College Planning 9th & 10th Grade Students

Topics Discussed Academic Planning Academic Success Standardized Test Preparation Extracurricular Activities Summer Programs & Summer School The College Search

Academic Planning Colleges look at the courses the student takes. Rigor, challenging oneself. Performance in the classes. Demonstrate consistency or improvement. 9th Grade – The transcript is blank the future is theirs to create. Colleges looking for strong academic foundation in five core areas.

The admissions deans at Harvard suggest the following coursework in preparation for college entrance: “There is no single academic program we can expect all students to follow, but our strongest candidates choose rigorous secondary school curricula. A four year preparatory program ideally includes the following: four years of English, with extensive practice in writing: four years of math, with calculus as a possibility for those intending advanced study of mathematics in college; four years of science – physics, chemistry, biology; one advanced course in one of the three years of history – American, European, and one other; and four years of one foreign language.”

Core Courses A minimum college entrance program would include a combination of the following classes over four years. English – Four years of study, including composition, American literature, English literature, and World literature. Mathematics – Three to four years of study including Algebra 1, Algebra 2, Geometry, Trigonometry, Precalculus, and Calculus. Modern Languages – At least three years of study in one language, such as Arabic, Chinese, French, German, Italian, Japanese, Russian, or Spanish. The more years of advanced study of language, the greater respect that will be given to this aspect of the student’s record. Science – Two to four years of study in a laboratory science, such as Biology, Chemistry and Physics. Social Science – Three to four years of study of course such as Geography, U.S. History, World History, Government, World Cultures, Anthropology, Economics, Government, and International Relations.

Academic Success Build reasoning abilities: thinking and reading critically. Learn to manage time. Set priorities. Examine child’s study habits before grades decline. Goal Setting, short term/long term. Work Ethic, established and maintained

Examine Child’s Study Habits Does my child have a quiet place in which to do homework? Do I contact teachers to find out about my child’s progress? Do I inform the school of extenuating circumstances that may impact the child’s academics? Does my high school student devote 1 – 2 hours daily to homework? Does my child eat regularly, and sleep at least eight hours per night? Does my child devote more that 20 hours per week to activities not related to academics? Is my child struggling with assignments after 11:00 PM?

Standardized Tests Strong Academic Foundation Practice, Practice, Practice SAT II’s Optional Test Reporting becoming more popular. PrepMe

Extracurricular Activites Sustained involvement in a few well chosen activities. Demonstrate Leadership. Community Service Internship and/or shadowing Work Experience Unique Experiences

Summer Programs/Summer School Subject remediation or skill building Limited course offerings at the high school. Develop independence. Explore interests and aptitudes. Create meaningful experiences that are personal and passionate to the student. Maximize time over summer break. Experience College Environment

To Do List 9th Grade 10th Grade Keep your child’s records, accomplishments, report cards, honor roll, competitions, awards, athletics. Monitor child’s progress in academic courses. Meet with counselors or teachers when necessary. Encourage involvement in personal, school & community activities. Review course selections. Find out information about summer programs or activities. 10th Grade Repeat 9th grade bullets. Take SAT II subject tests if appropriate. Explore career options through shadowing, possibly plan for an internship. Exploratory college visits. Attend local college fairs.

Stages of the College Search Ignorance to Interest Interest to Inquiry Inquiry to Campus Visit Visit to Application Application to Acceptance Acceptance to Enrollment Self Reflection is paramount throughout process.