsandoptionswithyourschoolcounselor.
q Registerforaprofessionalsoundingemailaddress. -Forexample,[email protected] AskaboutAdvancedPlacement(AP)classesandaddthem
toyourfour-yearplan,ifwanted.
3. Try something new. Get involved in your school and community.
q Findagreatafter-schoolactivity.Forexample,joinaclub,sportsteam,performingartsprogram,communityservicegroup,etc.Keeparecordofallofyouractivities.Consideracoupleactivitiesthatyoucanbeinvolvedwithconsis-tentlythroughouthighschool.
- Collegesandemployerswillwanttoseethatyouareinvolvedinactivitieseachyearofhighschoolthatwillhelpyoudeveloppersonalstrengths,leadershipskills,andintereststhatmayshapefuturecollegeandcareergoals.
GRADES 7 & 8
GRADE 9
JANUARY
q MeetwithyourcounselortoconfirmwhichRegentsex-amsyoushouldtakeinJune
FEBRUARY
q ReviewyourPSATscoreswithyourschoolcounselor -Shareyourscoreswithyourparents
MARCH / APRIL q Createaresumeandpracticeyourinterviewskills
forjobsandcollegesq Researchandapplyforsummerprogramsand
internships -Paycloseattentiontoprogramdeadlinesq Visitacollegecampusandattendaninformationsessionq Askyourschoolcounselorandteachersiftheyknowof
anysummeropportunities
MAY / JUNE
q PrepareforandtaketheRegentsexamsq Applyforyourworkpermit -Seeyourschoolcounselorfordetailsq Meetwithyourschoolcounselorto: -Discussyouracademicprogress -Reviewyourfour-yearcourseplanandchoosethe
classesyouneedtotakenextyear -Discussyoursummerplans -AskaboutAdvancedPlacementclasses
GRADE 10
1. Continue to study hard and get help staying on track. Reviewyourcredits,gradesandRegentsscoreswithyourSchoolCounselortomakesureyouareontrackforhighschoolgraduation.
2. Research regularly.UsethelibraryandtheInternettoresearchandselectcollegesandcareersthatinter-estyou.Attendcollegefairsandopenhouses.Explorecommunityresourcestoseekoutinformationaboutpotentialcareers.Talktocurrentcollegestudentsaboutthebestandhardestpartsofcollege.
GRADE 11
1. Study hard. Getgoodgradessoyou’llgraduateontimeandbeeligibleforscholarships.
2. Explore.Visitstocollegecampusesareafunwaytolearnaboutcollegelife.
3. Become a leader. Goodleadersspeakwell,listen,inspireandhelpothers.Collegesandemployerslookforstudentswhoarepositiverolemodelswhocanmotivatetheirpeers.
SEPTEMBER / OCTOBER
q Meetwithyourschoolcounselorandparents/guardiansto:
-RegisterforthePSAT -Signupforafreeaccountatwww.collegeboard.org
-Reviewyour9thgradetranscriptandyourprogress throughyourfour-yearplan
q Stayinvolvedinextra-curricularactivities -Tryapplyingforaleadershippositionq TakethePSAT/NMSQT -Besuretoknowthecorrectdateandtestlocation -Askyourschoolcounselorforpracticetestsand
othertipsq Explorepossiblecareeroptions
NOVEMBER
q Continuetostudyhardandgetgoodgrades
DECEMBER
q Prepareformidtermand/orRegentsexams
3. Start taking a deeper look at yourself. Makelistsofyourabilities,social/culturalpreferences,andpersonalqualities.Takingthesestepsnowwillhelpyouasyouplanforlifeafterhighschool.
