Junior Jump-Start

Welcome Avon Lake High School Class of 2026 & Parents!

Follow Us!

X: @ALHSGuidance
Instagram: @ALHS_Counselors

ALHS Counselors

A – E: Mr. Skierski
F – K: Mrs. Grieger
L – Ri: Mrs. Archer
Ro – Z: Mr. Kaminski, Dept. Chair

Mrs. Delili — Counseling Secretary, "The Boss"

To Earn an ALHS Diploma, You Need:

21 credits
2 Graduation Seals
Pass 2 End of Course Exams: Algebra 1 and English 10 — score: 684+

21 Credits Details

For the most up-to-date information, visit: education.ohio.gov

Courses	Credits	Details
English	4	English 9, 10, + two additional credits
Math	4	Must include Algebra II or equivalent
Science	3	Physical Science, Biology, advanced science
Social Studies	3	World History, US History, Gov
World Lang/Fine Arts/Tech/Biz	1
Health	0.5
Physical Education	0.5	PE Waiver completed by end of JUNIOR year
Financial Literacy	0.5
Electives	4.5

Volunteer Hours

There are no volunteer 'requirements' in order for a student to graduate, but hours are of course encouraged!

30 hours — seal on transcript
30 hours — cord @ graduation

Mr. Arra has tracking spreadsheet for hours. Volunteer Form (available in Counseling Office) must be signed off byn project supervisor & submitted to Mr. Arra

Earning the ALHS Academic Honors Diploma

Please visit education.ohio.gov for the most up-to-date information

Gray options: More on next slide.

Students must meet all but 1 requirement.

Requirement	State Minimum
English	4 years including English 9 & English 10
Math	Fourth year of math must be greater than Algebra 2
Science	One additional unit of Advanced Science
Social Studies	One additional unit of Social Studies
World Lang (see below)	3 units of 1 world lang, or 2 units of 2 world languages
GPA (see below)	3.5 on a 4.0 scale (unweighted)
ACT/SAT (see below)	ACT: 27+ OR SAT: 1280+
Seal Requirement	Earn 2 additional diploma seals, not including Honors Diploma (see reverse for details)
Experiential Learning	Field Experience, OhioMeansJobs Readiness Seal*, Portfolio or Work-Based Learning

*Students can use OMJ Readiness Seal in the '2 additional seals' requirement if it is not used in Experiential Learning

Student Strength Demonstration Replacement

Student can use the Student Strength Demonstration to replace the ACT/SAT, GPA, OR World Language requirement for any Honors Diploma.

Options:

College Credit Plus: 12 total College Credit Plus credits
Advanced Placement: three courses with score of 3 or higher on AP tests
Career-Technical Assurance Guide (CTAG): 12 total credits
WorkKeys: Score of 6 or higher on all tests
Armed Services Vocational Battery: Score of 50 or above on the ASVAB
Work-Based Learning: 250 total hours of work-based learning

Counselors Have Been Meeting 1 on 1 with Juniors Since November

The Student-Counselor Meeting

Transcript review
Future planning
Review seals earned/needed
Career/college interests

Do Your Research

Where students SHOULD start

Where most students start

Self Reflection

Self Reflection
- Strengths
- Values
- Learning Environment
- Personality
- Interests
College/Career Research

A Reminder

College should not be seen as a life vest in a sea of uncertainty

Naviance Is:

A platform we use for:

College Exploration
Career Exploration
Creation of resumes
Assessments for personality, strengths, skills
How counselors send transcripts to colleges students apply to
How students request teacher recommendation letters
How teachers upload and send their recommendation letters
How students indicate what colleges they are applying to
How students indicate their app deadlines for specific colleges
How students indicate how they are applying to a college

Naviance: A Great Place to Start College & Career Exploration!

