Junior-year tasks
* Continue your involvement in school- or community-based extracurricular activities.
* Continue exploring assistive technology.
* Focus on matching your interests and abilities to the appropriate college choice.
* Research the resources in your state to find a college preview event for students with disabilities. If your community has this type of event, plan on attending.
* Look for college campuses that have majors in which you might be interested and the kind of campus community in which you would like to live.
* Identify the appropriate academic adjustments and auxiliary aids and services that you will need in the postsecondary setting.
* Keep a current list of the academic adjustments and auxiliary aids and services you use in high school in your “Going To College” portfolio.
* Consider taking a course to prepare for the SAT or the ACT test.
* Research how to get accommodations on the SAT or ACT.
* Take the SAT or ACT in the spring. Consider taking them more than once.
* Establish a possible career goal (you can always change your mind).
* Think about a possible college major consistent with your career goal and your strengths and interests.
* Learn time management, organizational skills, study skills, assertiveness communication, stress management and test-taking strategies which will help you get good grades.
* Learn how to set short-term and long-term goals.
* Learn how to advocate for yourself — not everyone will understand your disability or be sensitive to your needs.
* Gather information about college programs that offer the disability services you need (you may want to add these to your “Going To College” portfolio).
* Speak with college representatives who visit your high school and at college fairs.
* Visit campuses and especially service providers to verify the available services and how to access them. Or if you can’t visit the campus, take a virtual tour on the college’s Web site. Make sure to check the disability support services section of the college’s site to understand what you need to do to receive academic services and supports.
* Consider people to ask for recommendations — teachers, counselors, employers, coaches, etc.
* Investigate the availability of financial aid from federal, state, local and private sources.
* Investigate the availability of scholarships provided by organizations, such as corporations, labor unions, professional associations, religious organizations and credit unions.
* Continue saving for college.
* Contact the vocational rehabilitation counselor who serves your school to determine your eligibility for vocational rehabilitation's services.
* Invite the VR counselor to attend your planning meeting.
* Make sure that the documentation of your disability is current. Colleges usually want current testing based on adult norms, usually less than three years old when you begin college.
Showing posts with label college credit. Show all posts
Showing posts with label college credit. Show all posts
Monday, March 7, 2011
Monday, December 27, 2010
Apply to College
Before you get started, think about how you would answer the following questions.
1. What is the best way for you to manage multiple deadlines?
2. What resources are available in your high school to help you write an impressive personal essay for your college application?
3. What are some advantages and disadvantages of disclosing your disability in your college essay?
Application overview
The college application process can occur over the course of a year. Each college has its own application requirements, form, fees, due dates and acceptance procedures. It is important to keep track of this information in a manageable way.
Getting in
Initially, similar to a job application, it is important to look good on paper. Most college application packets will require the actual completed application, your high school transcripts, your college admissions test scores, a personal essay, a few references and your payment submitted by a particular due date.
Most colleges will have an application form to complete online. You will be asked to attach your essay and other information to the application. Your guidance department will submit your transcripts, so it is critical that you allow enough time for the guidance department to submit your transcripts before the due date of your application. Make sure to have a family member or friend review your application to make sure all sections are completed. It is easy to miss or skip a section. Applications must be fully completed to be accepted.
1. What is the best way for you to manage multiple deadlines?
2. What resources are available in your high school to help you write an impressive personal essay for your college application?
3. What are some advantages and disadvantages of disclosing your disability in your college essay?
Application overview
The college application process can occur over the course of a year. Each college has its own application requirements, form, fees, due dates and acceptance procedures. It is important to keep track of this information in a manageable way.
Getting in
Initially, similar to a job application, it is important to look good on paper. Most college application packets will require the actual completed application, your high school transcripts, your college admissions test scores, a personal essay, a few references and your payment submitted by a particular due date.
Most colleges will have an application form to complete online. You will be asked to attach your essay and other information to the application. Your guidance department will submit your transcripts, so it is critical that you allow enough time for the guidance department to submit your transcripts before the due date of your application. Make sure to have a family member or friend review your application to make sure all sections are completed. It is easy to miss or skip a section. Applications must be fully completed to be accepted.
Monday, November 22, 2010
College Choise - Learning Disabilities
Other important information
In addition to gathering general college information, as a student with a disability, you can also find out about the following...
