ACT/SAT

If you do not want your SAT or ACT score on your transcript, do not fill out the high school code on the answer document prior to the test. Doing this will not send the scores to the high school. If you decide to have your score placed on the transcript at a later date, you may do so. If you fill out the high school code, the scores will be sent to the high school. At this point, the scores will go on the transcript. *Note: This does not apply for the district sponsored ACT test. The scores will automatically be placed on the transcript.*

Wondering if you should take ACT OR SAT?  Click Here: ACT or SAT ?? 

What would your counselor say?  If you have the time and money, take both the ACT and the SAT during the spring/summer of your junior year. If you decide to retake to get a higher score, retake the test that you felt most comfortable with during the testing process. 

Looking for test prep? 

Test Administration Resources for Ohio's State Tests 

ACT Registration and other online and printable resources at:  www.actstudent.org 

SAT Registration and other online and  printable resources at www.collegeboard.org

ACT Free State Testing Day 

Ohio provides all juniors a free ACT opportunity each year. The test session is during the school day. Due to the length of the test and the amount of space needed to test, we only have juniors report on this day. 

Juniors report at normal time for test pre-administration and testing begins around 8:00. Students finish testing at around 12:30. The test date will be announced each year in February.

PSAT

The PSAT registration will start on  August 27th and end at 11:59pm on September 8th. The date of the PSAT is Thursday, October 10th.

Registration Link: www.TotalRegistration.net/PSAT/364855

 

 

Understanding Your PSAT/NMSQT Score Report

For more information on AP Courses, please contact Mr. Young at jyoung@scsmustangs.org

English

• AP English Language Composition
• AP English Literature Composition

Social Studies

• AP Comparative Government
• AP European History
• AP Human Geography 
• AP Macroeconomics
• AP Microeconomics
• AP Psychology
• AP U.S. Government & Politics
• AP U.S. History

Math

• AP Calculus AB
• AP Calculus BC
• AP Statistics

ART

• AP Art History
• AP Studio Art

Science

• AP Biology

• AP Chemistry

• AP Environmental Science

• AP Physics (Algebra Based)

• AP Physics (Mechanics Based)

World Language

• French
• German
• Spanish

Computer Science

• AP Computer Science A
• AP Computer Science Principles

AP Capstone

• AP Seminar
• AP Research

www.apcentral.collegeboard.com for extensive information about the AP Program.

"A Career Pathway is a collective look at education and training, wage and outlook information for related occupations. These pathways offer an overview of the various career options along with education and training that can begin as early as grade 7. Whether a student is interested in going to college, getting a certificate or working right after high school, career pathways can be customized for any ambition or plan."

Information gathered from http://education.ohio.gov/Topics/Career-Tech/Career-Connections/Career-Pathways

• Accounting
• Banking
• Chemical Engineering 
• Culinary Arts
• Education
• Electrical Trades
• Food Science
• Government Organizational Leadership
• Human Resources
• Marketing
• Mechanical Engineering
• Media Arts
• Supply Chain Management
• Visual Arts

Ohio’s College Credit Plus allows qualified students in grades 7-12 to earn college and high school credits at the same time by taking college courses from community colleges or universities. Taking a college course from a public college or university through College Credit Plus is free. That means there is no cost for tuition, books or fees. If a student chooses to attend a private college or university, there may be costs. The college will admit you based on your college-readiness in one or more subject areas. Your school counselor can help you understand your options, deadlines, and how to proceed. You may not participate in the College Credit Plus program beyond your anticipated high school graduation date. If you fail a class or withdraw after 14 days, you will have to pay for the expenses. 

Searching for Tri-C Classes

My Tri-C Space CCP Video

CCP Meeting Recording Link

Letter to CCP Families_FERPA

CCP Eligibility and Placement 

Tric-C Admissions Check List

CCP Info Sessions

Tri-C CCP Registration Checklist

CCP Instructions for University of Akron 

Visit Ohio Department of Higher Education site for more information --> Click Here

College Partnerships

Cleveland State University

Cuyahoga Community College

Hiram College

Kent State University

Lake Erie College

Lakeland Community College

Lorain Community College

Tiffin University

University of Akron

Youngstown State University

 

Searching for class at Tri-C Video

Tri-C CCP Admissions Checklist

Tri-C CCP Registration Checklist

 

Where do I go from here…..

Decision making for life after S.H.S.

Making plans for your life after you leave Strongsville High School is a process of making decisions!  Good decision-making involves a process of gathering information, examining alternatives, and assessing consequences before making a decision.  We are ready to help you gather that information and help you take each step as you prepare for a career, college, or further training in the military, or a technical/vocational school.  Doing NO planning for your future will insure you one thing….you WILL NOT be prepared for ANY job or school!

