Junior News – Counselor Diana Humphries

 
Use the junior year to improve grades, take the ACT or SAT, and explore career and school options.  My goal for the juniors is to have you completely ready to be super seniors!  I will be checking on each of you regularly, and you are always welcome in the RHS Guidance Office.

 
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 admission, athletic eligibility requirements, and the Louisiana TOPS Scholarship.

 
GRADUATE EXIT EXAM:  All juniors will take the science and social studies parts of the GEE.  In addition to passing the ELA and math, a passing score of at least Approaching Basic on either the science or social studies is required.  Students not passing the test in the spring of the junior year will have a summer opportunity to retest.

 
TOPS: The Louisiana TOPS scholarship is awarded to Louisiana high school graduates who earn a minimum 2.5 gpa on 17.5 specific core classes and at least a 20 composite ACT.  This scholarship covers 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 complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) as a senior to receive TOPS and other types of funding such as grants and loans. Send your score to TOPS (code #1595) each time you take the ACT or SAT.

 
COLLEGE TESTING: 

PLAN – A practice test for the ACT.  RHS gives this test to sophomores.

 
PSAT/NMSQT – Preliminary SAT/National Merit Scholarship Qualifying Test.  This test is used to determine National Merit semifinalists and is given nationally in October. Students are encouraged to take this test as juniors to enter the scholarship competition. Qualifying students are notified in the fall of senior year.

 
SAT Reasoning Test - A college entrance exam that students generally begin taking during the junior year. The test has three sections: critical reading, writing and math.  Remember to send your score to TOPS (code #1595) each time you register for the SAT.

 
SAT Subject Tests - One-hour tests that measure knowledge in specific subjects.  These additional tests are required by some selective colleges. 

 
ACT – a college entrance exam that students generally begin taking during junior year. The test has four sections:  English, reading, math, and science.  Register for the ACT online at www.act.org. There is also an optional writing test but at this time it is required by only four schools in Louisiana:  LSU, Dillard, Loyola, and Tulane.  A complete list of nation-wide colleges that require the writing portion of the test are available on the ACT website.  Remember to send your score to TOPS (code #1595) each time you register for  the ACT.   

 
COLLEGE VISITS: Junior year is a great time to begin visiting colleges.  Call or email the admissions office or check in the guidance office for “visitation days” especially for prospective students and their parents.  Most of these days are on Saturdays, which are easier to schedule.  Also try “virtual tours” online which is a way to take a quick look at a campus.  Spring break and summer are good times to take college road trips.

 
ATHLETES: An athlete must meet NCAA requirements to play a sport or to receive a scholarship at a Division I or II school.  The requirements include a minimum gpa on 16 specific core classes as well as a required ACT/SAT score.  Registration with the NCAA Clearinghouse should be done online by the end of the junior year:  www.ncaaclearinghouse.net. The cost is approximately $50. ACT/SAT scores must be received by the Clearinghouse directly from the testing agency, so remember to use the code of #9999 for this purpose when registering for these tests.  There are no academic eligibility requirements for athletes entering junior colleges.

 
JUNIOR COLLEGES, VOCATIONAL SCHOOLS:  Students can prepare for many high-growth careers by attending a two-year college or trade school.  These schools do not require a college-prep high school program nor do they require the ACT/SAT.   Students who want a four-year college degree can also start at a junior college and then transfer later to a four-year college.  Junior colleges and vocational schools are a more hands-on approach to learning and are also excellent postsecondary options.

 
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 www.military.com.

 
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.  All RHS juniors will explore careers during the second semester through the Kuder Careers program offered by the RHS Career Center. 

 
SCHOLARSHIPS: Although you cannot apply for scholarships until you are a senior, now is the time to begin looking for scholarship possibilities. Most academic scholarships are based on minimum 3.5 gpa and high ACT/SAT scores.  Applicants are also expected to be involved in extracurricular and /or community activities.  In order to receive an athletic or talent scholarship, a student must be truly outstanding.  In addition to applying for TOPS and for freshman scholarships at prospective colleges, look for national scholarships which are listed in the 12^th grade section of the Ruston High website. Now is the time to begin your search so that you can note requirements, deadlines, and recommendation letters.  Also, begin compiling a list of your high school accomplishments, honors and awards, and community service for these applications.  Scholarship searches online are free, so be cautious of scholarship services who contact students and claim to be able to help get money for college.

The junior year in high school is an important year in your academic career.  Keep good study habits, take the ACT/SAT, begin browsing for schools.  Get busy and don’t procrastinate!