Guidance Information
- Math - 263 Accuplacer or 22 ACT
- Writing - 5 WritingPlacer or 18 ACT
- Reading - 250 Accuplacer or 21 ACT
- Once you have narrowed your list of colleges to a recommended maximum of six, you should begin applying. Most colleges prefer students to apply online.
- Attend meetings with college representatives who visit HHS. Keep in mind that the representatives who visit us will more than likely be the ones to present your case to the admissions team at their college: MAKE A GOOD IMPRESSION!
- Register online for the September/October ACT or November SAT if you have not taken the test or want to retest.
- Begin work on application essays. Most senior English classes include work on an essay.
- Remember that the grades you make this semester will be an important ingredient in the way college admissions committees view your academic seriousness. Your first semester grades will be the last ones they see before deciding whether to admit you to their school.
- Decide how you will actually apply: paper application, or applying online at the school’s website. Also consider using the common application which will save you time. Just make sure your school accepts the common application.-For more information go to www.commonapp.org
- Keep your commitment to take challenging courses! Your senior year matters!
- Complete and file your FASFA as soon as possible. Aid is distributed on a first come, first served basis.
- The FASFA is the federal financial form, needed for both public and private schools.
- Please do not push deadlines. It is to your advantage to file your application early. Most colleges admit that early applications automatically receive more attention because they demonstrate the students interest in a school.
- Early decision deadlines and scholarship deadlines may be as early as October 15. Do not allow lack of planning to create an emergency. Submit your transcript request two weeks before the deadline.
- The college to which you are applying may require official copies of your test scores. Some schools require test scores to be submitted directly from ACT/SAT. Check the websites of college to see what they require.
- Complete a transcript request form from each application you submit. Your transcript does NOT include your ACT/SAT scores. If you would like your scores to be on your transcript you need to let me know. The transcript, however, does include the classes you’ve taken and your grades; when I send your transcript, I will also attach your current schedule.
- Teacher Recommendations - If the colleges to which you are applying require a recommendation from a teacher, choose and ask a teacher who you feel knows you the best and will represent you well. Give your teacher a filled out Letter of Recommendation Form, which are available in the guidance office. ALLOW AT LEAST 2 WEEKS TO COMPLETE A RECOMMENDATION. If the teacher needs to send the letter directly to an institution, provide an addressed and stamped envelope with the appropriate corresponding forms.
- This will be your last chance to sign up for and take the SAT or ACT in this year’s admission pool.
- Since we do not return until January 5th, all Transcript Requests submitted after the deadline will be sent out in late January. Please remember that Counselor Reports will be processed in the order they are received…not in the order of urgency for you.
- If you expect your counselor to write an effective recommendation for you, then allow sufficient time to process your recommendation.
- Ace your mid-year exams—they matter!
- Request Mid-Year transcripts to be mailed to the colleges to which you are applying.
- Don’t ask to drop challenging courses. Colleges could withdraw their offer!
- Continue applying and looking for scholarships!
- If you haven’t already done so, visit schools to which you applied.
- Wait.
- Local scholarships become available, please see me for an application.
- Register for Advanced Placement exams if necessary.
- Notify all colleges which have accepted you of your final decision.
- Notify colleges who have put you on their waiting list if you wish to remain on it.
- Don’t develop Senioritis! All college acceptances are conditional pending receipt of final grades in June.
- Reply to the college you choose. Do not place a deposit with more than one college: it is unethical and you can be dropped by both colleges if discovered.
- Fill out a Final Transcript Request for the college you will attend. You must make this request in writing to release your transcript.
- Mapping Your Future: http://mappingyourfuture.org/
- College Search: http://www.cappex.com/
- Campus Career Center (look for internships & jobs): http://www.campuscareercenter.com/
- Career Planning through the ACT: http://www.actstudent.org/career/
- An official copy of your high school transcript, including class rank & GPA
- An official record of your ACT/SAT scores (sent directly from ACT or SAT)
- Other items that may be required (recommendations, essays, & financial aid forms)
- Speak to an admission counselor about admission procedures & programs of study (majors)
- Take a campus tour (preferably with a current college student & when classes are in session)
- Speak to a faculty member regarding an academic program that interests you
- Eat lunch in a campus dining hall (sampling food you may be eating for the next few years is a good idea)
- Get a general feel for the campus atmosphere (what students & faculty are like, residence halls, libraries/computer facilities)
- Ask questions that concern you & find out general information (admission process, financial aid, scholarships, housing, etc.)
