College & Career Center

Search for High School CTE/JTED Program availability, and enroll in your career choice today! 

Contact your school counselors for in-depth information about these classes, and samples of work product from former and present students!

• Taking one CTE class for every two academic classes minimizes the risk of students dropping out of high school.
• The average high school graduation rate for students concentrating in CTE programs is 93%, compared to an average national freshman graduation rate of 80%.
• 91% of high school graduates who earned 2-3 CTE credits enrolled in college.

The Armed Services Vocational Aptitude Battery (ASVAB) is a career skills assessment developed by the Dept. of Labor. Students in grades 10-12 are assessed in basic math, algebra, geometry, reading fluency, reading comprehension, writing, science, and technical skills such as electronics, basic carpentry, and mechanics. Military branches use the assessment to determine certain jobs/career areas students may be qualified for in the armed services.

The ASVAB is also an accurate predictor of career pathways students may have the aptitude and interest for outside of the military. Once students complete the ASVAB and receive their scores, they will have access to a career platform which tracks career openings, salaries, and job requirements across the United States. Additionally the platform targets college/trade school resources which support chosen careers, provides financial aid information, and gives an overview of careers and how individuals can transfer to other career fields.

The cost of the ASVAB is free and is given at MHS twice a year. The military has various score requirements for enlistment. Students need to speak to a military recruiter for score requirements.

Time of Service

• Contract is generally for 4 or 6 years depending on the job. (active duty)
•  2-4 years if inactive duty
• After contract is complete, military personnel may be on inactive duty status for 2-4 years depending on initial contract. This is to keep enough military personnel on hand if US should go to war or there is a national crisis. Individuals are considered civilians and do not report.

Minimum Education Requirements

• Minimum of a high school diploma. There are limited vacancies for persons who hold a GED but it depends on the branch. Students must get a 50 on the ASVAB if they have a GED.The military really stresses graduating with a high school diploma.
• ASVAB score of 34+
• Pass bootcamp/military schools

Qualifications

• Pass background/criminal check. Will make some allowances for felonies but it depends on the branch.

Benefits

• (Single) Live on post/base in dorms. FREE Rent & Utilities
• Single rooms and may share a bathroom
• Married/Dependents will receive a housing allowing $1300-2400
• $4500 of educational tuition assistance while in the service
• GI Bill after serving-FREE college or reduced tuition
• GI Loan-0% interest on purchase of a home
• Grants/low interest loans to start a business.
• Medical/Life Insurance/Dental/Eye for self and dependents.

Considerations

• Move every 3 years
• Can be deployed for multiple tours
• Cannot pursue college or certification trainings for the first year of enlistment.
• May take a long time to earn degree. Part-time student
• May use GI Bill for dependents

Time of Service

• During time in college (Up to 5 years)
• May join as a sophomore in college
• Time of active duty service begins after person finishes degree and the contract equals the number of years the military paid for college. (4-5 years)

Minimum Education Requirements

• Must be enrolled in a STEM degree program
• Full-time college student with a college GPA of 2.5
• Very competitive to get a scholarship. Most scholarships require a higher GPA to get in as a high school student or as a sophomore in college. Must have at least a 1000 on SAT or a 19 on the ACT.
• Pass Officer bootcamp
• Pass background/criminal check. Will make some allowances for felonies but it depends on the branch.

Qualifications

• Accepted into the college of the program & have appropriate grade qualifications
• Pass the physical fitness and medical tests.
• Pass background check

Benefits

• Tuition, Room & Board are paid.
• Receive a monthly stipend
• Advising & Tutoring offered on campus
• After graduation:
• Starting salary is 3,400 a month
• Housing allowance
• Uniform allowance 1x
• Insurance, Life Insurance, and Retirement package
• Tuition assistance up to $4500 a year while in the service.
• GI Bill
• GI Loan
• Grants/low interest loans to start business
• Medical/Life Insurance/Dental/Eye for self/dependents

Considerations

• Not to be mistaken for JROTC
• Make decision to sign military contract during Jr. Year of college. If don’t need to pay back govt. for school.
• Active Duty-move every 3 years
• Can be deployed for multiple tours
• May use GI Bill for dependents

Time of Service

• Conducted after one earns a college degree or if an enlisted service man/woman wants to enroll in the OCS.
• Contract is 4 years of active duty with up to 4 additional years of inactive status.

