Our mission is to provide a comprehensive guidance program that will assist all students in acquiring the skills, knowledge and attitudes needed to become effective students, responsible citizens, productive workers, and lifelong learners. The Manheim Central High School Counseling Department addresses the personal/social, educational, post secondary, and career needs of all students with the ultimate goal of empowering all students, every day, to achieve their maximum potential.
April 21, 2011
What is the ACT? The ACT is another standardized test used by college admissions. The ACT is administered on select Saturdays (see
When should I take the ACT? If a student is ONLY taking the ACT, it is recommended that the student take the standardized test once the end of their junior year and again the beginning of their senior year. If the student is taking the ACT in combination with the SAT, it is recommended that you take the ACT once either the end of the student’s junior year or beginning of the student’s senior year.
What is tested on the ACT? The ACT consists of four sections: English, Math, Reading, and Science Reasoning. There is also an optional writing test that students can take. It is strongly recommended that students take the ACT with the optional writing portion. Many schools will require this section for admissions.
- English: The English section is 45 minutes long and consists of 75 questions. The English section tests usage, mechanics, and rhetorical skills.
- Math: The math section is 60 minutes long and consists of 60 questions. Skills tested include: Arithmetic, Algebra, Geometry, and Trigonometry.
- Reading: The Reading section is 35 minutes long and consists of 40 questions. This section tests reading comprehension.
- Science Reasoning: The Science Reasoning section is 35 minutes long and consists of 40 questions.
- Writing: The optional writing portion is 30 minutes long and students will have to write an original first draft essay to a given prompt. Two readers are assigned to each essay and assign the piece of work a score between 1 and 6. Therefore, a student can score as high as a 12 on the essay portion.
How is the ACT scored? The ACT score is based on the number of correct answers a student marks. No penalty is given for guessing. Therefore, it is to the students advantage to guess if they do not know the answer! (Note: This is different for the SAT!! See SAT scoring here).
How do I prepare for the ACT? A number of practice questions for each section of the ACT are available here.
How do I register for the ACT? Online registration can be done through the ACT website. Click here for a list of testing dates.
**Note: If a student qualifies for free or reduced lunch, he/she is eligible for an ACT fee waiver. Make an appointment with the guidance counselor or Miss Fegely to receive the fee waiver or get more information.
October 17, 2011
What is the SAT? The SAT is a standardized test used for college admissions. The test is administed on select Saturday mornings (see register for the SAT) and lasts approximately 3 hours and 45 minutes.
When Should I take the SAT? It is recommended that a student takes the SAT once the end of their junior year and once the beginning of their senior year.
What is tested on the SAT?
- Math concepts tested on the SAT include: Arithmetic, Algebra I, Algebra II, and Geometry. Specific concepts to brush up on include: factoring, the difference of two squares, functions, quadratic formula, percents, proportions, exponents, absolute values, parallel lines, right triangles, special triangles, slope, mean, fundamental counting prinicple, permutations, combinations, and probability.
- The critical reading section evaluates your vocabulary, your reading comprehension, and your verbal reasoning. These skills are evaluated two ways: 1) students will be asked to supply a missing word or words in order to complete a sentence; and 2) students will be asked to read several passages and answer questions following each passage.
- Writing skills are evaluated in two ways on the SAT: 1) writing a first draft of an original essay; and 2) a multiple choice assessment. Types of multiple choice assessment include: identifying sentence errors, improving sentences, and improving paragraphs. The multiple choice section accounts for 70% of your writing score. Thefore, the essay only accounts for 30% of your score in the writing section.
How is the SAT scored? The SAT reasoning test is made up of three parts; Critical Reading, Writing, and Math. For each section, you can earn up to 800 points. Therefore, the highest score a student can earn is a 2400 between all three sections (see below). Students will also be given a score for the construction of a first draft of an essay. The essay is graded by two readers and graded on a scale of 1-6. Therefore, the highest score a student can earn on the essay portion is a 12 (a score of 6 from both readers). When scoring the SAT, students earn one point for correct answers, zero points for unanswered questions, and - 1/4 point if a question is answered incorrectly. Therefore, only guess on the SAT if you can successfulluy eliminate two answer choices.
- Critical Reading _____________/800
- Math _____________/800
- Writing _____________/800
How do I prepare for the SAT? Log onto My College Quickstart to to get personalized feedback, practice, and college planning based on your PSAT scores. Also, take a free practice test and register for the SAT Question of the Day.
How do I register for the SAT? College Board recommends that every student take the SAT twice; once in the Spring of their junior year and once the fall of their senior year. See a complete list of testing dates and register for the exam.
