Getting Ready for High School (and beyond…)

Dave Royhab, BWHS Guidance Director

Today’s Agenda

What to Expect in High School

Getting Ready for High School or a “Lesson in Balance”

Beyond High School… College!

What to Expect in High School Everything “counts” Permanent record Post-secondary planning

Autonomy Opportunities Freedom Responsibility

What to Expect in High School Timelines Communication Expectations Organization Responsibility Self-Advocacy

FLEX schedule

What to Expect in High School Athletics

Cheerleading Cross Country Football Golf

Volleyball Basketball Gymnastics Swimming Wrestling

Baseball Softball Soccer Lacrosse Tennis Track

What to Expect in High School Clubs & Activities

German Club Future Educators of

America Key Club Habitat for Humanity Debate Academic Competition Philosophy Club

History Club Math & Science Club National Honor Society Art Club Drama Club Dance Team Step team

What to Expect in High School Clubs & Activities

Literary Arts Magazine Anime Club Outdoorsmen Club Hockey Club Keep Loudoun Beautiful Recycling Club Bible Club Peer Tutoring

Book Club Library Club Student Council

Association International Club Spanish Club Latin Club French Club

Getting Ready for High School Read Study Get organized Do your work & turn it in – all the time, every

time Hit the ground running – no “do overs”

“Lesson in Balance”

Take the most challenging classes you can handle.

“Lesson in Balance”

Take the most challenging classes you can reasonably handle.

“Lesson in Balance”

How much time do you have available to study and do homework? Do you play sports? Are you involved in activities?

What does your track-record indicate?

How committed and disciplined are you?

“Lesson in Balance”

Think long-term:

It’s easier to improve your schedule each year by taking more challenging classes…

than it is to improve a damaged GPA!

Johnny LateStarter

Grade 9: Grade 10:

English C 2 English B 3

History C 2 History A 4

Math D 1 Math C 2

Science D 1 Science B 3

HPE B 3 HPE A4

Elective C 2 Elective A 4

Elective C 2 Elective A 4

Cumulative GPA = 1.86 Cumulative GPA = 2.64

Grade 11: Grade 12:

English B 3 English A 4

History B 3 History A 4

Math B 3 Math B 3

Science A 4 Science B 3

Language A 4 Language A 4

Elective A 4 Elective A 4

Elective A 4 Elective A 4

Cumulative GPA = 2.95 Cumulative GPA = 3.14

Sara StudyHard

Grade 9: Grade 10:

English B 3 English B 3

History B 3 History A 4

Math A 4 Math C 2

Science C 2 Science B 3

HPE A 4 HPE A4

Elective A 4 Elective A 4

Elective A 4 Elective A 4

Cumulative GPA = 3.43 Cumulative GPA = 3.43

Grade 11: Grade 12:

English B 3 English A 4

History B 3 History A 4

Math B 3 Math B 3

Science A 4 Science B 3

Language A 4 Language A 4

Elective A 4 Elective A 4

Elective A 4 Elective A 4

Cumulative GPA = 3.48 Cumulative GPA = 3.54

The two student had identical 10th, 11th, and 12th grade years. The only difference was the ninth grade year.

The difference between a 3.14 GPA and a 3.54 GPA can be the ninth grade year!!!

The student with the “Slow Start” can earn straight A’s in grades 10 – 12, and still not catch up to the student who had a stronger freshman year.

“Lesson in Balance”

Don’t forget to consider the student’s interests when determining his/her

course load.

Our Best Advice:

Enjoy high school!

Beyond High School… College!

The secret to getting into college?...

Freshmen

should place most of their focus

on

ACADEMICS!

How to Get Into College

There is no secret to getting in. Stop looking for a gimmick.

Tune out the hype.Study hard.

Take the toughest curriculum that you can.The heart of the application is

– and has always been –one’s academic preparation.

-- UVA Magazine

National Association of College Admission Counseling

2011 State of College Admission

Percent of all colleges that rate specific factors in the college admissions decision as being

of “considerable importance”

Factors of “Considerable Importance”

Grades in College Prep Courses, 83% Strength of Curriculum, 66% Standardized Admissions Tests, 59% Grades in All Courses, 46% Essay or writing sample, 27% Student’s Demonstrated Interest, 23% (six years ago: 7%) Class Rank, 22% Teacher Recommendation, 19% Counselor Recommendation, 19% Extracurricular Activities, 7% (however…)

Factors of “Considerable Importance” at more selective schools (<50%)

Grades in College Prep Courses, 83% >>> 96%

Strength of Curriculum, 66% >>> 94%

Standardized Admissions Tests, 59% >>> 54%

Grades in All Courses, 46% >>> 59%

How to Get Into College

The Bottom Line:

The best way to get to the college of your choice is to

be an excellent

high school student!

Dates to Know

February 14 & 15: BWHS counselors at SHMS (Program of Studies)

April 18: BWHS Activity and Athletic EXPO

August: Student Orientation and Parent Night

Class of 2016 !!!