SENIOR CHECKLIST FOR THE CLASS OF 2009
TESTING CALENDAR School Code-101220
SAT Reasoning Test- $43.00 Register at- www.collegeboard.com
SAT Test Dates Regular Registration Postmark Deadline Local Test Sites
October 6 September 10 RHS, HHS, Tarpon
November 3 October 2 Tarpon, Palm Harbor
December 1 October 30 Tarpon
January 26 December 26 RHS, HHS, Tarpon
March 1 January 29 Tarpon, Palm Harbor
May 3 April 1 HHS, Tarpon
June 7 May 6 RHS, HHS, Palm Harbor
ACT Test (no writing)- $30.00
ACT Test Plus Writing- $44.50 Register at- www.actstudent.org
ACT Test Dates Regular Registration Postmark Deadline Local Test Sites
September 15 August 10 Tarpon,Dunedin,Clearwate October 27 September 21 Tarpon,Dunedin,Clearwater
December 8 November 2 Tarpon,Dunedin,Clearwater
February 9 January 4 Tarpon,Dunedin,Clearwater
April 12 March 7 Tarpon,Dunedin,Clearwater
June 14 May 9 Dunedin,Clearwater
testGear, a free SAT test preparation site, is available through FACTS.org. See Mrs. Trapp for information on how to access this site.
(If you plan to attend a community college you may take the College Placement Test on the college campus in lieu of the SAT/ACT.) Seniors who still need to pass the FCAT Test are encouraged to take the SAT and ACT. Passing scores on these tests may take the place of the FCAT scores.
YEARLY CALENDAR-
AUGUST
_____ Remember: to participate in graduation on 6/6/08 you must have completed by that date the following graduation requirements(24 required credits, and a cumulative unweighted 2.0000 GPA.)
_____ Check out the guidance page on gulfhigh.org.
_____ Turn in all community service hours to Mrs. Trapp in the CRC.
_____ If you are working toward a Bright Futures Scholarship be sure you are taking the correct classes. You can retake classes where you earned a D or F to improve your GPA.
_____ For teaching scholarships you need to join FFEA.
_____ Males who have reached their 18th birthday are required to register with Selective Service(www.sss.gov). Failure to register excludes a student from receiving financial aid.
_____ 29,30 Registration for Adult Ed. classes during lunch in the commons. REQUIREMENT- 50 hours for each class.
_____ 21 Counselor/Career Specialist appointments begin. Schedule an appointment in guidance before school, at lunch, or after school.
_____ 27,28,31 CRC/Guidance Orientations through Gov’t./Econ. classes.
SEPTEMBER
_____ Meet with college representatives as they visit in the CRC. Visits will be announced and passes are available through Mrs. Trapp or Mrs. Romano in guidance.
_____ Plan to visit any college you are considering.
_____ An advisor from Pasco-Hernando Community College will be available to meet with students at GHS throughout the year. Community colleges require a high school diploma.
_____ Apply now to four year colleges/universities. Most schools prefer online applications. Use FACTS.org or the college web sites to apply.
_____ Use FACTS.org to track your Bright Futures Scholarship status.
_____ Ask teachers, counselors, or employers for letters of recommendation as needed. A Letter of Recommendation Reference Form is available in guidance. Make copies after you complete the form and remember to give your teachers/counselors at least one week to write the letter of recommendation.
_____ Check in guidance for information on ROTC Scholarships. Deadlines are in November.
_____ If you are applying to selective colleges check to see if SAT Subject Tests are required.
_____ Begin watching for issues of the Scholarship Scoop. It is printed on bright yellowpaper and is posted in guidance , the CRC, senior classrooms, bulletin boards, and on gulfhigh.org. Scholarship applications are available at lunch in the guidance office.
_____ Try using www.fastweb.com to search for scholarships.
_____ Athletes who plan to play Division I or II sports in college are required to register online with the NCAA Clearinghouse- www.ncaaclearinghouse.net.
_____ 5,6 Senior Graduation Plans in the Media Center through English classes. Be sure you are taking all the required classes for graduation.
_____ 7 Enrollment deadline for Adult Education classes for first semester.
_____ 10 Adult Education classes begin.
_____ 17,26,27 FACTS.org & College Night information in CRC through Gov’t./Econ. classes.
OCTOBER
_____ 1-5 FCAT retakes- use FCAT Explorer for preparation.
_____ 9 College Night at Pasco-Hernando Community College from 6-8 pm.
_____ 11 ASVAB Test sign up at lunch in the commons.
NOVEMBER
_____ If you want to take Dual Enrollment classes at PHCC for second semester see your guidance counselor by the end of the month.
_____ If you are planning a military career see your military recruiter for enlistment procedures. Recruiter phone numbers are available in the CRC.