Finding the "~~perfect~~ college/career"

Finding the perfect FIT FOR YOU

How to Log In to Naviance

Go to: avonlakecityschools.org
Hover over Students/Parents
Click Naviance- High School
User type: Click "Student"
Click "Continue With Clever"
Click "Log in with Google"
Student logs in with usual alstudent Gmail address and password

Careers

Bureau of Labor Statistics

www.bls.gov

Fastest declining occupations
Fastest growing occupations
Occupations needed by state
Salary data
And more

Occupational Outlook Handbook

Fastest Growing Occupations

Fastest growing occupations: 20 occupations with the highest projected percent change of employment between 2023-33.

Click on an occupation name to see the full occupational profile.

Occupation	Growth Rate, 2023-33	2023 Median Pay
Wind turbine service technicians	60%	$61,770 per year
Solar photovoltaic installers	48%	$48,800 per year
Nurse practitioners	46%	$126,260 per year
Data scientists	36%	$108,020 per year
Information security analysts	33%	$120,360 per year
Medical and health services managers	29%	$110,680 per year
Physician assistants	28%	$130,020 per year
Computer and information research scientists	26%	$145,080 per year
Physical therapist assistants	25%	$64,080 per year
Operations research analysts	23%	$83,640 per year
Occupational therapy assistants	22%	$67,010 per year
Actuaries	22%	$120,000 per year
Financial examiners	21%	$84,300 per year
Home health and personal care aides	21%	$33,530 per year

ApprenticeOhio

Benefits of Apprenticeships

Skill Development
Considered a Full-Time Employee from Day One
Avoid Student Debt
Begin a Long-Term Career Pathway
Structured Training with Experienced Mentors
A minimum of 2,000 Hours of On-the-job Training
144 hours of Classroom Training
Pay Increases with Program Progression
Nationally Recognized Credentials
University of Ohio Classroom Instruction
Receive College Credits

Statewide Registered Apprenticeship Dashboard

Active Apprentices: 22,849
Active Sponsors: 655
Active Apprenticeship Occupations: 171

Active Apprentices by Industry

Industry	Active Apprentices
Administrative and Support and Waste Management	14
Agriculture, Forestry, Fishing and Hunting	11
Arts, Entertainment, and Recreation	6
Construction	12,696
Educational Services	926
Health Care and Social Assistance	2,765
Manufacturing	4,421
Other Services (except Public Administration)	263
Professional, Scientific, and Technical Services	12
Public Administration	972

Active Apprentices by Occupation

Occupation	Active Apprentices
Aerospace Engineering and Operations Technicians	4
Agricultural Equipment Operators	3
Animal Trainers	102
Automotive Body and Related Repairers	7
Automotive Service Technicians and Mechanics	16
Bakers	2
Boilermakers	3
Brickmasons and Blockmasons	162
Bus and Truck Mechanics and Diesel Engine Specialists	9
Butchers and Meat Cutters	5

Career Tech Education - Lorain County JVS Adult Career Center

Automotive Service Technician
Cosmetology
Dental Assisting/Radiography
Emergency Medical Technician
Esthetician
Manicurists
Phlebotomy
Manufacturing
State Tested Nurse Aide
Welding/Fabrication

Automotive Program

Automotive Service Technician

Health & Beauty Programs*

Cosmetology
Esthetician
Manicurists

*not OMJ-qualified.

Healthcare Programs

Dental Assisting/Radiography
Emergency Medical Technician (EMT)
Phlebotomy Technician
State Tested Nurse Aide (STNA)

Manufacturing Programs

Manual Machining
CNC Programming & Operations
Certified Production Technician
Welding/Fabrication

Enrollment Process

Attend a 1st Step to Success! Information Session.
Complete applications for financial aid and/or scholarships; create your financial plan.
Submit program-specific paperwork.
- Includes a copy of your high school diploma/GED.
Enroll and begin your new endeavor!

