College and Beyond

College Preparation

Preparing for college is an exciting time in life, but it is also a very important time of transition for most students. It is best not to just “wing it.” Instead, develop a game plan and follow a process which best prepares you for the next step in your life. Benjamin Franklin once said, “Failing to prepare is preparing to fail.” 

OK College Start
College Prep Checklist
FAFSA4caster

Other Resources:

College Board
OK Higher Education Directory
Student Loans
Student Life

The ACT is a college entrance exam many colleges and universities require for admission. It is recommended to take the exam prior to your senior year. You can take it earlier in your high school career and as many times as you want and/or can afford. A minimum score is required by most post-secondary institutions. Also, scholarship money is available for those students who score exceptionally well on the ACT, so it is important to be prepared upon entering the testing session. Santa Fe South Schools administers the ACT® test in April to eligible juniors for free as part of the state contract with the Oklahoma State Department of Education and ACT. 

ACT Registration
ACT Tips
ACT Guide
ACT Prep
Online Practice

Please contact sfstesting@santafesouth.org with any additional questions. 

To assist students with ACT preparation, Santa Fe South High School offers ACT Rapid Review and optional before and after school tutoring. Additional Saturday test prep sessions will also be available at no cost to students. 

All Pathways students take ACT Grammar during second semester of freshman year and ACT Prep during second semester of sophomore year.

ACT Parent Info Letter – English and Spanish

Santa Fe South High School

Students will earn 7.5 credits per year on the traditional semester schedule. They will have 7 classes and TEAMS each semester. Each semester course counts for .5 credit, and TEAMS counts for .25 credits per semester.

7.5 credits possible /year X 4 years = 30 credits possible                                          

25 credits required*

* Students entering from other districts or needing special considerations may appeal to the Building Principal, Director of Special Education and Director of Counseling.

Santa Fe South Pathways Middle College

Students earn 9 credits per year on the block schedule. They have 4 classes and HOUSE each semester. Each block course counts for 1 credit, and HOUSE counts for .5 credits each semester. Graduation requirements are on a sliding scale based on the year the student enters Pathways Middle College High School.

Students entering as:

Grade 9

• 9 credits/year   X    4 years   =   36 credits possible
• 34 credits required

Grade 10

• 6 previous credits  +   9 credits/yr   X   3 yrs    =    33 credits possible          
• 32 credits required

Grade 11

• 12 previous credits   +  9 credits/yr    X    2 yrs     =  30 credits possible       
• 30 credits required

Grade 12

• 18 previous credits   +  9 credits/yr    X    1 year   =  27 credits possible       
• 27 credits required

Valedictorian Selection: Because the number of credits strongly impacts the overall GPA of a student, honor students will continue to be recognized by the robe color. The student selected to speak at graduation will be selected based on GPA, Conduct, and administrator approval.

Graduation Exceptions Based on State College Prep/Work Ready Minimum Standards: In case of extenuating circumstances, a student may request reduced credit requirements or shortened school day. This request must be presented to an appeal committee including but not limited to Site Principal, Site Counselor, Director of Counseling and Director of Special Education. In order to be considered, student must have met all State, Oklahoma Promise and Santa Fe South Curricular Requirements.

Core Curriculum Exceptions: In case of extenuating circumstances, a student may request to graduate based on Oklahoma State Core Curriculum Standards instead of College Prep/Work Ready Standards. This request must be approved by the appeal committee consisting of Site Principal, Director of Counseling and Director of Special Education.

All students must complete additional requirements as outlined by The State of Oklahoma.

Graduation Requirements:

• English Language Arts: 4 credits
• Mathematics: 4 credits at or above Algebra I with a minimum of 3 credits being earned in grades 9 through 12. 
• Science: 4 credits including Biology and Chemistry (3 lab sciences required)
• Social Studies: 4 Credits including O.K. History, U.S. History and Government
• Senior Seminar/Capstone: 1 Credit
• Fine Arts: 1 credit
• World Language/Computers - Must select from the following options:
• 2 years of the same world language and 1 year computers OR 2 years computers and 1 year world language
• Personal Financial Literacy (1 Semester at SFS High School; Embedded in Capstone at Pathways)
• Elective credits to equal total number of credit requirements

Scholarships

Submit scholarship applications as soon as possible. Make sure to include everything that is requested in your application. Present yourself neatly and accurately, taking the time to check your grammar and spelling.

OKC Community Foundation
P.E.O. Star Scholarship
Gates Millenium Scholars Program
Weokie Foundation
Fastweb
NextStepU
GoodCall Scholarship Engine
Scholly App

Financial Resources

There’s no getting around it – college is expensive. However, you can reduce your net out-of-pocket expenses by taking advantage of scholarships, grants, and low-interest loans which may be available to you. It does take a strategic plan and substantive effort, but the payoff can be worth thousands and even tens of thousands of dollars!

FAFSA
FSA
OCAP
OHLAP
Pell Grant
FSEOG
OTAG