- Jupiter Community High
- School Counseling
- College & More
My College Survival Kit
-
The college application process can seem daunting. Therefore, we would like to provide an abundance of resources, both in document and electronic form, to assist you.
GETTING STARTED: If you're just getting started, there are several things you should consider in preparation for putting YOUR BEST SELF forward, we provide you with our "10 BEST STEPS" for doing so.
STEPS to APPLY: Once you are ready to apply, we want to provide you with our "10 MUST DO STEPS" to get you in the door, along with providing you with the resources needed to make your "REACH SCHOOL POSSIBLE!"
You are about to embark on an exciting new season in your life, and we are here to help you!
10 BEST STEPS for Getting Started
- Consider your SAT/ACT score compared to the 50% mark of your chosen school's "freshman profile" and schedule a retake, if needed, in early fall.
- Narrow your college search to 3 - 5 in-state schools or a few more if you're headed out of Florida.
- Keep your grades up! Any extra time you have can be used to make this the finest academic year you have ever had.
- Review your eligibility for the Bright Futures Scholarship and take necessary steps to ensure the award.
- Volunteer and/or work at something outside school for which you have a passion. Don't have one? Find one!
- Begin creating your resume of accomplishments, awards, and stand-out information.
- Ensure that your senior schedule is as "Academic" as you can manage while continuing to excel.
- Continue your involvement in clubs, sports, activities, youth groups, etc.
- Know which colleges require an essay or personal statement, visit college websites to review the topics, and start your rough drafts.
- Remember, that your GPA, course rigor, SAT/ACT scores, extracurricular involvement, & leadership potential ALL CONTRIBUTE to a school's acceptance offer.
10 MUST DO STEPS for Application
- Refine your College List of preferable schools
- If recommendation letters are required, identify which teachers you are going to ask and ask them.
- Visit your TOP SCHOOLS' admissions pages to know which application the college accepts, i.e. Institution, Common Application, Coalition, etc.
- Create an account & record your User I.D. and Password for the application platform you will use.
- Complete the online application and check and double-check for completeness and accuracy! Reread, Reread, Reread!!!!!
- Press "Submit."
- Request your official tests scores, i.e. SAT, ACT, AICE, etc. from each respective testing organization.
- Request an official transcript IF IT IS NEEDED! See Transcript tab for clarification.
- Complete your S.S.A.R. and link your S.S.A.R. to your application IF the S.S.A.R. is requested.
- CHECK YOUR EMAIL DAILY FOR NOTICES FROM THE SCHOOLS TO WHICH YOU'VE APPLIED.
How to Apply to College - The Basic Guide
If you're "ACCEPTED," CELEBRATE!!! HOORAY!
- Read and respond promptly via email and school portal.
- Send in your tuition deposit.
- Accept your financial aid offer.
- Choose housing.
- Select a meal plan if you'll be living on campus.
- Request your FINAL TRANSCRIPT during your senior year-end process and checkout.
- Check computer requirements, i.e. internet connectivity, browsers, operating programs, etc.
- Plan your packing list.
- Contact your new roommate.
- Get a physical before you begin classes.
- Attend any required orientations.
- Request and send any AP scores.
- Find out if you need to take any placement exams.
- Thank your supporters.
- HAVE an AWESOME FUTURE!!!
College & More
-
Applications (Common App & Coalition)
What is Common Application?
CA is an application platform used by over 900 universities and colleges. If you are applying to multiple schools and many or all of them accept Common Application, you can complete 1, ONE, application from which all the schools can draw. Thus, you save time and steps but unfortunately, not money. Though CA is free, you will still pay application fees to each school to which you want to apply THROUGH CA.Wondering if the schools to which you want to apply accept Common App?
Click here to review the list of over 900 institutions: https://www.commonapp.org/explore/
START YOUR COMMON APPLICATION HERE: https://www.commonapp.org/
2022-2023 Common Application Essay Questions
- 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.
- 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.
-
Bright Futures
Community Service Hours or Work Hours. Which Is the Best Choice for Me??
Volunteer Service OR Paid Work Hours students must complete a program of volunteer service or, beginning with a high school student graduating in the 2022-2023 academic year and thereafter, paid work, as approved by the district school board, the administrators of a nonpublic school. Students must earn either the required volunteer service OR paid work hours, but not a combination of both.
