Getting Ready for High School (and beyond…) Dave Royhab, BWHS Guidance Director

Today’s Agenda What to Expect in High School Getting Ready for High School or a “Lesson in Balance” Beyond High School… College!

What to Expect in High School Everything “counts” Permanent record Post-secondary planning Autonomy Opportunities Freedom Responsibility

What to Expect in High School Timelines Communication Expectations Organization Responsibility Self-Advocacy FLEX schedule

What to Expect in High School Athletics  Cheerleading  Cross Country  Football  Golf  Volleyball  Basketball  Gymnastics  Swimming  Wrestling  Baseball  Softball  Soccer  Lacrosse  Tennis  Track

What to Expect in High School Clubs & Activities  German Club  Future Educators of America  Key Club  Habitat for Humanity  Debate  Academic Competition  Philosophy Club  History Club  Math & Science Club  National Honor Society  Art Club  Drama Club  Dance Team  Step team

What to Expect in High School Clubs & Activities  Literary Arts Magazine  Anime Club  Outdoorsmen Club  Hockey Club  Keep Loudoun Beautiful  Recycling Club  Bible Club  Peer Tutoring  Book Club  Library Club  Student Council Association  International Club  Spanish Club  Latin Club  French Club

Getting Ready for High School Read Study Get organized Do your work & turn it in – all the time, every time Hit the ground running – no “do overs”

“Lesson in Balance” Take the most challenging classes you can handle.

“Lesson in Balance” Take the most challenging classes you can reasonably handle.

“Lesson in Balance” How much time do you have available to study and do homework?  Do you play sports?  Are you involved in activities? What does your track-record indicate? How committed and disciplined are you?

“Lesson in Balance” Think long-term: It’s easier to improve your schedule each year by taking more challenging classes… than it is to improve a damaged GPA!

Student Example 1 Grade 9:Grade 10: English C2EnglishB3 HistoryC2HistoryA4 MathD1MathC2 ScienceD1ScienceB3 HPEB3HPEA4 ElectiveC2ElectiveA4 Cumulative GPA = 1.86 Cumulative GPA = 2.64 Grade 11:Grade 12: English B3EnglishA4 HistoryB3HistoryA4 MathB3MathB3 ScienceB3ScienceB3 HPEA4HPEA4 ElectiveA4ElectiveA4 Cumulative GPA = 2.76 Cumulative GPA = 2.89

Student Example 2 Grade 9:Grade 10: English B3EnglishB3 HistoryB3HistoryA4 MathB3MathC2 ScienceC2ScienceB3 HPEA4HPEA4 ElectiveA4ElectiveA4 Cumulative GPA = 3.29 Cumulative GPA = 3.36 Grade 11:Grade 12: English B3EnglishA4 HistoryB3HistoryA4 MathB3MathB3 ScienceB3ScienceB3 HPEA4HPEA4 ElectiveA4ElectiveA4 Cumulative GPA = 3.38 Cumulative GPA = 3.46

The Importance of the Freshman Year The difference between a 2.89 GPA and a 3.46 GPA can be the ninth grade year!!! The student with the “Slow Start” would have to earn straight A’s in grades 10, 11, and 12 just to match the student who had a stronger freshman year.

“Lesson in Balance” Don’t forget to consider the student’s interests when determining his/her course load.

Our Best Advice: Enjoy high school!

Beyond High School… College! The secret to getting into college?... Freshmen should place most of their focus on ACADEMICS!

How to Get Into College There is no secret to getting in. Stop looking for a gimmick. Tune out the hype. Study hard. Take the toughest curriculum that you can. The heart of the application is – and has always been – one’s academic preparation. -- UVA Magazine

National Association of College Admission Counseling, 2010 Percent of all colleges rating specific factors in the college admissions decision as being of “considerable importance”

Factors of “Considerable Importance” Grades in College Prep Courses, 87% Strength of Curriculum, 71% Standardized Admissions Tests, 58% Grades in All Courses, 46% Essay or writing sample, 26% Student’s Demonstrated Interest, 21% (five years ago: 7%) Teacher Recommendation, 17% Counselor Recommendation, 17% Class Rank, 16% Extracurricular Activities, 9% (however…)

How to Get Into College The Bottom Line: The best way to get to the college of your choice is to be an excellent high school student!

Dates to Know February 9, 7:00pm: Parent Information Night February 14 & 15: BWHS counselors at SHMS (Program of Studies) March 28: BWHS Activity and Athletic EXPO August: Student Orientation and Parent Night