Minimum Education Requirements

• Must have a college degree.
• Attend Officer Training School.
• Pass physical fitness and medical tests
• Pass Officer bootcamp

Qualifications

• Pass background/criminal check.

Benefits

• Starting salary of $3188
• Housing allowance $1300-2400
• Married/Dependents receive $200 more in housing allowance
• Tuition assistance up to $4500 a year while in the service.
• GI Bill
• GI Loan
• Grants/low interest loans to start business
• Medical/Life Insurance/Dental/Eye for self/dependents

Considerations

• Active Duty-move every 3 years
• Can be deployed for multiple tours
• May use GI Bill for dependents
• ** Service Academy Programs have separate requirements but the benefits are similar to the officer categories.

Get more information on becoming an officer from Today's Military

Time of Service

• 3-6 years with up to an additional 2 years of inactive duty status in case of a state/national emergency.
• Reserves are operated by the federal govt.
• National Guard is operated by the states.
• Work 1 weekend a month plus 14 days during the calendar year.
• Guaranteed to keep job if deployed.

Minimum Education Requirements

• Minimum of a high school diploma.
• If not in college or have a degree, pass ASVAB score of 34+
• Pass bootcamp/military schools

Qualifications

• Pass background/criminal check.

Benefits

• $218 a month for 1 weekend of drills.
• $760 for 2 week training
• If active duty, $1600 a month.
• Tuition assistance up to $4500 a year while in the service.
• GI BIll
• GI Loan
• Grants/low interest loans to start business
• Medical/LIfe Insurance/Dental/Eye for self/dependents

Considerations

• Guard doesn’t move but can be deployed to other states/overseas.
• May use GI Bill for dependents

If you’re preparing for college admissions, you might be curious about the difference between the ACT and the SAT. While both are standardized tests that colleges and universities use as a benchmark when making admissions decisions, there are some differences. Read on for a guide that will help you determine whether you should take the SAT or ACT as you get ready to apply to college.

FREE online tutorials!

• Kahn Academy (SAT)
• ACT Academy

To register for the SAT, visit http://www.collegeboard.org
To register for the ACT, visit http://www.act.org

Western Undergraduate Exchange (WUE)
The Western Undergraduate Exchange (WUE) is an agreement among WICHE’s 16 member states and territories, through which 160+ participating public colleges and universities provide steep nonresident tuition savings for Western students. Through WUE, eligible students can choose from hundreds of undergraduate programs outside their home state, and pay no more than 150 percent of that institution’s resident tuition rate. 

Get more information on WUE (You can search schools by state, major or other interests.)

Colleges That Change Lives
Colleges That Change Lives, Inc. (CTCL) is a non-profit organization dedicated to the advancement and support of a student-centered college search process. We support the goal of every student finding a college that develops a lifelong love of learning and provides the foundation for a successful and fulfilling life beyond college. 

Get more information on CTCL  

Other College Search Websites

• Big Future by College Board
• Princeton Review
• College Express 

Virtually Visit College Campuses (Campus Tours) 

• You Visit
• eCampusTours
• YouniversityTV
• Go See Campus  

Local College Admission Representatives

• Derek Faasse, University of Alabama
• Abby Tudor, Northern Arizona University 
• Xvania Esquivel, University of Arizona 
• Maria Solis-Camarena, Arizona State University 
• Nicole Dobias, Grand Canyon University

You will be asked to provide the following information. If you have any problem with obtaining these items, PLEASE contact the College and Career Center for help!

• Student Social Security Number (DACA or Alien Registration Card, if you are not a U.S. citizen). You can STILL apply for financial support without a social security number. Contact the College And Career Center for more information
• 2019 Income taxes or W-2 Forms and other records of money earned for parents/guardians & student.
• Exact name that is listed on your Social Security Card.
• If your parents do not file taxes, have an estimate of how much money your parents receive/earn per year (the estimate may need to be proven)
• If your parents file taxes in another country, have an estimate and proof in dollars of how much they earn for the year.
• Dates of parents’ marriage/divorce.
• Parents’ birth dates
• List up to 10 colleges or universities that interest you.
• Amount of money in checking, savings and cash for you and your parents
• Number of years family has lived in Arizona

An FSA ID is used to verify your identity through your Social Security Number. If you are a dependent student, you and your parents or guardians will each need to create an FSA ID.