PAID WORK HOURS: Paid Work Experience is defined as a job where students earn a weekly or biweekly paycheck and are able to document their work experience through timecards, W-2 statements, or paystubs. Paid work hours will be recorded on the transcript for the student. Please fill out the Work Paid Hours Form.
VOLUNTEER HOURS: Such volunteer service or paid work Bright Futures Student Handbook: Chapter 1 5 | P a g e may include, but is not limited to, a business or governmental internship, work for a nonprofit community service organization, or activities on behalf of a candidate for public office. The hours of volunteer service must be documented in writing, and the document must be signed by the student, the student’s parents or guardian, and a representative of the organization for which the student performed the volunteer service.
-
College Visits & Virtual Tours
NACAC Virtual College Fairs
NACAC is offering SEVERAL virtual college tours throughout the country. Check out their website to learn more about our country's amazing universities.
FAU, FGCU, FIU, FPU, New College of FL, UCF, UF, UNF, USF, Rollins College
-
Financial Aid
Understanding the Financial AID Process
Get Prepared: Gather the documents you’ll need.
Review Student Aid Report: Make corrections, if necessary.
Renew Your FAFSA® Form: Reapply each year. -
Letter of Recommendation
IMPORTANT: Public Florida universities DO NOT require letters of recommendation. Some private universities and out-of-state schools may. If you determine a school requires a letter of recommendation:
- Download the recommendation request form here and save it to your computer.
- Type your responses and save it to your computer.
- Email the completed form to your counselor along with your resume. Need an example resume? See "My College Folder"; a resume example is provided there for you.
PROVIDE A MINIMUM OF 2 WEEKS FOR YOUR COUNSELOR TO COMPLETE YOUR LETTER. If the letter is for Common Application OR Coalition, your counselor will upload the letter to the respective portal. - Download the recommendation request form here and save it to your computer.
-
Military Interest
What is the ASVAB?
If you're serious about joining the military, then think about taking the Armed Services Vocational Aptitude Battery (ASVAB).
The ASVAB is a timed multi-aptitude test, which is given at over 14,000 schools and Military Entrance Processing Stations (MEPS) nationwide and is developed and maintained by the Department of Defense. Traditionally, it is given at Jupiter High School for our students between November and January. LISTEN to the daily announcements to get our local update.
Can't Wait? Don't want to miss it at JHS? Want to take the ASVAB?
Contacts
SFC Travis Mayer, Recruiting and Retention NCO
3193 Gun Club Road, West Palm Beach, FL 33406
Cell (561) 632-8818
United States Air Force
Staff Sergeant Wendell J. Howard, Enlisted Recruiter, USAF
10353 Southern Blvd, Royal Palm Beach, FL 33411
954-520-3282 (text friendly)
United States Navy
GSM2 Anthony Bojorquez, Navy Recruiter - JHS
Email: anthony.bojorquez@navy.mil
-
My College Survival Kit
The college application process can seem daunting. Therefore, we would like to provide an abundance of resources, both in document and electronic form, to assist you.GETTING STARTED:If you're just getting started, there are several things you should consider in preparation for putting YOUR BEST SELF forward, and in both PPT and written form, we provide you with our "10 BEST STEPS" for doing so.STEPS to APPLY:Once you are ready to apply, we want to provide you with our "10 MUST DO STEPS" to get you in the door, along with providing you with the resources needed to make your "REACH SCHOOL POSSIBLE!"You are about to embark on an exciting new season in your life, and we are here to help you!
Click here to view a Senior Checklist for University Admissions students!
-
SAT/ACT
Testing and registration dates for the ACT and SAT.
Step-by-step guide to link your Khan Academy and College Board accounts.
-
Scholarships
-
SSAR
Self-Reported Student Academic Record
The Student Self-Reported Academic Record (SSAR ) is the student self-reported academic record that lists the courses and associated grades that have been attempted, or will be attempted, for high school and/or college credit.
IMPORTANT: You can view your academic history in SIS to reference as you complete your SSAR.Steps:
1. Log onto your student portal and SIS
2. Click on Grades (parents, click on your child, then "grades."
3. Check "show all years (and show all schools for high school courses taken in middle school)
4. "Update"
The Following Florida Universities want your grades/transcript submitted through SSAR RATHER THAN sending an electronic transcript:
- University of Florida
- Florida State University
- Florida Atlantic University
- University of North Florida
- Florida Agricultural & Mechanical University
- University of West Florida
- Florida Poly
- New College
Frequently asked questions:
-
What is the Self-reported Academic Record (SSAR)?