SEPTEMBER
q Continueyourinvolvementwithextracurricularandleader-shipactivities
q Makesurethatyoutakecoursesthatchallengeyouq RegisterfortheOctoberPSATwithyourschoolcounselor
GRADE 11OCTOBER / NOVEMBER
q Meetwithyourschoolcounselortodiscussyour10thgradePSATscores,andstarttoconsideryourcareerpath
q Attendfallcollegefairsandcontinuetoresearchcol-legeandcareeroptions
q TakethePSATtestagainorforthefirsttimeifyoudidnottakeitin10thgrade
DECEMBER
q PrepareforJanuaryRegentsexamsq FindandregisterforanSATprepcoursebeingheldin
JanuaryorFebruary
JANUARY
q Startlearningaboutfinancialaidandattendafinancialaidworkshopifpossible
q Talkwithyourschoolcounselorandothersaboutscholarships
q Meetwithyourschoolcounselorandparents/guardiansto:
-Reviewyouracademicprogress -FindoutwhichRegentsexamsyouhavetotake
inJune -ReviewPSATresultsanddiscusshowyoucan
improveonfuturestandardizedtestssuchasthe SATandACT
-MakeaplantotaketheSATinMayorJune
FEBRUARY
q Preparealistofcollegesyou’dliketoattend -Visitthoseschoolsonline,calladmissionsoffices
orgotocollegefairstorequestfreematerialsq Learnaboutspecialadmissionsrequirementsfor
performingandvisualartscollegesq TakeanSATprepcourseq Meetwithyourschoolcounselorandparents/guard-
ianstodecideontheclassesyouwilltakenextyearq Besuretochallengeyourselfacademically,colleges
willtakenoteofyourschedulechoices
MARCH
q Researchandapplyforasummerprogram,internshiporjob
q Visitsomeofthecollegesthatinterestyou
q IfyouareenrolledinAPcoursescontinuetoprepareforAPexamstobeheldinMay
q IfyouareplanningtotaketheMaySATseeyourschoolcounselorwithquestionsregardingregistration
APRIL
q Attendspringcollegefairsq Narrowyourcollegeapplicationlistq RegisterwiththeNCAAClearinghouseifyouareinterested
inplayingsportsincollegeatthedivisionIorIIlevelq IfyouareplanningtotaketheJuneSAT,seeyourschool
counselorwithquestionsregardingregistration
MAY
q TaketheMaySATifyouareregisteredq ContinuetoprepareforyourJuneRegentsexamsq ConsiderregisteringfortheJuneACT,talkwithyour
schoolcounseloraboutoptions
JUNE
q TaketheJuneSATorACTifyouareregisteredq TakeRegentsexamsq Meetwithyourschoolcounselorandparents/guardiansto: -Discussyourcurrentcoursesandthenumberofcredits
youhave -Reviewyourcollegelistand/orfutureplans -Reviewyoursummerplansq Talkwithschoolcounselor,teachers,administrators
and/orsupervisorsthatyoumayaskforlettersof recommendationinthefall
SUMMER
q Enjoyyoursummerprogram,internship,youthemploy-mentorvolunteerwork
q Useonlineresourcestocontinueyourcollegeandcareerplanning
q Writeanoutlineforanautobiographicalessayforcollegeadmissionandscholarshipopportunities
q Visitcollegecampusesq Identifyatleasttwoscholarshipsthatmatchyourinterests
or talentsq Updateyourresumethatincludesallofyourjobs,accom-
plishmentsandextracurricularactivitiesq Findoutifaplacementtest,auditionorportfolioisre-
quiredforadmissiontoaspecializedprogramq ResearchsummerdeadlinesforfallACT,SAT,TOEFLand
upcomingcollegeapplicationsq BeginpreparingfortheSATsubjecttestsyouplantotake
inthefalland/orSATretake
GRADE 121. Set goals, work hard, take school seriously.Yoursenioryearcanbeoneofthemostrewardingtimesofyourlife!Bytheend,you’llhaveearnedahighschooldiplomaandwillbecollege,careerandlifebound.