- FAFSA: http://www.fafsa.ed.gov/ - File your federal aid form electronically.
- FastWeb: http://www.fastweb.com/ - Download applications & send them via email; apply for scholarships by completing a profile to see all of the scholarships that are best for you
- Peterson’s Education Center: http://www.petersons.com/ - Peterson’s publications offer some of the most comprehensive information available to students about all aspects of preparation for higher education.
- Princeton Review: http://www.princetonreview.com/ - General information on admission & financial aid.
- Transfer.org – Course Applicability System (CAS); provides information on how specific coursework will transfer and apply towards another degree at another university
- GoCollege: http://www.gocollege.com/ - Comprehensive resource covering college admissions, financial aid, educational options, and surviving college.
- College Net: http://www.collegenet.com - Download applications & send them via email; also provides a scholarship search.
- Supercollege.com: How to get into & pay for the college of your dreams; scholarship search & tips/strategies.
- Mapping Your Future: www.mappingyourfuture.org – College planning, career options, & financial strategies
- CollegeConfidential: http://www.collegeconfidential.com/ - provides College Admissions, School Search, and Financial Aid Resources to students and parents, from Ivy League to State Colleges.
- CollegeScholarships.com: Offers free college scholarship searches and information on financial aid, and provides tips on taking the ACT & SAT.
- FinAid: http://www.finaid.org/ - A student guide to financial aid, information on scholarships as well as a comparison of loans available.
- Sallie Mae: https://www.salliemae.com/ - The nation’s leading provider for college loans.* Hispanic Scholarship Fund: http://hsf.net/ - Scholarship program for Hispanic high school senior
- www.scholarship.com
- www.studentscholarshipsearch.com
- www.gocollege.com
- www.collegedata.com/cs/search/scholars/scholarsearchhtmpl.jhml
- www.finaid.org
- www.scholarship4students.com
- www.college-scholarship.com/schools/ohi
- Start early-finding & applying takes time, energy, & persistence
- Private colleges often are more generous in awarding scholarships, thus making them more competitive in price
- Be aware of deadlines & be organized (make copies of everything)
- Network-tell everyone that you are looking
- Search websites, books, etc. with scholarship information
- Be aware of scams! Six warning signs of scams:
College Credit Plus
The College Credit Plus program permits students in grades seven thru twelve the opportunity to earn college credit provided they are appropriately qualified. Students interested in this program shall fulfill ODE and Board approved deadlines in order to participate.
More information on the CCP program at Northwest State Community College can be found here.
Requirements to Qualify for the CCP Program:
Step 1: Must Attend the Yearly CCP meeting, by February 28
Step 2: All CCP paperwork must be turned in by April 1st
Step 3: Must complete the online application for Admissions for the college by the assigned date
Option 1: Students have a High School unweighted cumulative GPA of 3.0
Option 2: Students earn the required test scores on the Accuplacer or ACT:
Remediation Free Scores
Option 3: Students have a 2.75-2.99 High School unweighted cumulative GPA and an A or B in a High School English course AND an A or B in a High School Math course. (Letter grades are based on Semester grades. Only need one semester to qualify)
Graduation Requirements
Students are required to meet a set graduation requirements. These graduation requirements consist of three key components:
1. Course Completion
Students graduating from Hilltop High School shall earn a minimum of 21 units and those units shall be distributed as follows:
a. English Language Arts, 4 units
b. Mathematics, 4 units, which must include: i. 1 unit of Algebra II or its equivalent, or take an Algebra II replacement course if student is enrolled in an approved CTE pathway.
c. Social Studies, 3 units, which must include: i. American History, 1 unit ii. Global Studies, 1 unit iii. American Government, ½ unit iv. Economics/Financial Literacy ½ unit
d. Science, 3 units, which must include: i. Physical Science, 1 unit ii. Biological Science, 1 unit iii. Advanced Study in Chemistry, Physics or other Physical Sci., Adv. Biology, Astronomy, Env. Science, or other Earth/Space Science
e. Physical Education, ½ unit (state law limits the awarding of ¼ credit in Physical Education for each semester)
f. Health, ½ unit
g. Electives, 6 units, which must include: i. 1 whole unit or any combination of foreign language, fine arts, business, career-technical education, family and consumer sciences, technology, agricultural education or English language arts, mathematics, science or social studies courses not otherwise required.