* Waivers and substitutions: Are there written policies and procedures for course waivers and substitutions? If so, what kind of documentation is required?
* Course load and graduation time: Is priority registration available for students with disabilities? Is it possible to maintain a reduced course load?
* Student groups: Are there specific groups that are designed to assist students with disabilities to network with other students on campus? Are there student leadership/mentoring programs to help students feel connected with other students on campus?
* Supports services: What support services are available to all students? Does the campus have support services specifically for students with your disability?
* Orientation: Are there orientation sessions designed to address disability specific needs of students before entering college? Are these sessions primarily held during the summer, or at the beginning of each semester for new students?
For students with learning disabilities, consider reviewing the books Peterson’s Colleges with Programs for Students With Learning Disabilities or Attention Deficit Disorders and The K & W Guide to Colleges for the Learning Disabled for additional information on support services and specialized programs.
Monday, May 10, 2010
Summer School Tips
When looking for a summer school program, here are some important factors to consider:
• How much of the summer do you want to commit to school? Programs range from five days to eight weeks.
• What do you want to get out of summer school? Do you want to turbocharge your academics? Act in a play? Teach young children? Learn how a political campaign is conducted? Polish up a second language? Work with engineers in the computer industry?
• Where do you want to stay? Do you want a residential program where you live in dorms with other students or would you prefer to live at home, attending school only during the day?
• Can you get high-school (or college) credit for summer school courses? Receiving credit depends both on the school where you take the course and on your home school.
• How much can you spend on summer school? If the answer is nothing, are free programs available in your state or school district?
Bottom Line
When evaluating whether summer school is right for you, the real question is what you aspire to learn and what type of summer program provides the best experience for it. For more advice and for information about specific programs, talk to your high school counselor.
• How much of the summer do you want to commit to school? Programs range from five days to eight weeks.
• What do you want to get out of summer school? Do you want to turbocharge your academics? Act in a play? Teach young children? Learn how a political campaign is conducted? Polish up a second language? Work with engineers in the computer industry?
• Where do you want to stay? Do you want a residential program where you live in dorms with other students or would you prefer to live at home, attending school only during the day?
• Can you get high-school (or college) credit for summer school courses? Receiving credit depends both on the school where you take the course and on your home school.
• How much can you spend on summer school? If the answer is nothing, are free programs available in your state or school district?
Bottom Line
When evaluating whether summer school is right for you, the real question is what you aspire to learn and what type of summer program provides the best experience for it. For more advice and for information about specific programs, talk to your high school counselor.
Tuesday, May 4, 2010
Why take AP Classes?
If you’re planning to go to college and your high school offers AP classes, you should take advantage of the opportunity. The successful completion of Advanced Placement classes has benefits during both the college application process and undergraduate life. Below are six of the biggest advantages to taking AP classes.
1. Impress College Admission Counselors
At nearly every college in the country, your academic record is the most important part of your college application. The folks in the admissions office want to see that you’ve taken the most challenging courses available to you. Success in difficult courses is the surest sign of your preparedness for college. The most challenging courses, of course, are college-level Advanced Placement classes.
2. Develop College-Level Academic Skills
AP classes require the type of high-level calculating and critical thinking that you’ll encounter in your first year of college. If you can write essays and solve problems successfully for an AP class, you’ve reached the level of many of the skills that will lead to success in college.
3. Save Money
If you take enough Advanced Placement classes, you can potentially graduate from college a semester or even a year early. Early graduation isn’t always a good idea, but for a student who isn’t receiving financial aid, it can save tens of thousands of dollars...
4. Choose a Major Sooner
AP classes can help with your selection of a major in two ways. First, each course provides an in-depth introduction to a specific subject area. Second, a high score on an AP exam often fulfills one of a college’s general education requirements. This means you’ll have more room in your schedule to explore different academic fields early in your undergraduate career.
5. Take More Elective Classes in College
Not only do AP classes help you zero in on a major sooner, but they also free up your schedule so you can take more elective classes (college classes that are not required for graduation). For many students, a college’s general education requirements and major requirements leave little room for fun and exploratory classes. If you want to take that interesting class on glass blowing or dance, AP credits will make it much easier to fit the course in your schedule.
6. Add a Minor or Second Major More Easily
If you’re particularly driven and have multiple interests, AP credits can make it more feasible to add a minor (or two) or even a second major to your undergraduate academic plan. With a standard work load and no AP credits, you might find it impossible to complete the requirements for two majors in four years.
