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Senior To-Do-List

1.         Take the ACT as soon as possible if you are going to college (technical schools don’t require it).

 2.         Research careers and take interest survey at www.planningyourdreams.org or www.collegeforTN.org if you don’t already know what you want to do/be.

 2.         Research colleges/technical schools online that offer your program of study.

 3.         Visit college(s)—you get 2 free days.  Get permission form from School Counseling Center BEFORE you go or it will count as an absence.  Schedule an appointment with the Admissions and Financial Aid Offices at the college and with the department that has your program of study.

 4.         Apply for admission (online preferred for most colleges/technical schools).

 5.         Request that the School Counseling Center send a transcript to the college or technical school.

 6.         Research and apply for scholarships (online preferred) offered at your college/technical school.  KNOW and MEET THE DEADLINES. 

 7.         Register with www.fastweb.com for free scholarship search.

 8.         Read Counseling Center Newsletters for other scholarship opportunities.

 9.         Get a PIN number to prepare for filing your FAFSA.  You and a parent need one. www.pin.ed.gov

 10.       Attend College/Career Night on Monday, October 19 from 6:30-8:00pm.

 11.       Attend Financial Aid Night on Tuesday, December 8 from 6:30-8:00pm.

 12.       After Jan.1, you may complete and submit your online FAFSA.  www.fafsa.ed.gov

 13.       Apply for local scholarships around early March.

 14.       If you receive notification that you have received a scholarship from a school to which you’ve applied, send a letter to either accept or decline it.

 15.       If you need assistance with ANY of these tasks, please see a Mrs. Owens or another school counselor immediately!

 To qualify for Lottery money, you must have 21 composite ACT score OR a final unweighted 3.0 GPA, be accepted at a college, and have submitted a completed FAFSA application.

OR

If you plan to attend a Tennessee Technology Center (such as the one at Hartsville or Livingston), you automatically qualify for Lottery money by applying at the school and submitting a completed FAFSA.

 Contact the School Counseling Center for further questions at 615-666-4474.  Also visit www.maconcountyhs.com and follow the Guidance links for more information and the latest newsletters from the School Counseling Center.

PRE-COLLEGE SUMMER PROGRAMS

9^th, 10^th, and 11^th Grade Students

VANDERBILT UNIVERSITY

·         PAVE:  Six-week summer programs in Engineering, Pre-Medicine, Science, and Technology.  June 21-July 30.  Visit https://pave.vanderbilt.edu   Possibly earn college credit.

·         WAVU:  Weekend academy for 9-12^th graders in Forensic Anthropology, Sociology of Science.  February 20-21, 2010.  Visit www.pty.vanderbilt.edu/wavu  for more info.  Applications available in the Counseling Center.

·         SUMMER ACADEMY:  Two-week summer programs for rising 9^th and 10^th graders to three-week summer programs for rising10th-12^th graders.  Experience college life while enhancing and expanding creative and critical thinking skills. Financial aid available.  See Counseling Center for more information and application materials. Or visit www.pty.vanderbilt.edu

CARNEGIE MELLON UNIVERSITY

Summer program in the following areas:  Advanced Placement/Early Action, Architecture, Art, Design, Drama, Music, and the National high School Game Academy.  June 26-August 6. 

Visit www.cmu.edu/enrollment/pre-college for more info.

GUIDANCE OFFICE

INFORMATION

GUIDANCE PERSONNEL:  Counselors—Malinda Owens and Dianne Jones

  Secretary—Inez Etheridge

*If you need to see a Guidance Counselor, please obtain a Counselor Request form from the Guidance Office or one of your teachers. Complete the form and place it in the labeled box inside the Guidance Office and then return to class.  You will be called out of class when a counselor is available.  If the matter is urgent, please let Mrs. Etheridge know when you come to the Guidance Office.  Mrs. Etheridge may be able to assist you with some matters, so please don’t hesitate to ask her if you simply have questions or need to pick up something.

PROMOTION: 

• Students must earn 4 credits to be a sophomore, 10 to be a junior, 15 to be a senior, and 21 to graduate (of which 20 must be academic credits).
• Students will not be promoted to the next grade at mid-year.
• Students must repeat core courses until they pass them.  Elective courses do not have to be retaken if students fail them.

CREDIT RECOVERY:     MCHS offers an after-school program in which students may “recover” credits for courses which they have failed.  Credit Recovery involves using a self-paced computer program that provides an alternative to actually repeating the class.  Students must adhere to strict guidelines in order to benefit from this opportunity.

