Counselors’ Report NCHS Counseling Office

STEM Day at Kaskaskia College: Kaskaskia College is hosting an event called “STEM Starts Here at KC: Opportunities & Exploration in Science, Technology, Engineering and Math.” The event is targeted at any high school student that is considering a career path in the STEM industry or is still undecided about a major. It is scheduled for Monday, October 10th, from 9:00 AM – 2:00 PM. (This is Columbus Day so students already have the day off.) People working in the field of engineering, nursing, computer technology, architecture, and more will give information on what careers are available, what classes are required, etc… A financial aid workshop will also be held. Parents are also encouraged to attend. Seats are limited. To reserve yours, contact Amy Troutt at atroutt@kaskaskia.edu or 618-545-3048.

Financial Aid Presentation: On Monday, September 26, the NCHS Counseling office will host a financial aid presentation for parents and students. Information concerning the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) form. Information on federal/state grants and loans will also be provided. Senior students and parents are encouraged to attend. The presentation will be in the NCHS media center beginning at 6:30 PM. Parents should be aware that the date for beginning FAFSA completion has changed for this year to an earlier date. The FAFSA form can be submitted beginning October 1, 2016.

Discover Duke Day: Duke University admissions officers will present information and answer questions about the university, the admissions process, financial aid, and much more. The event will take place at Mary Institute and St. Louis Country Day School in Brauer Auditorium on 101 North Warson Road in St. Louis, Mo on Tuesday, September 20 at 7:00 PM. To register go to: admiss.ugrad.duke.edu/discover-duke

Kaskaskia College Cosmetology Overview Day: Kaskaskia College’s Cosmetology Department will be hosting college visit day for junior and senior students on October 26th from 9:00 AM – 2:00 PM. Information provided will include an overview of the cosmetology profession, information about the cosmetology department at KC, a campus tour, and financial aid information (FAFSA, loan, and scholarship info). Lunch will be provided so please RSVP to kmalone@kaskaskia.edu

College Representative Visits at NCHS: Students who are interested in visiting with college representatives should come to the Counseling Office to sign up. Currently scheduled college representative visits:

McKendree University: September 15

Southern Illinois University–Edwardsville: September 19

Southern Illinois University-Carbondale: September 21

Fontbonne University: September 21

University of Illinois–Champaign/Urbana: September 22

Illinois College: October 12

Southeast Missouri State University: October 26

College Fairs: As we encourage students to apply early to college, we also encourage parents and students to be educated about their decisions. An excellent avenue to find out about various colleges is a college fair. Listed below is the next college fair in our region.

Illinois Regional College Fair

Rend Lake College

Tuesday, September 20, 2015

5:30-7:00

Important First Quarter Dates: Midterm of the quarter will be on September 16. The end of first quarter will be October 14.

ACT Prep Classes: Listed below are various ACT prep classes being offered in our area to help students prepare for the ACT. Contact Mrs. Luessenheide or Mrs. Maschhoff for more specific information.

* Southern Illinois University-Edwardsville (SIUE): Two different five-week classes are available. September session begins Saturday, September 17 and meets for 5 weeks on Saturdays from 9:00 AM-12:00 PM. November session begins Saturday, November 5 and meets on Saturdays for 5 weeks from 9:00 AM-12:00 PM. The cost per session is $175 and includes a pre-test, study guide, handouts, and practice tests. To register contact: https://www.siue.edu/educationaloutreach/act-prep.shtml

* Southwestern Illinois College (SWIC): Two different three-week classes are available this year. Session 1 begins on October 1, and session 2 on October 29. Each class is held for three weeks from 9:00 AM-3:30 PM. The cost is $162. Additional book fee is $20.40. To register, call: 618-235-2700, ext. 5393 or 5618.

ACT Testing Dates: The next ACT with open registration is October 22. Registration is due by September 16. Additional ACT testing dates for the year are December 10, February 11, April 8, and June 10. Registration is typically due 5 weeks before the testing date. Students may register at www.ACTStudent.org. Our high school code is 143-110.

SAT Testing Dates: The next SAT is October 1. LATE registration is due by September 20. Additional SAT testing dates for the year are November 5, December 3, January 21, March 11, May 6, and June 3. Registration is typically due 5 weeks before the testing date. Student may register at www.collegeboard.org. Our high school code is 143-110.