Questions? Contact:

Tina M. Hayslett
BBA, M.Ed
CTE Recruitment Coordinator
Lorain County JVS
440-744-1051 x 22254
thayslett@lcjvs.net

Military

SSG Morgan L. Ardner
Recruiter, D Co. RRB
Organization
Ohio Army National Guard

Active Duty
Reserves
Military Academy
ROTC
National Guard

Enlistment Process

Recruiter
ASVAB Exam
Physical Exam
Career Counseling
Oath of Enlistment
- Direct Ship
- Delayed Entry Program
- Split Option
Basic Training
Active Duty vs. Reserve Duty

Military Academies

START EARLY!
Free tuition $300k+ value
Bachelor of Science
Commissioned as Officer
Minimum 5 years service (usually)

Army National Guard

Responds to domestic emergencies, overseas combat missions, counterdrug efforts, reconstruction missions
Any state governor or the President of the United States can call on the Guard in a moment's notice.
Guard Soldiers hold civilian jobs or attend college while maintaining their military training part time.

ASVAB (Armed Services Vocational Aptitude Battery)

What is it?

Exam that measures abilities and helps predict future academic and occupational success in the military.

ALSO: ASVAB Career Exploration Program: for non-military bound students: results used to guide career exploration

Interested?

ALHS is looking to offer the ASVAB this upcoming October. Please let your counselor know if you are interested.

College & University

Before You Think 4 Year College… Consider Your Options!

Community College Savings*

Path	Cost
2 Years Community College + 2 Years Public University (in state)	$28,660
4 Years Public University (in state)	$42,240
	Save $13,580
2 Years Community College + 2 Years Public University (out of state)	$61,580
4 Years Public University (out of state)	$108,080
	Save $46,500
2 Years Community College + 2 Years Private University	$82,840
4 Years Public University (out of state)	$150,600
	Save $67,760

Source: The College Board, Trends in College Pricing and Student Aid 2020.
*All costs based on tuition and fees only. Does not include expenses such as room, board, or transportation. Does not include financial aid or scholarships.

Scholarships for 2025 Lorain County High School Graduates

Presented by Sarah Nau, Lorain County Community College, Student Financial Aid

Scholarships for 2025 Lorain County High School Grads

New graduates may be automatically eligible for these scholarships, and are eligible for the following scholarships through either their earned GPA while in high school, or through credits earned while in College Credit Plus (high school dual enrollment).
No application is needed as these scholarships are awarded based on student record or enrollment information as well as information provided to LCCC by the student's high school.
However, recipients will need to formally accept the scholarship for it to be applied to their account. Please be on the lookout for communications about your eligibility.
Each of the following awards are last-dollar, and require students to complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA).
Awards can be used for tuition for courses in associate degree programs as well as LCCC courses with a University Partnership bachelor's degree.
LCCC partners with 14 colleges and universities, delivering more than 100 bachelor's and master's degrees-saving an average of $74,000.00
Recipients of these awards must maintain good academic standings and a 2.50 GPA while enrolled at LCCC, and are encouraged to also pursue other scholarships and experiences based on their program of study, career interests, and financial need.
The scholarships are known as the Trustee Award, Presidential Award and the Career Incentive Award.

Partners include:

Ashland University
Bowling Green State University
Cleveland State University
Franklin University
Kent State university
Lake Erie College
Miami University Regionals
Ohio University
The Ohio State University
University of Akron
University of Toledo
Ursuline College
Western Governors OH
Youngstown State University

Trustee Award

The LCCC Trustee Award covers up to 72 credit hours of tuition and fees over two consecutive years (Summer, Fall and Spring semesters are included for two full years).
Students may qualify for the Trustee Award in one of two ways.

High School GPA, 3.7 GPA at the conclusion of their junior year of high school OR
Completion of 24 or more college credits through the College Credit Plus program with LCCC. CTAG, CTE credits can be considered in the CCP credit total for eligibility.

The scholarship requires students to enroll full time (12 credit hours) and does not cover books, supplies or material fees.

