Want to be a Tuslaw Student of the Month?

Seniors who are interested in becoming student of the month need to see Mrs. Derheimer for an application.  Students selected as student of the month will be honored at a rotary meeting, will be noted on the website and the Tuslaw Local Schools sign, will be interviewed for the Route and listed in the yearbook.

Request a Transcript

http://goo.gl/forms/MK7h6kfK11

Senior Questionnaire

** Must be completed by all seniors!

http://goo.gl/forms/A8GBF8nv3Z

Upcoming Events

Stark County College Fair - October 4th 6-8pm at the Canton Civic Center (All Juniors and Seniors are highly encouraged to attend this event!)

 College Visits

Visitations to colleges are a very meaningful component in the college selection process. Seniors are permitted two (2) excused visitation days to a college or university.  Juniors are permitted one excused visitation days.

In order to take a college visitation day, several steps must be taken:

1. Make an appointment with the Admissions Office of the college where you want to visi
2. Obtain a college visitation from the Guidance Office.
3. Complete the college visitation form (a signature from your parents and Mrs. Derheimer is required.
4. Turn the top portion of the form into Mrs. Evans at least 24 hours PRIOR to your college visit.
5. Be certain to have a college official sign the visitation form (college students are not permitted to sign the form).
6. Return the bottom portion of the form to Mrs. Evans after the college visit.

*Failure to complete the procedures will result in your absence being an absence (instead of a field trip).

College Search

http://www.ohioprivatecolleges.org/index.html

http://www.opuac.org/pdf/thinkpublic.pdf

Ohio Online Colleges

http://www.bestschools.com/online-colleges-in-ohio/

http://www.guidetoonlineschools.com/

What are colleges looking for?

1. High School Involvement (Athletics, Clubs/Activities, Band, Choir, Fine Art, Leadership, Volunteer)

2. Overall GPA

3. Class Rank

4. ACT/SAT Test Score

5. Curriculum (schools want to see at least 4 years of math and english, 3 years of science and social studies, 2 years of a foreign language, fine art).  It is very important to be taking the most challenging courses that you are eligible to take.

6. Good recommendations (establish good relationships with teachers, coaches, and faculty members

Juniors

As a Junior, what should I be doing to prepare myself for my senior year?

1. Take the ACT

2. VISIT! VISIT! VISIT!!!!

3. Applications, scholarships and financial aid will all be available during your senior year.

College Books

I am attaching a few documents.  These documents list all of the public and private school in Ohio.  These books include a wealth of information about each school.  Information includes: Admission requirements, Average grades and test scores for incoming freshman, Contact information, Application Fees, Tuition and Fees, Average scholarships given to students, etc.  These books are fantastic resources for all students.

The books are very large and had to be divided into multiple parts.  This a listing for private colleges and one for public colleges.  The public colleges will be posted on this site once it is published. 

ACT/SAT Information

Students need to take the ACT or SAT at least one time during their Junior year.  In order to view test dates and registration deadlines, log onto www.actstudent.org.

Students register for the test on this page, are able to request test scores, view test scores, upload a picture (required by ACT prior to the test), view identification requirements, view calculator requirements, obtain practice questions, etc.

Practice test booklets are available in the guidance office.

All students should have their scores sent to colleges (students will be asked that during registration).  Many colleges require that scores are sent directly from ACT.  If the scores are not requested prior to the testing date, an additional fee will be charged to have the score sent. 

ACT

-       CEEB Code 363-283

-       Take the ACT Plus Writing at least one time (check the ACT website for colleges who recommend/require the writing portion)

o      Many colleges/universities use the Writing portion to place students in College Composition classes their Freshman year (even if they don’t require it for admission).

-       Testing dates: (be aware of deadlines to register!)

www.actstudent.org (complete all registration information)

-   ACT (without writing) $39.50, ACT with writing $56.50 (late fee - $25, test date change fee $23, test center change $24 - See Mrs. Derheimer for a Fee Waiver (if you are on free/reduced lunch)

-     List 4 colleges to have scores sent to (many schools require scores be sent directly from ACT and it costs $12 if you do it AFTER the test.) EX: OSU, University of Cincinnati require scores be sent directly from ACT.

