First Assembly Christian School

Academics

• Christian Excellence
• Preschool
• Elementary Studies
• Secondary Studies
• Guidance & Counseling
• Edline

College Planning Checklist-Juniors

• Attend college night at the Agricenter in October.
• Ask your parents to attend the financial aid/scholarship seminar at FACS in November.
• Take the PSAT, administered at FACS. This is a practice test for the SAT. Scores from the PSAT may qualify you for the National Merit Scholarship Competition, the National Achievement program, and/or the National Hispanic Scholars Program.
• Take the ASVAB career interest and aptitude test, and the Kuder Career test, both administered at FACS.
• Begin contacting colleges to request specific information about academic programs, size, location, cost, etc. Be optimistic and realistic, looking both at colleges that are affordable and likely to admit you, and colleges that would be a reach for you academically and/or financially.
• Organize information. When you receive a mailing or download information about a college, decide whether or not the school and its programs interest you a little, a lot, or not at all. File or dispose of materials accordingly.
• If you know where you plan to apply for college admission, find out whether the colleges require test scores from the SAT or ACT. Most local colleges and universities prefer the ACT, which is comparatively more curriculum-based. Some area private schools, Ivy League schools, and many schools on the East and West Coast, prefer the SAT, which places a comparatively stronger emphasis on reasoning.
• Study hard to prepare yourself for the ACT and/or SAT.
• Take the ACT and/or SAT.
• Begin to identify teachers or administrators whom you may ask to write letters of recommendation on your behalf.
• Get serious about scholarship application. Lists of scholarships (and deadlines for application) are posted regularly on Edline, in the hallways, and on the daily bulletin of student announcements.
• Pay attention. Ms. Smeltser may approach you individually regarding a highly specific scholarship for which you might qualify.
• Maintain a strong academic program by continuing to take the toughest courses you are capable of handling.
• Continue your involvement and leadership in extracurricular activities.
• Keep your work portfolio and community service scrapbook up-to-date.
• Use your summer vacation to earn and save money (if possible, in a career field in which you have some interest) and to visit colleges and universities.