Presidential Award

The LCCC Presidential Award covers tuition and fees up to $1,500.00 per semester, over two consecutive years (Summer, Fall and Spring are included for two full years).
Students can qualify for the Presidential Award in one of two ways:

Have a 3.40-3.699 GPA at the conclusion of their junior year of high school OR
Completion of 12-23 college credits through the College Credit Plus program at LCCC. CTAG, CTE credits can be considered in the CCP credit total for eligibility.

The scholarship requires students to enroll full time (12 credit hours) and does not cover books, supplies or material fees.

Career Incentive Award

The LCCC Career Incentive Award is a $500.00 per semester award, for use towards tuition and fees over two consecutive years (Summer, Fall and Spring semesters are included for two full years).
Students can qualify for the Career Incentive Award in one of two ways:

Have a 2.50-3.39 GPA at the conclusion of their junior year of high school OR
Completion of 1-11 college credits through the College Credit Plus program at LCCC. CTAG, CTE credits can be considered in the CCP credit total for eligibility.

Students who pursue academic programs aligned to areas of high workforce need in the northeast Ohio region can double their award and receive $1,000.00 per semester towards their tuition and fees over two consecutive years (Summer, Fall and Spring semesters are included for two full years).
The collection of programs eligible for an increased Career Incentive Award is subject to change based on regional workforce needs, though students are guaranteed to receive their award over their two-year eligibility period.
LCCC's programs are designed to "stack" into one another to help you seamlessly advance your education and career.

The $1,000.00 Career Incentive Award also applies to any short-term certificate, one-year certificate, associate degree or applied bachelor's degree offered within the following programs:

Accounting
Applied Electronics
Automation which includes the Applied Bachelors Degree
Clinical Lab Science
Computer Maintenance and Networking
Construction
Culinary Arts
Cybersecurity
Data Analytics
Dental Hygiene
Emergency Medical Services-Paramedic
Entrepreneurship/Management
Fast-Track Programs
Industrial Safety
Mandel Humanities Cohort
Medical Assisting
Micro Electromechanical Systems (MEMS) which includes Applied Bachelors Degree
Network Technology
Nursing-All Levels
Occupational Therapy
Physical Therapy Assisting
Practical Nursing (LPN)
Radiologic Technology
Software Development
Sonography
Sterile Processing
Surgical Technology
Web Development

The Career Incentive Award requires students to enroll full time (12 credit hours) and does not include books, supply or material fees.

Did you earn credits through College Credit Plus with LCCC, but attended a high school outside of Lorain County?

If so, you still may qualify for these scholarships.

Please contact info@lorainccc.edu to check your eligibility

Questions?

Please feel free to contact the following:

Info@lorainccc.edu

Sarah Nau, Student Financial Aid
440.366.7621
snau@lorainccc.edu

Student Financial Aid at LCCC
440.366.4034
finaid@lorainccc.edu

Applying to College:

Anatomy 101: The College Application

A college application consists of the following components:

Application: (essay and fee)
Official Transcript: Sent through Naviance
ACT/SAT scores: ***if applicable*** Sent by student directly from testing websites
Letters of Recommendation: if applicable

How to Apply to College

Student submits application to college(s) - Common App OR Direct to the College. Essay may be required.
Student submits official SAT/ACT scores - If applicable. Must be sent through act.org or collegeboard.org
Student submits blue form(s) to Counseling Office - 1 blue form for EACH college
Student asks for teacher/counselor letters of recommendation - If applicable. Do your research first. Teacher/counselor requests & letters are sent through Naviance (NOT COMMON APP)
ONGOING: Student meets with his/her counselor - Set up at least one senior meeting with your counselor. This is a process, not a one time event.

Counselors will meet with the senior class the first week of school this fall.

So... What Is Common App?

A single online college application form used by over 1,000 colleges and universities. Instead of filling out the same general information—like your address, GPA, and extracurriculars— a dozen times, you only have to do it once.

Students Can Create a Common App Account at Any Time... Like Now!

