Counseling Corner: Addison Trail Guidance Department offers advice for members of the class of 2020

The Addison Trail Guidance Department is committed to helping students prepare for success in their post-high school pursuits.

As part of that focus, the department offers the following tips for members of the class of 2020. We know junior year can be stressful, and below is a breakdown of what students should be working on as the 2018-19 school year comes to an end, throughout summer break and going into fall 2019.

Now:

  • Register to take or retake the SAT and/or ACT. The SAT and ACT are an important part of the college admissions process. On April 9, the Illinois State Board of Education will provide the College Board’s SAT exam, including a writing component, at no cost to all public high school juniors. That assessment provides a college-reportable score for admissions purposes. Eligible Addison Trail juniors will pre-register for that assessment at school. Read more at https://www.dupage88.net/site/page/9767.
  • Develop your list of schools to which you would like to visit and apply. To assist with your college search, go to https://bigfuture.collegeboard.org/college-search.
  • Attend college fairs, and visit a variety of campuses.
  • Work on your personal statement and essays for college applications.
  • Stop in the Guidance Office for help and to ask any questions. Be sure to visit this spring.

Summer:

  • Get involved with volunteer activities and job shadowing.
  • Continue to visit college and university campuses.
  • Work on your E-Portfolio.
  • Finalize your list of schools to which you would like to visit and apply.
  • Communicate with your parents/guardians about your plan.

Fall:

  • Apply to colleges and universities. Be sure to apply online and on time!
  • Complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) after Oct. 1, 2019.
  • Visit schools of interest with a parent/guardian.
  • Begin your scholarship search, and continue looking/applying for scholarships through May.

Summer school information:
Summer school focuses on helping all students earn credit to stay on track for graduation and also provides an opportunity for all students to get ahead in earning credits that count toward graduation.

Summer school will take place from June 3 to 28. The deadline to register is April 18, and details can be found at http://dupage88.libguides.com/ld.php?content_id=46415866. Classes that will be offered are:

  • Prep for Advanced Placement (AP)/college-level courses
  • Consumer Education
  • Online Consumer Education
  • Public Speaking
  • Economics
  • Accelerated Geometry
  • Driver Education

The registration form is available in the Guidance Office or online at http://dupage88.libguides.com/ld.php?content_id=46415866.