-   High Score of 36

-   Timed test and there is no penalty for guessing (points are not deducted for wrong answers, they are only given for correct answers)

-   December, April, and June tests you can request your answers along with the test questions for a small fee (good for first time test takers)

-       See Mrs. Derheimer for a practice packet or download practice packet from actstudent.org (see the registration paper you were given)

-       See Mrs. Derheimer for a fee waiver (can use 2)

FREE practice – directions available in the guidance office

SAT

-       CEEB Code 363-283

-       Testing dates: (be aware of deadlines to register!)

www.collegeboard.com (complete all registration information)

-   SAT $52.50, Late registration $80.50, See Mrs. Derheimer for a Fee Waiver (if you are on free/reduced lunch)

-       List 4 colleges to have scores sent to

-       Heavy emphasis on vocabulary

-       Reading, Writing, Math (A possible 800 on EACH section)

-       Points are taken off when you guess and the answer is incorrect

-       Free practice http://sat.collegeboard.com/practice

ACT Test Taking Tips

The ACT is a widely used college admission standardized test. It has four mandatory subject tests: English, Reading, Mathematics, and Science. There is also an optional Writing test which some colleges require.

ACT Test Taking Tips,

   * Answer the questions you find easiest first and then go back to others

   * Don't spend more than a minute or two on any question.

   * As you work on a section, keep track of how much time remains.

   * Answer every question. There is no penalty for guessing.

   * Be careful to mark only one answer choice per question.

   * Write in the test book in any way that will help you.

   * Consider all answer choices before you choose one. Use the process of elimination to narrow your choices.

English Section Tips

   * Consider the writing style used for each section. The correct answer choice will be the one that works best with the writing style used.

   * When asked a question about something that is underlined, consider how the underlined portion fits with the rest of the section.

   * Examine each answer choice to see how it differs from the others.

   * For items that include "No Change" as an answer choice, choose this as your answer only if you are sure none of the other answer choices are correct.

   * Reread the underlined portion with your answer choice to be sure it is correct.

Reading Section Tips

   * Read the passage carefully before you read the questions.

   * Focus on the main ideas in the passage. Underline these. Don't get lost in the details.

   * Try to identify how ideas in the passage are connected.

   * Refer back to the passage as you answer each question.

Mathematics Section Tips

   * Work out the problem before looking at the answer choices. When done, choose the answer choice that matches your answer. If none match, redo the problem.

   * Don't overly rely on your calculator. Some problems are best worked out manually. Some don't even require calculation.

   * The questions focus much more on reasoning than on calculation. If you find yourself doing complicated calculations, you're probably on the wrong track.

   * Make sure your answer choice makes sense. A calculation error can lead you to a wrong answer choice.     

   * Check your work.

Science Section Tips

   * Given the complexity of the passages, it may help to make some simple notes as you read          them.

   * Cross out irrelevant information.

   * Don't be overly concerned with any technical terminology. Technical terms usually have little to do with the correct answer choice.

   * Be watchful for conflicting viewpoints in some of the passages.

Writing Section Tips

   * Organization of your response is very important. Use a five-paragraph essay that includes an introduction, supporting paragraphs, and a conclusion.

   * Plan your response before you begin to write it.

 * Stay with the topic throughout your response.

   * Vary your sentence structure and word choices.

   * Use specific examples wherever possible.

   * Write legibly.

   * If you have time, check your grammar, usage, punctuation, and spelling.

College Choices

How do I decide on a college? (Don’t rule out anything until you have visited)

-       Private vs. public

o      Community Colleges

• Close to home
• Tuition is much cheaper ($100-$200 per credit hour)
• Can take many of your General Courses (Math, Science, English, etc. that everyone has to take regardless of your major) at these schools and transfer to a 4 year school if you choose
• Offer 1 year, 2 year degrees/Technical Degrees
• Work with area businesses to find students jobs/offer internships and apprenticeships

o      Public Colleges

• Can be close to home (Akron, Kent, etc.) or further from home
• Are often in a larger city with many opportunities for internships
• Large range of courses offered and majors/minors offered
• Often have to apply (be accepted) to a specific “school” in the major you are interested in
• Graduate and Professional Studies (Masters and Doctoral Degrees)
• Large range of extracurricular activities and organizations
• Large classes
• Tuition can range from $300 and up per credit hour

o      Private College

• Price tag is more expensive (but private endowments give students money that allow students to go to school at a much cheaper price than initially stated)
• Smaller classes/more individualized instruction
• More discussion/fewer lecture classes
• Greater chance for participation in sports, clubs, activities, etc.
• Can be located anywhere – big cities, small cities, rural areas (with not much else there but the college)