If you create an account before August 1st, CA deletes any responses to college questions or writing supplements. This is because many colleges change their application year over year. Any invitations to counselors, teachers, advisors, and other recommenders are also removed.

You can plan out things like essay responses but be sure to save those notes somewhere secure outside of Common App.

****Use a personal email- not an alstudent email****

For step by step instructions on how to complete the Common App, click here: www.commonapp.org

5 Main Sections of Common App

Dashboard
My Colleges
Common App
College Search
Financial Aid Resources

Common App in a Nutshell

Enter basic info (name, address, school, parent info, etc) activities,
Add colleges you are applying to
Add in College Essay (if college(s) requires)
Answer any additional questions specific to each college
Review, review, review. Then review again
Submit... and see your counselor

Common App Essay Prompts - may vary slightly year to year

Some students have a background, identity, interest, or talent that is so meaningful they believe their application would be incomplete without it. If this sounds like you, then please share your story.
The lessons we take from obstacles we encounter can be fundamental to later success. Recount a time when you faced a challenge, setback, or failure. How did it affect you, and what did you learn from the experience?
Reflect on a time when you questioned or challenged a belief or idea. What prompted your thinking? What was the outcome?
Reflect on something that someone has done for you that has made you happy or thankful in a surprising way. How has this gratitude affected or motivated you?
Discuss an accomplishment, event, or realization that sparked a period of personal growth and a new understanding of yourself or others.
Describe a topic, idea, or concept you find so engaging that it makes you lose all track of time. Why does it captivate you? What or who do you turn to when you want to learn more?
Share an essay on any topic of your choice. It can be one you've already written, one that responds to a different prompt, or one of your own design.

Common App vs. Directly to the College

Application Method	Where to Access	Format	Best For
Common App - www.commonapp.org	One application, can send to over 1,000 schools that accept it	Lengthy, but only have to do once	For students who are applying to 3+ colleges (give or take)
Directly to the College	Available on each college's website	Less to fill out, may not have to do an essay, have to fill out multiple apps	For students who are applying to less than 3 colleges (give or take)

Download the Common App 'app'

When Should I Apply?

Decision Plan	Submit Application Early	Receive Admissions Decision Early	Binding (expected to enroll if admitted)	Can apply to other schools under this decision plan
Early Action	Yes	Yes		Yes
Early Decision	Yes	Yes	Yes
Regular Decision	Optional			Yes

Early Action - Nov 1, Nov 15, Dec 15

Student A

Unsure which school is 'top choice'
Strong grades from junior year
Finished with college visits/extensive research
Has a final list of schools
Done taking ACT/SAT

Early Decision - Binding

Student B

Has one clear "top choice"
Is comfortable with whatever financial aid the school can provide
Strong grades from junior year
Finished with college visits/extensive research
Has a final list of schools
Done taking ACT/SAT

Rolling / Regular Decision

Student C

Needs a strong senior fall semester to bring grades up
Needs to (re)test in ACT/SAT
Has not thoroughly researched colleges
Is not fully committed to attending the college
Is only applying early because friends are

College Entrance Exams

ACT - www.act.org

Offered @ ALHS:

April 5 (Late registration fee deadline is March 16th.)
June 8th

Scored out of 36 points
4 sections: English, Math, Reading, Science

SAT - www.collegeboard.org

All Juniors took this earlier today! (Scores released early April)
Have also taken multiple PSATs
Scored out of 1600 points
3 sections: Math, Reading, Writing

Test Prep

What's the difference? Click here: https://www.princetonreview.com/college/sat-act

ACT / SAT Score Comparison

ACT - www.act.org

SAT - www.collegeboard.org

Khan Academy
Test prep through LCCC
Ohio Dept. of Ed.
Practice through Bluebook app on Chromebook

ZAPS ACT TEST PREP

March 10 & 11
6:30pm – 9:00pm
$110

Click here to register: https://www.doorwaytocollege.com/seminars?field_org_address_postal_code=44012&distance=20

What Is a "Test Optional" College?

