Career Technical Center: Guidance

Guidance

Contact:

Donna Morris, Counselor

256-233-6463

WHAT IS THE ACT TEST?

The ACT test is a national college admission examination that consists of tests in English, mathematics, reading, and science--and an optional Writing Test. It includes 215 multiple-choice questions and takes just over 4 hours including instructions and a break after the first two tests. Actual testing time is 2 hours and 55 minutes. Virtually all colleges and universities in the U.S. accept the ACT. It is administered on six national test dates in September, October, December, February, April and June. Our closest test site is Athens High School. A student may take the ACT as often as he or she wishes. It is recommended that a student begin taking the ACT in their junior year.

The basic fee for the ACT in 11-12 is $34.00 with additional fees for the optional Writing Test ($49.50), late registration, standby testing, changing test centers or test dates, and for additional services and products. Students can register on-line at http://www.actstudent.org/or get a registration packet outside of the counselor's office. There are books in our library that you can check out to help you prepare for the ACT test or you can go online to the ACT web site where help is available.

Both the University of Alabama and Auburn University require the writing portion of the ACT. The October test score of your senior year is last test result accepted for scholarship consideration at UA and AU. The regular deadline for the October 22 ACT is Friday, September 16.

2011-12 NATIONAL ACT TEST DATES

September 10, 2011 (Register by August 12, 2011)
October 22, 2011 (Register by September 16, 2011)
December 10, 2011 (Register by November 4, 2011)
February 11, 2012 (Register by January 13, 2011)
April 14, 2012 (Register by March 9, 2012)
June 9, 2012 (Register by May 4, 2012)

Check with the college that you wish to attend concerning ACT score requirements. Students can register for the next test by registering on-line at http://www.actstudent.org/.

DO YOU HAVE A PLAN?

Sophomores - Evaluate your interests and abilities. What careers interest you and how much training after high school does it require? Plan your courses for the next two years of high school so they will help prepare you for your goal. Have a plan of action.

Taking classes at the technical center is an excellent way to help you find a career that is for you.

Be serious about your studies and keep your absences to a minimum. The grades you make in grades 9 through 12 will all compile your grade point average. Choosing a career can be difficult. To find a career that's going to match your interests, abilities and aptitudes, you need to develop a good understanding of who you are. If you need help, please see your counselor so they can help you. Remember to make a plan. It has been said that if you don't know where you are going, you'll probably end up somewhere else. Too many people take off with no idea of where they are going. Later, they look at where they are, and wander how they got there, and then wish that they had gone someplace else. You'll have a better chance of getting where you want to go in life if you have a plan. Sometimes when people are confused about what to do, they do nothing. They decide to just wait and see what "comes along." These people later realize that doing nothing is in itself a choice and that very seldom does anything worthwhile just "come along." Take control of your life, make a plan, and work hard.

Career Tech 4-Year Plan

Limestone County students who wish to take a class at the Career Tech Center need to be sure that they are following a 4-year plan. The following is offered as a guide:

4-Year Plan for Standard Diploma Students

9th Grade