1 Socorro Independent School District SISD 2017-18 Freshman/Sophomore Transition Guide Socorro Guidance and Counseling Department of Guidance & Counseling ______________________________________________________________________________ The Socorro Independent School District does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, sex, disability, or age in its programs, activities or employment. El Distrito Escolar de Socorro no discrimina personas en sus programas, actividades y empleo por motivo de raza, color, origen nacional, sexo, impedimentos/incapacidades, o edad.
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Socorro Independent School District SISD 2017-18 Freshman/Sophomore Transition Guide
Socorro Guidance and Counseling
Department of Guidance & Counseling ______________________________________________________________________________
The Socorro Independent School District does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, sex, disability, or age in its programs, activities or employment.
El Distrito Escolar de Socorro no discrimina personas en sus programas, actividades y empleo por motivo de raza, color, origen nacional, sexo, impedimentos/incapacidades, o edad.
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Socorro Independent School District SISD 2017-18 Freshman/Sophomore Transition Guide
Socorro Guidance and Counseling
FRESHMAN
SOPHOMORE
STUDENT GUIDE
Academic Development
College/Career Development
Personal/Social Development
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Socorro Independent School District SISD 2017-18 Freshman/Sophomore Transition Guide
Socorro Guidance and Counseling
DEAR FRESHMAN AND SOPHOMORE,
This year you will be faced with many difficult and exciting decisions about your future.
Although it may seem too soon to start thinking about high school graduation, there are
things you need to know and consider now to ensure that you graduate and face a
successful future after high school. Likewise, choosing a career path after high school is
not an easy task. There are many choices and opportunities for you to keep in mind.
This quick reference guide has been prepared to assist you in completing your high
school education as well as selecting and gaining admission to college, vocational
training, or other career opportunities after graduation. Make sure and meet with your
List all the classes where you scored below a 70. Record all of your grades on the audit
card included in this booklet. See your counselor for assistance.
Class Nine Week Grade Subtract your final grade
from 140. This is the grade
needed in order for you to
credit average second
semester.
Ex: Algebra IA 66 140-66=74
Credit Averaging
If you do not make a 70 by the end the semester and the course has two parts: A and
B, it is possible that you might be able to credit average.
For Example: A student makes a 66 for his/her final semester I grade in English IA and
then makes a 74 for his/her semester 2 grade in English I B. This averages out to a 70,
consequently giving 1 whole credit.
Relying on credit averaging is not recommended. It is important to do your best
throughout the year. Remember that some courses are difficult to credit average and
some subjects build on first semester material taught. Do not risk failing the subject and
falling behind and possibly have to attend summer school and/or fall behind on your
graduation plan.
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Socorro Independent School District SISD 2017-18 Freshman/Sophomore Transition Guide
Socorro Guidance and Counseling
ADVANCED COURSES, PROGRAMS, AND ADDITIONAL
EXAMS
PRE-AP COURSES
Teach the skills, concepts and habits of mind needed to succeed in college.
Students are consistently challenged to expand their knowledge and skills to the
next level.
Higher learning and a deeper understanding of what is being taught are
emphasized.
Students get a head start on what AP courses will be like.
Uncertain? Start out with one Pre AP class for a semester then add more if you able
to handle the coursework. You are encouraged to visit your counselor and see if
Pre-AP or AP courses are right for you.
AP AND DUAL CREDIT COURSES
Pursue college level courses while in high school
Most colleges and universities in the US have policies granting incoming students
credit if they have met End of the Year AP Exam standards.
Dual Credit is granted through El Paso Community College. Most state colleges
accept EPCC transfer credits
As a general rule: AP are introduced during one’s junior year.
Dual Credit courses may be taken as early as the 9th grade, provided students
qualify through the TSI assessment.
INTERNATIONAL BACCALAUREATE DIPLOMA PROGRAM- El Dorado High School
A rigorous pre-university program that emphasizes educating the whole person in
six subject areas
Considered the best college preparatory program in the world.
Most of the nations’ colleges and universities’ as well as 103 countries have
policies to grant IB students’ credit for their work.
Socorro ISD students attending a school other than El Dorado may request an IB
transfer.
ARTICULATED COURSES
High School students, in Socorro ISD have the opportunity to work toward industry
based certifications while in school. The career and technical education
department (CTED) currently works in conjunction with EPCC and Western
Technical Institute to allow students to work towards these types of certifications. Is your career path firefighting, law enforcement, automotive or computer
technician?
o These are just the few offered, so check with your counselor to see what
certifications are offered at your campus. The above mentioned are just a
sample offered at SISD high schools.