IMPORTANT!  Get to know your guidance counselor! Stop in to talk with your counselor on a regular basis to discuss career ideas, possible majors, college selection, college visits, financial aid, college applications, letters of recommendation, scholarships and other important matters.  Your counselor will be able to write a more impressive letter of recommendation if he/she  gets to know you!  Individual scholarships and opportunities become available weekly….check the guidance website daily to know which scholarships are available or follow @MustangMonies on Twitter.

Please use our resources, invite your parents to join us and ask for help as you prepare for an exciting future! 

Best of Luck, 

Strongsville High School Guidance Department

 

Senior Time Line

SEPTEMBER

• Register for the ACT/SAT if not taken, or you wish to re-take
• SENIOR INTERVIEW-Meet with counselor to discuss college and career plans
• Narrow college choices to 3-5 colleges!
• Begin completing applications now
• Plan campus visits/overnights and meet with college reps when they visit SHS
• September 20, Senior Parent Meeting – College application process at 6:30 in the Auditorium

OCTOBER

• Schedule your SENIOR INTERVIEW with your counselor if you haven’t met with him/her
• Submit completed applications carefully and be sure to double check specific requirements and deadlines
• Take or re-take the ACT
• Request teacher recommendations, if necessary

NOVEMBER

• Take/retake the SAT/SATII
• Most applications should be submitted
• Finalize college visits/overnights
• Make sure colleges have your test scores-some want scores sent directly from testing agencies

DECEMBER

• Transcript requests to guidance to insure mailing prior to winter break
• ACT administered elsewhere
• SAT/SATII administered elsewhere
• Financial Aid/FAFSA Meeting

JANUARY

• Complete the FAFSA (Federal Application for Student Aid)

FEBRUARY-APRIL

• Complete scholarship applications. Local scholarships are in the guidance office by the end of February/ early March. Deadlines vary…stay informed!!
• Acceptances/rejections received. If rejected, SEE YOUR COUNSELOR- there may be other options! 

MAY

• Finalize contract with the college you will attend. This may be done earlier than May, however, many colleges have May 1^st deadlines
• Take Senior Survey on the guidance website, tell us what college you want your final transcript sent to
• AP exams administered at SHS
• Send thank you notes to the schools you are not attending
• High school graduation: May 21

 

Military Information 

All branches of the military would prefer a high school diploma for enlistment.  There are very few exceptions made to this requirement.  The following steps will lead to a military career:

1. Complete high school graduation requirements.
2. Contact the recruiter of the military branch in which you are interested. *Recruiters visit SHS throughout the year. They will meet with students during their lunch periods.
3. Take the Armed Services Vocational Aptitude Battery (your recruiter will arrange this). The ASVAB is an ability test used by the military for placement purposes.
4. Pass the physical- details to be provided by your recruiter.

 

Two Year Colleges

A two year junior/community college is a way of beginning a four year program or obtaining a two year associates or technical degree.  Many occupations require a two-year technical training program rather than a four year college degree.  To attend a community college you will need to:

1. Complete high school graduation requirements.
2. Obtain an application. SHS guidance office usually has applications for Cuyahoga Community College, and Lorain Community College.
3. Most community colleges will require you take placement tests to insure you will be placed in the appropriate level of English and Math classes. Be advised that if you are placed below the lowest college level course, you will be in courses designed to improve your proficiency, charged for the course, but will NOT receive credit for the course.
4. Community colleges usually do not require ACT/SAT information for admission. It is our recommendation that you do take either the ACT or SAT because you may transfer to a four-year school after a semester or year at the community college and may be required to take it later.  Depending on how well you score, you may also be able to bypass taking the placement tests.

 

Techincal Schools

Technical schools provide training for very specific careers.  Programs at specific technical schools can provide a variety of types of training:

• Certification- e.g. auto mechanics, truck drivers
• State licensure- e.g. barber, cosmetologist
• Two-year degree- e.g. computer programmer, nurse
• Four year degree- e.g. computer technology

 

Four Year Admission Process-Step-By-Step

STEP 1:

Register to take the ACT and/or SAT Reasoning test.  You can register at www.actstudent.org and on www.collegeboard.org.  The testing company will forward your scores to three or four colleges without additional fees.  A copy of your scores will also be returned to our school.  We will forward a copy of your test scores along with any transcripts you request from the guidance office.  It is our recommendation that you take the ACT Writing Option if you register for the ACT-it is recommended/required by quite a few colleges.

STEP 2:

Decide to which schools you wish to apply.  You should have gathered information to help with this decision by:  following the suggestions in the College Planning Guide which was available to Juniors, looking at information available in the guidance office, visiting college campuses, checking out each colleges websites, and using OCIS in the media center.  Do not eliminate private colleges due to cost; many private schools have decent financial aid packages available.