2. Demonstrate Competency:
a. Students will demonstrate competency in the foundational areas of English language arts and mathematics or through alternative demonstrations, which include College Credit Plus, career-focused activities, their ACT or SAT scores, or military enlistment.
3.Demonstrate Readiness (Seals):
a. Students will demonstrate readiness for their post-high school paths by earning two diploma seals that allow them to demonstrate important foundational and well-rounded academic and technical knowledge, professional skills, and leadership and reasoning skills
More detailed information regarding Ohio graduation requirements can be found here.
Scholarships
More information to come in the Spring!...
Testing Information
Hilltop Testing Code: 365505
ACT Cost
The ACT (no writing) - $69
The Act with writing - $94 **Not all colleges require the writing test; check the schools you are interested in to see what they require**
ACT 2024-2025 National Test Dates Schedule
September 14, 2024 (Register before August 9)
October 26, 2024 (Register before September 20)
December 14, 2024 (Register before November 8)
February 8, 202 (Register before January 3)
April 5, 2025 (Register before February 28)
June 14, 2025 (Register before May 9)
July 12, 2025 (Register before June 6)
Registration and more detailed information regarding the ACT can be found on here.
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SAT Cost
SAT registration fee $68
SAT 2024-2025 National Test Dates Schedule
October 5, 2024 (Register before September 20)
November 2, 2024 (Register before October 18)
December 7, 2024 (Register before November 22)
March 8, 2025 (Register before February 21)
May 3, 2025 (Register before April 18)
June 7, 2025 (Register before May 22)
Registration and more detailed information regarding the SAT can be found here.
College Planning
Senior Year
When senior males turn 18, they must register with Selective Service. Visit www.sss.gov to register! If you fail to register, you will not be eligible for Financial Aid. Ms. Bruner has information about registering.
September
Finalize your list of reasonable choices. Include at least one “long shot”, one “target”, and one “safe” school. Your first choice might very well be a school to which you are a likely candidate for admission. However, each one of you should include at least one safe choice on your list of colleges.
October
The 2024–25 Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA®) form is now available. You can complete the form to apply for financial aid to help pay for attendance at college between July 1, 2024, and June 30, 2025.
November
Use your college visiting days well. HHS allows a maximum of 2 days which will be counted against your exemption, but will be excused if pre-approved. Request the visit day by filling out the College Visitation Form at least five days beforehand.
December
All college applications and transcript requests which need to be sent out before winter break are due in the guidance office two weeks before we leave for break. Applications that have a February 1 deadline should also be processed in December.
January
February
March
-- SPRING BREAK --- ENJOY!
April
By April 15, you should hear from all colleges. Use the two weeks before May 1 to make your final decision.