TUTORING:  Tutoring may be offered this year free of charge after school in conjunction with Credit Recovery.  Students may work on PLATO or A+ software to enhance their classroom instruction.  Some teachers may assign specific lessons and/or offer extra credit for attending tutoring.

FEES:     If students owe any fees at MCHS, their report cards will be held until the fees are paid.  Records (other than health card) will also be held should a student transfer to another school until the fees are paid (or all books are returned to the teachers).

SCHEDULE CHANGES:     If students wish to change their schedules, they must go to their homeroom teacher for them to arrange the changes and to have a change form completed.  The appropriate signatures need to be obtained to indicate approval of the changes.  DO NOT come directly to the Guidance Office within the first two weeks of school to change your schedule unless announcements are made to do so.  Schedules may be changed during the first two weeks of school—no changes will be allowed after that time.

BOOKSTORE:  The Guidance Office operates a bookstore in which you may purchase basic school supplies (in addition to feminine hygiene products).  The Guidance Office is open from 7:45 until 3:00.

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APRIL COUNSELING CENTER UPDATES

SENIORS—Please make sure you have completed your online FAFSA and sent in your college or technical school application.  If you have not, visit the Counseling Center TODAY!

SAMANTHA BAXTER MEMORIAL SCHOLARSHIP

$1000 scholarship offered in addition to the previous one for Criminal Justice majors. 

This scholarship has no specific requirement for a college major.

Applications available in the Counseling Center and are due April 23.

OTHELL “PA” GREEN MEMORIAL SCHOLARSHIP

Must be going into the medical or the automotive field. 

Applications available in the Counseling Center and are due April 30.

INFORMATION FOR UNDERCLASSMEN

TENNESSEE STATE UNIVERSITY

·         Summer Transportation Institute:  June 6-July 2.  Students are engaged in science, math, and transportation engineering related activities.  Students live on campus for 4 weeks.

·         Application fee: $100 and personal expenses.  Fee paid after acceptance to the program. 

·         Must be in Grades 10-12 in Fall of 2010. 

·         Application materials include:  application, personal resume, 2 letters of recommendation (including one math teacher), counselor recommendation, transcript, 1000 word typed essay describing your interest in math, science, and/or engineering, and $10.00 processing fee.

·         Applications available in the Counseling Center.  Postmark deadline:  April 22

WENDY’S HIGH SCHOOL HEISMAN

·         Will you be a senior during the 2010-2011 school year?

·         Do you participate in at least one sport?

·         Are you a leader in your school and your community?

·         Visit:  www.wendysheisman.com for more info. and to apply!

·         The first 41,100 applicants receive a FREE Wendy’s Gift Card.

·         Applications due:   October 3, 2010 by 5pm

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M.CH.S. SCHOOL COUNSELING CENTER

MARCH 2010 NEWSLETTER

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Seniors—HAVE YOU SUBMITTED YOUR FAFSA?

The 2010-2011 FAFSA became available January 1.  You need to complete this ONLINE in order to get State lottery money or to qualify for any Federal grants or loans.    www.fafsa.ed.gov

  EVERY senior who is planning on going to college or technical school needs to do this ASAP! 

You should have already applied for admission and met university scholarship deadlines by now, but for many schools, it is not too late to apply if you haven’t already done so. 

Come to the Counseling Center immediately for assistance in completing your applications.

SCHOLARSHIPS

VOLUNTEER STATE COMMUNITY COLLEGE Foundation Scholarships 

All applications available in the Counseling Center or online at www.volstate.edu . 

• Lynn F. Nystrom Recycling Scholarship--$500 award based on grades, accomplishments in recycling and other environmental activities, and financial need.  Deadline:  April 15 

• John B. Wallace Medical Scholars Scholarship--$1500 plus tuition and fees to a graduating high school senior with a minimum ACT of 26 attending Vol State on a full-time basis with a major field of study in pre-medical professional or pre-bachelor of science in Nursing.   Deadline:  July 15
• Matt Barbee Memorial Scholarship--$1000 awarded to a full-time student athlete whose goal is to coach and/or teach.  Selection is based on financial need.
• Bank of America Scholarship--$3000 to a student who plans to attend VSCC on a full-time basis.  Based on financial need.
• Janice Nelson Memorial Scholarship--$1200 awarded to a graduating senior attending VSCC part-time majoring in Business.  Based on financial need.

