Getting the Most out of York School

Preparing for College8th/9th Grade Presentation

Know What to Expect in High SchoolMore independence and more responsibility … Greater need for time management and organization

More courses and more to choose from later on

Greater emphasis on academic achievement – grades really count

Consequences for failing grades – for graduation and college admissions

More extracurricular and summer enrichment opportunities

College Admissions – HS transcript gets you through the doorGet good grades in challenging courses

How do you get good grades??? Be organized

keep a daily planner, assignment calendar and use it

Manage your time wisely block out study times turn off all electronic distracters like cell phones, Facebook, chat rooms, etc.

Be successful in the classroom ask appropriate questions and for clarification when needed

stay on task and lead by example

More ways to get good grades…. Take good notes and make outlines Study smart

outline, flash cards, review old tests, attend tutorials and teacher hours

Use test-taking strategies elimination, scanning, rephrasing, Review test before handing it in

Rewrite, rewrite and rewrite until it’s the best you can do

Make a Four Year Plan 9th -12th

Minimum course work to graduate, but some highly competitive colleges may expect more…

4 English3 History3 Science3 Math3 Foreign LanguageLatinTechnology Information LiteracyArt Foundations1 Visual and Performing Arts4 College Prep ElectivesCommunity Service and Ensemble Participation

General college admissions criteria 23 CA State Universities

The HS Transcript• Strength and rigor of course selection based on your school’s offerings (minimum or maximum in subject area)

• Grades in each course (upward trend) • Cumulative Grade Point Average (GPA)Standardized Test Scores

• PSAT & SAT• ACT - especially for STEM programs • YAS and AP Classes and AP Exams• SAT Subject Exams - Note* if you take Pre-calculus in 10th grade sign up for June SAT Math 2

College admissions criteria – what gets you to the admit pile?

extracurricular activities sports, clubs, community service, etc.

special talents and awards

personal qualities, demographics, special circumstances

teacher and counselor recommendations

personal statement/essays

interview, portfolios, and/or auditions

Work experience/internships

Volunteer over the Summer

Haiku Link to Community Service

Naviance Family Connection

NAVIANCE – Family Connection College Planning

Cluster Finder & Explore Careers

NAVIANCE – Family Connection College Planning

About Me: Service Learning & Volunteering

Update every little bit or you may loose your work!

About Me: Resume

Set Goals Get in the habit of setting both short-term and

long-term goals.

At the beginning of each term, set academic and non-academic goals for yourself.

Once you have set your goals, make a list of

the specific things you need to do to reach each goal.

Summary of Freshmen Year

Work Hard to get good grades Become involved in a variety of activities Select appropriate 9th and 10th grade courses Plan meaningful summer activities NOW Be careful with your Internet use Start a college savings account Apply for scholarships and enter contests

Get to know your College Counselor!