Monday, February 21, 2011

Choosing High School Classes

     It is that time of year when parents and students ask me, "What are colleges looking for?  What should I take next year to be accepted into a good college?"  Each time I answer a little differently depending on a student's success the current year and what they are shooting for after graduation.  It also depends on their extra curricular schedule.  Colleges do want to see rigor in a student's schedule.  But they also want to see success.  By success, I mean A's and B's.  A C, though exceptable, means the student is only average in the course.   So, it comes down to, what is the proper balance for your child?
     Year after year, I see students take on too many difficult classes at the expense of all classes.  It is a great idea to take Advanced Placement classes.  However, to take three and end up wih just C's while the other classes also suffer is not a good idea.  Pick and choose a balanced schedule and keep in mind how long you will be at play practice, football practice, swimming or any other time demanding activity.  Make up a schedule of when and how you plan to study that can fit into all the other activities.  Your goal:  To show success in every part of your schedule.  Also, keep in mind, colleges want to see you committed to completing the class and taking the AP test in May.  Colleges will avoid students who show they may drop out.   Good luck and happy picking.

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