May
College Selection Process
Before you start researching colleges, you should make a list of characteristics you think you want in a school. Some characteristics to consider:
Academic Program (2 year, 4 year, Vocational) Admissions
Cost, Financial Aid
Affiliation (Public vs. Private)
Supportive Services (Counseling, Med Center)
Size of the College Activities, Social Clubs, & Athletics
Community (Rural vs. City) & Location (Distance from home)
Religious Affiliation
Ethnic Composition
Campus Housing (Dorm, Off Campus, Live at Home)
Areas of Study
Course Offerings, & Facilities
Student Body (Coed vs. All Male/Female)
Academic Rigor & Graduation/Retention Rates
Choosing a Major
A major is the area that you will study in most depth in college. You will take up to two-thirds of your classes in that subject. Most colleges do not require a student to declare a major until the end of their sophomore year. You can change your major, however, be cautioned that this could involve the risk of taking additional classes to satisfy the major requirements, which may cost additional time and money. Consider the following when choosing a major:Look at your interests-career and otherwise.Talk to people that you know that work in the field you are thinking of choosing. Come to the Guidance Office to look at the “Book of Majors” to help you decide.Research different career websites:* Occupational Outlook Handbook: http://www.bls.gov/ooh/
What Colleges Look For
-Academic record
-Difficulty of courses taken
-Standardized Tests
-Grades-Class Rank
-Volunteer Work
-Recommendations College Interviews (Some colleges)
Filling Out a College Application
Freshman applications can be filled out any time after your Junior year. Colleges strongly recommend that students apply early (some as early as or earlier than Thanksgiving). In order to be considered for acceptance, scholarships, financial aid, and housing, applications need to be filled out by March. However, this does not mean that you can slack off and wait until April to fill out applications! Not only are they time consuming, but financial aid and housing is usually based on a first-come first-serve basis; meaning, if all of the housing has been taken by other freshman that applied early, you may not be able to start on time or get enough aid to cover the costs. Moral is: DON”T WAIT! College requirements often vary so always read and comply with those specific requirements. In general, the following are basic materials needed to complete an application:* A completed application & any required application fee
Applications DO’s & DON’T’s
DO
-Read applications & directions carefully
-Make sure to include any extra paperwork that may be needed/requested
-Fill out your own application
-Apply online to avoid mistakes (you can save and edit)
-Most schools require/prefer that you apply online
-Be truthful & don’t exaggerate
-Be thorough & on time
-If someone is writing a recommendation for you, give that person at least two weeks before it is due
DON'T
-If you fill out a paper application, do not use white-out
-Don't leave anything blank (if you have questions, ask!)
-Don't be unclear of vague (answer questions specifically)
-Don't put it off!
College Visitations
Visiting a college campus is a very important step in choosing a college. You can’t actually experience a college through brochures and smiling admission reps, so schedule a tour! Seniors are allowed two excused absences per year for college visitations. Per board policy, no visits can be made in May, so schedule your visits early by filling out a College Visitation Form, which are available in the Guidance Office. These forms must be completed and returned three days prior to the visit.Before visiting a college, call the Admissions Office at least one week prior to the visit to schedule an appointment/tour. Try not to visit two colleges in one day; the information may run together. During your visit, you will have the opportunity to:
Questions to Ask When Considering/Visiting a College:
-How many students attend? Do most students live on campus?
-What academic programs is the college most known for?
-How many students are in one class?
- How many total students are in the Freshman class?
-Do faculty teach all the classes?...or graduate assistants?
-Am I required to live on campus? What are campus policies regarding housing? How are roommates assigned? Ask to see a residence hall room.
-What types of student activities, organizations, and athletics are available?
-What is the surrounding neighborhood like? How is security? Ask for crime statistics.
-Can I have a car on campus? Where do I park?
-How is the food?
-Is there a health clinic on campus?
-Is there a hospital nearby?...bank?...churches?...grocery stores?...etc.?
-Is tutoring available?
-What are the campus rules about visitation?
-How much is the enrollment deposit?...is it refundable if I change my mind?
College Information & Scholarship Websites
Scholarships
You have probably heard people say that there are “millions of scholarship dollars that go unclaimed each year.” You have also probably heard parents who have told you that their student has a 3.7+ GPA and cannot get a scholarship. Both are true. The fact is, there are thousands of scholarships, however, most of these scholarships have very specific eligibility criteria, and when it comes to academic scholarships, students generally need to have an outstanding GPA, high test scores, excellent recommendations, and be involved in extracurricular/community activities. * Even though searching and applying for scholarships can be a lengthy process, students and parents who are willing to invest the time and energy may find that their efforts pay off handsomely. When searching, keep the following in mind:
-“This scholarship is guaranteed or your money back.”
-“The scholarship service will do all the work.”
-“The scholarship will cost some money.”
-“You can’t get this information anywhere else.”
-“You are a finalist-in a contest you never entered.” Or “You have been selected by a national foundation to receive a scholarship.”