-       Admissions Requirements (be aware of these and make sure your current GPA, class rank, and course of study meet the requirements of the college)

o      Open Admissions

• Most students are accepted regardless of their GPA/Courses taken in High School/ACT or SAT scores
• Admissions into the program of your choice-   Just because you are admitted to the college of your choice doesn’t mean that you will be admitted into the program that you want to major in (ex: nursing, engineering, education, business, etc.) Certain programs are more selective than others. This is something to ask about on your college visit. Find out what classes you will need to take your Freshman/Sophomore year IF you are not admitted into the program that you want to get into.

o      Selective – Students in the top 25% of your graduating class and have an ACT score of 21-26.

o      Highly Selective – Top 10% of your graduating class and have an ACT score of 25-30.

*** With so many choices, you have to decide what is best for you. To do that you need to VISIT!!!

-       How do I decide which colleges to visit?

o      Narrow down your choices based upon the field you want to go into (some fields are offered at MANY different colleges/universities) – If you aren’t sure – go to the OCIS website or see me

o      If you still aren’t sure – visit a small school and a large school to decide which one you liked

o      Visit a school nearby and one further away to see if you like being further from home

What To Consider During a Visit

College Visits

-       Many colleges offer special visitation days on weekends. Check college websites for more info. These visits can be very beneficial.

-       Visit colleges! Talk to admissions counselors. This may be used in determining your admission to the college.

-       Before visiting – make personal contact with an admissions counselor (see the university website for names and contact numbers). Be sure to tell the admissions counselor what you want on the visit (walking tour, talk to professors, information about specific programs, comparison of programs offered, etc.)

Questions to ask on your college visit:

-       What are the admissions requirements/requirements to get into my chosen program

-       How do I apply? What are the application fees? Can they be waived?

-       Discuss cost

-       Meet with faculty in the department you are interested in

-       Talk to students

-       Eat in the cafeteria (if you are planning to live on campus)

-       Ask about academic requirements/graduation requirements

-       Go to a class

-       Talk to career planning services. Do they help students find jobs, choose careers, etc.?

-       What student activities are available? What sports are available?

-       What activities and services are available to help students get settled (academically and socially) during their first year?

-       How big are the classes?

-       (Ask students) How easy is it to meet with faculty?

-       (Ask students) Are you able to register for the classes you want?

-       What is the total cost of attending the college?

-       What types of financial aid does the college offer and how do I apply?

-       Are all freshmen assigned to an academic advisor?

-       Where do most freshmen live?

-       Can I take a tour?

-       What activities are available for students?

-       Who teaches the courses for first-year students?

-       How successful are the college's graduates in finding jobs?

-       What services (such as transportation and shopping) are available locally?

-       What is there to do on weekends? Do most students stay or leave campus on weekends?

College Applications

College Applications

-        If you aren’t sure what you want to do, where you want to go – be proactive! VISIT! VISIT! VISIT!

-        Stop down in the guidance office (don’t hide from me), research online, etc.

-        Most applications are done online (Many schools don’t have paper applications any more)

-        Many schools have their own deadlines (be aware of these deadlines), THS deadline is Dec. 1st (have applications completed and letters of recommendation requested by this date). DON”T MISS DEADLINES!!

-        Must tell Mrs. Derheimer when you apply and bring me any papers that I need to complete (most are downloaded when you complete your application) Don’t expect me to print your forms and complete them without being asked.

