Hi! I'm Jennifer Burnham, the Junior School Counselor, at Marshall Co. High School. I look forward to introducing myself to the junior class on the first day of school! I wanted to let you know where to look for junior year specific information. I utilize a blog. The blog is where I will post all junior specific opportunities and announcements.
There is a link to the blog on the school website in the guidance section - here's the junior link: Jennifer Burnham, Junior School Counselor (mchsjuniorblog.blogspot.com)
You'll note that there are tabs across the top to keep information sorted: Home, ACT, SAT, Scholarship Info, College & Career. I encourage you to check the blog and communicate with me often to stay on top of all information and deadlines.
Precollege planning is important and this is the year that many juniors take that very seriously. For those of you looking at college as your next step you should make a list of colleges you're interested in, start visiting their websites, and schedule visits - senior year will be so hectic and the deadlines come fast. Along with freshman and sophomore year this is the year that colleges will see the most updated record of your academic standing - GPA.
Colleges and scholarship agencies put a lot of stock into a student's GPA, ACT/SAT score, and their service (community service). Start working on your service component now if you haven't already.
It's important to note that I don't work with just college bound students. I work with military and career going students as well so please don't hesitate to come see me.
Three popular exams you will hear a lot about this year are the PSAT, SAT and the ACT. The PSAT exam is quickly approaching and will be given on Wednesday, October 22 at Marshall County High School. The PSAT is the entry exam to the National Merit Scholarship Program and it is given only one time a year. It is offered to juniors as a practice test for the SAT and for National Merit Scholarship purposes. Registration and Payment information will go out in Huddle and to student and parent emails later this month.
National ACT test dates are Saturdays in Sep, Oct, Dec, Feb, April, June and July. Students go online and register for national test dates at act.org. I can help you with that in my office if needed. Historically the state of Kentucky has contracted with ACT to give juniors a free ACT during the school day for student benefit and as part of our accountability model. This year the state has contracted with SAT and we will be giving a free SAT in March of your junior year.
There are several summer programs that are tied to scholarship money that I would love to talk to you about. Some are educational, some focus on government, the arts and some focus on business. CHA, GSP, GSA, GSE, Boys and Girls state are very popular and the application deadlines begin in November. Some of them require an ACT/SAT or PSAT score prior to admission. See me ASAP to check those dates!
You should have heard about the KEES Program the last 2 years. This is a reminder to check your KEES account online.
If you need CR (previously failed a class, are a transfer student or are finishing a course from summer school) - you must see me to discuss scheduling options.
Throughout the year, there will be events specific to juniors enrolled in dual credit courses, AP courses, and pre-calculus. I will advertise registration in those events through my Blog.
Please don't hesitate to contact me throughout the year with any questions you may have. I look forward to working with YOU!