-“The scholarship service needs your credit card or checking account number in advance.”
To Sum it All Up: Do’s & Don’ts
DO: Attend College Fairs, use college source books, and take advantage of college-related Web sources to learn about as many colleges and universities as you can.
DO: Develop a set of criteria (entrance requirements, reputation/ranking, location, costs, majors, etc.) for developing your list of colleges.
DO: Research each college or university to determine entrance requirements, fees, and due dates for applications.
DO: Make campus visits to colleges that most interest you.
DO: Keep track of all the deadlines for each college or university-and do be sure to get your applications in before those deadlines.
DON’T: Wait until the last minute to begin the application process; the earlier you start, the better you’ll be. And do read the application instructions carefully to be certain you are following directions including everything each college requests.
DON’T: Allow yourself to fall into the dreaded senior slump. Many colleges will ask to see at least some of your senior grades before making an admissions decision-and some may wait on the decision until they see all of your grades.
Good luck and if you have any questions, ask! That is what your counselor, your teachers, as well as college admission reps are here for!
Career Planning
Four County Career Center:
Four County Career Center is an educational option for Juniors and Seniors. Applicants must be entering their third year of high school with no less than 8 credits by the end of sophomore year. Five of those eight credits must be from core courses (English, math, science, social studies, health and physical education) At the time of application students must have 6.5 credits with 4 being core academic credits. When completing the online application, it must be signed by the student’s parent(s)/guardian and then finished by the school counselor. When a student applies to Four County Career Center, they and their parent(s)/guardian are making a two-year commitment. December 1st the application system opens on their website. February 1st is the deadline for applications to be considered priority placement. All juniors will be given first priority (exception is CBI program). Students can apply after February 1st but will be placed after the priority application. Placement letters will be sent out the first week of March, these include acceptance letter, waitlist letter, and ineligible letter. Placement will continue through the first full week of school at Four County
Upon successful completion of a career and technical program and academic courses, Four County Career Center students graduate and receive a high school diploma from North Central. However, Career Center students will also attend a Recognition Day ceremony where they receive their Career & Technical Certificate of Completion and Career Passport.
The following are programs that Four County Career Center offers in the 2024 – 2025 school year. Click here more information.
Accounting & Business Management
Agricultural Diesel Mechanics
Auto Collision Repair
Automotive Technologies
Building Trades/Carpentry
Career Based Intervention
Chief Training
Computer Design/3D modeling
Cosmetology
Culinary Arts Management
Diesel Mechanics
Early Childhood Education
Electrical
Exercise Science & Sports Medicine
Fire & Rescue
Floral Design
Guest Services & Skills
Health Careers
Industrial Services
Interior Design
Computer Networking & Cybersecurity (IT Acad.)
Computer Programming & Game Design (IT Acad.)
Landscape & Greenhouse Technologies
Law Enforcement & Security Tactics
Mechanical Systems & Piping
Medical Office Technologies
Powersports
Specialized Mechatronics & Robotics Technology
Veterinarian Assistant
Visual Art & Design
Welding Fabrication
Military:
Go Army or maybe you’d rather go Navy, Air Force, Marines or Coast Guard. No matter the branch, today’s military offers you a great way to build your future. Through military service you can learn relevant job skills, become more disciplined and mature and find out what it means to be focused on a goal.In order to qualify for military service, you must be a U.S. citizen or have proof of permanent residency, have a high school diploma or equivalent, enjoy good health, have minimum scores on the Armed Services Vocational Aptitude Battery (ASVAB) and be at least 17.
There are thousands of different jobs within over 140 career fields available in today’s military. Your job assignment comes from a combination of your preference, skills, ASVAB scores and the needs of the military at the time you want to enlist. If your preferred job is not open when you plan to enlist, ask a recruiter about the military’s Delayed Entry Program.
The military offers many educational benefits. Military service does not mean you have to put your education on hold. Those who enlist have the opportunity to make rapid educational and career progress through a variety of credit and tuition support programs. For example, you may be able to earn military school credits through the course work you take to learn your service job. The American Council on Education works with the Department of Defense and institutions of higher learning to certify military training and experience for college credits. If a military school doesn’t offer college credit, it may instead lead to certification in a specialized technical field.