- Note: Fee Waivers are available to students on free/reduced lunch
October 17, 2011
Here is a list of planning sections for students in each grade level-
9th Grade
10th Grade
11th Grade
12th Grade
October 17, 2011
The Manheim Central High School Student Handbook states students must score Advanced or Proficient on the Math, Reading and Writing portions of the PSSA exams OR meet an equivalency requirement determined by the MCSD School Board after failing to score Advanced or Proficient on PSSA retake exams.
The 2011-2012 PSSA Schedule is as follows: Testing Schedule
April 21, 2011
Fall
- Return your transcript release form with a parent signature to the Guidance Office to be kept on file - Transcript Release Form 2011-2012
- Narrow down your list of colleges in which you plan to apply to about 3 – 7 schools or universities.
- Retake the SATs in October or November. Be aware of registration deadlines (especially for the October test date!) Make sure to prepare and register for this exam!
- Interested in starting at a community college? Learn about the pros and cons of starting at a two-year school.
- Create a master calendar of due dates (application and financial aid) and requirements (letters of recommendation, test scores, essays, transcripts).
- Apply for Scholarships! Helpful websites for scholarships include:
-
Winter
- Attend a financial aid night. Manheim Central hosts two financial aid nights in January. The first session, held on January 10th, 2012 at 6:30 pm in the cafeteria, goes over basic financial aid information. The second session, held on January 11th, 2012 at 6:30 pm goes ste-by-step through the FAFSA.
- Become familiar with the financial aid process. Here are a number of resources to help familiarize yourself with the terms, steps, and process of filing financial aid.
- Complete financial aid paperwork. The Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) opens January 1st. Be aware of individual college/university financial aid deadlines.
- Register for a Personal Identification Number (PIN). This allows you to electronically file your FAFSA application and therefore speeds up the processing time for your financial aid documents.
- Comple the CSS PROFILE (if required). Be aware of individual college/university financial aid deadlines.
- Continue to apply for scholarships!
Spring
- Review and compare financial aid packages from each school.
- Compare each of the schools that you applied to (re-visist if you think that would be helpful) and make a final decision by May 1st, 2012 – College Comparison Guide.
- Get Ready to celebrate! The end of school brings many happy occasions: Prom, Decision Day, and Graduation!!
April 21, 2011
This is arguably the most important year of high school. When you begin applying to colleges your senior year, the grades you have during junior year are the ones that admissions offices see first on your transcript. Aside from succeeding in your classes, this is what you should be doing to prepare for senior year:
Fall
- Take the PSAT in October. The PSAT is a program that provides a student with firsthand practice for the SAT. The PSAT measures a students’ critical reading skills, problem solving skills, and writing skills. The PSAT helps students prepare for the SAT by becoming familiar with the kinds of questions you will see on the SAT. Here is a link for PSAT practice.
- Note: Fee Waivers are available to students who qualify for free/reduced lunch
- Make college admissions representative contacts. Check out the list of colleges/universities that are visiting Manheim Central.
- Research potential careers or college majors on career cruising. Don’t forget, the username is mchs and the password is barons.
Winter
- Prepare for the SAT. Log onto My College Quickstart to to get personalized feedback, practice, and college planning based on your PSAT scores. Also, take a free practice test and register for the SAT Question of the Day.
- Register for the SAT. College Board recommends that every student take the SAT twice; once in the Spring of their junior year and once the fall of their senior year. See a complete list of testing dates and register for the exam.
- Note: Fee Waivers are available to students on free/reduced lunch
- Schedule an appointment with Miss Fegely, the college adviser, to discuss post-secondary plans. Not sure what to say? Here is a list of 20 questions you should ask your counselor!
- Attend a financial aid session. Manheim Central hosts two financial aid nights. It is recommended that juniors and parents of junior students attend the first financial aid session on January 10th at 6:30 pm. At this meeting, you will learn basic information about financial aid and have the opportunity to ask questions from a financial aid officer at Elizabethtown College.
- Questions about Financial Aid? See Manheim Central’s financial aid basics sheet – What is Financial Aid
Spring
- Register for your senior year courses! Choose your high school courses carefully. Create a four-year plan that outlines the most appropriate core subject courses that you plan to take in high school. See how this list stacks up against college admission requirements of certain schools here!
- Challenge yourself – Take an honors course (if appropriate) and push yourself to work hard.
- Use your time wisely!! Research meaningful activities you can participate in this summer. Some examples include: working, babysitting, participating in an athletic team, or volunteering at a nursing home. Also, many colleges host summer programs at a minimal cost for sports or academics.
- Study for AP exams.
- Research scholarships. While you often cannot apply for scholarships until your senior year, it is often helpful to create a list of scholarships in the spring of your senior year to keep track of deadlines. Helpful websites for scholarships include:
- Take the PSSAs. You will have to be proficient or advanced in writing, math, and reading. You will also be asked to take the PSSA Science assessment.
- Think about ideas for your graduation project!
