Freshman Year Tips Welcome to High School!

Types of Diplomas Core 40 Core 40 with Academic Honors Core 40 with Technical Honors

How many credits do I need? Let’s do the math… All students will take 6 classes each semester 6 classes x 2 semesters = 12 classes per year 12 classes x 4 years of high school = 48 total classes That gives us a grand total of 48 credits possible

GPA = Grade Point Average Each letter grade you earn at the end of the semester equals a certain point. To find your GPA you average the points on your report card. A=4 points B=3 points C=2 points D=1 point F=0 points

Why is your GPA (Grade Point Average) Important? Scholarships Sports Clubs/teams College Applications Diploma track

Sports 2.0 GPA requirement to play sports If you get a D or F during the season on your report card, then you are put on probation. Good character and attitude reference by your teachers If you have more tardies than allowed you are off the team.

Core 40 Diploma 45 credits Required by Indiana state colleges and universities for admission Considered College Prep Curriculum

Core 40 English: 8 Math: 6 Science: 6 Social Studies: 6 P.E.: 2 Combination of Literature, composition and speech English 9, English 10, plus English Electives English: 8 Must take math or quantitative reasoning course EACH YEAR in high school. Algebra I, Geometry and Algebra II Math: 6 2 Biology Credits Required 2 Chemistry (recommended) 2 Physics (recommended) Science: 6 2 World History & Civilization 2 U.S. History 1 U.S. Government 1 Economics Social Studies: 6 2 credits One each of PE I and PE II P.E.: 2 1 credit Health:1 World Languages, Arts or Career Area including Journalism and TV Broadcasting. Directed Electives: 5 Any other elective courses Electives: 11

Core 40 with Academic Honors 47 credits Recognized as Honors Track by most colleges and universities Must earn “C” or above in courses Must have a gpa of 3.0 (“B”) or above

Core 40 with Technical Honors 47 Credits This diploma option began with the Class of 2010 Must earn a “C” or above in courses and have gpa of 3.0 (“B”) or above Please see Mrs. Milligan for more information on specific course requirements!

What next? Consider which diploma track best meets your needs and abilities. Discuss with your parents your goals for after high school. This will help you understand what courses you need to take. Look at the course offerings for your freshman year and choose the courses that will put you on track for your chosen diploma.

Things to Remember! 6 classes per semester + lunch Some classes have prerequisite classes or grade requirements Some colleges may require at least two years of a foreign language and extra math credits for admission regardless of your diploma type!

Looking ahead… Independent study, Internship, and one Ball State class optional per semester during Junior year. Independent study, Internship, two Ball State classes optional per semester during Senior year. ALL OF THE ABOVE require a 3.0 gpa

Class of 2022 Know the diploma you are working toward and keep track of your progress. Keep this presentation in a safe place. Four Year Plans will be done individually with students during their Freshman year. Your activities in high school will be important. Find something you enjoy and get involved.

Think ahead to postsecondary plans Begin building your resume NOW Applications are due June 30, 2017 www.scholars.in.gov

Practice College Admissions Exams -- SAT and ACT All sophomores will take PSAT in October. All juniors will have the option of taking PSAT New law PL 268 requires a school to provide further testing (called Accuplacer) and remediation for students who test below certain scores on PSAT or who do not pass ECAs Remediation will likely be in the form of a class, which will take up elective space in a student’s schedule

It all takes Responsibility! Being Involved Choices Grade Point Average (GPA) Applying for College Scholarships 21st Century Scholars