Be sure to remember your username and password.

Instructions:

• Make sure you have your Social Security Number at the ready.
• Visit FSAID.ED.GOV
• Create Password (Password MUST have numbers, uppercase letters, lowercase letters and be 8-30 characters long)
• Click "Continue"
• Type in your name, date of birth and Social Security number (SSN). Your name and SSN MUST MATCH EXACTLY what is on your Social Security card. If you are not sure, check by contacting the Social Security Administration before proceeding.
• Click "Continue"
• Type in your email address (BE SURE TO USE A PERSONAL EMAIL AND NOT YOUR MUSD ONE) , cell phone number, mailing address and language preference.
• Click "Continue"
• Select four challenge/security questions and type your answers.
• Click "Continue"
• Review your information and correct any mistakes.
• At the bottom, review the terms and conditions. Check the box to certify that you agree and your information is correct.
• Click "Continue."
• If you provided your cell phone number, then you will receive a text message with a code. This ensures that your cell phone is a real number. Enter it in the box. (This sometimes can take a few minutes to receive.)
• Click "Submit"
• You will also receive an email with a code. Enter it in the box. (This too can take several minutes.)
• Click "Submit"
• Done! You have successfully created your FSA ID!

Get Started on Your FAFSA

• When does FAFSA open?
  • October 1st and closes June 30th. Although you have several months to complete the FAFSA, it is on a first come first serve basis so to speak. In other words, the sooner you apply, the more money becomes available to you.
• What is Cost of Attendance (COA?)
  • Cost of attendance includes tuition, room and board, books and supplies, travel, miscellaneous fees and estimated personal expenses.
• What is the Expected Family Contribution or EFC?
  • Your EFC is an index number that college financial aid staff use to determine how much financial aid you would receive if you were to attend their school. It is not a dollar amount.
• What determines my EFC?
  • The EFC is calculated according to a formula established by Congress. It considers factors like age of oldest parent, how many kids you have in college, household size, parent income and assets, and student income and assets.
• What is the difference between FAFSA and the CSS Profile
  • The major difference is that the FAFSA provides federal grants, loans, and other types of government assistance. The CSS Profile is an application that universities use to gauge how much non-federal financial aid you need. If you are applying to a CSS Profile school, you still MUST complete the FAFSA.
• What is Prior Prior Year?
  • Prior-Prior year began in 2016 that allows students and families to file the FAFSA using tax information from two years prior. Also, using the Prior-Prior Year system allows students and families to apply for financial aid in October rather than waiting until January.

Student Assistance for Everyone
Support groups provide a safe, supportive environment where students can talk about challenges in their lives. In an atmosphere of trust and warmth, members can share concerns, formulate goals, support each other, and grow in a positive direction. Issues range from low feelings or self-worth and difficulty in making and keeping friendships to concern for the use of drugs and alcohol by self and others.
Groups meet on during the school day. New groups will start at different times throughout the school year. 

Please read the purpose, goals, and guidelines describing support group. If you would like more information please reach out to your student(s)’ counselor.                                   

Purpose

• To provide a safe place for us to share our needs, our feelings, our thoughts, and ourselves.
• To provide support in working through any concerns we have in our lives. 

Goals

• To learn to express feelings and ask for our wants and needs appropriately.
• To learn healthy communication skills.
• To learn that we are responsible for our own lives and, based on our choices we have the power to change.
• To learn about treating others and ourselves with respect. 

Guidelines

• Confidentiality– What is said in-group, stays in-group.
  • Exceptions: Someone is hurting you, harm to self or others
• All beliefs are respected.
• Everyone has the right to be heard and speaks for himself or herself.
• No “put downs” to self or others.
• Everyone has the right to pass and share at his or her comfort level.
• Listen until the person sharing finishes.
• No interruptions or side conversations and cell phones away.
• Attend every meeting and be on time.
• Make up the work in the class you are missing to attend group. 