_____ 5 ASVAB Test for those students interested in career information or joining the military.
DECEMBER
_____ Check your second semester schedule to be sure you are meeting graduation requirements.
_____ Semester I exams given in all honors/AP classes.
_____ 5,6,7 Presentation on the Pasco Education Foundation/Local Scholarship application. The application is available online through gulfhigh.org.
_____ 5,6,7 The Florida Financial Aid Application will be completed through Gov’t/Econ. classes in the computer lab. This is the application for the Florida Bright Futures Scholarship Program. To qualify for a Bright Futures Scholarship at the end of the seventh semester the application must be submitted prior to 1/31/08. You must also have the required test scores, minimum grade point average, community service hours, and be enrolled in the required courses. Students who are absent on 12/5,12/6, and 12/7 may apply online at www.floridastudentfinancialaid.org after December 1. It is the student’s responsibility to verify that the state has received the application and the transcript has been sent to Florida Bright Futures. The Bright Futures Program allows students to mix and match ACT/SAT test scores from multiple test dates. Scores are accepted through the June test dates. Gold Seal applicants can use the CPT in lieu of the ACT/SAT. Take prior to June 6,2008.
_____ 31 All four year college applications should be submitted regardless of deadlines. The earlier the application is received, the better the chance of being admitted and obtaining housing and financial aid.
_____ 31 Deadline for University of South Florida applications in order to qualify for USF scholarships.
JANUARY
_____ Deadline to submit the Pasco Education Foundation Scholarship application online. This application must also be submitted to Gulf High Guidance.
_____ Sign up in guidance for adult ed. classes to make up any first semester failures or for a low grade point average. Be sure to adhere to all deadlines.
_____ Check with your college financial aid office for any required financial aid applications such as the Profile Registration Guide. Follow all deadlines.
_____ 1 Apply online (www.pin.ed.gov) for a PIN number for student and parent. This is required to complete the FAFSA (Free Application for Federal Student Aid) online. The FAFSA may be completed online (www.FAFSA.ed.gov) or by paper application. This application is different from the application completed in the GHS computer lab in December. The FAFSA may qualify a student for grants, loans and college work study programs. Aid is given out on a first come first served basis so apply as soon as possible after January 1.
_____11 Financial Aid presentation in Gov’t./Econ. classes.
_____Attend Financial Aid Night with your parents at the River Ridge Performing Arts Center. (date to be announced)
FEBRUARY
_____ Take the College Placement Test (CPT), ACT, or SAT to qualify for the Gold Seal Scholarship.
_____ Keep your grades up. Courses continue to count throughout your senior year. All college acceptances are contingent upon successful completion of your senior year.
_____ Final rank in class is determined. Rank is based on seven semesters.
MARCH
_____ FCAT Test
_____ Finalize plans for college housing and financial aid.
_____ Complete community college applications.
APRIL
_____ If you plan to attend St. Petersburg College call for an orientation and registration appointment.
_____ Bring Mrs. Kelley a copy of any scholarship awards received.
_____25 If planning to attend PHCC sign up for Senior Blitz.
MAY
_____ See your guidance counselor to discuss plans for failed classes.
_____ High school graduates may enroll in Marchman to obtain a technical certificate.
_____ Honors Night- required 3.2 GPA for quarters 1,2, and 3. Date to be announced.
_____ 6 If still undecided about your plans after high school attend the Post Secondary Fair in the gym.
_____ 5-16 Advanced Placement Exams
_____ 15 Annual Scholarship Presentation for senior recipients at PHCC.
JUNE
_____ Complete a final transcript request. Forms available at graduation practice.
_____ 6 Graduation!!!!!
STATE UNIVERSITY SYSTEM INFORMATION
Universities prefer the online application. Online applications may be accessed through the FACTS.org web site, or by going directly to the university web site. Remember to fill out a transcript request form. These forms are available in the main office. Students who have not taken the ACT/SAT or those who plan to retest should still submit applications early. There is a place on the application to indicate future testing plans. The universities receive score reports a week or two before the reports arrive at GHS, therefore, by submitting your application without waiting for your scores you will receive an admissions decision at an earlier date.
The State University System has minimum standards. If you have a minimum GPA of 3.0 in the required high school academic core courses and submit SAT or ACT scores, you meet the minimum criteria for admission to any state university in Florida. However, each university may establish higher admission requirements beyond these standards.
If you have a GPA of less than 3.0, there is a sliding scale of GPA combined with SAT/ACT scores.
GPA in Core Courses One of the following admission test scores must equal or exceed:
GPA SAT ACT
2.0 1140 25
2.1 1110 24
2.2 1090 23
2.3 1060 22
2.4 1030 21
2.5 1010 21
2.6 1000 21
2.7 990 21
2.8 980 21
2.9 970 20