STEP 3:

Apply online using the colleges’ website or the common application.  Remember:  applying to colleges can be an expensive endeavor, as non-refundable application fees range from $20-$70 or more.  If you are considering applying for financial aid at a particular school, you will also need to request information about that school’s financial aid application process.  If you have questions, please see your counselor.

STEP 4:

Call the admissions office or register online to schedule a campus visit/tour.  This is an important step!  A few hours on the campus will provide you with much more information about the particular campus than looking through the college’s view book or looking at the website.  Your absence from school WILL be EXCUSED if your complete a PLANNED ABSENCE FORM prior to your campus visit.  Information about campus visits follow later in this booklet.

STEP 5:

College representatives regularly visit SHS.  Listen to the morning announcements, check the guidance website and Facebook page, and watch the school Cable Channel to learn which representatives are visiting each week.  Your parents are also welcome to talk with these representatives.  Teachers may refuse to grant students’ permission to leave class if they believe that doing so will adversely affect the student’s grade.

STEP 6:

Complete your college application- suggestions about completing college applications and essays appear later in this booklet.  Your counselor will assist you with your application.  Make sure you have completed a SENIOR INTERVIEW as the information you share with your counselor will be used to complete your counselor’s recommendation for you.  It is advisable to keep a copy of your completed application.

STEP 7:

Complete the Transcript Request Form and Request Transcripts via Naviance/Family Connections. 

STEP 8:

Applying for Financial Aid:

• A Financial Aid Information Night will be held for seniors and their parents in October Complete any college financial aid applications when you apply to the college.
• Follow @MustangMonies on Twitter for up to date scholarship information.
• Submit the FAFSA beginning on October 1st. Many schools are suggesting that students complete the FAFSA by December 1st. 

 WRITING APPLICATION ESSAYS 

Some colleges will require one or more essays as part of the application process.  Colleges make this requirement for a variety of reasons:

• To add a personal dimension to the application
• To provide students the opportunity to express ideas and opinions
• To encourage students to highlight their most significant interests, commitments, and achievements
• To allow students to explain events and circumstances which have affected their school record
• To allow for the evaluation of the student’s writing ability

College’s asking for student essays value students’ thinking and writing skills as an integral part of the admissions process.  Many colleges look for evidence of critical and abstract thinking skills.  Some schools may ask for a copy of an essay written as a class assignment that contains teacher’s comments and evaluations.  This allows the admissions counselor to assess demands placed upon the student at the high school level.

You may wish to ask your English teacher to proofread your essays.  The Write Place will also be open to help students with their essays.   Please be sure to thank them for their time.

COLLEGE VISITS

 During your Junior year and throughout the summer, you should have visited colleges to tour the campus and meet with admissions officers.  Sample questions for admission officers and guidelines for campus interviews were printed in the College Planning Guide-which was made available to Juniors.  Extra copies may be found in the guidance office.

When possible, it is advisable to return to campuses in which you have a strong interest and stay overnight.  The college admissions office will help with arrangements.  It will provide you with an opportunity to spend the night in a dorm, speak with students and faculty, visit classes, meet with financial aid personnel, and athletic personnel.  This is the best way to determine if the campus is the “right fit!”  Some activities you may wish to include on such a visit are:

• Visits to a class in your area of interest
• Meals in different college dining halls
• Tours of dorms-different from those included in the general campus tour
• Visits to various students’ rooms to get ideas for organizing your own dorm room
• Meetings with faculty members and/or coaches
• Visit the student center or other student gathering place to get a feel for the atmosphere on campus
• Attend a campus event: a play, game, lecture, rehearsal, or recreational facility
• Visit the library and computer labs
• Tour the town area and assess the relationship between the town and campus

FINANCIAL AID INFORMATION

 There are three main types of financial aid:

1. Need-Based Aid: Financial aid from national or state government, or from the applicant’s college.  This aid is based upon income and assets of the family and their ability to pay college costs.
2. Merit-Based Aid: Financial aid provided because the applicant has some form of talent, i.e. academic, athletic, musical, artistic, etc.
3. Self-help Based Aid: in the form of work study or co-op program on campus.

What are some sources of aid?  A majority of aid comes as a result of completing the FAFSA (Free Application Form for Student Aid).  This is a standardized application form which is completed in January or February.  You apply for a pin number at fafsa.ed.gov and then you can apply online.  The FAFSA is processed by a firm that sends the results to the colleges, federal government, and state government to determine if the student is eligible for aid from those three major funding sources.  SHS will present several programs throughout the senior year to provide information about the financial aid process.  Other sources of financial aid include local scholarships, private organizations (e.g. parents place of employment, churches, community organization), and nationwide scholarship opportunities.