MIDDLE TENNESSEE STATE UNIVERSITY

Biology Department Scholarships(3):  $1500, $1000, and $500 each awarded to incoming freshman Biology majors entering MTSU in the fall of2010.  Selections based on competitive examination given to high school seniors over biological principles and concepts.  Exam will be given at 1:00pm on Thurs.April1in the Davis Science Building at MTSU.  Contestants must register by calling 615-898-2847 between 8am and 4:30pm.  No registration fee.

TENNESSEE MARINE FAMILY “FALLEN HEROES SCHOLARSHIP”

$1000 scholarship.  See www.tnmarinefamily.org for information and application materials. Postmark deadline: May 1

CONTESTS

2010 LAW DAY ESSAY CONTEST

Theme:  “Law in the 21^st Century:  Enduring traditions, Emerging Challenges”  First Place: $300; 2^nd Place: $200; 3^rd Place: $100.  Please submit your essay to the District 8 Representative in our area by April 9, 2010:  David Veile, Lowery, Lowery, and Cherry PLLC, 150 Public Square, Lebanon, TN 37087.  See Counseling Center for contest rules.

SUMMER PROGRAMS

UNIVERSITY OF TENNESSEE

“Veterinary Summer Experience for High School Students”

REQUIREMENTS:

·         Must be 16 years of age by June 7, 2010

·         Completed 10^th grade by June 7, 2010

·         Minimum 3.0 unweighted cumulative GPA

·         Available for full-time employment between June 7-July 30, 2010

·         Not previously participated in this program before

·         Submit application, essay, transcript, and 3 reference letters.

·         Deadline:  March 31 postmark.

Visit www.vet.utk.edu/summerexperience for application materials

WESTERN KENTUCKY UNIVERSITY

“Xposure Journalism Workshop”

·         June 6-17

·         Preference given to minority juniors/seniors who’ve not previously attended this FREE workshop.

·         Training in reporting, writing, editing, and still and video photography.  Students will produce a newspaper and contribute to the workshops website.

·         Applications available at http://www.wku.edu/journalism

·         Deadline:  April 9

FREEDOM ALLIANCE MILITARY LEADERSHIP ACADEMY

To educate, motivate, and inspire young Americans to become positive, productive leaders in their communities.  Cadets are taught leadership styles, qualities, and characteristics based on curriculum taught by the US Army.  For more info visit:  www.mlacamp.com or call 1-800-475-6620

News Release from the Tennessee Attorney General

If you receive a letter urging you to pay $50 or more to apply for financial aid, this is a scam.  You should never have to pay for information regarding financial aid.  Consumers may call 1-800-342-8385 or visit www.state.tn.us/consumer if they have questions or would like to file a complaint against a company for deceptive tactics.

TESTING INFORMATION

ACT

       Saturday, April 10    Deadline: March 5    Late Registration: March 6-19 (fee required)

                                                Stand-By Fee:     Additional $41.00

• DUAL ENROLLMENT:  Students who plan to take “Dual Enrollment” classes next year through Vol State need to take the April 10^th ACT or contact Vol State about taking the ACT-Residual.
• SENIORS who have not yet tested and plan to attend college need to take the April 10^th ACT.

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SENIOR INFORMATION

Every senior should have received a report card reflecting unweighted GPA (based on a 4.0 scale).  Stapled to the report card was a 7^th semester transcript which included the student’s class rank and weighted GPA (5.0 scale for those who took 5.0 classes) if applicable. 

HONOR STUDENTS:  Student whose transcripts had a 3.2 weighted GPA or above at the end of the 1^st semester are considered Honor Students.  They will wear Honor stoles at graduation and have their pictures in the yearbook.  (Students are not “re-ranked” based on updated GPAs at the end of the second semester.)

“GRADUATING WITH HONORS:  Students who will graduate “With Honors” have not yet been confirmed.  Those students must have a 3.0 unweighted GPA and have either successfully followed the honors curriculum or maintained a “B” average in their chosen Career-Technical areas.   These students will receive gold embossed seals on their diplomas and be announced as having graduated “With Honors” at graduation.

TENNESSEE SCHOLARS:  Students who have submitted all required documentation regarding service hours and completed all other requirements will receive a silver embossed seal on their diplomas.

All three sets of students will be recognized at Awards Night in May.