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Socorro Independent School District SISD 2017-18 Freshman/Sophomore Transition Guide
Socorro Guidance and Counseling
ACADEMIC TESTS
Credit by Exam (CBE) – Gain credit for a course by taking an exam. You must make an
80 or above with no prior instruction. You must make a 70 if you have taken the course
before but not passed the course. The grade must have been a 50 or higher.
PLAN – A preliminary test to prepare one for the ACT.
PSAT – A preliminary test to prepare one for the SAT.
SAT Exam – This is a standardized test that colleges and universities use to see how you
compare to other students nationwide by measuring a student’s ability to understand
and process elements of mathematical and verbal reasoning. Your score is used to see
if you can gain admission and/or scholarships to a university. Remember each
university has their own required scores.
ACT Exam –The ACT (No Writing) consists of four multiple choice tests: English,
mathematics, reading and science. The ACT plus Writing includes the four multiple
choice tests and a writing test. Most universities will accept this test as part of their
admissions requirements.
Texas Success Initiative (TSI) Exam-- TSI requires all new incoming students enrolling at
Texas public institutions of higher education to be assessed academically to determine
their level of college-readiness. The TSI exam is also required and a passing standard
must be met in order to enroll into dual credit courses in your junior year. Below are the
passing scale scores needed to enroll in dual credit courses.
TSI Passing Standards Mathematics Score of a 350+
Precalculus I College Algebra and Geometry
Introductory Mathematics for Business and Social Sciences
Reading Score of a 351+
All College level reading courses: Government, Economics, Biology, etc.
Writing
Essay score of 4 and writing multiple choice score of 340 or higher = ENGL 1301 Expository English
Composition
Essay score of 5,6, 7, 8 and writing multiple choice score of 350 or higher = ENGL 1301 Expository
English Composition
STARR End-of-Course (EOC)
Level 2 score on the English III for Reading
Visit your counselor for more information about how to register for any of these exams.
Inquire no later than your sophomore year. Practice booklets are available.
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Socorro Independent School District SISD 2017-18 Freshman/Sophomore Transition Guide
Socorro Guidance and Counseling
FRESHMAN/SOPHOMORE CALENDAR
FALL Semester 2017
July and August
Registration-Contact school for information on exact dates, times and locations.
Participate in orientation or campus open houses. Parents have the opportunity
to meet with teachers and counselors. Look out for postings and
announcements on exact days and times.
1st day of class—Monday, July 31, 2017
Do not lose credit, attend your classes!
Be active! Join clubs, sports and activities that you enjoy, but remember to keep
up with your grades and attendance!
Aug. 24th Preparing for College Forum, EHS, 6:00-8:00 p.m.
Aug. 30th Early Release
September
Visit your school counselor and become acquainted with him/her.
Sept. 4th Labor Day Holiday
Sept. 27th Early Release
October
Generation Texas Month
Read PSAT Student Bulletin. Take practice test and score it.
Oct. 2- 13th Fall Intersession
October 16th 2nd 9 Weeks Begins
Oct. 24th TACRAO Night, AHS, 6:00-8:00
Oct. 25th Early Release
Oct. 25th PSAT Assessment for all 10th graders in the district.
Report Cards Issued.
November
Nov. 10th Veteran’s Day Holiday
Become Familiar with general admission requirements for colleges.
Nov. 20-24th Thanksgiving Break
December
Finish semester strong and make sure you are up to date with assignments!
Dec. 15th Early Release
Dec. 18-29th Winter Break
Use your vacation time to begin or continue your community service and make
sure to fill out the community service form found in this student guide.
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Socorro Independent School District SISD 2017-18 Freshman/Sophomore Transition Guide
Socorro Guidance and Counseling
SPRING Semester 2018
January
3rd - 3rd 9 Weeks Begins
15th Martin Luther King Jr. Holiday
Use your report card to update your audit sheet found in this student guide.
25th Preparing for College Forum, EHS, 6:00-8:00 p.m.
31st Early Release
February
What colleges are best for your career interest? Plan college visits or search
university websites.
22nd Military Collegiate Forum.
March
12th – 23rd Spring Intercession
Begin learning the SAT most frequently used word list.
26th 4th 9 Weeks Begins
30th Good Friday Holiday
April
Parent, teacher, counselor parent nights. Look out for postings on exact dates
and times.
Develop a List of 5 colleges that interests you.
May
28th Memorial Day Holiday
Search for and set up volunteer/internship community service for the summer.
Make sure to fill out the community service form found in this student guide.
