Guidance

​​​​​​Four Year Planner

You will complete this with your guidance counselor as a way to map out your years at FCHS. 

• Four Year Planning Document

Study Skills:

The most important elements in being successful academically are attending class, being attentive while there, and completing all assignments in a timely manner.  If a student finds him/herself falling behind, the best first step is to speak with the teacher to see if s/he can offer any advice or guidance.  If the student needs additional assistance after speaking with the teacher, s/he should arrange a meeting with a guidance counselor for further assistance.  It is always best to seek out help early in the semester before a problem grows too large.

The following websites include some useful information on how to best prepare for tests, proper note taking techniques, and other tips for school success.

http://www.testtakingtips.com

http://www.how-to-study.com

Dual Credit Options

FCHS offers a variety of means for students to earn college credit for classes they take during high school.   These credits can be transferred to colleges and universities and used to meet various general education and concentration requirements.  The institution that will ultimately be awarding the college degree determines exactly how any credit is transferred into their school and whether or not a transfer course will meet any degree requirements.  Policies vary widely depending on the university and the degree field, so students are always encouraged to review transfer credit policies at universities they would like to attend.

Options available at FCHS

Advanced Placement (AP)

This is a national program administered by The College Board.  High school courses and instructors go through a rigorous approval process to insure that coursework is equivalent to that required at the college level.  Students have the opportunity to take an AP exam at the end of the course to determine whether they are deserving of college credit.  All public colleges in Illinois guarantee credit will be awarded for a score of 3 or higher, on a scale of 5.  Private colleges and universities outside of IL may have different standards, but AP credit is the most widely accepted method for earning college credit while in high school.  The type of credit is determined by the awarding university, but if accepted, would be a minimum of 3 credit hours per course.  The current cost per AP exam is $99.

• U.S. History
• Calculus*
• Statistics*
• Psychology   
• U.S. Government & Politics

Total credit hours: 15 (could be 17 depending on the university)

* Many colleges award additional hours for these exams due to the additional coursework required in that course at the college level.

Additional information about the AP program can be found on The College Board website

Dual Enrollment Options

Saint Louis University's 1818 Program

Freeburg students have the opportunity to dual-enroll in a variety of courses through Saint Louis University (SLU).  Our teachers work in conjunction with SLU professors to create a syllabus that meets requirements for an equivalent course at SLU.  Any student who successfully completes the course and pays the tuition fee will be issued a transcript from SLU documenting the courses.  Credit is determined by the transfer institution, but SLU is the oldest dual enrollment program in the nation and has long standing relationships with a wide variety of universities.  Credits earned at SLU can be transferred to a large number of colleges across the country.  The current cost for 1818 dual enrollment class is $75 per credit hour.

College Chemistry

Fall: CHEM 1110 & 1115 - General Chemistry I Lecture & Lab, 4 credit hours

Spring: CHEM 1120 & 1125 - Introduction to Chemistry II Lecture & Lab, 4 credit hours

College Physics

Fall: PHYS 1220 - Physics I, 4 credit hours

Spring: PHYS 1240 - Physics II, 4 credit hours

College Biology

Yearlong course: BIOL 1240 & 1245 - Principles of Biology I Lecture & Lab, 4 credit hours

College English

Fall: ENGL 1500 - The Process of Composition, 3 credit hours

Spring: ENGL 1900 - Advanced Strategies of Rhetoric & Research, 3 credit hours

 Total credit hours: 26

Additional information about the 1818 program can be found on the SLU website: http://www.slu.edu/1818 

Southwestern Illinois College (SWIC)

Students have the opportunity to earn college credit, at no cost, for a number of current course offered at FCHS.  The math course is transferable to four-year institutions. 

• Horticulture - Fall: HORT 132 - Garden Center & Nursery Management, 4 credit hours

• Fundamentals of Music: Semester course: MUS 104 - Fundamentals of Music, 3 credit hours

• Financial Literacy - Semester course: MGMT 117 - Personal Finance, 3 credit hours

• Computer Aided Drafting - Yearlong course: CAD 101 - Basic Drafting,  3 credit hours

• Agricultural Business & Managment - Yearlong: AGRI 100- Intro to Ag Business Mgmt, 3 credit hours

• Advanced Construction - Yearlong, two hour course: CMT 146 - Building Trades Craft Survey II, 4 credit hours

Spring: HORT 152 - Greenhouse Management, 4 credit hours

• Introduction to Business - Yearlong course: MGMT 201- Entrepreneur Basics, 3 credit hours

  • Welding 2 - Yearlong course: WLDT 152 - All Position ARC Welding, 6 credit hours

  • Welding 1 - Yearlong course: WLDT 101 - Introduction to Welding, 5 credit hours

  • Sports Marketing - Semester course: MKT 226- eMarketing, 3 credit hours

  • Music Apprection: Semester course: MUS 101 - Music Appreciation, 3 credit hours

  • Mechanical Drafting - Yearlong course: CAD 120 - Intro to Auto CAD, 4 credit hours

  • Manufacturing 3/4 - Yearlong course: PMT 110 - Introduction to CNC Operations, 2 credit hours

  • Manufacturing 1/2 - Yearlong course: PMT 101 - Intro to the Machine Trades, 3 credit hours

  • Introduction to Construction - Yearlong course:CMT 145 - Building Trades Craft Survey I, 4 credit hours

Total credit hours: 57

If a student were to take all of these courses, they could graduate from Freeburg High School with 98 hours of college credit. If we look at just the number of credits that could be transferred towards a four year degree, we currently offer 47 hours. The total cost for these 47 college credits would be $2445.

