Guidance Counselor Information
By Sexton, Phil
GUIDANCE
PORTAHIGH SCHOOL
SCHOOL CODE #143-475
Mrs. Amy McMahan, counselor
Email me at amcmahan@porta202.org
Or call (217)632-3216, office hours 8:00-3:30.
Greetings from the guidance office! I am Mrs. McMahan, guidance counselor, for PORTA senior high school students. The guidance program at PORTA is available to you for various reasons, including, but not limited to, personal counseling and career counseling. I am also available to meet with you individually or in groups to discuss college entrance requirements, scholarships and job entry requirements and opportunities.
TESTING
Beginning in the 2004-2005 school year, all 9th, 10th and 11th graders will participate in testing designed by ACT. 9th grade students will take the EXPLORE test and 10th grade students will take the PLAN test in the fall of the school year. 11th graders will take the ACT as a part of the PSAE test in the spring of their junior year. College-bound students are also encouraged to take the PSAT test during the fall of their junior year.
REQUIREMENTS
Graduation requirements are listed on page 22 of your 2011-2012 student handbook. Please be aware of the following class status credit requirements: 5.0 =sophomore status, 10.0=junior status and 15.0=senior status. Student transcripts are evaluated at the beginning of each school year for class standing. Only 4th year students may request a re-evaluation at the end of the 1st semester to attain a different placement.
COLLEGE/EMPLOYMENT DAYS
2nd semester juniors and seniors are allowed a total of three college/employment days during their high school career. A college day request form must be obtained from and returned to the guidance office three days prior to the requested day.
SCHOLARSHIPS
The guidance office will compile a list of available scholarships. The scholarship list will be posted on the guidance office door as well as this website. Many scholarships are not administered or distributed through the high school. Students are encouraged to register with FastWeb. A link to FastWeb is provided on the Helpful Sites list.
A packet containing a majority of the local scholarships will be made available during the first week of March.
TRANSCRIPTS
Many college and scholarship applications will require a transcript. Official transcripts must be sent from the school. If an official transcript is required, please request it in writing at least two days before it is due. Unofficial transcripts may be given to the student.
HELPFUL SITES
www.act.org register for the ACT, practice test questions and more!
www.testprep.com test practice!!!
www.collegeboard.com register for the SAT and do review questions.
www.mycollegeguide.org college selection tool
www.petersons.com college selection tool
www.princetonreview.com college selection tool
www.collegenet.com college selection tool
www.ulinks.com college selection tool
www.fastweb.com scholarship search
www.collegezone.com My favorite! Illinois college planning and financial aid info.
www.jobweb.com/catapult career information
www.ides.state.il.us/ career information
STATE UNIVERSITIES IN ILLINOIS WEBSITES
www.csu.edu Chicago State University
www.eiu.edu Eastern Illinois University
www.govst.edu Governors State University
www.ilstu.edu Illinois State University
www.neiu.edu Northeastern Illinois University
www.niu.edu Northern Illinois University
www.siuc.edu Southern Illinois University
www.siue.edu Southern Illinois University-Edwardsville
www.uic.edu University of Illinois at Chicago
www.uis.edu University of Illinois at Springfield
www.uiuc.edu University of Illinois at Urbana
www.wiu.edu Western Illinois University
