at the PSRC-M141
and V121
at the PSRC-M141
and V121
During the 2007-2008 year, as part of our Post Secondary Resources, Tucson High has added an additional counselor to work with our students as they plan for their future careers. That counselor is me - Karen Wilsey. I work in conjunction with Dr. Ostroff, who has been coordinating our College and Career Center in the past which is presently called the Post Secondary Resource Center. The expansion emerged two centers, one in the Main – M141 and the other in the Vocational Building -V121.
Our students will continue to have new opportunities this year to stay informed about career options and training programs. You will also find a link to our Post Secondary Center webpage called “Career Connections” where you can browse through the following information:
Job Shadowing – opportunities for mature and responsible students to become exposed to a variety of careers through companies in Tucson
Career Snapshots – short 30 minute presentation dates given by a company in Tucson to expose students to a variety of career choices and programs available locally
Podcasts – audio recordings available for downloading a Career Snapshot presentation or other career information
Employment – information on jobs that become available to our students
Apprenticeships – programs that will pay their workers as they train for a specific field (most young people at least 18 years old).
Exciting upcoming highlight – Tucson High is in the planning stage of expanding our Automotive Collision Repair program in a partnership with Pima Community College.
Feel free to contact me by emailing me at: karen.wilsey@tusd1.org or calling me at 225-5102. We can always use more career and employment resources for our students!
From identifying your career goals to building a preliminary college list and completing applications, the Post Secondary Resource Centers have a wealth of information to help you get ready for the first year at college and/or a career.
Materials available include post-secondary training and work force opportunities, college and career workshops, college view books, college reference guides, testing information, scholarship and college preview books, military opportunity information and more. Additional information on occupations is also available through the AZCIS (available on the internet at: www.azcis.intocareers.org. School: Tucson High. Username: tucsonhms. Password: 4azcis02), the ASVAB, and the COPS interest inventories. These provide students an opportunity to discover individual interests and research a variety of career fields as well as to become familiar with hundreds of colleges and universities.
The Centers are open Monday through Friday, 7:30 am-3:00 pm. Students are encouraged to come in during lunch, conference periods, open periods, and at any other teacher-approved time. The centers are open on a walk-in basis or by appointment.
Parents and members of the community are invited to visit the centers during school hours. Parent volunteers are welcome.
Growing Interest
At Tucson High Magnet School there has been a growing interest in college (whether in or out-of-state) by our students in which is reflected in our record year-end statistics. Our 2007-2008 data shows that 82% of our seniors will attend a college or university after they graduate. This percentage has been relatively consistent for the past three years. Present figures also demonstrate a record total amount of over $10.5 million in scholarships. In addition, the list of in and out-of-state college and university representatives who visit our campus each year is also growing totaling over 70. Students are encouraged to sign up at the Post Secondary Resource Center-Main and meet with these representatives.
AP Scholars Awards
Tucson High is delighted to recognize the following students who have earned AP Scholar Awards on the basis of their outstanding academic performance on AP Exams:
Scholar: TBA
Scholar with Honor: TBA
Congratulations to each of you on a job well done!
National Merit Awards TBA
Thinking about the military? Recruiters will be at the PSRC-Main once a month. Sign up at the PSRC-Main, specific times are to be announced.
Scholarship Information
· SCHOLARSHIPS: What are they? Money for college awarded on the basis of excellence or achievement: grades, athletics, leadership, activities, music, drama, etc., or a combination. Some scholarships may also consider financial need. Most are awarded through colleges and universities, some by private organizations and groups. Application deadlines vary. Make certain that you also use online methods to find scholarships such as: www.fastweb.com
· FINANCIAL AID: Grants, loans, part-time work to help pay for college. Awarded based on financial need; a comparison of your family’s financial situation and the cost of the school you plan to attend. Apply as soon as possible AFTER January 1, 2010, using the FAFSA (Free Application for Federal Student Aid). You can also apply online at: www.fafsa.ed.gov.
CSS Profile is nonfederal financial aid needed only if applying out-of-state at selective private universities. Register in your senior year; visit the ‘Students’ section at www.collegeboard.com.
· The Flinn Scholarship program is available to seniors who rank in the top 5%, earn a 1280+ in reading and math on SAT or 29+ on the ACT, substantial extracurricular involvement and leadership skills. Apply at flinnscholars.org or see Dr. O ASAP if interested. Online application deadline is October 24, 2008.