How is financial aid packaged?  The college financial aid office uses the information from the FAFSA to determine the amount of aid the student and family are expected to contribute, the amount of grant money available from the state and federal government, the amount of money available from the college, the amount of money needed from other sources (work study, loans, etc.)

What college can I afford? DO NOT ASSUME A MORE EXPENSIVE SCHOOL IS OUT OF REACH!  Private schools often have more money available to students than state schools, which could make the costs more comparable.

How do I get aid?  The first step to receive financial aid is to gain acceptance to the college.  The financial aid office will NOT award aid until the admissions office has accepted the student.  The high school guidance office has internet access to do scholarship searches.  Students should spend time with their counselor, learning how to use the materials in our office to obtain scholarship information.  Parents are always welcome to use our facilities with your son/daughter. How will parents and students learn of scholarship opportunities?  As scholarship notices arrive in the guidance office, they are: listed on the morning announcements, posted on our Guidance webpage and Facebook page, and on Twitter @MustangMonies.  Students can also regularly check in with their counselor for scholarship information as well.

FINANCIAL AID ON-LINE

• A majority of Financial Aid is gotten by completing the FAFSA (Free Application Form for Student Aid).
• The FAFSA is completed after January 1, 2014.
• We will have a meeting with parents December 5, 2013 to instruct them on the completion of the form.
• The government prefers that the FAFSA be completed on-line
• To speed the application process you and your parent must obtain a Personal Identification Number (PIN). The process will be quicker if you do this now, rather than waiting until January.  To obtain your PIN…

1. Log into the following website; pin.ed.gov
2. Enter personal information: Name, Social Security Number, Date of Birth
3. Provide address-street, city zip, e-mail

**Parent and student will each need to do this prior to completing the actual form in January

 QUICK GUIDE TO FINANCIAL AID

 TYPES OF FINANCIAL AID AVAILABLE

• Grants and Scholarships- Money you do NOT have to pay back. Available from many sources-check with your high school, local library, or the college you plan to attend.
• Work study- Money earned from work used to help pay for educational expenses.
• LOANS- Money borrowed that must be repaid (with interest).

FEDERAL FINANCIAL AID ELIGIBILITY

To be eligible you must:

• Have financial need
• Have a high school diploma, GED, or pass an independently administered test approved by the U.S. Department of Education
• Be a U.S. Citizen or eligible non-citizen
• Register with the selective service, if required
• Complete forms as required
• Make satisfactory academic progress

Financial aid eligibility is the difference between the Cost of Education and the Expected Family Contribution (EFC).  A federal formula performs a needs analysis to determine the EFC.

Cost of education includes tuition and fees, room and board, books and supplies, transportation and miscellaneous expenses.

HOW TO APPLY FOR FEDERAL AND STATE AID

1. Students must complete a FAFSA (Free Application for Federal Student Aid) online at fafsa.ed.gov. The FAFSA should be completed and submitted after January 1^st.  Deadlines will vary by college and state (They may be as early as February 1^st.)  Students should check with the college they plan to attend for application deadline dates.
2. Students will receive a Student Aid Report (SAR) after the FAFSA is processed. Information is also sent to the college(s) named on the FAFSA.  If the student does not receive a SAR in 4-6 weeks, or needs another copy, she/he should call (319) 337-5665 for a duplicate SAR.
3. Students should check with the college(s) they expect to attend. Additional applications/forms are often required.
4. The student’s selected College Financial Aid Office will send a letter to the student indicating the types of aid the student is eligible to receive.

FEDERAL AND OHIO PROGRAMS

FEDERAL PELL GRANT- Up to $4000/year

SUPPLEMENTAL EDUCATIONAL OPPORTUNITY GRANT (SEOG)- Amount varies based on need and available funds

FEDERAL PERKINS LOAN- Maximum amount available each year, repayment begins 9 months after the student graduates

FEDERAL STAFFORD LOAN- Maximum amount available per year, repayment begins six months after graduation.

PLUS LOAN- Parent loan, payment begins 60 days after dispersement

OHIO WAR ORPHANS SCHOLARSHIP- Awards tuition assistance to students of deceased or severely disabled Ohio Veterans who served in the armed forces during a period of declared war or conflict.  Applications are available in the guidance office.

ROBERT BYRD HONORS SCHOLARSHIP- Merit award available for students with outstanding academic achievement.  Recipients are selected based upon class rank, GPA, test scores and participation in leadership activities.  One scholarship awarded in each Congressional District.

NURSE EDUCATION ASSISTANCE LOAN- Need based award to students enrolled in Ohio schools. 