SSAR is a self-reported student academic record that lists all courses and associated grades that have been attempted, or will be attempted, for high school and/or college credit. Since accuracy is critical, you must have a copy of your high school transcript available to use as a reference when you create your SSAR. Be sure to indicate any courses taken through an online school. -
Where do I create my SSAR?
The SSAR is created at the Self-reported Student Academic Record website. Upon completion of the SSAR, you will be given a SSAR ID Number that must be provided to UNF to allow us to retrieve your SSAR. You will be asked to provide the SSAR ID Number on your application. You may also provide the SSAR ID through your myWIngs account under My Records - Application Status page. -
When do I create my SSAR?
The SSAR website becomes available in August, prior to the start of your senior year. You may begin your admissions application prior to completing your SSAR. If you decide to submit your SSAR before submitting your application for admission, you will not be able to link your SSAR to your application until your application has been submitted. Just remember, your application for admission is incomplete and will not be reviewed until your SSAR and test scores have been received. -
How do I enter my grades on the SSAR?
The SSAR collects grades on a semester basis. You should report all grades exactly as they are listed on your transcript. You will use the Course Level field on the SSAR to indicate the type of course (e.g., honors, AP, dual enrollment, etc.). Please refer to the following examples to guide your grade submission. If your high school transcript has:
-
- Only semester grades: enter your semester grades as shown on your transcript.
- Only final grades: enter the final grade twice (first semester and second semester) for yearlong courses (one credit), and once for semester-long courses (1/2 credit). For example, if you earned a grade of B in Algebra I which is a yearlong course (1 credit), enter that grade twice (first semester and second semester).
- Both semester grades and final grades: use the final grade. For example, if you took Algebra I earning an A in the first semester and a B in the second semester with your final grade being a B, enter a grade of B twice (first semester and second semester).
- Both trimester grades and final grades: use the final grade. If the course is yearlong, enter the final grade twice. If the course is only for one trimester, enter the grade in either the first or second semester.
- Block scheduling: you are completing a yearlong course (one credit) in one semester and a semester-long course (1/2 credit) in nine weeks. A one credit course will be entered twice (first semester and second semester), and a 1/2 credit course will be entered once.
- Dual-enrollment courses: you must self-report all college courses' grades listed on your transcript. If your course is one credit in high school, enter the grade twice (first semester and second semester). If your course is 1/2 credit, enter the grade once.
- Numerical grades: you must convert to A-F grades using your high school grading scale.
- If your transcript does not fall into one of the above categories, please email the Office of Admissions.
- Only semester grades: enter your semester grades as shown on your transcript.
-
How do I report my senior coursework?
You should list your senior-year classes as "In Progress" since you will have no grades associated with them. If your schedule changes, you must immediately update your SSAR. To make changes, simply log in to the SSAR website with the email address and password used to create your original SSAR. -
How do I enter my college (dual enrollment) classes and grades?
You must self-report all college courses' grades listed on your transcript. If your course is one credit in high school, enter the grade twice (first semester and second semester). If your course is 1/2 credit, enter the grade once. You will then select "dual enrollment" under the course level field. -
Do I report all the classes taken and grades earned that are reflected on my transcript?
All attempted coursework must be listed on the SSAR, including repeated coursework or coursework that receives pass/fail grades. -
Can I change the SSAR once it is completed?
Yes. We want your SSAR to be as accurate as possible so, if you have corrections or your schedule changes, we encourage you to update your SSAR. To make changes, log in to the SSAR website with the email address and password used to create your original SSAR. -
What if I am unsure about the dual enrollment classes that I will be taking during the second semester of my senior year?
You should provide the best estimation of what classes you will be taking when completing the SSAR. If your schedule changes, you will be able to update the SSAR. If the correct information is not listed on your SSAR when we validate your classes and grades from your official high school and college transcripts, your admission is subject to revocation and, if discovered after classes begin, cancellation of registration. -
When do I send my official high school and college (if dual enrolled) transcripts?