1. Impress College Admission Counselors
At nearly every college in the country, your academic record is the most important part of your college application. The folks in the admissions office want to see that you’ve taken the most challenging courses available to you. Success in difficult courses is the surest sign of your preparedness for college. The most challenging courses, of course, are college-level Advanced Placement classes.
2. Develop College-Level Academic Skills
AP classes require the type of high-level calculating and critical thinking that you’ll encounter in your first year of college. If you can write essays and solve problems successfully for an AP class, you’ve reached the level of many of the skills that will lead to success in college.
3. Save Money
If you take enough Advanced Placement classes, you can potentially graduate from college a semester or even a year early. Early graduation isn’t always a good idea, but for a student who isn’t receiving financial aid, it can save tens of thousands of dollars...
4. Choose a Major Sooner
AP classes can help with your selection of a major in two ways. First, each course provides an in-depth introduction to a specific subject area. Second, a high score on an AP exam often fulfills one of a college’s general education requirements. This means you’ll have more room in your schedule to explore different academic fields early in your undergraduate career.
5. Take More Elective Classes in College
Not only do AP classes help you zero in on a major sooner, but they also free up your schedule so you can take more elective classes (college classes that are not required for graduation). For many students, a college’s general education requirements and major requirements leave little room for fun and exploratory classes. If you want to take that interesting class on glass blowing or dance, AP credits will make it much easier to fit the course in your schedule.
6. Add a Minor or Second Major More Easily
If you’re particularly driven and have multiple interests, AP credits can make it more feasible to add a minor (or two) or even a second major to your undergraduate academic plan. With a standard work load and no AP credits, you might find it impossible to complete the requirements for two majors in four years.
Monday, May 3, 2010
AP Test Advantages
Did you know there are more than 30 Advanced Placement classes and test you could take in order to get college credit while still in high school?
Taking AP exams can potentially save you (or your family) thousands of dollars in tuition bills depending on where you go to college, how well you score on the tests, and the number of test you pass. Some students will even enter college as a Sophomore due to AP credits – putting you further ahead in the registration cue, getting into more advanced classes earlier, or letting you enter that "Just of Majors" course long before others that started college with you…
Here is a list of potential courses:
Art History
Biology
Calculus AB
Calculus BC
Chemistry
Chinese Language and Culture
Computer Science A
Macroeconomics
Microeconomics
English Language
English Literature
Environmental Science
European History
French Language
German Language
Comp Government & Politics
U.S. Government & Politics
Human Geography
Japanese Language and Culture
Latin: Vergil
Music Theory
Physics B
Physics C
Psychology
Spanish Language
Spanish Literature
Statistics
Studio Art
U.S. History
World History
Check with you counselor or instructors to see which classes are offered at your school. Remember to check with your potential college or area universities what the AP credits would count for (electives, GEN ED courses, etc) depending on your score. Some college will give you credit for English 101 if you get a 4 or 5, but only an English elective credit if you get a 3.
Also, remember that you generally don’t have to take the AP class in order to sign up for the test. So if you’re a history buff but your school doesn’t offer that class you may be able to take the test elsewhere (another high school or testing center) and try for credit. Each test does cost money but $86 (or $56 if you show financial need) now is better than hundreds in tuition later… Plus, depending on your state and your financial need you may even be able to take multiple AP exams for free or at very low cost. See this website for more information on your state.
Taking AP exams can potentially save you (or your family) thousands of dollars in tuition bills depending on where you go to college, how well you score on the tests, and the number of test you pass. Some students will even enter college as a Sophomore due to AP credits – putting you further ahead in the registration cue, getting into more advanced classes earlier, or letting you enter that "Just of Majors" course long before others that started college with you…
Here is a list of potential courses:
Art History
Biology
Calculus AB
Calculus BC
Chemistry
Chinese Language and Culture
Computer Science A
Macroeconomics
Microeconomics
English Language
English Literature
Environmental Science
European History
French Language
German Language
Comp Government & Politics
U.S. Government & Politics
Human Geography
Japanese Language and Culture
Latin: Vergil
Music Theory
Physics B
Physics C
Psychology
Spanish Language
Spanish Literature
Statistics
Studio Art
U.S. History
World History
Check with you counselor or instructors to see which classes are offered at your school. Remember to check with your potential college or area universities what the AP credits would count for (electives, GEN ED courses, etc) depending on your score. Some college will give you credit for English 101 if you get a 4 or 5, but only an English elective credit if you get a 3.
