1. Pelham Memorial High School February 25, 2016
Sophomore Planning
Pelham Memorial High School
February 25, 2016

2. Topics for Discussion Course Selection Grade Point Average
Standardized Test Scores
Extracurricular Involvement
College Visits
Importance of “Fit”

3. Course Selection
Q: How important is my course selection in general, and specifically for my junior and senior year of high school?

4. Course Selection 101 Should be appropriate for the individual student
Rigor vs. Performance ex. “B” in H or AP or “A” in a CP level class
Preparation for different intended college majors
Evaluation in context of your high school
Academic classes vs. electives
Minimum requirements for high school graduation vs. college matriculation

5. Q: How important is my gpa?
Grade Point Average
Q: How important is my gpa?

6. GPA 101
“Good GPA” is relative—different schools will have different approaches
Weighted vs. unweighted GPA’s and recalculating
Grade trends and rigor
Academic classes vs. electives

7. Standardized Test Scores
Q: How important are my standardized test scores?

8. Standardized Tests ACT, SAT, SAT subject tests
Varies from school to school
Cut-offs, minimums and mid 50%
Test optional institutions
Considered in context
Prepare for exam
How many times should I take the exam?

9. Extracurricular Involvements
Q: How important are my extracurricular activities?

10. Extracurricular Involvement 101
Well rounded vs. targeted interest
Application padding or true passion?
No right or wrong list of groups and organizations
Leadership and sustained involvement is important
Community involvements
Part time employment
Research

11. Q: How important are college visits?

12. College Visits 101 Prospective vs. Admitted
Do your research in advance
Use local institutions as a guide
Take advantage of everything that is available to you (classes, interviews, information sessions, tours)
Don’t stop with the admission office
Regional programming/high school visits
Use a journal
Demonstrated Interest

13. Q: What's the importance of “fit” in building my college list?

14. Finding the Right Fit 101
Have conversations early as a family to determine what “fit” means for you ex. Size, location, affiliations, campus culture, program options etc.
This is a student decision within the framework of family input
Name recognition does not necessarily equal the best experience
College process is about discovering the place that will suit your needs-academically and socially
Use your college counseling office, university websites/material and guidebooks

15. Questions and Answers? Rose Greco, Assistant Director of Admission
Jeanne Renner, Associate Director of Admission