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• 18 YEAR-OLD MALES:  Register with the Selective Service at www.sss.gov

• TRANSCRIPTS:  Students must request the Counseling Center to send transcripts to schools. 

• ATHLETES:  (NCAA Requirements)  If you plan to participate in collegiate sports, make sure you have registered at http://eligibilitycenter.org and that you’ve requested us to send transcript.  You must also have ACT scores sent directly from ACT.  NCAA Eligibility Center will no longer accept ACT scores on high school transcripts.

• COLLEGE DAYS:  If you haven’t used your two College Visit Days, you need to do that as soon as possible.

• HOPE “Lottery scholarship”:  Keep your grades up if you haven’t qualified for the HOPE scholarship yet.  You still have time to improve your grades to a 3.0 unweighted GPA by graduation or to raise your April ACT score.

• If you haven’t decided what you plan to do after high school, VISIT THE COUNSELING CENTER TODAY so a counselor can help.

REMINDERS

1. TAKE THE ACT—December or February test.
2. APPLY FOR ADMISSION AT A COLLEGE OR TECHNICAL SCHOOL A.S.A.P.
3. SUBMIT YOUR SCHOLARSHIP APPLICATION BY THAT SCHOOL’S DEADLINE.
4. GET YOUR FAFSA PIN # NOW FOR YOU AND A PARENT! 
5. ATTEND FINANCIAL AID NIGHT AT M.C.H.S. ON TUES. DECEMBER 8 AT 6:30PM
6. APPLY FOR THE FAFSA AFTER JANUARY 1.

Click for Revised Tennessee Scholar Requirements

SCHOLARSHIP DEADLINES

FOR

SURROUNDING COLLEGES

• If the college in which you are interested is not on this list, as soon as possible, go online to find out when the school’s scholarship deadline is! 
• Submit an admissions application before you apply for scholarships at that university.
• Many of the applications for admissions and the scholarship applications are the same form so you don’t have to fill out two applications; however, some colleges do have two different forms.
• Some colleges offer the entire application process (for admissions and scholarships) strictly online; some do not.
• Many college scholarship applications require an essay, so do not wait until the last minute!

If you do not have internet access at home, please ask a teacher if you can use the computers in the library or go see mrs. Owens in the counseling center

Go ahead and apply for a pin # from www.fafsa.ed.gov  because it will speed up the process when it is time to apply for financial aid using the “FAFSA.”

You must apply for the “FAFSA” after January 1.  (Use the 2010-2011 form.)

SELECTIVE SERVICE

Federal law requires all men living in the U.S. to register within a month of their 18^th birthday.  Registering keeps you eligible for college loans, job training, government jobs, and driver’s license renewals.  You can register at the Post Office or online at www.sss.gov

FINANCIAL AID INFORMATION / FAFSA

ANYONE WHO PLANS ON ATTENDING A COLLEGE OR TECHNICAL SCHOOL SHOULD FILL OUT THE FAFSA (Free Application for Federal Student Aid) AS SOON AS POSSIBLE AFTER JAN. 1 SO YOU CAN GET LOTTERY MONEY BEFORE IT RUNS OUT.

• You have to fill out the 2010-2011 FAFSA to be eligible for any Lottery (Hope or Wilder-Naifeh) money!  (The sooner you apply after Jan. 1, the sooner you get money before it runs out).
• You are urged to apply for a PIN # from www.pin.ed.gov BEFORE attempting to fill out the FAFSA.  At least one of your parents will also need to apply for a separate PIN #.
• Have your parents file their taxes AS SOON AS POSSIBLE because this information is required for completion of the FAFSA. 
• You might want to fill out a worksheet before actually going online to fill out the 2010-2011 FAFSA at www.fafsa.ed.gov   Downloadable worksheets are available on the FAFSA website and may be printed.  Paper FAFSA’s are no longer sent to high schools; they must be requested.  All students are urged to apply online.
• If you apply online, you will be notified of your financial aid status within 48 hours. 
• Paper FAFSA applications take up to 4-6 weeks before you are notified.  See Mrs. Owens if you absolutely have to have a paper FAFSA.
• Technical Students:  Lottery Scholarships (Wilder-Naifeh Technical Skills Grant) can also be used at Tennessee Technology Centers such as the ones in Hartsville and Livingston.  No minimum GPA/ACT requirements necessary.  Just apply at the school and complete your FAFSA, and you automatically get a $2000 scholarship.