SAMPLE ACTIVITIES LIST

Extra Curricular Activities

• Strongsville High School Show Choir (11,12)
• Teen Institute (10,11,12) Promoting a drug-free lifestyle
• National Honor Society (11, 12)
• Drama Club (11, 12)
• Treble Choir (10)
• Math Club (12)
• Intramural swimming (9)

Other Activities

• Dance (13 years) Ballet, Pointe, Lyrical, Tap, Jazz
• Dance recitals and competitions (13 years)
• Church Youth Group (9, 10, 11, 12)
• Voice Lessons (10, 11)

Work Experience

• Babysitting (9, 10, 11, 12)- work as needed
• Sears- part time sales associate (11, 12)- about 15 hours per week, 20 during summer

Volunteer Opportunities

• M.C.A. morning daycare volunteer (9)
• M.C.A. outings- chaperone (9)
• Organized and participated in Teeter-Totter marathons to benefit inner city youth (9, 10, 11, 12)
• Metro Hospital Chapel Volunteer (9)
• Strongsville Community Days Performer (10)
• Altenheim Nursing Home Volunteer (9)

Awards

• Honor Roll, Principal Roll (9, 10, 11, 12)
• Top 5% of Class Award (9, 10, 11, 12)
• Mu Alpha Theta Math Award (11, 12)
• National Junior Honor Society (9)
• National Honor Society Award/Induction (11)
• Selected to represent Strongsville High at state Teen Institute training (10)
• Recognized as one of city’s best D.A.R.E. role models by the Optimist’s Club (12)

Leadership Positions

• Teens Taking Time to Care- executive board member (9)
• Teen Institute- board member (11), President (12)
• Showchoir Dance Captain (12)
• Selected for training as Peer Mediator (11), served school in that capacity (11, 12)
• Teeter-Totter Marathon Coordinator (10,11, 12)
• Church Friendship and Growth Committee Member (10)
• Drama Club Secretary (12)
• Thespian Award (12)

 

  College/Career

 

Financial Aid/FAFSA Presentation Slides

 

