ARE YOU READY?

MEETING MINIMUM GRADUATION REQUIREMENTS ISN’T ALWAYS ENOUGH Go above-and-beyond in the core academic areas What about world languages? Challenge yourself with accelerated and AP courses BUT make sure you have a balance

College Board checked in with 1,507 students who graduated from high school in 2010 to see how they were doing a year later. … almost half of students say they wish they took different classes in high school, particularly more difficult science, math, and writing courses. Students who did challenge themselves by taking AP or International Baccalaureate courses—39 percent of those surveyed—say the extra difficulty was worth it. Recent High School Grads Regret Class Selections - US News & World Report, August 30, 2011

54 percent of graduates say that their freshman year college courses were more difficult than expected, and a quarter needed to take remedial coursework during their freshman year. One in seven students dropped out during their first year of college. Recent High School Grads Regret Class Selections - US News & World Report, August 30, percent of graduates say that their freshman year college courses were more difficult than expected a quarter needed to take remedial coursework during their freshman year one in seven students dropped out during their first year of college.

Earning College Credit Prior to High School Graduation AP TestingDual Enrollment College Courses not paid for by Utica Schools

FINDING 1 Most students take five or six years, and sometimes even longer, to earn their bachelor’s degrees at public colleges and universities. Students who take AP courses and exams are much more likely to graduate in four years.

FINDING 2 Students who take longer to graduate from a public college or university typically pay between $8,000 and $19,000 for each additional year.

FINDING 3 Taking AP increases eligibility for scholarships and makes candidates more attractive to colleges.

AP English Language and Composition (11 TH grade) AP English Literature and Composition (12 th grade) AP ENGLISH COURSES

AP Calculus AB AP Calculus BC AP Statistics AP Computer Science A AP MATHEMATICS COURSES EXAMPLE FOR CENTRAL MICHIGAN UNIVERSITY AP CALC BC 3 OR HIGHER 8 CREDITS – CALC 1 & 2

AP Biology AP Chemistry AP Physics C AP Environmental Science AP SCIENCE COURSES

AP U.S. History AP Micro/Macro Economics AP Psychology AP U.S. Government AP Government/ Politics Comparative AP European History AP SOCIAL STUDIES COURSES EXAMPLE FOR MICHIGAN STATE AP US History* 5, 4, or 3 8 credits HST 202, 203

AP Studio Art:2D Design AP Studio Art: 3D Design AP Studio Art: Drawing AP Art History AP ART COURSES

AP French AP Spanish AP German AP Japanese AP WORLD LANGUAGE COURSES

Dual Enrollment Assists students with tuition for college courses Students qualify through test scores for academic courses Additional courses are possible in non- core areas, regardless of score College course is not offered by the district Application is completed by district deadlines Note: UCS does not pay for text books or summer classes. Student will have fewer classes at SHS.

College Courses not paid for by Utica Schools Talk to counselor Complete Macomb application Student/Family pays for course tuition, fees, and books Available during any semester

Admission Factors & What Colleges Consider PRIMARY FACTORS Quality and Rigor of Academic Courses Academic Performance / Grades / Rank Test Scores – ACT, SAT, AP, etc.

Admission Factors & What Colleges Consider ADDITIONAL FACTORS  Extracurricular Activities  Community Involvement  Essay(s)  Letters of Recommendation  Demonstrated Interest

Keep on track in 10 th & 11 th grade  Attend presentations from college reps at SHS  Attend Career and College Fairs  Take challenging courses and get good grades

Keep on track in 10 th & 11 th grade  Be active in clubs and activities at school  Research the colleges that you are interested in to find out what their expectations are for GPA and test scores  Schedule visits to college campuses

Keep on track in 10 th & 11 th grade  Prepare for and take the ACT test  Have regular family discussions about college-related issues  Be careful about what you post on social media sites

Some useful websitesfor college infomation       best-colleges best-colleges   

Playing sports in college Meet with your counselor to assess your academic readiness Register with the NCAA Eligibility Center at the end of junior year Closely monitor your classes and grades Send a transcript to the NCAA eligibility center using Parchment.com Send ACT scores to NCAA by entering "9999” as a reporting selection when registering

Playing sports in college Go to by the end of junior year to register and for further informationwww.eligibilitycenter.org

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