All applicants will be required to submit official high school and college transcripts. These transcripts will be used to validate the information on the SSAR. Students with inaccurate SSARs will be contacted and their admission is subject to revocation and, if discovered after classes begin, cancellation of registration. All applicants offered admission will be required to submit final and official transcripts by July 15th.
- University of Florida
-
State Colleges
28 State Schools Offer a World of Possibilities!!
Earn a 2 year degree at any state school and have guaranteed admission into the university system!
- Broward College, Fort Lauderdale
- College of Central Florida, Ocala
- Chipola College, Marianna
- Daytona State College, Daytona Beach
- Eastern Florida State College, Cocoa
- Edison State College, Fort Myers
- Florida Keys Community College, Key West
- Florida State College at Jacksonville, Jacksonville
- Gulf Coast State College, Panama City
- Hillsborough Community College, Tampa
- Indian River State College, Fort Pierce
- Florida Gateway College, Lake City
- Lake-Sumter State College, Leesburg
- Miami Dade College, Miami
- North Florida Community College, Madison
- Northwest Florida State College, Niceville
- Palm Beach State College, Lake Worth
- Pasco-Hernando Community College, New Port Richey
- Pensacola State College, Pensacola
- Polk State College, Winter Haven
- Sante Fe College, Gainsville
- Seminole State College of Florida, Sanford
- South Florida State College, Avon Park
- St. Johns River State College, Palatka
- St. Pertersburg College, St. Petersburg
- State College of Florida, Manatee-Sarasota, Bardenton
- Tallahassee Community College, Tallahassee
- Valencia College, Orlando
A Few State Schools With 4-Year Degree Programs
Palm Beach State College:
- Health Management
- Entrepreneurship
- RN/BSN Nursing
- Security and Network
Valencia Community College:
- Electrical or Computer Engineering
- Radiologic and Imaging
- Nursing
Tallahassee Community College:
- Nursing
Florida State College (Jacksonville):
- Digital Media
- Early Childhood
- Computer Systems
- Business Administration
- Biological Sciences
Click Each College Name to Learn More About The School.
Click Each Link Below to Learn More About These Schools' Scholarships
PALM BEACH STATE COLLEGE SCHOLARSHIPS: https://www.palmbeachstate.edu/financialaid/scholarships.aspx
SANTE FE COMMUNITY COLLEGE SCHOLARSHIPS: https://www.sfcc.edu/paying-for-school/scholarships-grants/
NOTE: All 28 state colleges offer scholarships; these are just a couple of the sites. Do your own research. Submit your application. Dream BIG!!! You may be an EXCELLENT candidate, but you MUST APPLY!!! APPLY!!
-
Transcript Request Form
If you are completing your S.S.A.R. or SPARK and need your credit history: You can retrieve your academic history in SIS without a transcript: CLICK ON GRADES (parents click on their child, then Grades); *CHECK SHOW ALL YEARS (AND SHOW ALL SCHOOLS FOR HS COURSES TAKEN IN MIDDLE SCHOOL) AND THEN UPDATE.If you are using Common Application/Coalition or SEND EDU, your counselor will upload your transcript for you. They will be notified by Common Application/Coalition that you are requesting their recommendation.
IMPORTANT! If you have taken classes at Palm Beach State College or FAU as a dual enrollment student, you must request separate transcripts from them to send to your accepted school. Though the grades are on your final transcript, the university is going to want an OFFICIAL transcript from PBSC or FAU as well.
Need a FINAL official transcript from PBSC? LINK: https://www.palmbeachstate.edu/admissions/transcript-request.aspx
Need a FINAL official transcript from FAU? Link: http://www.fau.edu/registrar/transcripts.phpHow to REQUEST a TRANSCRIPT:
Current Students:Bring the completed transcript request form and money to guidance ( form is below).If you are seeking a final transcript to be sent to the college or university you plan to attend, it will be sent at no charge after graduation.Graduates:Go to parchment.com.Three types of Transcripts:- Electronic Transcripts ($1 each)- sent to FLORIDA public Colleges/Universities IF you did not apply through Common Application and used the university's online application.
- Hard Copy Official Transcript ($3 each)- Sealed in envelope with official school stamp
- Hard Copy Unofficial Transcript ($3 each)- Personal copy
Click here to download the Transcript Request Form for student/parent use.