SCHOLARSHIPS

• NCAA Eligibility Clearinghouse:  Student-athletes who plan to attend an NCAA Division I or NCAA Division II college or university and who plan to participate in collegiate athletics need to complete this form.  THIS IS NOT A SCHOLARSHIP—you have to register with the NCAA Clearinghouse if you PLAN to play college sports so they can determine your eligibility.   You may register online at https://web1.ncaa.org/eligibilitycenter    Click on “Prospective Student-Athletes,” then on “U.S. Students Register Here”                 

IMPORTANT:  A transcript needs to be sent to the clearinghouse at the end of your sixth or seventh semester AND your final semester, so YOU have to request that the School Counseling Center sends one for you.

• Wendy’s High School Heisman Award:  Any senior who excels in academics, athletics, and student leadership.  Log onto www.wendysheisman.com   Any eligible student may apply.  Must have at least a “B” average and participate in at least one of the 33 sports officially sanctioned by the National Federation of State High Schools.  Completed applications are due before October 1 because a school official has to review and confirm the online applications by October 1.  You may call 1-800-205-6367 or email wendys@act.org.  Let Mrs. Owens know if you want to apply.
• William H. and Elizabeth G. Danforth Scholars Program at Washington University in St. Louis:  Requirements include service, leadership, academic excellence and those who stand out for their maturity, strong moral character, selflessness, and commitment to their community.  If interested, contact Mrs. Owens.
• Scholarships for Nursing Students with Disabilities:  See Mrs. Owens for more information.  You must be majoring in Nursing and you must have a documented learning disability or physical disability.
• Scholarships for Orphaned and Foster Care Youth:  See Mrs. Owens for more information.  Applications will be made available January 31-March 31.  Visit http://www.orphan.org/index.php?id=30
• Coca-Cola Scholars:  October 31 deadline.  Apply online at www.coca-colascholars.org   Seniors who have a 3.0 GPA on a 4.0 scale and demonstrate leadership in school, commitment to community, academic achievement, and part-time employment.  See Mrs. Owens for guidelines to completing the online application.
• AXA Achievers:  Deadline is December 15.  $10,000 national scholarships to 52 winners and additional $15,000 to 10 national recipients who will also be offered internships and a laptop computer.  Requirements:  Students who set and reach ambitious goals, demonstrate drive, determination, and ability to succeed in college and who have respect for self, family, and community.  Visit www.axa-achievement.com for more details.
• SunTrust “Off to College” Sweepstakes:  $1000 scholarship for high school seniors.  Free to enter; eligibility not based on GPA or financial need; 15 chances to win—one winner every two weeks from Oct. to May.  Apply online at www.offtocollege.info  or www.suntrusteducation.com beginning Sept. 15.

• National Co-operative Scholarship Program:  One hundred seventy (renewable) merit scholarships of $6000 each awarded to students who must have applied, been accepted, and attend one of the 8 NCCE Partner Colleges:  Drexel U., Johnson & Wales U., Kettering U., Pace U., Rochester Inst. Of Tech., U. of Cincinatti, U. of Toledo, Wentworth Inst. Of Tech.  Online application at www.co-op.edu .  Deadline:  February 15.