Also, remember that you generally don’t have to take the AP class in order to sign up for the test. So if you’re a history buff but your school doesn’t offer that class you may be able to take the test elsewhere (another high school or testing center) and try for credit. Each test does cost money but $86 (or $56 if you show financial need) now is better than hundreds in tuition later… Plus, depending on your state and your financial need you may even be able to take multiple AP exams for free or at very low cost. See this website for more information on your state.
Friday, April 30, 2010
About AP Classes
Are you ready for a unique learning experience that will help you succeed in college? Each year, students around the world who want to learn and achieve at the highest level become AP (Advanced Placement) students. Through AP’s college-level courses and exams, you can earn college credit and advanced placement, stand out in the admissions process, and learn from some of the most skilled, dedicated, and inspiring teachers.
Why Take an AP?
With 37 different AP classes and tests across multiple subject areas, there is something that will interest any student (and give them an edge for college). Here are just a few reasons to sign up:
Earn College Credit and Advanced Placement
• More than 3,600 colleges and universities recognize AP Exam scores. Over 90% of 4-year colleges in the U.S. provide credit and/or better initial placement for qualifying scores.
• Essentially testing out of basics like English 101 and Biology 105 (for example) will help you have time to move into upper-level courses in your field of interest, pursue a double major, or study abroad.
• Design a college experience that suits you and gives you the flexibility to get the most out of your college years.
Stand Out in the College Admissions Process
• Demonstrate your maturity and readiness for college.
• Show your willingness to take the most rigorous courses available to you.
• Emphasize your commitment to academic excellence.
Gain Skills that Will Help You Succeed in College
• Get a head start on college-level work.
• Improve your writing skills and sharpen your problem-solving techniques.
• Develop the study habits necessary for tackling rigorous course work in college.
Broaden Your Intellectual Horizons
• Be part of a community of students and educators who are passionate, curious, and committed to academic excellence
• Engage in intense discussions, solve problems collaboratively, and learn to write clearly and persuasively
• Take courses that are developed by leading professors to reflect the level of learning happening at colleges throughout the country
How Do You Enroll?
• Talk to an AP teacher or the AP Coordinator (usually one of the counselors) at your school about the course you want to take. Discuss the course’s workload and any preparation you might need.
• If you are a homeschooled student or attend a school that doesn't offer AP, you can still participate. Each year hundreds of students participate through independent study. Some states even sponsor online AP courses.
Why Take an AP?With 37 different AP classes and tests across multiple subject areas, there is something that will interest any student (and give them an edge for college). Here are just a few reasons to sign up:
Earn College Credit and Advanced Placement
• More than 3,600 colleges and universities recognize AP Exam scores. Over 90% of 4-year colleges in the U.S. provide credit and/or better initial placement for qualifying scores.
• Essentially testing out of basics like English 101 and Biology 105 (for example) will help you have time to move into upper-level courses in your field of interest, pursue a double major, or study abroad.
• Design a college experience that suits you and gives you the flexibility to get the most out of your college years.
Stand Out in the College Admissions Process
• Demonstrate your maturity and readiness for college.
• Show your willingness to take the most rigorous courses available to you.
• Emphasize your commitment to academic excellence.
Gain Skills that Will Help You Succeed in College
• Get a head start on college-level work.
• Improve your writing skills and sharpen your problem-solving techniques.
• Develop the study habits necessary for tackling rigorous course work in college.
Broaden Your Intellectual Horizons
• Be part of a community of students and educators who are passionate, curious, and committed to academic excellence
• Engage in intense discussions, solve problems collaboratively, and learn to write clearly and persuasively
• Take courses that are developed by leading professors to reflect the level of learning happening at colleges throughout the country
How Do You Enroll?
• Talk to an AP teacher or the AP Coordinator (usually one of the counselors) at your school about the course you want to take. Discuss the course’s workload and any preparation you might need.
• If you are a homeschooled student or attend a school that doesn't offer AP, you can still participate. Each year hundreds of students participate through independent study. Some states even sponsor online AP courses.
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