2. Pay attention to details.Deadlinesareveryimportant.Missingonecanleadtomissedopportunity.Followthroughwithallthesmallstepsalongtheway,andyou’llbeaheadofthegame.
3. Manage your time.Continuetobeinvolvedinrewardingactivitiesbothinandoutofschool.Betweenschool,homework,socialactivitiesandtheamountofworkinvolvedincollegeapplications,youwillbebusy.Plancarefullyandberesponsible,soyoursenioryearcanbebothfunandrewarding.
SEPTEMBER
q Studyhardandgetgoodgrades-Collegesliketoseestronggradesthroughoutyour senior year
q Createacalendartokeeptrackofimportantdatesanddeadlines -Collegeandfinancialaidapplications/deadlines-Scholarshipapplications/deadlines
q Haveafoldertokeepcollegeinformationtogetherq RegisterforyourSAT,SATsubjecttest,ACT,TOEFLq Meetregularlywithyourschoolcounselor
-Makesureyouaretakingclassesthatwillputyou ontrackforgraduation
q Reviewyourcollegeapplicationlistandbeginfillingoutapplications
q Makesureyourlistincludesdream, probableandsafety schools
q Askyourschoolcounseloraboutearlydecision/earlyactionoptions
q Requesttwoorthreelettersofrecommendation-Onelettershouldbefromyourschoolcounselor -Don’tforgetaboutsupervisorsfromafter-schooland summeractivities/employment/communityservice
q Writefirstdraftsofyouressaysforcollegeandscholarshipapplications
q TaketheSeptemberACTifregisteredq Communityserviceisagreatwaytogetinvolved,
buildworkexperience,andmakecontactsq Rememberyourcommunityservicerequirement
-20hoursarerequiredforgraduation
OCTOBER
q Continuetomeetwithyourschoolcounselortodiscusscollege/careerplans
q TaketheOctoberSAT,SATsubjecttestsorACTifyouareregistered
q Finalizeyourlistofcollegesq Askyourschoolcounselorifyoumightqualifyfor
programssuchasHEOP/EOPq Giverecommendationandothernecessaryformsto
yourschoolcounselor,teachers,employersorothers-Includeaddressed,stampedenvelopestomakeiteasierforthemtomailtheletters
q Meetearlydecision/earlyactiondeadlinesifapplicableq Workonyouressaydrafts
-Getfeedbackfromteachersoryourschoolcounselorq Polishyourportfolioandauditionpresentationifyou
areapplyingtoavisualorperformingartsschoolq Begintoapplyforscholarshipsq Attendcollegefairsandcontinuetovisitcollege
campuses
NOVEMBER
q Continuetomeetwithyourschoolcounselortodiscusscollege/careerplans
q TaketheNovemberSATifyouareregisteredq Continuefillingoutyourcollegeapplications -Mostregularadmissionsdeadlinesrangefrom
lateDecembertoearlyMarchq Attendafinancialaidworkshopwithyourparents/
guardiansq Remindteachers,schoolcounselorsandothersto
completeyourrecommendationlettersq Schedulecollegeinterviewsorauditions,ifnecessaryq Reviseyouressaysandaskforfinalfeedbackfrom
teachersoryourschoolcounselor
DECEMBER
q Continuetomeetwithyourschoolcounselortodiscusscollege/careerplans
q Remembertocheckyouremailandmailregularlyforcommunicationfromtheschoolsyouappliedto,theremaybeadditionalpaperworkrequiredtocompletesuchasHEOP/EOPapplications
q TaketheDecemberSATorACTifyouareregisteredq RemembermanycollegeshaveJanuary1stdeadlines,
ensureallmaterialsarecompletedwellinadvanceofwinterrecess
q Finalizeyouressaysifnotalreadycomplete
q Collectinformationaboutyourfamily’shouseholdfinances,whichwillberequiredfortheFAFSAform
