As the school year continues to roll on, it’s that time of year when Seniors and Juniors have a lot to be considering. For Juniors at the Crookston High School, preparation has begun to take the American College Testing Test (ACT).
Crookston High School Student Counselor Tara Klein explains. “One of the bigger things we have coming up on March 8 is that all juniors will have the opportunity to take the ACT,” said Klein. “We do have some ACT prep work taking place in some of their core classes, but parents of Juniors should be aware that is coming up quickly and that we are offering prep work for this in some of their current classes.”
If a student misses the March 8 test day, a makeup test will be held two weeks later. Additionally, students also can retake the ACT through another organization and at another location, but this is the only time the High School will hold the ACT this year.
Klein said it is strongly encouraged that all juniors take the ACT to help give them the best opportunity to get into the college of their choice, but if a student didn’t want to take it for some reason, the school would give a student the option to not take the test. “We will never force a student to take the ACT, but we strongly encourage it,” said Klein. “There could be various reasons a student would choose not to take it, but we are offering it and strongly encouraging and requesting that juniors take it.”
While Juniors have this to consider, Seniors also have a few things they need to be aware of this time of the year. “For Seniors that are planning on going to college, the first big thing to do is make sure your FAFSA is filled out and taken care of,” said Klein. “That will help you get any loans that you may need. Other questions and things to consider this time of the year are have you made that college decision and investigated the financials? These are all things that need to be considered as we move closer to graduation.”
Klein also mentioned the other big thing for Seniors to be aware of is applying for scholarships. “The other big thing for those heading off to college is that we have the scholarship packet ready,” said Klein. “The Seniors should have all gotten one, but if not, they can be found outside of my office, and it’s important for parents and Seniors to be on top of that. There is a new grant that the State is offering for any student that attends a Minnesota State School, where any household that has an Adjusted Gross Income of $50,000 or less would possibly be eligible for free tuition if they are going into a high demand field.”
High-demand fields for students include Education, Health Care, any STEM Career, Business Degrees, and many Industry and Technology Degrees. Parents with any questions or those wanting more information on any of the topics above can email Klein at taraklein@isd593.org.
For the entire conversation with Tara Klein, you can tune in to KROX Saturday morning at 8:35 for the Focus on Education program. Klein also discussed a few things that the younger grades should also be considering this time of the year and for parents to look at what classes they want their children taking the next few years before they graduate. You can listen on 105.7 FM, 1260 AM, or by clicking “Listen Live” at the top of this page.