Financial Aid/FAFSA Recorded Presentation

Freshmen Planner Fall Your student should attend Freshmen Orientation Day Attend Open House Encourage your child to join a club or sport  Sit with your child and log in to their Naviance account and review the “Do What You Are Assessment” with them  Review with your child the importance of Digital Citizenship  Consider registering your child for the PSAT test in October. Attend Fall Parent Teacher Conferences Winter Prepare for Midterms Help your child explore community service opportunities.  While this is not a graduation requirement, it is a requirement for several clubs and Honor Societies.  It also looks excellent on a college resume. Check grades frequently on Powerschool/Unified Classroom with your student, you can also have them emailed to you. Help your child select courses for the next school year. Check with your counselor to be sure your chosen courses are preparing them for college entry. Review course selections with your parents. Check your Graduation Plan in PowerSchool to see what you still need to graduate.  Meet individually with your counselor in the spring to review your scheduling, progress and goals if needed. Be sure to write down your scheduling questions to bring to your appointment. Attend Winter Parent Teacher Conferences If interested in the CCP Program be sure to attend the CCP Informational Meeting on Parent Teacher Conference evening Spring If your student is interested in CCP (College Credit Plus) make sure they meet all deadlines, particularly turning in the Intent to Participate form no later than April 1st.   Keep track of second semester grades on Powerschool with your child. If your child is an honor student, be sure to check for summer projects and readings for any Honor courses requested for next year on the high school webpage by department. If your student is possibly interested in Polaris Career Center, attend the Parent Advantage Night with your child in (date to be determined).  Check out more information on Polaris’s website. Polaris Career Center Summer In the summer between 9th and 10th: Summer is a great time to do job shadowing, internships, camps, and/or volunteer work. Remember to do your summer reading for the start of the school year if you requested Honor or AP classes! Spend some free time navigating through Naviance Student and the Strongsville High School Counseling Page and complete career interest inventories and college searches.   Stay safe, make good choices, and ENJOY your summer break!   Continue to strive for your academic best!   College admissions use a holistic review which considers GPA, rigor of curriculum, ACT/SAT scores, contributions to the community, and extracurricular activities. Be sure to earn solid grades in the freshman year and take a rigorous course load during all four years of high school. Ask for help if you need it!  Talk with teachers for study tips, attend academic labs, request a peer tutor, and/or see your counselor for more ideas on how to improve your academic progress if needed. Sophomore Planner Fall Log into your Naviance Student account/complete the assessment — Strengths Explorer (these will be done in Financial Literacy classes as well.) Get involved with a school club or sport. Volunteer to take a leadership position. Take the PSAT test in the fall of your sophomore year .The PSAT will be given to all tenth graders who request and pay for it.  Students can access their scores at www.collegeboard.org and link their results to Khan Academy for customized practice.   Participate in volunteer and community service activities. Register for AP Exams (deadline to be determined). Students interested in Polaris, plan to attend the field trip in November (date to be determined) Visit websites (www.collegeboard.com and www.actstudent.org) for advice on test taking and general college entrance requirements. Winter Review PSAT/NMSQT test results. Prepare for midterms. Select courses for next year in February. Talk with teachers about your course selections. Check with your counselor to be sure your chosen courses are preparing you for college entry. If appropriate, challenge yourself with AP/Honor courses. Check your Graduation Plan in Powerschool to see what you still need to graduate. Attend a CCP meeting in February. If you are considering participating in the College Credit Plus Program. Spring Consider applying for a summer program at a college. These programs can be found on the Naviance Student site. These programs are designed to introduce high school students to college courses and majors.  You can find these under Summer Programs in your Naviance account. Explore college and career websites, particularly explore Naviance.    Think about careers you might enjoy and contact people doing these jobs. Inquire if you can shadow them during spring or summer break. Take AP Exams, if applicable. Look for summer employment or volunteer opportunities. Prepare for final exams Summer Complete required summer reading and/or projects for AP/Honor Courses. Continue investigating careers by talking to the adult friends of your parents and friends. Visit workplaces when possible. Talk to college friends about their college experiences on campus.   Volunteer! Do practice PSAT, SAT, and ACT questions of the day.   Junior Planner Fall Log into your Naviance Student account and perform a college search using Super Match. Sign up in September to take the PSAT in October. Stay involved with school activities and clubs. Attend some College Fairs. Take the PSAT/NMSQT.   Meet with College Admissions Representatives & Military Representatives who are visiting SHS; sign up through Naviance. Explore Naviance Student; search for colleges, careers, and scholarships. Attend the College Planning 101 meeting in November. (Date tbd) Register for AP exams (deadline to be determined) Winter Prepare for Midterms Results of PSAT are available online at www.collegeboard.com.  Log into your account to retrieve scores. Sign up to take the ACT www.actstudent.org and/or SAT www.collegeboard.com. Explore college websites. Start looking through college catalogs, guidebooks and websites. Assemble a list of schools that you would like to visit. Work with your parents, teachers, and counselors to finalize your schedule for your senior year. Check your Graduation Plan to see what you still need to graduate. Attend College Credit Plus informational meeting in February if you wish to take classes through the College Credit Plus Program. Spring Turn in Intent to Participate form for College Credit Plus by April 1st if applicable. Talk with your parents and counselor about colleges. Take the State Funded ACT test in March at SHS. Visit colleges during spring break. Search for a summer internship or job. Register for any upcoming ACT’s or SAT’s you wish to take. Take AP exams if applicable. Continue to search college websites for information. Get Summer Reading and Project Information for any AP or Honor courses you wish to take next year. Summer Read a variety of books and review your math skills over the summer. Do your summer reading. Obtain a summer job that relates to your career interests. Volunteer! Schedule summer college visits. Job shadow in a field that interests you. Explore internships. Continue to do the ACT/SAT practice questions of the day. Save money from your summer job for college. Continue to visit colleges. Look forward to your senior year! Senior Planner Fall Attend the Senior Parent Meeting on the College Application Process in September Meet with your school counselor to verify graduation requirements and to discuss college and career plans. Update your account in Naviance Student. Consider volunteering and community service. Start college applications. Sign up to take the October ACT. Attend the Financial Aid/FAFSA meeting in October. Beginning October 1, complete the FAFSA.   Check your college choices for submission dates as deadlines vary.   Attend College Fairs. Register for AP Exams, if applicable. Meet with College Admissions Representatives who are visiting SHS; sign up on Naviance Student. Revisit your top college choices. Write and review college essays with an English teacher. Submit college applications BEFORE November 1 if applying Early Action or Early Decision.  Pay attention to application deadlines.! Review scholarship information on our school website and Naviance. Check out http://www.fastweb.com Look for your Student Aid Report if you completed the FAFSA. Winter Prepare for Midterms Send mid-year transcripts, if necessary. Continue to explore regional and national scholarships through Naviance Student or sites such as www.fastweb.com and https://myscholly.com/. Explore interests; volunteer or work in a field you are considering as a career. Check out local scholarships in the guidance office and be sure to fill out the Local Scholarship Application. Spring Decide which college to attend and send in the required deposit. Prepare for your AP Exams, if taking AP courses. Take AP Exams, if applicable. Attend Senior Salute in May if receiving an award date TBD Complete the Senior Intention Survey and final transcript request.    Attend MANDATORY Commencement practice on May 26th Commencement May 29th Look forward to a great summer and future!

 

Requirements

Students must complete two requirements.

