Life,

LIBERTY,

and the

Pursuit of Happiness

Guiding you through High School and Beyond…

LIBERTY TOURS

YOUR “TOUR GUIDES”:

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Mrs. Sheffield

Counselor A-G

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Mr. Cunningham

Counselor H-O

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Mrs. Blackford

Counselor P-Z

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Mrs. Gerringer

College/Career/A+ Counselor

Mrs. Riley - Counseling Intern

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Ms. Siman

Educational Support Counselor

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Mrs. McCain & Mrs. Meintz

Guidance Secretary & Registrar

What can my counselor help with?

• Goal Setting
• Academic Planning
• School-Related Concerns
• Problem-Solving
• Decision-Making Skills
• Career Development
• College Planning
• Study Skills
• Time Management & Organization

• Relationship Concerns
• Coping Skills
• Self-Identity
• Bullying
• Stress/Anxiety
• Mental Wellness
• Self-Esteem
• Grief/Loss
• Transitions

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Need help? Here are some options:

• After-school Academic Assist (AAA)
• Mon-Thur in the Library
• Speak to your teacher
• Make an appointment with your counselor
• Sign up for a counseling group

Guidance and College/Career/A+ webpages can be accessed from the Liberty Home page under “Academics”

Graduation Requirements

Graduating with Honors

• Academic Honors
• Meet all WSD graduation requirements plus a 4^th year of math* and 3 additional core classes**
• Minimum 3.0 GPA
• Minimum ACT score of 21
• At least 1 high school activity
• Demonstrate good citizenship
• Cum Laude Honors (all Academic Honors requirements must be met first)
• Cum Laude:1.0 credit qualifying course, 3.5 GPA, 22 ACT, 2 HS activities
• Magna Cum Laude: 2.0 credit qualifying courses, 3.75 GPA, 23 ACT, 3 HS activities
• Summa Cum Laude: 3.0 credit qualifying courses, 4.0 GPA, 24 ACT, 4 HS activities

For full details, read the Graduation Requirements or Cum Laude Requirements on the WSD Online Course Guide

* all four credits of math must be at Algebra I or higher

**Core: English, Math, Science, SS, and World Language

College Athletic Eligibility

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• There are rules that govern college athletics. Talk to your coach!
• NCAA Division I and II –
• Mrs. Gerringer has a worksheet to track eligibility
• Sophomores should register with NCAA clearinghouse (so if you haven’t done this yet, get on it!!
• NAIA
• NJCAA

Missouri A+ Program

• What is it?
• Guaranteed $3000-4000 scholarship good at almost every college/university (2 free summer courses at SCC)
• Free tuition at any Missouri community college or public vocational/technical institution
• Many 4-year colleges also offer scholarships for completing the A+ Program
• We believe that EVERY eligible Liberty student should complete the program
• FREE education
• Good “insurance policy” even if you don’t intend to use it
• Give back – tutoring helps struggling students
• Eligibility
1. Sign the Student Participation Agreement
2. Graduate with a minimum 2.5 GPA (non-weighted grades)
3. Graduate with a 95% attendance record
4. Maintain a record of good citizenship
5. Qualifying score on approved math assessment (Alg I EOC or ACT)
6. Perform at least 50 hours of tutoring in the WSD (training required before starting; up to 12.5 hours of job shadowing)
7. Must have attended an A+ eligible high school for 2 years

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How do you figure out what you want to do after high school?

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Tests to help prepare for College and Careers

• SCOIR – Career Assessments

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• PSAT/NMSQT – Wednesday, October 12^th during school
• Preliminary-SAT test helps students practice and prepare for future college admission tests and even know which AP courses they should take
• ASVAB (Armed Services Vocational Aptitude Battery) – November TBD during school
• Optional test for sophomores, juniors, and seniors that gives results for careers that might suit you (don’t have to be interested in military – good results for ANY student)
• “No recruit” test means that recruiters will not get your results
• ASVAB is required for students enlisting in the military, and will guide which jobs you qualify for
• Test is free; sign-up on our website by clicking here
• ACT/SAT tests
• College admissions tests; both are accepted by all colleges/universities (mandatory for 4-yr schools)
• Junior year is a good time to start taking the tests
• Sign up online (www.act.org or www.collegeboard.org)
• Fee Waivers available based on financial need
• ACT/SAT Prep resources on College/Career webpage
• ACT (Late) Deadline for Oct 22 is Sept. 30th; Upcoming tests: Dec, Feb, April, June, July
• SAT Deadline for November 5 is October 7th; Upcoming tests: Dec, March, May, June

Know Yourself

• Values
• Ambitions
• Achievements
• Academic Strengths
• Interests
• Your Standout Talents

AND THEN ASK …

• Is there a job in your interest area that will pay you enough money to support yourself?
• How hard will it be to get that job?
• Do I have a back-up plan if my “dream job” is not immediately attainable?

