Getting the Most out of York School Preparing for College 8 th /9 th Grade Presentation

Know What to Expect in High School More independence and more responsibility …  Greater need for time management and organization  More courses and more to choose from later on  Greater emphasis on academic achievement – grades really count  Consequences for failing grades – for graduation and college admissions  More extracurricular and summer enrichment opportunities

College Admissions – HS transcript gets you through the door Get good grades in challenging courses How do you get good grades??? Be organized keep a daily planner, assignment calendar and use it Manage your time wisely block out study times turn off all electronic distracters like cell phones, Facebook, chat rooms, etc. Be successful in the classroom ask appropriate questions and for clarification when needed stay on task and lead by example

More ways to get good grades…. Take good notes and make outlines Study smart outline, flash cards, review old tests, attend tutorials and teacher hours Use test-taking strategies elimination, scanning, rephrasing, Review test before handing it in Rewrite, rewrite and rewrite until it’s the best you can do

Make a Four Year Plan 9 th -12 th Minimum course work to graduate, but some highly competitive colleges may expect more… 4 English 3 History 3 Science 3 Math 3 Foreign Language Latin Technology Information Literacy Art Foundations 1 Visual and Performing Arts 4 College Prep Electives Community Service and Ensemble Participation

General college admissions criteria 23 CA State Universities The HS Transcript Strength and rigor of course selection based on your school’s offerings (minimum or maximum in subject area) Grades in each course (upward trend) Cumulative Grade Point Average (GPA) Standardized Test Scores PSAT & SAT ACT - especially for STEM programs YAS and AP Classes and AP Exams SAT Subject Exams - Note* if you take Pre-calculus in 10 th grade sign up for June SAT Math 2

College admissions criteria – what gets you to the admit pile?  extracurricular activities sports, clubs, community service, etc.  special talents and awards  personal qualities, demographics, special circumstances  teacher and counselor recommendations  personal statement/essays  interview, portfolios, and/or auditions

Work experience/internships

Volunteer over the Summer

Haiku Link to Community Service

Naviance Family Connection

NAVIANCE – Family Connection College Planning

Cluster Finder & Explore Careers

NAVIANCE – Family Connection College Planning

About Me: Service Learning & Volunteering

Update every little bit or you may loose your work!

About Me: Resume

Set Goals  Get in the habit of setting both short-term and long-term goals.  At the beginning of each term, set academic and non-academic goals for yourself.  Once you have set your goals, make a list of the specific things you need to do to reach each goal.

Summary of Freshmen Year  Work Hard to get good grades  Become involved in a variety of activities  Select appropriate 9 th and 10 th grade courses  Plan meaningful summer activities NOW  Be careful with your Internet use  Start a college savings account  Apply for scholarships and enter contests Get to know your College Counselor!