Options available on the SWIC campus

Running Start

This is a dual credit program for qualified high school students to attend Southwestern Illinois College for their junior and senior year.  The program meets the requirements for both a high school diploma and an Associates of Arts or Associates of Science degree.  Students would be required to take at least 5 classes per semester, or 32 credit hours per year.  Many of these classes would be requirements to fulfill either the state of Illinois and Freeburg High School graduation requirements or the SWIC associates degree requirements.  Students would be able to select some elective courses for the remaining classes.  A detailed explanation of the course requirements can be found in the following Crosswalk.  The cost of this program is currently $4550 per year for tuition and fees; students would be responsible for the cost of textbooks, which average $500 per semester, as well as transportation.  Please review the following information for more details about this program.

• https://drive.google.com/file/d/1Pd-Lf2vtIMFhZSz747TFy3LZtP6l1CTQ/view?usp=sharing 

We hope you find the following information useful as you think about your plans post-high school.  Remember that the guidance office has a wealth of information for you to access to assist you in planning your future.  Stop in to use the resources or to schedule a meeting with your counselor for further information.

• Preparing for College : This checklist includes includes important steps parents and students should take during each of the high school years to best prepare for college.

• Important Tests : You will find information on a range of standardized tests, both those required of all students and optional tests for students interested in pursuing specific post-secondary options. 

• College Search :  We have provided a few suggestions of places to begin your search for the perfect college as well as information on FCHS's college days policy.

• Financial Aid : This is a starting point providing information on federal, private, and local aid sources.

• SAT Information: Additional information related to the SAT, include test dates and preparation information

• ACT Information : Additional information related to the ACT, including test dates and preparation tips.

• Timeline and Application Steps for Financial Aid/Scholarships

FCHS is happy to host a variety of college admission representatives throughout the school year.  Students are asked to register in advance to attend college visits by completing one of the forms found below.  Please open and complete the form for the school(s) in which you're interested in attending.  You will receive a pass in the morning to attend the event.  These events are a great opportunity to receive general information as well as to ask specific questions, please come prepared to engage with the representative.  Keep in mind that these admission representatives frequently play an important role in making admission decisions, assisting with housing and scholarship questions, and easing the transition to college; making a positive impression can be quite beneficial. Their role may be more important than ever this year when so many colleges have continued test optional policies and will be relying on other factors to make their admission and scholarship decisions. Check back frequently, because more visits are being scheduled each week.

February 9: Mississippi State University

February 11: Missouri Institute of Science & Technology

February 12: Southeast Missouri State University

March 6: Southern Illinois University-Edwardsville

March 10: McKendree University

March 11: Southern Illinois University: Carbondale

March 17: University of Louisville

March 18: University of Missouri-Kansas City

March 20: Western Illinois University

March 20: Illinois College

March 25: Kansas State University 

April 20: University of Missouri

NCAA Eligibility Center

NCAA Eligibility Center website

Student-Athletes who are interested in continuing to play and be eligible to receive athletic scholarships at the college level need to meet specific eligibility requirements outlined by either the National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA) or National Association of Intercollegiate Athletics (NAIA).  We have collected some helpful information to help families best prepare academically for this goal.

NAIA Eligibility Center

Play NAIA website

 Student-Athletes must meet two of the following three requirements to be eligible for the NAIA

1. Minimum high school GPA of 2.0 (on a 4.0 scale)
2. Meet the minimum ACT score of 18 composite or SAT score of 970 combined.
3. Graduate in the top half of your high school class

SIUE ROTC Field Day

An opportunity to learn what ROTC is about while competing for tuition waivers and building confidence and leadership skills. Held on May 2 from 8 AM - 3 PM

• https://new.express.adobe.com/webpage/dlzxVU8RJKwZq

Illinois Skilled Trades Camp

Southern Illinois Builders Association is hosting a weeklong camp where students can get hands on experiences and activities with various Skilled Trades (Carpenters, Boilermakers, Laborers, Iron Workers, Sheet Metal Workers)

• https://scoutingevent.com/312-113803

Drone Engineering and Entrepreneurship Camps

Carroll (WI) University is offering 2 credit summer programs in both Entrepreneurship and Leadership and in their new major Drone Engineering

• https://apply.carrollu.edu/portal/CUSummer

Girls Who Code

Free and Flexible virtual program where you explore exciting areas in tech.  You can choose tracks in AI & Society, Data Science & AI, Cybersecurity, Game Design or Web Development.  Program is for girls that are high school aged.