• Berea College:  Four-year tuition scholarships guaranteed for all accepted applicants.  Applications available in the School Counseling Center.
• Elks National Foundation “Most Valuable Student” Scholarship:  Awards totaling $2,296,000 for high school seniors.  No GPA requirements.  You may download an application www.elks.org/enf/scholars or pick one up from a school counselor.  Deadline: November 2. 
• Emory University “Emory Scholars Program” and “Goizueta Business School”:  Prestigious merit-based scholarship programs at Emory University.  Students must have outstanding record of academic achievement, extraordinary personal qualities and have made significant contributions to their class, their school, and their community.  Must submit admissions application to Emory with scholarship application.  Deadline:  November 1.  See Mrs. Owens for an application.
• Prudential “Spirit of Community Award”:  $1000 scholarship and trip to Washington, D.C. sponsored by Prudential Financial and National Association of Secondary School Principals.   Students who have made a difference by volunteering in their community over the past year.  Applicants will be honored on local, state, and national levels.   Apply online at http://spirit.prudential.com or www.pincipals.org/prudential .  Click on “How to Apply” and follow instructions.  (Access key:  spirit )  Paper applications available by calling toll free at 1-877-525-8491.  Deadline:  November 2.  Entire applications should also be submitted to Mrs. Meador by the deadline date.  One applicant from our school will be designated a “Local Honoree” and will receive the President’s Volunteer Service Award.
• Comcast “Leaders and Achievers” Scholarship:  $1000 scholarship awarded to a senior who has demonstrated a strong commitment to community service and leadership abilities in school or work, and have a 2.8GPA or higher.  (Children of employees of Comcast or its affiliates are ineligible.)  If you would like to be considered for nomination from our school for this scholarship, please see a school counselor ASAP.   
• BK Scholars Program:  $1000 scholarship available to high school seniors who maintains a GPA of 2.5 or higher, works part-time for a minimum of 10 hours per week,  is actively involved in community service activities, demonstrates financial need, and plans to enroll in an accredited 2/4 yr. college or technical school.  Applications available online from September 14-February 1.   For more info. visit:  http://haveityourwayfoundation.org/ or email info@applyists.com
• National Merit Scholarship Program:  High school juniors who would like to compete for college scholarships and recognition must take the PSAT/NMSQT to qualify.  The test will be given on Saturday, October 17 at MCHS.  You must pay/sign up in the School Counseling Center ASAP.  Check with your parents to see if you are eligible for scholarships through their employer(s).  If you are eligible, you may need to take the PSAT.  For more info. visit www.nationalmerit.org
• Scarlett Family Foundation Scholarship:  Students who are pursuing a career in Business or have shown entrepreneurial interests or leadership.  Minimum award amount of $2500 that is renewable up to 4 years.  Apply online at www.applyists.net and for more info, visit: www.scarlettfoundation.org .  Deadline:  December 15
• Vocational Rehabilitation Services: Students who have any type of documented learning or physical disability or health condition may qualify for assistance in paying for college or a technical school.  Please see a school counselor to find out more.

    COLLEGE VISITS

Seniors are allowed two days to visit colleges, technical schools, recruiting offices, etc. in order to explore their post-secondary options.  However, students must follow the proper procedures so they will not be counted absent from school.

1.        Make an appointment with the place you plan to visit.  If you are visiting a college or technical school, meet with an Admissions Counselor, a Financial Aid Officer, and someone from the department or area in which you are interested.

2.      Get a Permission Form from the School Counseling Center at Macon County High School and tell them the date of your appointment.

3.       A parent, a legal guardian, or an adult acting in your parent’s behalf (note required) must accompany you on your visit—even if you are 18.  If you are 18 and do not live with your parents, you must get prior approval from a principal and a school counselor.

4.       Get TWO signatures on the Permission Form—1) a representative from the place you are visiting; 2) the parent/legal guardian/responsible adult who accompanied you (or principal and school counselor signatures if you are 18 and independent).

5.        Sign the Permission Form yourself and return it to the School Counseling Center.  We will write on the form that you are not to be counted absent and will make three copies--one for you to keep, one for you to take to the office, and one for our records.

TRANSCRIPT REQUESTS

Copies of unofficial transcripts cost $1.00; official transcripts are sent to colleges free of charge.  Requests need to be made in writing and include the following information:  1) Your complete name;  2) Complete name of the school where the transcript is being sent;  3) Complete mailing address and office if school is out of state.

WEBSITES

Registering with a scholarship search engine such as www.fastweb.com is your best opportunity to finding private scholarships. 

• www.maconcountyhs.com – Info. and links regarding scholarships, GPA, college admission process, deadlines, career info. etc.
• www.fastweb.com – Scholarship, financial aid, and college search.
• www.scholarships.com – Scholarship search.