June
1st Last Day of Classes/Spring Semester Ends.
If you have lost credit, make sure you and your parents work with the assistant
principal in charge of attendance and the campus attendance committee.
Have a great summer!
Use your report card to update your audit sheet found in this student guide.
READ, READ, READ!
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Socorro Independent School District SISD 2016-17 Sophomore Transition Guide—Guidance and Counseling
College and Career
Development
What do YOU need to do to go to college
and enter into your interested career?
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Socorro Independent School District SISD 2016-17 Sophomore Transition Guide—Guidance and Counseling
GET INFORMED
COLLEGIATE FORUMS
Where are you going to college?
SISD offers several college forums that provide information about the admissions and
financial aid processes as well as general points regarding everything you want to know
about college. Attend these, and you give yourself a better chance to make good
decisions once senior year comes along. All forums will take place in the District Service
Center Board Room with the exception of the State Collegiate Forum, which will be
held at Americas High School.
August 24, 2017 Preparing for College Forum
October 24, 2017 TACRAO @ Americas High School
January 25, 2018 Preparing for College Forum
February 22, 2018 Military Academy Collegiate Forum
TOP 10% RULE- Are you top 10% in your class?
Why is this important?
If you can graduate in the top 10% of your class, you are guaranteed automatic
admission to any public university in Texas with the exception of The University of
Texas at Austin. In 2009, the law was modified for The University of Texas at
Austin. Under the new law, the university must automatically admit enough
students to fill 75 percent of available Texas resident spaces. Each fall, UT Austin
notifies Texas school officials of the class rank that current high school juniors
need to attain by the end of their junior year in order to be automatically
admitted.
Summer/Fall 2018 and Spring 2019 applicants: Top 7%
Summer/Fall 2019 and Spring 2020 applicants: Top 7%
Check with your counselor for the most current automatic admission percentage for UT
Austin.
What if I am not top 10%?
Universities will decide whether you are granted admission based on other criteria. A
student’s academic record, background, work and family responsibilities, SAT and/or
ACT performance, and community service activities are just a few criteria colleges may
consider.
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Socorro Independent School District SISD 2016-17 Sophomore Transition Guide—Guidance and Counseling
COLLEGE IS FOR ANYONE AND EVERYONE Getting a college or university education is possible for anyone who works hard and
takes the necessary steps to make it a reality. There are many resources available.
Ways to keep your college costs down:
Take challenging classes now in high school to avoid remedial education
courses in college. Remedial courses are extra courses you have to take before
you can start your degree program.
Earn college credit by taking Dual, AP, IB, Articulated Courses, or being in an
Early College Program.
Explore career options thoroughly and by taking Interest Inventories. This will help
you choose and stick to a college major and avoid taking extra college classes.
SCHOLARSHIPS & GRANTS/LOANS You can begin as early as your freshman year considering meeting the qualifications
for scholarships.
Academic – Can be based on GPA (Grade Point Average) and/or college
entrance exams.
Talent – Art, music, drama, auditions, and portfolios.
Athletic- The individual sports coach usually deals with college coaches to see if
a student athlete is deserving of an athletic scholarship.
JROTC- See the military recruiter
Grants/Loans are given by the State or federal government. Here are few reasons why
grants are given:
Financial need, Disability, Adopted Child, etc.
Grants are free money to go to college as long as the grant requirements are met.
College admissions or recruiter can inform you of the various grant programs.
Loans are given by the federal governments and other institutions to help students
achieve a college education and must be paid back.
Note: Your counselors may help you fill out the application to apply for both Grants and Loans.
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Socorro Independent School District SISD 2016-17 Sophomore Transition Guide—Guidance and Counseling
CAMPUS VISIT CHECKLIST Selecting the right college or university to fit you is a big decision. If possible, visit a
college in person or online to find out as much as you can about the school. Below is a
list of recommended things to do when considering a college, university, or trade
school.
Name of School_________________________Date of Visit_____________________ Tour Guide
Name___________________________
___Go to a class or two
___Talk with students, faculty and undergraduate/academic advisor
___Visit the career center
___Ask tough questions until you get answers
___Bring a journal to jot down your impressions
___Plan at least one half day at each school and stay overnight, if possible
___Visit when classes are in session
___ Arrange an interview with an admissions officer
___ Take a campus tour
___ Attend an extra-curricular activity
___ Check out the residence halls, libraries, student union, etc.
___ Have a meal on campus
___ Find out about campus organizations and activities
If you can’t visit a particular college/university…….