A college that does NOT require an official ACT or SAT score to be submitted as part of the application in order to be considered for their school
Does not penalize student
Holistic review
For students who may not have the strongest test scores
Check college websites for the most up to date information regarding test optional policies
Please note ***Some majors may require a test score! (Engineering, Nursing, etc)

Percentage of Colleges Attributing Considerable Importance to Factors in Admissions Decisions — First Time Freshmen 2012–2023

Source: NACAC — National Association for College Admission Counseling

Factor	2023	2020–2022	2018	2017	2016	2015	2014	2013	2012
High school grades in college prep courses	77%	—	73%	71%	77%	—	79%	82%	82%
Total high school grades (all courses)	74	—	75	81	77	—	60	52	50
Strength of high school curriculum	64	—	62	51	52	—	60	64	65
Essay or writing sample	19	—	23	17	19	—	22	22	20
Student's interest in attending	16	—	16	16	14	—	17	20	18
Counselor recommendation	12	—	15	11	15	—	17	16	16
Teacher recommendation	11	—	14	7	11	—	15	14	15
Extracurricular activities	7	—	6	4	8	—	6	10	7
Admission test scores (ACT, SAT)	5	—	46	52	54	—	56	58	56

Financial Aid

All parents/students should complete FAFSA, regardless of income
studentaid.gov

FAFSA will open this December. We will have a Financial Aid Night this upcoming fall.

Merit Based Aid & College Specific

Money given by a college based on a student's GPA and/or ACT/SAT scores. Check college websites for additional $ options.

Local Scholarships

A Common Scholarship students fill out; can apply for Avon Lake/local scholarships; February of senior year.

Family Involvement

Scholarships through organizations your family is already involved with (work, religious, volunteering, clubs, etc).

National Scholarships

Search engines;
College Board Scholarship Matches
BigFuture Scholarships

So… How Am I Supposed to Keep Track of All This???

Click here to stay organized in your college search!
https://docs.google.com/spreadsheets/d/1Jte6So0ORTLqqE8n1QPl0F_b5qxWxstnZ3x62fXLePE/copy?usp=sharing

School	College 1	College 2
Basics
City, State
Distance from home via air
Distance from home via car
Student population
Public or private
Campus size
Admission counselor (name)
Deadlines
Application (Early Decision)
Application (Early Action)
Application (Regular Decision)
FAFSA/CSS (Early Decision)
FAFSA/CSS (Early Action)
FAFSA/CSS (Regular Decision)
Academics
Desired major(s)
Alternative major or double major
Alternative major or double major
Student-faculty ratio (overall)
Student-faculty ratio (my major)
Average class size (overall)
Average class size (my major)
Average admitted GPA
Average admitted SAT/ACT
Cost
Tuition and fees (per year)
Room and board (per year)
Other fees and expenses (activities fee, books, supplies, etc.)

Juniors: To Do List

Do something this summer!

Research
Use Naviance. Research Colleges/Careers that interest YOU.
(Re)Take ACT / SAT
Registration deadlines are ~1 month in advance of exam.
Get on Campus
Juniors and Seniors get 5 excused absences each year for college visits (10 total).
Brainstorm Rec Letters / Essay
Do your colleges require a rec letter and essay? Think about which teacher(s) you will ask and what topic you will write about. You can create a Common App account now & begin!
Meet with Your Counselor
We are here for you!
Strive for Your Academic Best!
This year counts!

Juniors: Please Complete This Google Form by May 1

We use this info to write letters of recommendation!

Scan QR code or click here: https://forms.gle/GDbzqEqBDn2ukz6y6

You Don't Have to Have It All Figured Out Right Now...

...but a willingness to be curious is a must

Please Complete Survey Before Leaving

Click Here: https://forms.gle/NBWX9vtjgxp1BMQc7

Thank you!

X: @ALHSGuidance
Instagram: @ALHS_Counselors