Free College Credit Option

Interested in a construction, apprenticeship skilled-trade, heavy highway, bridge or civil engineering technology career?

 

Enroll now in the

Construction & Civil Pre-Engineering Boot Camp Spring Term

(April 3rd-June 12th) at Chemeketa Community College! For free!

(Did you say free?! Yes, free!)

Classes will be held every Friday from 2:30-6:30p.m. This course will introduce you to apprenticeship programs and their requirements, engineering technology concepts, skills and technologies used in the transportation, heavy high way and bridge industries. Pre-requisites: Basic math and reading proficiency. The cost is free and all students receiving a passing grade will receive two college credit hours.

Space is limited- Registration deadline is March 28th, 2015.
 

For more information and to register contact:
 

Chemeketa Community College

503-399-6539

Andrew.Frank@Chemeketa.edu

15 Questions to ask your school counselor

Your school counselor is one of your best resources as you plan for college. Your counselor has information about admission tests, college preparation, and your education and career options. Here are some basic questions to help get your conversation stated:

1. What courses do I need to take to be ready for college?
• There are many options available, but generally students should take challenging courses and graduate with at least 1-2 AP or college level classes listed on their transcript as well as Algebra 2.
2. How should I plan my schedule so I'll complete them?
• Check out Central High's 4-year planner found in the curriculum guide or under the Student To-Do Lists tab on this blog for assistance.
3. Which elective courses do you recommend?
• Elective courses are your choice and depend on what you're interested in studying in the future. For instance, if I plan on majoring in Nursing, I take science courses for some of my electives.
4. Which AP courses should I consider taking?
• Consider your strengths. If you enjoy history or like writing, consider choosing AP Geography or  AP World History or AP Language. Talk with your counselor about possible options and requirements.
5. When is the PSAT going to be given?
• The PSAT is given only once a year in October. The State of Oregon pays for Sophomore students to take it for free while Junior students have a small fee and must sign up if they wish to take the PSAT. It's important to take the PSAT as a Junior to be eligible for a possible scholarship as well as have an updated idea/study guide for the SAT which should be taken during the spring term of their Junior year.
6. How should I study for the SAT and is it given at this high school?
• One of the best study guides is provided through taking the PSAT. There are many resources online for the SAT - see your counselor for more details. The SAT is given at West Salem and Corvallis. Sign up for your preferred date early to ensure you have a spot! First come, first served.
7. Do you have any college planning sessions scheduled?
• The counseling office schedules informational sessions as needed and enter into the classrooms at least once a month. See your counselor or the announcements for updated schedules.
8. Do you have college handbooks or other guides that I can borrow or browse?
• Yes! There is a drawer of college brochures in the counseling office for the taking!
9. What activities can I do at home and over the summer to get ready for college?
• There are many activities! Volunteer! Join a club! Take courses! See your counselor for possible referrals and information.
10. What kind of grades do different colleges require?
• That's a good question, that varies by colleges. Typically colleges will want students to maintain a 3.0 GPA (possible 2.75 GPA accepted) and have a few challenging courses on their transcript. D's are not accepted as passing grades for college and will not fulfill the requirements for admission. Check out your specific college for specific requirements.
11. Are there any college fairs nearby?
• Yes! See your counselor and announcements for possible fairs. The CHS department took students to the National College Fair in Portland last October.
12. What colleges do other kids from our school go to?
• See the College Visits tab for our list.
13. If my colleges need a recommendation from you, what do I need to do?
• See the Recommendation Letters tab for our required documents.
14. What is a transcript and how do I get it?
• A transcript is a record of all of your grades/courses and can be requested in the counseling office.
15. What forms do I use to apply for financial aid and where do I find them?
• See the Financial Aid information tab for this and your specific college for applications. There are many steps that you should talk with your counselor about to ensure you receive the most financial aid available to you!

Reality Check:
Remember that the person who has the biggest stake in your academics is YOU. Your counselor is here to help, but it's up to you to stay on top of opportunities and deadlines so you can take control of your future.

How to Ace the Admission Interview - By CollegeApp

You will find a wealth of information around the web- read below for CommonApp's advice on how to succeed in your next interview.

Be Aware:  There are several kinds of interviews  and while each one has similarities, it is important to know which kind of interview you will have in advance.
      - Evaluative: the interviewer's comments and thoughts about the interview will play some sort of role in the process.
      - Non-evaluative/informational: the interview serves as an opportunity to get to know the student and answer any questions they may have.
      - Alumni: an interview conducted off-campus by an alum of the college and is usually non-evaluative.

Be Prepared: Know the basics about the school and know why you are visiting. (And no, "My mom dragged me here" is not an acceptable response). Have three thoughtful questions ready to ask the interviewer- questions that aren't already answered in the school's admission materials. Perhaps you might ask something specific about the department or major you hope to study or about the internships available in the department.

Be the Leader: When you walk into the admissions office, take charge. Don't let your parents check in with the front desk- this is your chance to introduce yourself. Cell phones should be left outside.

Be Relaxed: The interview is an opportunity for you to get to know the college and for them to get to know you. Take a deep breath and be yourself during the interview and it will go well.

Be Professional: Admission officers understand that you are touring a college campus and that you are a high school student, so they are not expecting you to show up in a business suit. However, good impressions are important. Make sure you are neat and tidy so that they know you're taking the interview seriously.

Be Careful: The "interview" starts the minute you walk in the door. The front desk reception area staff see everything, so be on your best behavior. No matter how many hours you have been with your parents and no matter how tired you are after the long car ride or flight, this is the time to shine!

And finally- PRACTICE: Think about possible answers to the following questions.
1. Why do you want to attend our college?
2. What can you contribute to our college campus?
3. What three adjectives best describe you?
4. What are your strengths and weaknesses?
5. What activities do you find most rewarding?
6. What is your favorite book?
7. What do you want to do after graduating from college?
8. If you had a $1000 to give away, what would you do with it?
9. If you could change one thing about your school, what would it be?

As always, see your school counselor for help and possible mock-interview scenarios!