Go to their websites and take a virtual tour if you are able to
Meet with an admissions representative
Attend a college fair
Talk to a high school alumni (graduates of your high school) who are
attending the campus.
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Socorro Independent School District SISD 2016-17 Sophomore Transition Guide—Guidance and Counseling
16 CAREER CLUSTERS
Each Career Cluster represents a distinct grouping of occupations and industries based
on the knowledge and skills they require. The 16 Career Clusters and related Career
Pathways provide an important organizing tool for schools to develop more effective
programs of study (POS) and curriculum.
This area refers to jobs that involve being outdoors
and working with your hands. Examples of
occupations within this area include animal trainer,
groundskeeper, and greenhouse manager.
This area encompasses all the jobs that are
involved in the building, maintenance, and
operation of businesses and residential properties.
Occupations within this area include architect,
drafter, and electrician.
Creative people who love using their talents to
entertain and inform others are drawn to jobs in this
career cluster. Examples of jobs within this area
include journalist, commercial artist, and actor.
Entrepreneurial people who are highly organized
and enjoy working with others often find business to
be a suitable career area. Examples of jobs in this
career cluster include accountant, administrative
assistant, and human resources manager.
If you're patient and enjoy helping others, working
in the education field can be a rewarding
experience. Potential job opportunities in this field
include elementary school teacher, high school
instructor, college professor, and corporate trainer.
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Socorro Independent School District SISD 2016-17 Sophomore Transition Guide—Guidance and Counseling
As you might expect, being successful in finance
related careers requires strong mathematical ability
and a solid attention to detail. Examples of careers
in this cluster include loan officer, stock broker, and
credit analyst.
Careers in government and public administration
are varied, but all offer the satisfaction of knowing
you're making a contribution to your community.
Jobs in this area include solider, legislator, and
foreign service officer.
Health science careers encompass all aspects of
the medical field. Examples of career opportunities
in this area include doctor, nurse pharmacist,
paramedic, and optometrist.
Hospitality and tourism is a rapidly growing industry
with a great deal of room for advancement.
Examples of careers within this cluster include chef,
lodging manager, and food service manager.
The human services career cluster refers to jobs
with the primary purpose of helping families meet
basic human needs. Jobs in this area include social
worker, psychologist, and substance abuse
specialist.
Jobs in information technology deal with computer
hardware, software, and systems integration
services. Potential job opportunities in this career
cluster include positions such as web designer,
network administrator, and technical support
specialist.
Protecting the well-being of the public at large is
the goal of occupations in this area. Examples of
jobs in this cluster include attorney, firefighter, and
police officer.
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Socorro Independent School District SISD 2016-17 Sophomore Transition Guide—Guidance and Counseling
People who work in manufacturing jobs use their
strong mechanical abilities to create many
different kinds of products. Examples of
occupations in this area include sheet metal
worker, millwright, and quality control technician.
This career cluster allows people to use their creativity
and communications skills to meet a variety of
business objectives. Some of the many job
opportunities in this field include marketing director,
customer service representative, and sales associate.
Careers in this area often involve cutting edge
research into new technological developments.
Jobs available include chemical engineer,
oceanographer, and biotechnologist.
Jobs in this cluster involve moving people,
materials, and products by road, air, rail, and
water. Examples of career opportunities include
truck driver, pilot, and flight attendant.
After reviewing the 16 Career Clusters, write down 5 careers that most peaked your
interest:
1. _________________________________ Training or degree? _____________________
Salary?__________
2. _________________________________ Training or degree? ______________________
Salary? _________
3. _________________________________ Training or degree?______________________
Salary?_____________
4. ________________________________ Training or degree?_________________________
Salary?______________________
5. _________________________________ Training or degree?________________________
Salary?_____________________
“Choose a job you love, and you will never have to work a day in your life.” -Confucius
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Socorro Independent School District SISD 2016-17 Sophomore Transition Guide—Guidance and Counseling
RESUMES AND THEIR IMPORTANCE A resume is formal documentation of your objectives, accomplishments, work
experience, career goals, and interest and hobbies. In your sophomore year, you
should continue the information-gathering process for your resume. So keep note of all
your volunteer work, extra-curricular activities, summer jobs, part-time jobs and other
activities that enrich your life and make you stand out as a unique individual. You will
need the information in a resume when you are applying for a job, when you are
applying to a college or university, or when you are requesting a letter of
recommendation from someone. People will need the information found in a good
resume to write a detailed and helpful letter of recommendation for you.
Sample Resume
Suzy Student
1515 Stanley Drive #62 Hometown, TX 76202 (915) 456-7890