q ApplyforaPINforyourTAPandFAFSAapplications,whichcanbesubmittedafterJanuary1st
q PrepareforJanuaryregentsexamsrequiredforgraduation
q SendoutallscholarshipapplicationsbeforetheendofDecemberifpossible
JANUARY
q Continuetomeetwithyourschoolcounselortodiscusscollege/careerplans
q Makesureyourapplicationsarecompleteq Letyourcounselorknowanyschoolsthatrequire
mid-yearreportsq Remembertocheckyouremailandmailregularlyfor
communicationfromtheschoolsyouappliedto -Theremaybeadditionalpaperworkrequiredto
complete,suchasHEOP/EOPapplicationsq Askyourparents/guardianstoworkontheirtax
returnestimatessoyoucancompletetheFAFSAandgetthefinancialaidyouneed
-SubmittheFAFSAafterJanuary1st -Gotowww.fafsa.ed.govq Attendfinancialaidworkshopswithyourparents/
guardiansathighschools,collegeaccessprograms ortheDepartmentofEducation
-IncludingCollegeGoalSundayq Checkwithyourteachers,schoolcounseloror
employerstomakesureyourlettersofrecommenda-tionandtranscriptsaremailed
FEBRUARY
q QuicklycompleteandreturnHEOP/EOPformsthatyoureceivefromcolleges
q Remembertocheckyouremailandmailregularlyforcommunicationfromtheschoolsyouappliedto
-Theremaybeadditionalpaperworkrequiredto completesuchasHEOP/EOPapplications
q WorkonFAFSAifnotalreadycompleted -YoushouldreceiveaStudentAidReport(SAR)
shortlyaftercompletionq CompleteyourTAPapplicationq CompleteCSS/PROFILEandotherfinancialaidforms
MARCH
q KeepaneyeoutforyourSAR,whichwillhavetheinformationthatyouincludedonyourFAFSA
-ReviewyourSARandsubmitanynecessarychanges
q Continuetoapplyforscholarshipsq Stayactiveinschool
-Collegesdolookatsecondsemestergrades -Ifwaitlisted,collegeswanttolookataccomplishments
sincethesubmissionofyourapplication
APRIL
q Checkthemailfordecisionletters -Manycollegeswillletyouknowtheirdecisionsthis
month -Financialaidlettersaresentseparatelybyeachcollegethatacceptsyou,andtheseusuallyarrivelater
q Bringtheseletterstoyourschoolcounselorforreviewq Springbreakisagreatopportunitytovisitanycolleges
youhavenotyetseen
MAY / JUNE
q Onceyouhavechosentheschoolyouplantoattend,notifythecollegebeforethedeadline
-DeadlineisusuallyMay1stq Remembertonotifyyourschoolcounselorofyourfinal
choiceandcompleteyourseniorinformationform -Yourfinaltranscriptwillbesenttoyourcollegeof
choicefollowinggraduationq Mailyourtuitionandroomandboarddepositsq Reviewallofyourfinancialaidformsandcheckoffthe
financialaidyouaccept -Sign/returntheformtothecollegefinancialaidoffice -Ifapplicable,signandreturnloanpromissorynotesq Ifyouneedmorefinancialaid,contactthecollege’s
financialaidofficeq Ifyouplantoliveoncampus,youwillreceiveinforma-
tionondormitories -Completeandreturnthequestionnaireonpersonal
lifestyle,interestsandhabitsq Notifyallothercollegesthatyoudonotplantoaccept
theirofferofadmissionq IfacceptedthroughHEOP,reviewinformationonman-
datorysummerorientationandclassscheduleq Studentsacceptedforregularadmissionshouldreview
theorientationandregistrationscheduleq FinishHighSchool!q Ifyouareregistered,takeAPtest(s) -Scoringwellcanearnyoucreditsincollegeq Keepontopofyourclasses,soyoudonotjeopardize
yourhighschoolgraduationq Prepareforandtakefinalexamsq Breatheabigsighofrelief!
