The Guidance Office at TRA is located in the High School building and can assist you with the following:

• Transcript Requests
• Testing and coordinating for all standardized testing
(Explore, Plan, PSAT, NEDT, AP)
• Records –maintaining current and former student records
• College Enrollment
• College and Career Admissions Counseling
• Scholarships, grants and financial aid for college
• Elementary and Middle School Guidance

College Planning Timetable

Freshman Year:
1. Review 4-year plan with counselor and discuss future plans
2. Take the NEDT
3. Get involved in school and community activities, and keep a record of awards and accomplishments
4. Plan and register for sophomore year coursework
Sophomore Year:
1. Review your academic record with your counselor
2. Discuss academic and career goals with parents and counselor
3. Take the Plan, PSAT, NEDT tests
4. Explore college options
5. Discuss test scores, grades, and begin planning coursework for Junior year
6. Update record with community service, awards, and activities
7. Check into summer programs that fit your interests and abilities – academic work, volunteering, the arts, etc.
8. Plan and register for junior year coursework. Make sure you are taking the correct classes for graduation.
Junior Year:
1. Review your academic record with your counselor
2. Seek leadership positions at school and in community activities
3. Make a list of college choices and schedule visits to their campuses. Also attend college fairs.
4. Think about how to pay for college. Find out about grants, scholarship and financial aid information
5. Take the PSAT/NMSQT
6. Take the ACT. Also take the SAT I and II subject test, if required by the colleges you are considering
7. Update record with community service, awards, and activities
8. Plan and register for senior year coursework
Senior Year:
1. Review your courses and make sure you are on track for graduation
2. Finalize your college decision and begin college admission process
3. Finalize financing for college including grants, scholarships and financial aid.
4. Meet scholarship and financial aid deadlines
5. Take ACT, SAT, and SAT II if required
6. Update record with community service, awards, and activities
7. If needed, ask your teachers and counselor for letters of recommendation.
8. Take AP exams

The Guidance Office Staff

Hope Turner

I received a bachelor’s degree in elementary education in 1995, and a master’s in education with an emphasis in school counseling Pre K – 12 in 1997 both from the University of Tennessee at Martin. I was employed with Tipton County Schools as a school counselor from 1997 – 2004. I currently have been on a sabbatical to stay home with my children. The 2007 – 2008 school year will be my first year at TRA. I am very excited about the opportunity to serve at such a wonderful institution, and I look forward to getting to know each family.

My husband’s name is Michael. We live in Burlison, TN. We have two daughters, Sarah Neely, who will be in 1st grade at TRA and Mary Catherine, who will begin 4K this school year.

Joanna Simonton

I received my bachelor’s degree in Organizational Management from Crichton College, and a MS in Operations Management from UT Knoxville in 1997. I have worked in higher education administration for 15 years, which has involved academic counseling, college preparedness and records keeping.

My husband Peter and I have one child, Mary Grace, who will be in 4th grade this year at TRA. Being an alumnus of TRA, I am proud to be back on campus, and walking these halls once again. I look forward to working with you and will be glad to assist you in any way I can.