Requirement #1: High school curriculum (earn required credits through course work) 

Requirement #2: Pathways to College and Career Readiness (complete one of three pathways)

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Class of 2018 and Beyond take Ohio State Tests (OST) to determine graduation eligibility. This may help you sort it all out:   State Test Point System Resource 

Minimum Requirements for Graduation

Subject	2020-Beyond
English	4.0 credits
Social Studies (World History, Non­Western Studies, U.S. History, U.S. Government, Economics)	3.5 credits
Science (Physical and Biological)	3.0 credits
Mathematics (Must include 1 credit of Algebra II*)	4.0 credits
Health	0.5 credit
Physical Education	0.5 credit
Personal Finance/Financial Literacy	0.5 credit
Fine Arts/Business/World Language	1.0 credit
Electives	5.0 credits
TOTAL	22 credit

Graduation Pathways

Pathway #1: Ohio’s State Tests (State End-of-Course Tests)

Pathway # 2: Industrial Credential & Workplace Readiness (Work Keys)

 

Pathway #3: College and Career Readiness Tests (ACT/SAT)

 

Ohio's Options for a High School Diploma

 

SHS Graduation and EOC

Click here for Graduation Seals Requirements

Student Engagement Seal Application and Log

Seal of Biliteracy Application

Fine & Performing Arts Seal Application and Log

Community Service Pre-Application

Community Service Seal Application & Log

 

 

 

Click here to view video presentation Mustang 101: New Graduation Requirements for Class of 2023 and Beyond

 

Click here to view google slide presentation of Mustang 101: New Graduation Requirements for Class of 2023 and Beyond

• Parent Toolkit For Grief and Loss

  https://drive.google.com/file/d/0B3tF01Zqba03N2Zma1NuMzdLMTQ/view?ts=59ef3e61

• Childhood Traumatic Grief Resources for Youth

  http://www.nctsn.org/trauma-types/traumatic-grief/kids-teens

Military Contacts

	Jeffrey Killen United States Army Recruiter Cell: 330.321.5601 jeffrey.c.killen.mil@mail.mil
	Jacob Dickhaus  Marine Corps Recruiter Cell: 330.289.6820 jacob.dickhaus@marines.usmc.mil
	Robert McGuire National Guard Recruiter Cell: 440.225.0650 robert.j.mcquire7@mail.mil
	Justin Sintal United States Navy Recruiter Cell: 440.539.0640justin.sintal@navy.mil
	Eric  Gallivan Air Force Recruiter Cell: 440.813.1630 eric.gallivan@us.af.mil

 

ASVAB

The Armed Services Vocational Aptitude Battery (ASVAB) is a timed multiple-aptitude test that measures developed abilities and helps predict future academic and occupational success in the military. It is administered annually to more than one million military applicants, high school, and post-secondary students.

The ASVAB assesses four critical areas: Arithmetic Reasoning, Word Knowledge, Paragraph Comprehension and Mathematics Knowledge. Please visit the following links for additional information (practice tests are available): 

https://www.military.com/join-armed-forces/asvab   or  http://official-asvab.com/  or https://www.asvabprogram.com/

The advantages of competing in college sports are both immediate and lifelong. Participating in college sports provides opportunities to learn, compete and succeed. Student-athletes receive top-notch academic support, quality medical care and regular access to outstanding coaching, facilities and equipment. Student-athletes as a group graduate at higher rates than their peers in the general student body and feel better prepared for life after college. 

NCAA Approved Courses 

AP English Language and Comp.                                                    English 11                                         Creative Writing
AP English Literature and Comp.                                                    English 11 Honors                             Mystery and Detective Fiction
English 9                                                                                     English 12/British Literature Blended  Science Fiction and Fantasy
English 9 Honors                                                                          College Composition I                         Survey of British Literature 
English 10                                                                                   College Composition II                        World Mythology            
English 10 Honors                                                    

**College Preparatory Skills, Business English & Communication, and Literature and Film are not NCAA approved courses.

Social Studies

AP Comparative Government                                                        NonWestern Studies                           Contemporary World Issues                            
AP European History                                                                    Modern World History                         Criminal Justice and Civil Law
AP Human Geography                                                                  Modern World History Honors               General Psychology
AP Macroeconomics                                                                     United States History                           Psychology
AP Microeconomics                                                                      United States History Honors                Practical Law  

AP Psychology                                                                             United States Government and Civics    Sociology
AP United States Government and Politics                                      Economics                                        AP United States History                                                                                                                          
** Financial Literacy is not a NCAA approved course.