CONGRATULATIONS, YOU MADE IT!
WHICH ROUTE SHOULD I TAKE?
?
?
Vocational Training/Apprenticeship ProgramsVery short programs that are skills-based and usually take 6-40 weeks to complete
•LocalprogramsincludeRochesterEducationalOpportunityCenter,BOCES#1,BOCES#2•Apprenticeshipprogramsareoftenapathtotradeunionmembership•Examplesofprogramsincludeplumbing,carpentry,electrical
Certificate Programs Programs for students who want to gain a high degree of specialization through a short program
of instruction (less than 2 years)
•Approximately30collegecredits(butvariesgreatly)•Examplesofprogramsincludeautomotivetechnology,culinaryarts,earlycare,lawenforcement,opticalsystemstechnology
•LocalcollegeswhichofferthesetypesofprogramsincludeMonroeCommunityCollege(MCC),FingerLakesCommunityCollege(FLCC),GeneseeCommunityCollege(GCC)
Community College Career Programs Programs for students who plan to enter the job market immediately after graduating from college.
These lead to an Associate in Applied Sciences (A.A.S.) degree
•60-70credits•20ofthosecreditsareinthegeneraleducationarea(LiberalArtsandSciences)•Theremainderinthecareerarea
Community College Transfer Programs Programs for students who plan to transfer to a four-year college or university. These lead to an
Associate in Arts (A.A.) or Associates in Science (A.S.) degree
•SimilarcreditrequirementstotheA.A.S.degree•2+2dualadmissionprogramsarecooperativeprogramsofstudywithspecifiedcolleges. SuccessfulcompletionoftheA.A.orA.S.degreeassurestransfertothefour-yearcollegewith fulljuniorstatus.
Four-Year College/University Programs that lead to a Bachelor of Arts (B.A.) or Bachelor of Sciences (B.S.) degree
•120credits•Usually30-40ofthosecreditsareinthegeneraleducationarea(LiberalArtsandSciences)
Graduate School•BachelorDegreemustbecompletedfirst•Specializedinaveryspecificcourseofstudy•IncludesMastersandDoctorateDegrees,M.D.,LawSchool
Military•AirForce,Army,CoastGuard,Marines,NationalGuard,Navy•ActiveDutyvs.Reserve•MilitaryAcademies•ReserveOfficerTrainingCorps(ROTC)
WHICH ROUTE SHOULD I TAKE?
??
?
Discoverandlearnmoreaboutyourpersonalstrengthsandinterestsandhowthesecanhelpyouselectacareerpathwaythatmightbegoodforyou.
National Career Clusters
Agriculture, Food and Natural ResourcesTheproduction,process-ing,marketing,distribution,financing,anddevelopmentofagriculturalcommodi-tiesandresourcesincludingfood,fiber,woodproducts,naturalresources,horticul-ture,andotherplantandanimalproducts/resources.
To explore these and other careers further, go to:
CareerZone(https://www.careerzone.ny.gov)andCareerCoach(https://monroecc.emsicareercoach.com/)
Arts, Audio Visual Technology and CommunicationsDesigning,producing,exhib-iting,performing,writing,andpublishingmultimediacontentincludingvisualandperformingartsanddesign,journalism,andentertain-mentservices.
Architecture and ConstructionCareersindesigning,plan-ning,managing,buildingandmaintainingthebuiltenvironment.
Business Management and AdministrationCareersinplanning,organiz-ing,directingandevaluatingbusinessfunctionsessentialtoefficientandproductivebusinessoperations.
Education and TrainingPlanning,managingandprovidingeducationandtrainingservices,andrelatedlearningsupportservices.
FinancePlanning,servicesforfinancialandinvestmentplanning,banking,insur-ance,andbusinessfinancialmanagement.
Government and Public AdministrationPlanningandperforminggovernmentfunctionsatthelocal,stateandfederallevels,includinggov-ernance,nationalsecurity,foreignservice,planning,revenueandtaxation,andregulations.
