The Next

Four Years
DA School Counseling
Department
Allison Armstrong
Duval County Graduation
Course Requirements
24 credits ▪ 2.0 unweighted GPA
4-English ▪ Pass ELA FSA Grade 10
4-Math Alg I, Geo, + 2 math ▪ Pass the Algebra 1 EOC
3-Science ▪ Complete one online high
school course
Bio, + 2 sci
3-Social Studies
World Hist, US Hist, Eco/Gov
2-World Language
Must be in same language
1-Practical or Performing Fine Art*
1- HOPE
6-Electives*
 Grade Point Average
• State, Unweighted, Graduation GPA (4.0 scale)

• District, Weighted, Ranking GPA (5.0 scale)

• Re-calculated, Academic GPA

Includes half of an extra quality point for each academic honors course,
whole extra point for AP, DE) State University Schools in Florida (other
colleges/universities recalculate based on their unique formulas)

• Florida Bright Futures GPA

Uses specific courses and includes half of an extra quality point for each
honors, AP, or DE course. Go to www.floridashines.org
 Freshman Year
• Building Academic Skills
• Time Management
• Modeling how we manage our time
• Open-ended questions
• Study Skills
• Difference between homework and studying
• Extracurricular Activities
• Dedicated involvement
• Exploration
• Career
• What are your student’s passions, skills, and interests?
• Begin with the end in mind
• Resources: FSCJ Career Coach, O*Net Online, & Job Shadowing
• Map out High School Curriculum
• Goal to complete 25-50 hours of community service
 Sophomore Year
• Map out High School Curriculum
• Goal to complete 25-50 hours of
community service
• Continue extracurricular involvement
• Take on leadership opportunities
• Take the PSAT
• Strategize test prep for Junior Year

• Explore Colleges
• Attend the College Fairs
• Go on college tours
• College Reps in cafeteria during L&L
• Meet with your counselor
• Resources: Fiske Guide, Big Future, & College Essay Guy
 Fall of Junior Year
• Academic Skills Refresher
• Mindful of balance
• Best grades in the toughest
classes
• Begin Test Prep
• Know the scores you need
• Research a summer program
• Summer intensive or a pre-
college program
• Know the deadlines and apply
• Continue to complete
remaining service hours
• Silver Cord: 250 hours
Spring of Junior Year
• Attend Junior Night
• Register for SAT & ACT
• Take each test twice
• Must take writing section at least
once
• Develop a College List
• Academic, Financial &
Social/Emotional Fit
• Ensure all community service
has been submitted.
• Colleges can view on the
transcript
 Summer of Junior Year
• Know why you want to attend college
• Attend a summer program
• Give students an edge in the college admissions process
• Communicate with admissions representatives
• They are your advocate through this process
• Know application requirements for each individual
college/university
• College Essay
• Resume
• Transcript
• Test Scores
• College Workshops will be held at DA in June/July
 Fall of Senior Year Spring of Senior Year

• Fight off Senioritis! • Fight off Senioritis

• Continue to take SAT or ACT for • Continue to apply for scholarships
scores needed
• Send official test scores to colleges • Hear back from colleges
• Request recommendation letters • Review financial aid packages

• Submit applications • Submit documentation to Arts Area

• Arts Majors/Minors • Acceptance Letters
• Finalize portfolios, audition tapes, or • Scholarships
writing samples • Decide where to spend the next
• Set up Audition Dates
four years of your life
• Apply for scholarships
• Send in your deposit by May 1st
• October 1st-
• Complete the FAFSA • Relax and enjoy your last moments
• Complete FFAA (Bright Futures) of high school
 How Can Parents
Help?

• Combine college tours • Develop a Financial Plan • Encourage your student to

with a family vacation • Net Price Calculator reach out to colleges for
• FAFSA4caster help
• Build boundaries
around discussions of • Investigate ALL possible • Review application
resources materials
college • Parents
• Savings • Active Listening
• Find the “Best” fit
• Realistic Expectations
• Summer earnings • Move at your student’s
• Other sources pace
 Where do I find scholarships?
• University Website
• Financial Aid page
• Your intended Major
• Honors program
• Arts scholarship
• Counselor’s
• Counselor Corner Blog
• Tuition Tuesdays on Instagram
• Your Employer and Banks
• Church or Civic Organizations
• Unions
• https://www.unionplus.org/college-education-financing/union-plus-scholarship
• Additional sites
• Fastweb.com
• www.finaid.org/scholarships
• Raise.me
• Chegg
• Pinterest
Thank you!
DA School Counseling
Department
Allison Armstrong