Summer
April 21, 2011
Sophomore Slump?
Not on our watch! Sorry tenth graders, but this is no year for slacking off or coasting through classes. Aside from keeping your grades up, you should begin thinking about careers and subjects that interest you. Here’s a list of things to keep in mind as you continue having a successful high school experience:
Fall
- Take the PSAT. The PSAT is a program that provides a student with firsthand practice for the SAT. The PSAT measures a students’ critical reading skills, problem solving skills, and writing skills. The PSAT helps students prepare for the SAT by becoming familiar with the kinds of questions you will see on the SAT. Here is a link for PSAT practice
- Talk to your school counselor or Miss Fegely (the college adviser). Not sure where to start? Here is a list of questions that can help guide a college-bound discussion!
- Attend a college fair. The Conestoga Valley College Fair in November is a great start to your college search process!
- Start thinking about what schools you can see yourself successding at! Use College Board’s College Matchmaker to focus on school setting, size, and location.
- Get invlolved!
- Participate in activities outside of school. Here is a full list of extracurricular activities hosted by Manheim Central – Activities and Clubs 2011-12
- Why get involved? Not only are after school activities fun, but these activities make you look good! When you are filling out college application or scholarships, the reader will see that you show a focus and commitment to your community.
- Keep a running list of all the awards, accomplishments, and activities that you participate in during your high school career! That list will come in handy when filling out applications.
Winter
- Access PSAT results! Use the My College Quickstart to get personalized feedback, practice, and college planning based on your PSAT scores.
- Research information on college costs and how financial aid works! College really can be affordable!
Spring
- Register for your junior year courses! Choose your high school courses carefully. Create a four-year plan that outlines the most appropriate core subject courses that you plan to take in high school. See how this list stacks up against college admission requirements of certain schools here!
- Challenge yourself – Take an honors course (if appropriate) and push yourself to work hard.
- Use your time wisely!! Research meaningful activities you can participate in this summer. Some examples include: working, babysitting, participating in an athletic team, or volunteering at a nursing home. Also, many colleges host summer programs at a minimal cost for sports or academics.
Summer
- Visit a local college to see what it is like to be on a college campus! Find local colleges near Manheim High School here.
Tips for Parents
- Career Cruising! The guidance office will be working with sophomores in their LEGS Career class to start exploring careers. Students will take inventories to identify their interests, abilities, and job related values. Review these results with your student and discuss what options are available for after high school. The career cruising username is mchs and the password is barons.
April 21, 2011
When a student becomes a freshman, everything starts to “count.” Freshman grades are used in determining GPA and any activities, honors, and awards can be listed on college and scholarship applications. Freshman courses, grades, and credits become part of the student’s transcript. Here are some steps to help keep you on track!
Work Hard!
- Choose your high school courses carefully. Create a four-year plan that outlines the most appropriate core subject courses that you plan to take in high school. See how this list stacks up against college admission requirements of certain schools here!
- Challenge yourself – Take an honors course (if appropriate) and push yourself to work hard.
- Talk to your school counselor or Miss Fegely (the college adviser). Not sure where to start? Here is a list of questions that can help guide a college-bound discussion!
Get Involved!
- Participate in activities outside of school. Here is a full list of extracurricular activities hosted by Manheim Central – Activities and Clubs 2011-12
- Why get involved? Not only are after school activities fun, but these activities make you look good! When you are filling out college application or scholarships, the reader will see that you show a focus and commitment to your community.
- Keep a running list of all the awards, accomplishments, and activities that you participate in during your high school career! That list will come in handy when filling out applications.
Make Use of Your Time!
- Don’t just be a couch potato all summer! Pick a meaningful activity and do this all summer. Some examples include: working, babysitting, participating in an athletic team, or volunteering at a nursing home. Also, many colleges host summer programs at a minimal cost for sports or academics.
Tips for Parents!
- Monitor academic progress-
- Make sure that you see all progress report and report card grades. Do not assume that someone will contact you if there is a problem. You can check grades, attendance and assignments by using the parent portal which can be accessed through the district website. If you have questions or concerns, you can contact your son or daughters teachers by e-mail, by attending parent conferences or by calling the high school and leaving a message. Teacher e-mail addresses are last name, first initial @manheimcentral.org (ex. Smithj@manheimcentral.org). These can also be found by going to the district web site.
- Provide encouragement and support-
- Make certain that your son or daughter understands that freshman grades are important and help them identify when they need help in a class. Tutoring services are available at the high school level.
- Engage in a conversation with your child about college! Make sure your son or daughter understands what is expected of him/her. Here is an article for parents who are unsure of how to start this conversation.
- Underline the importance of a college education with your children! Find three careers that require additional education beyond a high school diploma. Education opens doors!
April 21, 2011
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