Mathematics

AP Calculus AB                                                                            Algebra I                                           Linear Algebra                           

AP Calculus BC                                                                            Algebra II                                           Multivariable Calculus
AP Statistics                                                                                Algebra II & Trigonometry                    Pre-Calculus
AP Computer Science                                                                   Algebra II & trigonometry Honors    Pre-Calculus Honors
AP Computer Science Principles                                                    Geometry                                           Probability and Statistics                                                                                                            Exploring Computer Science through Mathematics                          Geometry Honors                                Quantitative Reasoning

Science

AP Biology                                                                                  CPE Science                                        Anatomy/Physiology

AP Chemistry                                                                              Biology                                              Astronomy
AP Environmental Science                                                            Biology Honors                                    Biology II
AP Physics Mechanics                                                                  Chemistry                                          Earth Systems Science
AP Physics Algebra Based                                                            Chemistry Honors                                Forensics and Criminalistics

Physics                                                                                       Forensic Science Investigations

World Language

AP French                                                           French I                                        German I               Spanish I                                                            AP German                                    French II                German II                                                           Spanish II                                     AP Spanish            French III                                                            German III Honors                        Spanish III

AP Physics Mechanics                                            French III Honors                         Spanish III Honors

AP Physics Algebra Based                                                           

For additional information, please visit the NCAA Eligibility Center.

About Polaris

Strongsville High School partners with Polaris Career Center to inspire high school students to achieve career success. By providing key training and credentials to those who wish to pursue opportunity, they help to strengthen our local economy.

Polaris high school programs serve 11th and 12th graders from six high schools including Strongsville High School. To learn more about Polaris, please visit https://www.polaris.edu/.

Information gathered from www.polaris.edu

Career Technical Programs

• Computer Networking Academy
• Aeronautics
• Automotive Technology
• Baking & Pastry Arts
• Business Professional & Office Technology
• Culinary Arts & Restaurant Management
• Construction Trades
• Cosmetology
• Criminal Justice
• Dental Assisting
• Emergency Medical Technician/Fire Training
• Exercise Science & Rehab Therapy
• Heating, Ventilating & Air Conditioning  & Refrigeration(HVAC/R)
• Medical Professions
• Precision CNC Machining
• Pre-Nursing
• Welding Technology

Apply to Polaris

To apply to Polaris, follow these steps:   Complete the application Submit a personal statement  Accept the conditions at the end of the application and submit your application Once your application is received, your counselor will review it, and will contact you to complete the student registration process. Please note that once you submit your application, it cannot be changed.  Please contact your school counselor to make changes for you.   Your acceptance into Polaris will be based on your Polaris Success Rubric score. Students with the highest scores in each program will be accepted until capacity is reached.   Information gathered from www.polaris.edu

Click here for 2024-2025 Program of Studies

SHS Local Scholarships

All information regarding SHS Local Scholarships will be posted  in January/February of 2025

 

"Parents, the press, administrators and the general public often wonder just what it is that school counselors do on a daily basis. Gone are the days of school counselors sitting in their office simply handing out college applications, making schedule changes for students who want to drop a class or meeting with the troublemakers in the school. Today's school counselors are vital members of the education team. They help all students in the areas of academic achievement, personal/social development and career development, ensuring today's students become the productive, well-adjusted adults of tomorrow."

School counselors should spend most of their time in direct service to and contact with students. School counselors' duties are focused on the overall delivery of the total program through guidance curriculum, individual student planning and responsive services. A small amount of their time is devoted to indirect services called system support. Schools should eliminate or reassign certain inappropriate program tasks, if possible, so school counselors can focus on the prevention needs of their programs." Below are appropriate school counselor activities: 

"■ individual student academic program planning ■ interpreting cognitive, aptitude and achievement tests ■ providing counseling to students who are tardy or absent ■ providing counseling to students who have disciplinary problems ■ providing counseling to students as to appropriate school dress ■ collaborating with teachers to present school counseling core curriculum lessons ■ analyzing grade-point averages in relationship to achievement ■ interpreting student records ■ providing teachers with suggestions for effective classroom management ■ ensuring student records are maintained as per state and federal regulations ■ helping the school principal identify and resolve student issues, needs and problems ■ providing individual and small-group counseling services to students ■ advocating for students at individual education plan meetings, student study teams and school attendance review boards ■ analyzing disaggregated data"

Information gathered from https://www.schoolcounselor.org/

 

Confidentiality

What you say in here...Stays in here UNLESS...

1.  Someone is hurting you

2.  You want to hurt someone

3.  You want to hurt yourself

4.  You give permission to share with another trusting adult

 

Cost-Saving Strategies and Programs for Postsecondary Education 

 

There are a number of strategies and opportunities available to Ohio residents to reduce the cost of higher education. These include earning college credit while in high school, earning credit for experience, using statewide transfer agreements, and obtaining scholarship funding. The actual amount of savings depends upon the particular college or university that the student attends and the number of college credits that she or he earns toward the degree.

For more information about these programs and opportunities to reduce the cost of higher education, please see the Ohio Higher Ed website.