• www.eCampusTours.com  -- Search colleges through virtual tours.  It also contains scholarship information.
• www.science.education.nih.gov/LifeWorks -- Learn about jobs in the fields of health and medical sciences.
• www.schoolproof.com – Search colleges and connect to their websites.
• www.TennesseeMentor.org – Connect to private Tennessee colleges.
• www.tennesseecolleges.org – Get information about 35 private colleges in Tennessee.
• www.anycollege.net – Awards scholarships quarterly.
• http://tcids.com – College and career planning system.
• www.nacac.com – Information regarding college admissions process.
• www.thecollegehound.com – Searches for colleges/schools which meet specific needs.
• www.bankofamerica.com/studentloans -- Student loan information and scholarship searches.
• www.finaid.org – Financial aid information.
• www.ed.gov – U.S. Department of Education
• www.futurescholar.com – Qualified tuition programs.
• www.commonapp.org – Download a common application that is accepted at over 300 colleges and schools.
• www.actstudent.org – College, career, and testing information.
• www.state.tn.us/tsac -- Information on lottery scholarships.
• www.fafsa.ed.gov – Federal financial aid information including grants and scholarships.
• www.TNscholardollars.com – Lottery scholarship information.
• www.CollegePaysTN.com – Lottery scholarship information.
• www.CollegeAnswer.com – College planning guide.
• www.collegeclub.com/highschool  – Paying for college, mentoring programs, college newspapers and chat rooms.
• www.xap.com  -- Career planning and college searches.
• www.meritaid.com – Helps students find merit-based scholarships.
• www.collegefortn.org – Test prep, career planning, Tennessee colleges search.
• www.planningyourdreams.com – Career inventory and comprehensive information tool.
• http://cookevillecavaliers.com/counseling/scholarships.html -- On-line scholarship information by due date.

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SENIORS – During the months of September and October, you should do the following:

1.       Register for the October (or December) ACT if you plan on going to college and have not yet taken the test.

2.       Go online and research careers, college majors, job options, and/or colleges or technical schools, and scholarships.  (Refer to the websites provided in this newsletter.)

3.       Visit colleges/technical schools.

4.       Apply for admission/scholarships at a college if you already know where you want to attend (especially NOW if you are seeking an Early Decision and are competing for merit-based scholarships.)

• Mrs. Owens, the Senior Class counselor, will be meeting with Seniors individually to let each of them know what their current GPAs are and to discuss future plans with them.
• You must have a 21 ACT OR a FINAL 3.0 unweighted cumulative GPA when you graduate to get the Hope Scholarship from the Lottery, so don’t slack off this year J  Work hard to improve your grades.

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Check out more information from the School Counseling Center at http://maconcountyhs.com/guidance .

HAVE A GREAT SCHOOL YEAR, EVERYONE!

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Macon County High School

Elective Focus

Animal Systems-Production Animals                                                English

Power, Structures and Technical Systems                                        Fine Arts

Plant Systems-Turf grass/Nursery Production                                 Foreign Language

Design and Preconstruction                                                              Math

Interior Design                                                                                   Science

Fashion Design                                                                                  Social Studies

Teaching Training Services                                                              

Counseling and Mental Health Services

Family and Community Services

Banking and Finance

Interactive Multimedia

Human Resources

Macon County High School

Graduating with Honors and Distinction

--As determined by the policies of the Tennessee State Board of Education and the Macon County Board of Education and the practices of Macon County High School

(Refer to board policies for more detailed explanations.)

--Some polices will not be applied until the Graduating Class of 2013.

Honor Student

• Any senior who has a 3.2 (5.0 scale) cumulative GPA or higher at the end of the 7^th semester.  (Top Ten, Salutatorian, Valedictorian are determined this way.)  *Students wear a gold stole at graduation. 

Graduating with Honors 

• Any senior who has scored at or above all of the subject area readiness benchmarks on the ACT or equivalent score on the SAT OR

• Must have a 90 average in a CTE Program of Study (“CTE Honors”) OR
• Any senior who has a 3.0 (4.0 scale) cumulative GPA or higher at the end of the 7^th semester AND
• Must have pursued the MCHS Honors Program (taken the honors or advanced level of a class if offered as such)

            *Students receive a gold embossed sticker that denotes “Graduating with Honors.”

Graduating with Distinction

• Any senior who has a “B” average AND has accomplished at least one of the following:
  1. earn a nationally recognized industry certification
  2. participate in at least one of the Governor’s Schools
  3. participate in one of the state’s All State musical organizations
  4. be selected as a National Merit Finalist or Semi-Finalist
  5. attain a score of 31 or higher composite score on the ACT
  6. attain a score of 3 or higher on at least two Advanced Placement exams
  7. successfully complete the International Baccalaureate Programme
  8. earn 12 or more semester hours of transcripted postsecondary credit

                        *Students receive a silver embossed sticker that denotes “Graduating with                                     Distinction.”

Tennessee Lottery scholarships are awarded for ACT scores or for GPA’s based on a 4.0 scale. 

MCHS uses 5.0 GPA’s for class ranking purposes ONLY.

Link to Tennessee Scholars information at www.tennesseescholars.org