· U of A’s Baird Foundation Scholarship TBA please see Dr. O if interested.
· MERIT SCHOLARSHIPS: Tuition scholarships awarded by the U of A to students ranking in the top 2% of the class at the end of the junior year. Students do not have to apply for this scholarship since he/she is automatically recognized by the universities. Students must have the ACT or SAT scores in place for consideration. Make certain that you take the test(s) in the spring of 2009. Other scholarships range within percentage for admission and a ‘holistic’ review. At ASU, awards are based at no specific percentile (although the highest tend to receive most scholarships). Formula is based on GPA, test scores, and class rank at this time, until further notice.
Senior Year Preparation
THINGS STUDENTS SHOULD BE DOING DURING THE SECOND SEMESTER OF THEIR JUNIOR YEAR:
1. Start gathering information on colleges NOW. Do book and computer research. Check entrance requirements, test requirements, majors, size, etc. Think about what you are looking for in a college, discuss your plans with your parents, your counselor, and your friends. Visit with the college and university representatives. Go to college fairs. See Dr. O, walk-in basis or by appt.
2. Take an Interest Inventory Test such as the CIS or the COPS if you are uncertain of a career or need to explore more options. Take the ASVAB Test (Career Exploration Program) on Friday, November 14, 7:30-11:00 in the Auditorium. It’s a FREE test. See Ms. Wilsey or Dr. O for more information.
3. Start researching scholarships. Inquire with your parent’s employer, union, fraternal organizations, church, military affiliations, etc. Talk with your parents about paying for college. Consider your career goals; some scholarships are awarded on that basis. Use the scholarships books, online searches, look at this year’s monthly Senior Bulletins, and use the Post-Secondary Resource Centers. Register online at www.fastweb.com for a personalized list of scholarships; keep updating your profile.
4. Attend TUSD College Night at the TCC on Tuesday, September 16, from 6:30-9:00 pm with your parents, learn about the many colleges and universities that are visiting Tucson, it’s FREE.
5. Attend Junior/Senior Parent College Night on Wednesday, September 17 from 6:30-8:00 pm at the Auditorium and learn more about college entrance from college experts.
6. Take the PSAT on Wednesday, October 15 from 7:30-11:30 am. It will cost $5 this year and required for all Juniors. Pick up a study guide at the Finance Office. Fee Waivers are available for free or reduced lunch students. See Dr. O.
7. Take the SAT and/or ACT this spring: Dates, registration deadlines, and registration material are available at the Post-Secondary Resource Centers (M141, V121). You can also register online at: www.act.org and/or www.collegeboard.com. Study for the test using the free booklet that comes in registration packet or other study methods such as books, CD-ROMS, private programs, etc. Taking the test(s) early allows you the time and opportunity to retake it/them if you need to improve your score(s) for college entrance or scholarship reasons. Take an SAT II Subject Test or Tests this spring if you are considering a selective, out-of-state school that requires or recommends them; and, IF you are taking a strong academic class this year and won’t take a class in that area next year.
8. Put together your resume. Samples are available at the Post-Secondary Resource Centers (M-141, V-121). Update it in the fall. You will need it for jobs, volunteer work, scholarships, and to give to people when writing recommendations. Fine Arts people: start working with your teachers on portfolio/audition material. Athletes: talk with your coach and start researching & contacting schools.
9. Start thinking about your classes for next year. Continue preparing yourself for college; DON’T blow off your senior year! You don’t want to be forced to take remedial courses your freshman year in college; selective colleges and scholarships are interested in what you take as a senior. If possible, challenge yourself especially in Math and English since you will be entering these major areas next year in college. Consider AP courses.
10. Interested in a Service Academy or ROTC Scholarship? Sign up to meet with the recruiters at the Post-Secondary Resource Center-Main.
11. Financial Aid? Come to Financial Aid Night on Wednesday, January 22 from 6:30-8:00 pm with your parents to learn about how to pay for college.
12. Use the summer productively! You can go to summer school and retake a class to improve your GPA or get into a summer program at a college in or out of state, write and visit colleges, explore career possibilities-- get a job or do volunteer work,... Summer program information is available at the Post-Secondary Center-Main.