Health SciencePlanning,managing,andprovidingtherapeuticser-vices,diagnosticservices,healthinformatics,supportservices,andbiotechnologyresearchanddevelopment.
Hospitality and TourismHospitalityandTourismencompassestheman-agement,marketingandoperationsofrestaurantsandotherfoodservices,lodging,attractions,rec-reationeventsandtravelrelatedservices.
Human ServicesPreparingindividualsforemploymentincareerpathwaysthatrelatetofamiliesandhumanneedssuchascounselingandmentalhealthservices,familyandcommunityser-vices,personalcare,andconsumerservices.
Information TechnologyBuildinglinkagesinIToc-cupationsforentrylevel,technical,andprofessionalcareersrelatedtothede-sign,development,supportandmanagementofhard-ware,software,multimediaandsystemsintegrationservices.
Law, Public Safety, Corrections and SecurityPlanning,managing,andprovidinglegal,publicsafety,protectiveservicesandhomelandsecurity,includingprofessionalandtechnicalsupportservices.
ManufacturingPlanning,managingandperformingtheprocessingofmaterialsintointermedi-ateorfinalproductsandrelatedprofessionalandtechnicalsupportactivitiessuchasproductionplan-ningandcontrol,mainte-nanceandmanufacturing/processengineering.
Marketing, Sales and ServicePlanning,managing,andperformingmarketingactivitiestoreachorganiza-tionalobjectives.
Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM)Planning,managing,andprovidingscientificresearchandprofessionalandtechni-calservices(physicalscience,socialscience,engineering)includinglaboratoryand testingservices,andresearchanddevelopmentservices.
Transportation, Distribution and LogisticsPlanning,management,andmovementofpeople,materials,andgoodsbyroad,pipeline,air,railandwaterandrelatedprofes-sionalandtechnicalsupportservicessuchastransporta-tioninfrastructureplanningandmanagement,logisticsservices,mobileequipmentandfacilitymaintenance.
9TH
10TH
11TH
12TH
MY EDUCATION PLAN
COURSES EXAMS
NAME
COURSES EXAMS
COURSES EXAMS
COURSES EXAMS
1
MY GOALS FOR HIGH SCHOOLGOAL BY
2
3
1GOAL BY
2
3
MY GOALS FOR AFTER HIGH SCHOOL
Goals can be large or small,
from getting to school on time every day,
to earning a 3.0 GPA.
AIM HIGH!
ACT (American College Test)ACTisacollegeentranceexam.Itassessesyourgeneraleducationaldevelopmentandyourabilitytocompletecollege-levelwork.StudentsusuallytaketheACTin11thgrade;manytakeitagainin12thgrade.Mostcol-legesrequireeithertheACTortheSATaspartoftheapplication.
AP (Advanced Placement) APclassesarecollege-levelclassesthatareoffered in high school. After taking theseclasses,studentscantakeAPexams.Ifyouscore high enough, you can earn collegecredit.Yourcollegewilldeterminethis.
Early Action/Early Decision BothEarlyActionandEarlyDecisionplansallowyoutoapply tocollegeearly (dead-linesusuallyare inNovember)andgetanearlydecisionfromthecollege.EarlyDeci-sion plans are binding: If you apply as anEarlyDecisioncandidate,youagree toat-tendthecollegeifitacceptsyouandoffersan adequate financial aid package. MostEarlyActionplansarenotbinding:Youtyp-icallydonothave to commit to a collegewhenyouapplyEarlyAction.
FAFSA (Free Application for Federal Student Aid)Thisapplicationisacriticalelementofap-plyingforfinancialaidandcanbesubmit-tedonlineorbymail.TocompletetheFAF-SA,parents/guardiansmusthavecopiesoftheirfederalandstatetaxformsreadybytheendofJanuaryofthestudent’ssenioryear.