Frequently Asked Questions 

What is a support group?
A support group provides a confidential setting where you can share your thoughts and feelings in a safe and caring environment. It is led by counselors, teachers, social workers, and other concerned members of the staff. 

How often do we meet?
We will meet in a group room one period a week for 8 weeks. 

How do we get out of class to attend?
You will report directly to the group at the beginning of class. You are responsible for making of missed assignments and homework. 

What will I gain by taking part in a group? 

• The safe, confidential environment of group meetings will provide you with an opportunity to express yourself and your feelings.
• You may find that you have concerns that are similar to others in the group and realize that you are not alone.
• You may come to understand yourself and others in the group more clearly. This understanding may help you to evaluate attitudes and behaviors that you may choose to change.
• You may learn additional skills for managing your personal life and discover new ways to utilize your strengths. 

What will be expected of me?

• I will keep group discussions confidential.
• I will be on time.
• I will be respectful and honest with others and myself.
• I will interact by listening, responding, and encouraging others in the group.
• I will be willing to try out new behaviors and attitudes.
• I will complete work from the class I missed. 

Tutoring:
MVHS is proud to provide weekly math tutoring that is available for free. Math tutoring is held in K103 M-F after school.

Homework Request:
After any excused absence or absence due to a condition set forth in Paragraph A.I. (a), (b), (c) or (d) of the Comprehensive Student Discipline Policy, a student shall be required to initiate contact with school instructors to obtain appropriate make-up work. The student may have as many days to make-up daily work missed as the number of days he or she was absent plus one. All pre-assigned due dates must be met. Work missed by students due to unexcused absences may not be made up for credit. If an absence is not excused by a parent within five school days, make-up work may not be allowed. During school imposed suspensions, the student must complete all assigned work by the completion of the suspension if the teacher has provided the work.

HELPFUL LINKS:

• Tutoring for US Military families
• Khan Academy
• Cornell Notes
• Education Effects (Formerly B.J. Pinchbeck) Homework Help

HELP! I'm stressed out! MVHS' Counseling Office is here to help. See your counselor if you need additional assistance.

What is Stress?

Stress is defined as a response to a demand that is placed upon you. Stress in a normal reaction when your brain recognizes a threat. When the threat is perceived, your body releases hormones that activate your “fight or flight” response. This fight or flight response is not limited to perceiving a threat, but in less severe cases, is triggered when we encounter unexpected events. For most people, stress is a negative experience.

How does it affect you?

Stress may cause you to have physiological, behavioral or even psychological effects.

What causes Stress? 

Stressors are anything that cause or increase stress. Below are a few examples:

• Academics – by far the biggest stressor for college students: the pressure of not failing.
• Dating – relationship problems may add to the pressure/stress of academics.
• Environment – certain environments can bring about stress such as discussing/viewing heated topics, slow moving traffic, trying to find a parking spot, etc.
• Extracurricular – some students may feel pressured to make extracurricular activities a part of their daily routine to the point where every hour of the day is accounted for.
• Peers – peer pressure is a major stressor, especially pressure that is negatively influenced.
• Time Management – one of the biggest stressors is not knowing how to plan and execute daily activities such as class, work, study time, extracurricular activities, and time alone.
• Parents – yes, even parents can become stressors. Pressure from parents to succeed is a great stressor.