• girlswhocode.com/pathwaysapply

Northwestern Pre-College Online Programs

Courses span a variety of topics including business, law, medicine and STEM and are led by Northwestern faculty with guidance from mentors.  Students can earn a Certificate of Completion for each program. 

• https://precollege.northwestern.edu/?utm_source=internal&utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=nu_counselorleadsmonthly&utm_content=mar

Actuarial Science or Computer Programming Camps

• Lebanon Valley College is holding a one-week residential summer camp for rising high school seniors to help them decide if they want to pursue actuarial work or programming/AI.

Actuarial Camp Application

Data Science Camp Application

Cornerstone Summer Institute - University of Virginia

This program will high school students with the opportunity to engage in historical investigations, archaeological excavations and community engagement in order to learn and develop thinking skills that will prepare them for success in college and beyond.  

• https://slavery.virginia.edu/cornerstone-summer-institute/

Stanford Pre-Collegiate Study Programs

Opportunities for students from middle school through high school to explore content in science, math, humanities to many more on the Stanford campus in Northern California

• https://spcs.stanford.edu/programs

Washington University High School Summer Programs

Summer Programs in all of WashU's colleges, Arts & Sciences, Design & Visual Arts, Business, Biology & Biomedical and the Research Center

• https://admissions.wustl.edu/academics/special-programs/summer-programs-for-high-school-students/?utm_campaign=1021104&utm_source=Slate&utm_medium=email

Boiler Vet Camp - Purdue University

Week long, hands on Vet camp at Purdue University. This camp is designed for students who are interested in becoming vetrinary healthcare professionals and provides a preview into the real and vast fields of vetrinary medicine. 

• https://www.purdue.edu/vet/boilervetcamp/

SIUE Summer Session Camps

Summer Camps at SIU Edwardsville in the areas of science, performing arts, engineering, health and visual arts.

• http://www.siue.edu/summer/camps/index.shtml

Illinois Tech (Chicago) Summer Architecture Camps

Experiment in Architecture and Experiment in Landscape Architecture camps where students will tour Chicago, sit in on lectures with professors and complete design projects.  Due to small enrollment allotment, students can expect individual attention from studio instructors

• http://arch.iit.edu/study/eia

Gettysburg College Summer Academic Programs

Summer academic opportunities in psychology, creative writing, coding, 3D printing and a Civil War institute.  

• http://www.gettysburg.edu/about/offices/fa/conferences/summer-camps.dot?utm_source=Listrak&utm_medium=Email&utm_term=http%3a%2f%2fwww.gettysburg.edu%2fabout%2foffices%2ffa%2fconferences%2fsummer-camps.dot&utm_campaign=Academic+Summer+Programs

University of Notre Dame PreCollege Programs

Summer enrichment opportunities at the University of Notre Dame.  Options in several academic areas as well as leadership seminars

• https://precollege.nd.edu/

PreCollege Experiences at Anderson University

Art & Graphic Design, STEM and Film Makers camps held on campus in Anderson, Indiana

• https://www.anderson.edu/summer-camps

Northern Illinois University Summer Academic Camps

• Camps in the areas of: Creative Writing, Film and Screenwriting, Spanish and Journalism for residential options and Day long options of: Chinese, Social Justice, Photography and Journalism

• https://www.niu.edu/summercamps/index.shtml?utm_campaign=Summer%20Camps&utm_medium=Print%20Version&utm_source=STEM&utm_campaign=Summer%20Camps&utm_medium=Print%20Version&utm_source=STEM

SouthEast Missouri State University Summer Camps

• Summer enrichment opportunities on campus mostly in the areas of fine arts but also a few science and technology options

• http://www.semo.edu/camps/

SIU Carbondale Summer Academic Camps

Summer residential or day programs that provide students with the opportunity to challenge themselves in the areas of math, art, psychology, journalism, biology and many others.  Open to many grade levels

• https://camps.siu.edu/academic-camps/

Eastern Illinois University - English Studies Camp

Where students can grow as readers, writers, debaters and English scholars.

• https://www.eiu.edu/english/camp.php

Western Illinois University - Summer Camp Opportunities

WIU has summer camp opportunities open to 4th-12th graders in the areas of Agriculture, Fine Arts, Literature, Science, Math, Engineering and Technology/Design.

• http://www.wiu.edu/sao/outreach/youth_enrichment/youthmain.php

Washington University Med School Camp

Summer day camp for students interested in exploring medicine

• http://www.campcardiac.org/

Summer Academic Opportunities

Summer Academic Opportunities through the Illinois Association of College Admissions Counselors (IACAC)

• https://www.iacac.org/summer-programs/

FCHS Scholarship Opportunities