HEOP/EOPHigher Education Opportunity Program (forprivateinstitutions)andEducation Op-portunity Program(forpublicinstitutions).Bothofferfinancialaidandacademicsup-porttostudentswhomeeteconomiceligi-bilityguidelines.Toapply,checktheHEOP/EOP box on your college applications orcontactthecolleges’HEOP/EOPoffices.
HESC (New York State Higher Education Servic-es Corporation)This state agency administers the TuitionAssistance Program and guarantees stu-dentloans.
PSAT/NMSQT (Preliminary SAT/National Merit Scholarship Qualifying Test)Thisstandardizedtestprovidespracticefor
theSAT.ItalsogivesyouachancetoenterNationalMeritscholarshipprograms.
SAR (Student Aid Report)AreportthatconfirmsthatyourFAFSAhasbeenprocessed.YouwillreceiveyourSARfrom FAFSA either electronically withinthreedaysorbymailwithinthreeweeks,depending on how you submitted yourFAFSA.ReviewyourSARcarefullyandsendanychangesbymail.
SAT (Scholastic Aptitude Test)The SAT is a college entrance exam thatassessescriticalthinkingandproblem-solv-ingskills.StudentsusuallytaketheSATin11thgrade;manytakeitagainin12thgrade.MostcollegesrequireeithertheSATortheACTaspartoftheapplication.
SAT Subject TestsThese standardized tests measure your
Resources & ReferencesTest RegistrationSATRegistration www.collegeboard.orgACTRegistration www.actstudent.org
College ApplicationsCommonApplication www.commonapp.orgSUNYApplication www.suny.edu/studentHistoricallyBlackCollege www.eduinconline.comApplication
NCAA Eligibility Center www.eligibilitycenter.org
Financial Aid & ScholarshipsFederalStudentAid www.fafsa.govNYSFinancialAid www.hesc.comScholarshipSearchEngine www.fastweb.comScholarshipSearchEngine www.scholarships.com
Career ExplorationNYSCareerZone www.careerzone.ny.gov/views/careerzone/index.jsfMCCCareerCoach https://monroecc.emsicareercoach.com/
American School Counselor Association (2004). ASCAStudentStandards.Alexandria,VA:Author.Expect Success: A Family’s Guide to Preparing Students for College and Career,NYCDepartmentofEducationThe Education Trust: How to Help Your Child Prepare for College and CareerNew Visions for Public Schools – College Guide 2007Oakland Unified Student Guide:http://www.ousd.k12.ca.us/cms/lib07/CA01001176/Centricity/Domain/172/2012_Student_Guide_English.pdfNew York State Education Department–EngageNY.org
Glossary of Important Termsknowledge and skills in particular subjectareas,suchasEnglish,history,mathemat-ics, science and language. Many collegesuse the Subject Tests for admission, forcourse placement and to advise studentsabout course selection. Students shouldtakeSATSubjectTestsonlyinsubjectsforwhichtheyarewellprepared.
TAP (Tuition Assistance Program)TAPoffersadditionalfinancialassistancetostudents attending colleges and universi-tiesinNewYorkState.YoucanlinktotheTAP site once you complete your FAFSAonlineorcontactHESCtoapplybymail.AnexpressTAPapplicationiscalledETA.
TOEFL (Test of English as a Foreign Language)TOEFLisrequiredfornon-nativeapplicantsatmanyEnglish-speakingcollegesanduni-versities.
If you need additional resources or support, please talk to your school counselor.
Rochester City School District131 West Broad StreetRochester, NY 14614
(585) 262-8100www.rcsdk12.org
Board of EducationVanHenriWhite,PresidentCynthiaElliott,VicePresident
MaryAdamsMeliszaCampos
JoséCruzMalikEvansWillaPowell
Student RepresentativeSophieGallivan
Superintendent of SchoolsBolgenVargas,Ed.D.