Method For Identifying The Causes Of Stress

• Planning for stress
• Starting a stress journal may help you identify what your stressors are. Keeping a daily log of what caused your stress, how you felt (physically and emotionally), how you reacted and how you managed to get over it/make the situation better, may help you.
• Stress Management Strategies
• Learn how to say “NO!” – know your limits and do not compromise them. Taking on more than you can handle is not a good choice. It is ok if you don't do every single activity that your club, fraternity, sorority or your friends are doing.
• Attitude – it is human nature to want to freak out. Your mind is a powerful tool; use it in your favor. Thinking rationally can take you a long way.
• Laugh – Do something that you enjoy, take on a hobby, hang out with friends, and learn to balance your life. If you are feeling upset, express your feelings. Don't keep them to yourself because that will only add to your stress.
• Healthy eating – get the proper nutrition. Eat at least one hot-home cooked meal a day.
• Exercise – physical activities can help you in not only burning off calories, but burning off stress. Exercise helps release tension. Exercise for 30 minutes a day for at least 3 times per week.
• Relaxing your mind and body – take deep breaths. Visualize success. Set some “alone time” where you do something you enjoy. Practice “mindfulness”, focusing your attention on the present moment.
• Sleep – at least 7 hours of sleep are needed in order for your brain and body to function at optimum level. Avoid taking naps for more than 1 hour.
• Healthy relationships – talk and hang out with friends. Find some you relate to and with whom you can share your problems with.
• Time management – get a planner, create a schedule, or even a to-do list. Map out what your quarter will look like. Once you have done that, do a schedule for each week. Then create a schedule for each day. Be specific. Mark down your class meeting times, study time for a specific subject, mealtimes, fun activities, and sleep.
• Organization – learn how to organize your notes, keep track of your assignments and note important due dates or date of exams. Establish your priorities for the day.
• Spirituality – spiritually is regarded as finding meaning in your life, the ability to connect with others.
• Determine your learning style – find out whether you are a visual, auditory or kinesthetic learner.
• Slow Down – take a deep breath and know your limits. Take your time so that you can ensure a well done job.
• Find a support system – whether it's your mom, sister, brother, friend or counselor, find someone you feel comfortable sharing your feelings with. Sometimes all we need is to vent off the frustration.
• Make changes in your surroundings – if you find it difficult to study in your dorm try moving to a place where there is no loud music, and brighter lights.
• Delegate responsibilities – when school or work becomes overwhelming, dividing up the work or responsibilities helps alleviate pressure and stress. 

Source: California Polytechnic University, Student Academic Services Website

What is Test Anxiety:

Test anxiety is a feeling of agitation or distress. Test anxiety may be a physical or mental response you experience, such as feeling “butterflies in your stomach,” an instant headache, or sweaty palms before or during an exam. It is normal to feel some anxiety before a test, but too much anxiety may be harmful to your exam performance. 

How does it affect you?

Anxiety may cause you to have a physiological, behavioral, or even a psychological effect.

What causes Test Anxiety?

Test anxiety has many sources; most commonly it is caused by a lack of exam preparation. Cramming the night before the exam, poor study habits, poor time management, lack of organization of the text, notes, and homework are examples of being unprepared. Test anxiety can also be caused by worrying about past test performance, how others are doing on the test and the consequences if you don't do your best. These feelings may intensify if you are already on academic probation. 

How do you know if you have Test Anxiety?

Test anxiety has many symptoms which include loss of sleep or appetite, sweaty palms, food cravings, and an inability to concentrate to name a few. Below are examples; select the statements that you identify with most. If you select more than five symptoms you may experience test anxiety. Most people experience these symptoms and they are not harmful; however, if you experience ten or more you may be suffering from severe test anxiety.

What can you do about test anxiety?

The mind is a powerful tool that may work either for you or against you. Test anxiety can be controlled with an attitude adjustment. Visualizing success can take you a long way. If you tell yourself you can't succeed, then you won't. If you tell yourself you can succeed and do well, you will. Start by preparing before, during, and after an exam. 

What to do at least a week before the exam:

• Give yourself enough time to review the material – start at least a week early.
• Ask your professor what the format of the test will be: multiple choice, essay, fill in the blank, true or false, etc.
• Ask your professor questions such as: How long will the test be (amount of questions)? Is there a time limit? Will there be a study guide? Will there be a review session?
• Make a list of the topic/chapters/materials that will be on the exam. Write down any formulas, definitions or key facts that you need to know. Look for these in your lecture notes, textbooks, sample tests, quizzes, and handouts.
• If it helps you, make flash cards, outlines, drawings, etc. that will help you learn and remember the material. Visual aids such as these can help during the test.
• Pay attention to the areas your professor spends a lot of time on in class. If your professor spent two weeks emphasizing a subject, then assume it will be on the exam. Ask your professor if out of class reading material will be included on the test.
• DO NOT PROCRASTINATE. Don't worry about the amount of material you need to know: that's wasting time. Instead, start studying! Give each topic enough review time and spend the most time on subjects emphasized by the professor.
• Test yourself on the material. As you write problems on the board, talk out loud about what you are doing. (Give the lecture!) If you can talk and write about it, you know it.
• The night before the exam, gather any materials that you might need: pencil, pen, calculator, scantron, etc. Then, get a good night's sleep.
• Avoid cramming. Cramming requires a great deal of energy, contributes to stress and tension, and does not last. Cramming is one of the reasons you may “blank out.”
• Eat a healthy breakfast. Some foods that are recommended to reduce stress include fresh fruits and vegetables. In general, high carbohydrate foods won't sustain you while proteins will. Figure out what's best for you to eat in the mornings.
• Be on time. Start out early, get a good parking spot, walk relaxed; slow things down.
• Don't talk to other students before the exam because you might just get confused. Other students may be suffering from test anxiety and they can make you feel anxious if they start asking you questions. Remember: it's a solo experience. 

What to do during the Exam:

• READ THE DIRECTIONS CAREFULLY. Directions include vital information such as where to write your answers, how to write your answers, whether spelling counts, if you need to show all your work, etc. You may lose vital points because you didn't follow directions.
• Pace yourself and budget your time. Avoid looking at the clock – just focus on the test.
• If you blank on a question, skip it and move on. Sometimes reading other test questions will help you remember answers to those questions you skipped.
• If others are turning in their tests, don't panic. There's no prize for finishing first. Stay focused.
• Remember to relax, breathe, and don't think about fear or the consequences of the exam. Just put your best foot forward and do your personal best. 

What to do after the Exam:

• FORGET ABOUT IT. Yes! It's all over. Go home and relax.
• Don't talk to others about what was on the exam. Asking questions such as “What did you get for #35?” will not help you or the other person. Many professors give different versions of the exam (i.e., Version A, B, C) so you might not be asking about the same question. Worrying about an answer after the test is over contributes to test anxiety.
• Treat yourself. If you have no other commitments (i.e., other exams or class), spend some time relaxing and doing a whole lot of nothing.
• After a couple of hours, try to list some factors that you think improved your test taking and reduced your test anxiety. Even if you list only a few, it's still a starting point that will lead to success of overcoming your test anxiety.

Source: California Polytechnic University, Student Academic Services Website

Schedule Changes: 

Requests for schedule changes must be submitted within the first week of each semester. Schedule changes may be grated based on the availability of the requested class for the following reasons: 

• A course was taken after registration, in summer school or off-campus-needs verification
• A course was failed after registration, - needs verification
• An incorrect placement has occurred- needs verification
• A computer error was made- verification through registration materials
• Student hasn't met pre-requisite for course- verified through course history
• A required course is missing from the students schedule

All other requests for schedule changes must be approved by administration. Consideration will be given on the availability of the class and instructional impact of the requested change. After the 1st week of each semester, parents and students should initiate requests for schedule changes by first contacting the teacher to resolve concerns. Students requesting to drop an Advanced Placement (AP) course should expect to meet with both the teacher and their counselor to determine the impact of this change. Messages for teachers may be left by calling 579-4400 or emailing, email addresses can be accessed through ParentVUE or the staff directory on the MVHS website. 

Schedule changes will not be made in order to request a specific teacher or to move the time of day for a class in order to reduce a senior’s schedule mid-year. 

Schedule changes for the fall semester will be made starting during registration through the first week of the fall semester. Schedule changes for the spring semester will be considered until the end of the first week of the spring semester.

Drop Policy- Dropping Courses
 
9th-11th grade students may not drop a course for a shortened schedule. Only 12th graders may drop a class for "no credit" if they have enough credits to meet graduation requirements. This may be done prior to the end of 1st or 3rd quarters, for a grade of no credit "NC." After the start of the 2nd or 4th quarters, seniors electing to drop a course will receive an ''F'' on their record, instead of "no credit." Seniors requesting to drop a course must have parent permission.