1. Getting Ready for High School (and beyond…)

2. 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”

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

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

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

6. 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

7. 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

8. Standard Diploma Academic AreasCreditsSOL Verified Credits English42 Social Studies31 Mathematics31 Science31 Foreign Language00 Health/Physical Education20 Fine or Practical Art10 Electives60 Student Selected Verified Credit01 Total226

9. Advanced Studies Diploma Academic AreasCreditsSOL Verified Credits English42 Social Studies42 Mathematics42 Science42 Foreign Language3 or 40 Health/Physical Education20 Fine or Practical Art10 Electives1 or 20 Student Selected Verified Credit01 Total249

10. SOL Courses Reading (Eng. 11)Earth Science Writing (Eng. 11)Biology Chemistry Algebra 1World History 1 GeometryWorld History 2 Algebra 2US History

11. News Grading scale changes Advanced Placement weighting changes

12. How to Get Into College Freshmen should place most of their focus on their ACADEMICS!

13. 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

14. National Association of College Admission Counseling, Survey 2007… Ratings of “Considerable Importance” Grades in College Prep Courses, 79.9% Strength of Curriculum, 63.8% Admissions Test Scores, 58.5% Grades in all Courses, 51.6% Essay or Writing Sample, 25.8% Class rank, 23.4% Student’s Demonstrated Interest, 22.0% Counselor Recommendation, 21.1% Teacher Recommendation, 20.8% Interview, 10.8% Subject Tests Scores (AP), 6.8% Extracurricular Activities, 6.5% (45.7% moderate) SAT Subject Tests, 6.2% Work, 1.9%

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

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

17. “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?

18. “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!

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

20. Our Best Advice: Enjoy high school!