Finally! Freshman Year

I had thought we would have gotten to this point long before this! There is just so much information and so many topics to cover. I am trying to keep these subjects in some kind of grade order but I will break the sequence as topics I think important come to mind. Also, there is a great deal of crossover, as subjects apply to many grade levels. For example, career exploration may be addressed as early as kindergarten. I used to read P.K. Hallinan's When I Grow Up to the children in grades K-2 and then ask each student to draw a picture about the job they would like to do. I would laminate and collate the pictures into a book for each classroom's library..but I digress. (as usual!)
One of the things that may make going to high school less frightening would be eagerness to take the couses in which you have an interest and, finally, a choice. While freshmen do have to take a core set of classes, they are usually able to select a foreign language and applied/performing arts electives. Having a career focus can help with these choices. Those interested in architecture may want to take drafting while those interested in fashion may want sewing or art. Choose wisely, grasshopper. In making these selections you need to be aware that certain classes may be of interest and fulfill a graduation requirement but they may not "count" toward college admission requirements. For example, Vocal Music is a great choice and counts in New Jersey as an arts requirement for graduation but it is not considered an academic elective for college entrance. A course in Music Appreciation would satisfy both requirements. Sing if you want to. American Idol needs contestants! Just know how your curriculum choices fit your needs.
You can find high school graduation requirements on your state's Department of Education website. Check the pre-requisite classes for admission to a college(s) in which you might be interested. If you don't have one, you can play it safe by checking the requirements for a major state college/university where you live. For example, in NJ, state colleges have the following MINIMUM requirements:
-4 units of English
-3 units of math (Algebra I, Geometry and Algebra II)
-2 units of the same foreign language
-2 units of laboratory sciences
-2 units of social sciences
-3 units of ACADEMIC electives
Many private schools and special programs have additional requirements. The sooner you have specific programs/colleges in mind, the easier it will be to make sure you've covered all the bases.

JUNIORS: PSAT - Wednesday, October 13
Saturday, October 16
SEE YOUR COUNSELOR!