Grades: Grades this year are a priority. Your overall GPA is important, but your core GPA (English, math, science, social studies, foreign language) is the most important. These core grades count for college admissions as well as the Louisiana TOPS Scholarship.
GEE- Science & Social Studies March 10 - 11, 2008
Career Exploration: It is not too early to begin thinking about careers and which path to take after high school. Four good sites to visit are www.bls.gov.oco/home.htm, www.makingitcount.com, www.regents.state.la.us, and www.mapping-your-future.org.
ACT: Visit the ACT website. You can establish a free online account which will help you get your test scores online earlier than by mail. You can also monitor test center availability and print your own admission ticket.
LSU, Dillard, Loyola and Tulane are currently the only Louisiana schools that require the writing portion of the ACT at least once. You can find a complete list of nation-wide colleges on the website to see individual requirements about the writing portion of the test. Remember to send your ACT scores to TOPS - code# 1595.
TOPS: This scholarship is awarded to Louisiana High School graduates who earn a minimum 2.5 on 17.5 core classes and at least a 20 composite ACT. This scholarship pays for partial tuition at any Louisiana university, community college or vocational school and may be combined with other scholarships. Visit the Louisiana Office of Student Financial Assistance for more information. Remember that you must fill out the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) to receive TOPS and other types of funding such as grants and loans.
Military Opportunities: Students interested in attending a United States military academy must begin the application process during their junior year. Visit the academies' web sites for more information. Opportunities in all branches of the U.S. Military can be found at Military.com.