-        Transcript request in guidance office/attached

-        College Credit Plus (CCP) students: It is very important to tell the colleges that you are applying to that you will have college credit when you graduate from high school. In addition to requesting a transcript from Tuslaw you also need to request a transcript from your CC+t university to be sent to the college(s) you are applying to at the time you apply (don’t wait until the end of the year). This allows schools to be aware that you have these credits and they will have more time to award credit/verify your classes. It is also important to keep your syllabi from your courses (colleges may request a copy of it when determining if they will award credit for your coursework.)

-        Some schools have application fees (especially state colleges/universities) – Fee waivers are available for those who are on free/reduced lunches. Some schools also waive application fees if you visit their campus.

-        All colleges have different admission criteria (search online/call their campus). Be aware of this criteria when you apply.

-        Fill this out on your own (all parts) Don’t have your parents fill out anything for you (applications, scholarships, etc.)

o      If you need help filling our your application, don’t hesitate to come see me. This is new to you and you will have questions!

o      Make yourself look as good as possible – answer all questions completely

o      Read directions carefully

o      List everything that you have done in high school – don’t skip activities

o      Reread any essays that you need to submit. Check for common grammar/spelling errors. Have someone else read it when you are done.

-        Follow directions (read all directions online – it will tell you what additional forms ex: College Prep Form, Recommendations, etc. you need)

-        Don’t use white out (that is why online is great!)

-        Write neatly

-        Make copies (just incase colleges/universities “misplace” your application/essay)

-        Your class rank, GPA, and courses taken (even during your Senior Year) do make a difference. Take as many math and science classes as possible

Recommendations

Many of the schools and scholarships for which you will be applying will request letters of recommendation. The following information is meant to assist you in obtaining the quality letters you will need to succeed in your application process.

1. Make a list of potential persons whom you feel would know you well enough to write a letter of recommendation for you.
2. From the list, select those persons who would be able to provide the most beneficial information concerning you. Make sure these persons are familiar with all aspects of your high school career. As a suggestion, it is sometimes wise to choose people who can stress those areas that relate directly to your future field of study.
3. Once you have selected those persons whom you want to ask, make sure that you are courteous and ask them at least TWO weeks prior to the due date. Additionally, it is important that you provide the person you ask with sufficient information to write an effective letter. You should provide the following to each person you ask:
4. A resume listing all activities you have participated in during your high school years.
5. Class rank and grade point average
6. The purpose of the recommendation (school, scholarship, job)
7. Notify the person about what to do with the letter upon completion. If the letter is to be mailed with your application, the letter should be given to Mrs. Derheimer. It will then be sent with your application package. If the letter is to be mailed directly, supply a self-addressed stamped envelope with the correct mailing address already added.

*** A well-written letter of recommendation takes much time and thought. The people you will ask will probably be writing several letters for different students. The easier you make their task by being on time and providing them with adequate information will most likely assist you in obtaining the letter of recommendation which you would like to receive.

Transcripts

In order for colleges to receive your grades, they will need a transcript. Transcripts will be requested at the time of application and a final transcript will be needed. Some schools request a mid-year (7th semester) transcript.

1. Complete Transcript Request

http://goo.gl/forms/MK7h6kfK11

2. Give the transcript request to myself or Mrs. Combs

** When applying, please be aware that when requesting transcripts/official paperwork for colleges: I turn around your requests as soon as humanly possible. However, due to the “automatic” paperwork generated by most universities at the time you fill our you online (or paper copy) application there is most often AUTOMATICALLY generated a letter and/or postcard stating that you need to have your transcripts sent, etc. In other words, documents OFTEN cross in the mail. Please, upon receipt of these letters or postcards, kindly wait a minimum of 2-3 weeks before asking me to check on the status of your file at the colleges (and you can often check your own application status online). In nearly all cases, you have received follow-up paperwork indicating that you are accepted to the college and the documents that we have previously sent have arrived.  

         In addition, please remember that many of you are applying to large universities and colleges that have many students applying to. When colleges and universities are dealing with paperwork for thousands of applicants, it may take a while to process paperwork. Please consider this when dealing with deadlines and asking us to “resend” paperwork that hasn’t been received yet. It is not like walking to your own mailbox and receiving mail – these schools have massive amounts of paperwork to sort through on a daily basis.