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Junior Bulletin
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College Counseling Junior Bulletin
November 2007

 

Juniors should make a habit of checking the College Counseling website at www.hammondschool.org at least once a week. Follow the links to College Counseling. Then click on From the Director’s Desk. This page contains a wealth of information that will offer you support as you move through the research and reflection stage of the college process.

  1. Mrs. Bickley will begin conducting one-on-one Junior Fall Conferences beginning the first week of November. Please stop by the College Counseling Office and make an appointment with Ms. Easler to see Mrs. Bickley during a free period. During these conferences juniors will:

    a. Review individual transcripts
    b. Review goals set during sophomore year and evaluate success rate
    c. Evaluate first nine week grades
    d. Set year-end grade goals for each class
    e. Discuss what study habits will be necessary to achieve those goals
    f. Determine how those goals will affect GPA.
    g. Discuss SAT plans and potential college interests

  2. Juniors will be receiving finalized College Trip itineraries for either the in-state or out-of-state college tour in the next several days. Trip fees are due by November 7. Please forward a check made payable to Hammond School for the balance if you have not already done so.

  3. College reps continue to visit campus. Check the new College Counseling website, the Daily Announcements, and/or the College Counseling bulletin board for a list of upcoming visits. Juniors are encouraged to attend sessions of interest. Please remember: You must get permission from your classroom teacher prior to attending an info session and you are responsible for any work missed.

  4. PSAT Score Reports will be available in December. Mrs. Bickley will host an Interpreting Your Score Report seminar for juniors prior to exam week in December. Watch Daily Announcements for details.

  5. Juniors should plan to take the SAT in March and again in May. This will give sufficient time to make use of PSAT Score Reports for focused, individual review. Go to www.collegeboard.com for registration and test preparation information. Students enrolled in AP courses or Precalculus should consider taking SAT II’s in those areas on the June 7 test date. Speak to Mrs. Bickley if you have questions concerning SAT II’s.

  6. The best advice a junior can get at this stage of the game is to stay focused in class. Post your strongest grades ever. Your junior year is the last full year colleges will have as they consider your applications next fall.

  7. Financial Aid Meeting: Tuesday, November 27, 5:00 pm in the Lecture Hall. This meeting is primarily designed for parents of seniors, but junior parents are welcome to attend.

  8. Mark your calendars: Parent Junior Symposium, January 14, Monday, 5:00-7:00 (details to follow next month) Student Junior Symposium, January 15, Tuesday, 8:00-10:00 (details to follow next month)

  9. It’s not too early to begin a few college visits…especially if you happen to be in the area. Call individual colleges for tour and info session times. Following your tour, ask to speak informally with an admissions counselor while you are on campus. Make note of that person’s name. Write a thank you note when you get back home. (Remember: Although it is acceptable for a parent to inquire about tours and info sessions, the prospective student should take the initiative once on campus.)

    HELPFUL HINT

    Senior parents have suggested that juniors should purchase extra school pictures and put them aside for use on college applications next fall…just in case senior pictures aren’t back in time.