College & Career

Universities use the following criteria to determine a student’s acceptability:

• High School record (courses taken and grades received beginning with Grade 9)
• Rank in class
• Test scores (PSAT, SAT, ACT, TOEFL, and AP exams)
• Essays
• Teacher / counselor recommendations
• Extracurricular activities, internships and practicums
• Special talents (e.g. musical ability for admission to music departments, athletics, etc.)
• Personal interviews
• Community service

Achievement, aptitude and college testing is administered through the JFKS School Counseling Department to help students with post high school educational goals and/or vocational plans. The following tests are included in the current testing program:

• The Stanford Test, Stanford Olsat Assessment Test (8th grade):
  It helps determine the academic standing of JFKS students in comparisons to US high school students

• PSAT/NMSQT Preliminary Scholastic Aptitude Test/National Merit Scholarship Qualifying Test (11th grade): It helps predict achievement on the SAT exams, also may qualify students for recognition as national merit scholars and/or outstanding student scholars

• SAT Scholastic Aptitude Test

• AP Advanced Placement Exam

Choosing the Abitur or Diploma track at JFKS is a very personal decision and depends on many variables, including your German language skills, your desired destination for college or university, your high school credits and more. Talk to a counselor early if you have questions.

JFKS - Diploma & Abitur Information

Fr. Bading from the Bundesagentur für Arbeit is available for students from JFKS for:

• Guidance on career opportunities and questions regarding career and college choices
• Personal career counseling through one-on-one sessions
• Assessment of individual skills and suitability for specific careers
• Information on admission requirements at universities and colleges
• Identification of career and college options
• Advice on financial aid opportunities
• Assistance with applications
• Placement in apprenticeship positions

Contact: BfA Website for JFKS

Students in Grade 11 and 12 (Oberstufe) have the opportunity to take a Studium und Beruf elective, which explores career and education options in Germany.