Discerning the �Ideal Career

Volunteer

Hobby

Occupation

Job

= Ideal Career

Post High School Options

• Certificate/on-the-job training
• Apprenticeships - Construction trades, Electrician, Plumber, etc.
• 2-Year Community College
• Trade/Technical School
• Military – 1 in 4 will qualify
• Active duty
• Reserves/National Guard
• 4-Year College/University
• Take the SCOIR Career Assessments

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To College,

or not to college…

That is the question.

Can I avoid being a statistic?

Research the education/training needed for the career(s) you are considering

Research the program to make sure it is appropriate and affordable

Develop a plan to finish (15 to Finish), use your resources, and reach out for help when you need it

��Options

• Skilled employment
• Technical / Professional schools
• Military (full-time)
• Military (part-time w/ skilled employment, technical school, or traditional college)

The

Right

Fit

Words of Wisdom

It's not about what you’re going to do

… but who you are going to be.

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What problems do I want to solve?

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What do colleges look at?

When??

• Cumulative GPA/Class Rank
• ACT/SAT scores optional
• Letters of recommendation
• Essay
• Extracurriculars

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• Junior Year:
• Take ACT between December and May
• Visit colleges, trade schools, etc.
• Complete A+ hours
• Senior Year:
• Sept-Nov. deadlines for scholarships
• Nov. 1st Early Application/Decision deadline
• FAFSA - after October 1st
• Jan. 1st - Regular Deadline for some schools

Other Options...

Two Year

Schools

Registered Nurse

Radiation Therapist

Dental Hygienist

Aviation Controller

MRI Technologist

PT or OT Assistant

Radiologic Technologist

Illinois

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Location and

Travel Time

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Private Schools

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After scholarships, sometimes private can be cheaper than public

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Out of State

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Might have the perfect program!

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Undecided?

• If you don’t have a major, it’s OK.

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• More than half of new college students say a very important reason for going to college is “to find my purpose in life.”

What information do college admission officers review?

What About Scholarships?

• Institution Scholarships: Offered by the college/university (automatic, merit, athletic)
• General Scholarships: From national to local, found on websites, through employers etc. I post any general scholarships I receive on my General Scholarships page.
• Local Scholarships: Offered by area groups/foundations to Liberty/Timberland/Holt students. Drive runs for 6 weeks starting in February of senior year.
• Criteria: Varies, depending on scholarship. Typical requirements include, but are not limited to: ACT, cumulative GPA, class rank, extra curricular activities, leadership positions, work experience, community service, financial need, area of study.

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College May Not Be Right For Everyone…..

But, you DON’T want to live with your parents forever, right?

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The Reality

Timeline Junior Year

• Keep working on your GPA
• Keep track of graduation requirements and college admissions requirements
• Research career interests and colleges
• Sign up on SCOIR to visit with College Representatives
• Take the ACT (prepare in advance)
• If you are looking at selective schools, have a safety school plan too
• Register on NCAA or NAIA websites if you plan on playing college sports
• Start making college visits
• Begin building your resume
• Consider a summer camp on a college campus
• Research scholarship criteria/eligibility

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Timeline Senior Year

• Narrow down college choices
• Apply to colleges by deadlines (many @ December 1^st)
• Complete the FAFSA on line (Oct 1 – Feb 1)
• Request transcripts through SCOIR
• Request letters of recommendation if needed through SCOIR
• Make campus visits
• Apply for scholarships
• Continue taking the ACT if necessary
• Local scholarships will be available
• Choose your school (usually by Spring)
• Inform other colleges of your decision
• Complete A+ Requirements by May 1 (early graduates by December 15).

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Other Helpful Hints

• Work on your “soft skills”
• Be smart with social media
• Make your post secondary choice because it’s right for YOU, not because it’s what your friends are doing.

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College Research

• SCOIR and College Board College Search
• College Fairs
• Virtual or in-person campus visits
• College Rep visits at Liberty (sign up on SCOIR)
• Use Net Price Calculator on college websites

Don’t miss the boat! ��It’s time to start planning your future.

Class of 2024…