Freshman Info

Welcome to High School! The next four years will pass very quickly. Soon you will be making decisions about college and career. If you follow the following tips and guidelines you will be in the best position possible as you begin the college selection process in three years.

Make the Most of High School

  • Write down 10 goals, both academic and personal that you want to accomplish this year.
  • If you are particularly strong in one or more subjects, consider taking Advanced Placement (AP) Courses.
  • Make sure you are enrolled in the most challenging courses you can handle.
  • Get organized and budget your time.
  • Remember your job for the next four years is to be the best student possible.

TRANSCRIPTS

Yes! It’s time to begin preparation for college! With the very first grading period of the 9th grade year, students begin building their permanent high school transcript. The grades a student earns in the first quarter of the freshman year will be used to determine college acceptance, scholarship possibilities and in many cases graduate school acceptance.

TESTING

Freshmen participate in the PSAT and PLAN as practice for the testing procedures. The PSAT score will NOT become part of the student’s permanent testing record. Student’s may qualify as a National Merit Scholar in their junior year ONLY. The PLAN serves as an indicator for the ACT as well as offering valuable information for college guidance.

PROFILE DEVELOPMENT

Many colleges and universities are basing acceptance on student profile rather than ACT/SAT scores exclusively. The profile portfolio starts in 9th grade. The key elements are: Grades, Courses, Involvement, Community Service and Test Scores.

SELF EXAMINATION

  • The courses you take…
  • The grades you make…
  • What you do with your time…
  • Your level of extra curricular participation…(Long-term commitment and leadership within your chosen activities are what colleges are looking for!)

Most scholarships require a 90% grade point average for all four years and a class rank of top 25% in your class standing. Make a good start rather than trying to “catch up”. LEARNING is ACTIVE. You must DO SOMETHING to make it happen.