1. Welcome to Your 9 th Grade Meeting with your counselors February 2014

2. We will discuss… How to read your transcript Graduation Requirements A-G UC/CSU Requirements Four Year Plan/Class Selection Request College Admission Factors Extracurricular Activities How to become a strong applicant Resources Summer School

3. Myth: Freshman year doesn’t matter because the UC’s and CSU’s only look at grades from grades 10 & 11 –Colleges review the entire transcript! –Freshman year establishes study habits! –Freshman year determines classes for 10th grade!

4. California College Systems Community Colleges California State University (CSU) –Top 30% –SAT Reasoning Test or ACT University of California (UC) –Top 9% –At least 11 of the A-G requirements must be completed at the end of junior year –SAT Reasoning Test or ACT Private Colleges –SAT Reasoning Test or ACT. –Some require/recommend Subject Tests

5. A-G UC & CSU requirements (each letter, A-G, corresponds with a subject area) A. History - 2 yrs. (BHHS diploma: 3 yrs.) (World History/Geography, US History, Government/Economics) B. English - 4 yrs. C. Math - 3 yrs. (4 recommended) (Must include Algebra 1/2, Geometry, and IAT or AAT) D. Lab Science – 2 yrs. (3 recommended) (Biology and either Chemistry or Physics) E. Foreign Language – 2 yrs. (3 recommended) (Must be two years of the same language. One year of credit may be earned in 8 th grade.) F. Visual Performing Arts - 1 yr. G. Electives - 1 yr. A-G subjects must be passed with a grade of “C” or better in order to meet 4-year college entrance requirements

6. BHHS Additional Graduation Requirements: -Student must pass the California High School Exit Examination (CAHSEE) -Students must pass 20 units of PE and the Fitness Examination -Health: 5 units/one semester -230 units total for BHHS Diploma

7. What are honors and AP classes? Honors – Classes that are taught at the high school level but provide the greatest challenge and preparation for college. AP (Advanced Placement) – College level courses offered at a high school setting. Students expected to take AP exams in May. These course earn weighted credit in the BHHS GPA; however, not all colleges give weighted credit for these courses.

8. Become a strong student Monitor your grades on JupiterGrades www.jupitergrades.com Peer Tutoring – during lunch and after school in room 292 Don’t forget – your teachers are also available often before and after school and during lunch: Ask for help.

9. The Medical Science Academy In 10 th Grade in addition to a science course, students take Introduction to Medical Science, which is a UC approved Laboratory Science (D) and fulfills the high school Health Education requirement. In 11 th Grade in addition to a science class students take a Biotechnology course. Students are also required to participate in Cedars-Sinai Medical Center’s Teen Volunteer Program. In 12 th grade students are required to take a science course or Sports Medicine (ROP) or Psychology (ROP).

10. Four Year Plan/Class Selection Request GRADE 10 English: 3-4 or Honors. Math: Based on the recommendation of your previous teacher; see math sequence chart for more information Science: See science sheet World History/Geography: Regular or Honors Physical Education / Football: all other sports require tryout Foreign Language VPA / Elective: See Elective Sheet

11. Four Year Plan/Class Selection Request continued... GRADE 11 English: 5-6 or A.P. Language Math: Based on the recommendation of your previous teacher; see math sequence chart for more information Science: See science sheet United States History: Regular or A.P. Foreign Language VPA / Elective: See Elective Sheet GRADE 12 English: 7-8 or A.P. Literature Math: Based on the recommendation of your previous teacher; see math sequence chart for more information Science: See science sheet Government / Economics: Regular or A.P. Foreign Language VPA / Elective: See Elective Sheet * Health: MUST be completed prior to graduation *

12. Admission factors  Academic GPA/Grades in Academic Classes/Rigor of courses (Hon/AP)  SAT/ACT  College Essay(s)  Counselor Recommendation  Teacher(s) Recommendation(s)  Extracurricular Activities

13. SAT vs. ACT SAT: A quick thinker, likes puzzles/games Strong with vocabulary Enjoys academic writing Likes the idea of “bite-sized” pieces for the exam style Did well on the PSAT ACT: A strong math student Can work quickly to beat the clock Good at graphs, tables, identifying trends A strong reader Has a strong GPA, but didn’t do well on PSAT

14. College Admissions Tests PSAT, SAT, ACT, Subject Tests English, Math, Reading, Science, Writing Critical Reading, Math, Writing Curriculum Based Critical Thinking Skills ACTSAT Areas Tested Basis for Exam Which test is right for you?

15. Most important factor Grades in academic courses –Plan your time –Complete homework –Learn to study –Take advantage of tutoring –Balance your school work with extracurricular activities – Accelerate in areas of your strength

16. Become a strong and compelling applicant Work at your level Balance your life Discover and develop your strengths and interests Commit to what you are interested in (Scouts, Clubs, Sports, Theater, Music Lessons, School Newspaper, ASB, etc.) Give back: volunteer opportunities Go beyond the minimum: commit to 3-4 years of same activities, show commitment and depth Participate in classes so your teachers know you

17. Get involved Extracurricular opportunities:  Performing Arts  Sports  Student Government (ASB)  School Newspaper, Yearbook, Literary Magazine  Community Service  Clubs  Internships  Paid Jobs

18. Preparing for college The counseling department at BHHS supports you: –Academic planning (9th/10th yearly group meetings) –Email your counselor for an appt. anytime –NormanAid Center, room 288 (drop-ins/appts) –College Counselor, room 273 (TBA) –Individual counselor meetings: 11 th & 12 th gr. –Evening programs and presentations Please use your resources! Plan to attend the: BHHS College Connections Fair: Monday, April 7, 2014

19. BHEF Summer school BHEF Get-ahead Classes: 1 st session June 9-June 24 2 nd session June 25-July 11 More information to come online: www.bhef.org or call 310-557-1624 www.bhef.org

20. BHEF Summer school BHEF Credit Recovery classes: 1 st session June 9-June 24 2 nd session June 25-July 11 Credit Recovery classes are being offered on condition of pre-approval of student’s counselor. Students who wish to enroll in these classes must submit an application to the BHEF office. There is no online registration for these classes.