A well-rounded, college-ready student takes the three core courses [Bio, Chem, Physics] and at least one AP science course. Make a plan: start at your destination work back to your location! You can take more than one course per year. AP Biology doubles up nicely with AP Chemistry or AP Physics. AP Chemistry and AP Physics are both math intensive.

Medical: life science focus with MCAT prep.

Engineering: focus on the physical sciences.

Honors Biology or Regular Biology?“Soft” Data: subjective, perception, attitude …• Attitude: Does your student like science?• Motivation: Is your student self-driven?• Self-awareness: Does your student know how to learn?• Attendance: Will your student be present?• Work Ethic: Are assignments completed on-time?• Work Load/Time: School (courses, co/extracurricular), Religious,

Sports, Lessons, etc...• Reading: Does your student extract information while reading?• Past Course Performance: A’s or B’s?

Honors Biology or Regular Biology?“Hard” Data: objective, past performance, standardized assessments …• Standardized Test Performance:

• MAP: 8th Grade Mean Scores• National Average: Reading: 221; Math: 232• Blue Valley Average: Reading 233; Math: 247

• ACT Explore: • Predicts ACT Scores• College Readiness Benchmarks:

Math: 17; English: 13; Science 18; Reading: 16

• BV District data show the following predict success in Honors Biology:• MAP Reading: 235• Explore Science: 18• Explore Reading: 16

Summary• We want your student to be successful next year.• Use the “hard” data along with the “soft”

observations to make an informed enrollment decision.

• Biology or Honors Biology does NOT determine future course selection.

• Set up your student for future success (PSAT, SAT, ACT, Scholarship $$, College Admission/Retention) by making a 4-year plan that includes:– At least four years of science.– The trifecta: Biology, Chemistry, AND Physics.– At least one Advanced Placement science course.