In addition, you can work toward a college degree through Servicemember Opportunity Colleges (SOC). SOC is a group of over 1,800 colleges and universities that agree to transfer credits among themselves for military members and their families. Wherever you’re stationed, you may be able to continue your college studies via SOC. Course work can be done in the classroom, by computer, or by mail. Click here for details.
Among the tuition plans is the military’s Tuition Assistance Program, which pays up to 100% of the cost of tuition or expenses up to a maximum of $250 per credit and a personal maximum of $4,500 per year per student. This program is the same for full-time duty members in each military service. Selected military reserve and National Guard units also offer a Tuition Assistance Program, although the benefits may vary from the active duty program.
The Montgomery GI Bill offers up to $39,636 in tuition in return for a three-year commitment of full-time duty. You contribute $100 a month for a year and get $1,101 a month for three years. You can use the GI Bill for college degree programs and for certificate programs, flight training, apprenticeships/on-the-job training, and correspondence courses, among others. Members of the Reserve and National Guard are also eligible for the G.I. Bill, although at reduced rates. Click here for details.
The Post-9/11 GI Bill is a new program for individuals who served on active duty on or after September 11, 2001. Benefits are payable for training pursued on or after August 1, 2009. Based on your length of active duty service, you are entitled to a percentage of the following: (1) cost of tuition and fees within certain limits; (2) a monthly housing allowance; and (3) a yearly stipend of up to $1,000 per year for books and supplies. For program specifics, click here for more information.
College Fund Programs (also known as the Montgomery GI Bill “kicker”) are available for those who enlist in the Army, Navy, Marine Corps, or Coast Guard. If you qualify upon enlistment, you could receive up to $65,000 towards your college tuition when combined with the Montgomery GI Bill upon honorable discharge. Enlistees who are awarded the College Fund by the Marine Corps or Coast Guard receive additional dollars that can make up a significant part – or all – of the funds needed to complete a college education.
These are just a few of the educational benefits available when you serve in the military. For more information about these and other benefits, check out the following websites or contact a local recruiter:
U.S. Army (419) 782-3221
U.S. Navy (800) 282-1384
U.S. Air Force (419) 574-2453
U.S. Marine Corps (419) 782-9663
Job Shadowing:
Job shadowing is a technique that provides insight into a job outside of what can be achieved from reading about it or completing research. The definition of job shadowing is on-the-job training and career development by shadowing a person doing the job that you're interested in and where the interested person can ask questions and learn new skills.
People generally shadow someone before deciding on their future career, but it’s also done by people studying related courses. This is also a cost-effective way of getting the information you need, as it often doesn’t include any costs for traveling or paying for a place in a training course.
If you know the career path you want to take but are unsure of the best route for your personality or skill set, job shadowing is for you. We’ve put together 10 huge advantages so you can check if it’s the right option for you.
Following are some of the reasons you should consider job shadowing:
● You test out possible careers
● You learn about an organization’s culture
● You learn from colleagues’ experiences
● You build professional connections
● You learn practical skills
● You get a glimpse into a job’s perks and challenges
● You gain work experience
● You’ll have a safe place to ask questions
● You discover the areas you can improve in
● You explore other career interests with your employer
Sites for Career Exploration:
Career Builder (Click on the Advice and Resources tab for career exploration and job search tools.)
Career Explorer (Explore the career you want and the training you need.)
Labor’s Occupational Outlook Handbook (Information is given on various careers and their potential earnings.)
Mapping Our Future (Find out how to choose a career and how to reach your career goal.)
No Major Drama (This site looks at different college majors that are right for you!)
US Department of Labor Statistics (Information is listed about occupations)
FASFA
Please click here for the 2024-25 FASFA Form Preview Presentation
College Athletics
National Christian College Athletic Association
National Junior College Athletic Association
**If a student is interested in pursing college athletics, meet with Mrs. Fidler early in their high school career to map out a plan for eligibility**
Guidance Forms/Documents
Name
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