Frequently Asked Questions
1. What is professional dress?
Professional dress is business attire—no jeans, shorts, t-shirts, tennis shoes, boots, flip-flops, etc. Any questions can be addressed with the facilitator or chairperson.
2. What if I’m not ready on the day of my presentation?
You should come with the materials you have prepared. Any student who doesn’t show up for the interview will have the opportunity for a second interview with three points deducted automatically from each checklist. (This will require a perfect portfolio score.)
3. What if I don’t pass my project?
All parts that received an unsatisfactory score need to be redone. You have the opportunity for one additional submission to your committee before being referred to the administration.
4. How long do I have to redo my project?
You must have your final submission completed within thirty (30) calendar days of the original interview. Tuesdays will be set aside for the evaluation committee to reschedule necessary students. It is the student’s responsibility to secure a date with the committee.
5. What components need to be completed?
Students are given a choice of four branches. Once a branch is chosen, each student will submit a proposal, log, cover letter, resume, application, questionnaire, interview, and thank you letter.
6. Do I need to meet with my facilitator?
All students are required to meet with their facilitator at least two times. The facilitator will pull students as needed. Students will receive one day of ISS for each missed meeting.
7. What will I include in my portfolio?
One copy of all completed components should be submitted in a manila envelope provided by your facilitator.
8. How will I get my portfolio back?
Each student must see his/her facilitator no sooner than one week after the interview. Students will receive their portfolio and a feedback evaluation sheet.
9. Is the senior project mandatory?
Yes, the senior project carries a credit toward graduation. Without that credit students will not receive a diploma.
10. How many times do I have to shadow?
Students need to shadow two different experiences for a total of 16 hours. Students visiting colleges must visit a minimum of two different institutions. Students involved in community service must log a minimum 16 hours. Students who are in the military path must visit two different branches of the military.
11. How will I know if I passed?
The facilitator will notify the student when the portfolio is returned.
12. What is a resource person? Do I need one?
A resource person is the person who signs the log—such as the college employee, military recruiter, etc. You do not need one on the proposal, but everybody needs one to sign his/her log.
13. Can I job shadow where I work?
No, the job shadowing experience should be something new and different even if shadowing results in employment.
14. When can I begin my project and when do I present?
You can begin the project after the orientation, which is late in the junior year. You will present on an appointed day in April and will turn in the thank you letter the day after the interview.
15. How will I acquire needed skills to complete the project?
The vocational and general students will cover the material in their English class. The academic students will cover some of the material in English class, but the majority will be through the school website and their facilitator.
16. How do I get my proposal approved?
Place two copies of your signed proposal in senior project mailbox.
17. How will I be evaluated? All components of the project will be evaluated for completeness according to the set criteria. A score of 7 out of 10 is needed to pass each component.
18. Who will be evaluating me?
The evaluation committee is made up of three faculty members.
19. What is the process of setting up my shadowing or college visits?
All shadowing or college visits must be arranged through the guidance office.
20. Where can I find the forms I need for the project?
The forms can be found at www.sssd.com.
21. Can I change my branch once I have submitted my proposal?
No, the purpose of the proposal is for you to carefully examine your options before choosing.
22. Am I required to submit my completed application?
No, you only need to add it to your portfolio for evaluation.
23. Am I required to put my social security number on the application?
No, private and personal information like social security numbers and financial data should NOT be included.
24. Can friends and relatives be used as references?
No, references should be professional individuals that can attest to your character.
25. Can I leave items blank on my application?
No, you must answer all items or use N/A unless the previous section excludes a response. If unsure, see facilitator for guidance.
26. Do I need to include references on my resume?
Yes, include at least three.
27. Does the questionnaire need to be typed?
No, but it must be legible.
28. How do I know the criteria in which I'm going to be evaluated?
All evaluation checklists are available on the website.
29. Can I use a pencil to fill out my application?
No, you MUST use blue or black ink.
30. Can I job shadow two different career options?
Yes, you may job shadow two different career options.
31. To whom do we address the cover letters and thank you letters?
You will use the information provided by the help wanted ad.
32. What level of information should I use for my application and resume?
Use all current-level information and do not make up any information.
33. Can I submit any part of my project late?
No, students will receive one day of ISS and/or lose driving privileges for every day that their work is late.
34. What happens if I am caught forging signatures or plagiarizing any part of my project?
Students will fail all falsified sections and be required to write an eight to ten page research paper on a topic assigned by the evaluation committee in addition to redoing the original project.
35. How and when do I turn in re-dos?
Place all re-dos with the original work in the senior project mailbox within 30 days of interview.
36. Can I job shadow a family member?
No, you may not job shadow a family member. The goal of the project is to gain new perspectives and insight.
37. What do I have to do if I am new to the district my senior year?
You must complete the cover letter, resume, interview, and thank you letter.