What to expect in Senior High

PLANNING FOR 9TH GRADE AT

CINCINNATI CHRISTIAN

SCHOOLS

CLASS OF 2020

COURSE OF STUDY ~ 2016-2017 The Courses of Study below include both required and recommended subjects.

Based on individual needs, coursework may be taken in alternate years.

9TH GRADE 10TH GRADE 11TH GRADE 12TH GRADE Bible English Math Science World History/Research(1 sem ) Foreign Language Physical Education / Health Elective

Bible English Math Science U.S. History (10 or 11) Foreign Language Physical Education Elective

Bible English Math Science Social Studies Elective (1 sem ) U.S. History (10 or 11) Elective Elective

Bible English Math Science Govt. & Econ. (1 sem each) Elective Elective Elective

CCS SENIOR HIGH COURSES BY DEPARTMENT (All courses are one year unless indicated otherwise)

BIBLE ENGLISH MATH SCIENCE Bible 9 Bible 10 Modern Christian Issues I, II, (11 & 12th Graders) * Greek II, IV * Greek may be used as either a

Bible credit OR a Foreign Language credit, but not both.

English 9 Honors English 9 American Literature Honors American Literature World Literature Honors World Literature British Literature Composition I (Honors CCP) Intro. To Literature (Honors CCP)

Algebra I Geometry Honors Geometry Algebra II Foundations Algebra II College Prep Honors Algebra II Pre-Calculus Honors Pre-Calculus AP Calculus (Honors) College Algebra A (Non CCP) College Algebra B (Non CCP) Calculus I (Honors CCP) Honors Pre-Calculus (Honors CCP)

Biology Honors Biology Biology II Advanced Biology I (Honors CCP)(1 sem) Advanced Biology II(Honors CCP)(1 sem) Anatomy & Physiology Earth Science Chemistry Honors Chemistry Chemistry II (Honors) Intro to Physics & Chemistry Physics I AP Physics I (Honors)

SOCIAL STUDIES FOREIGN LANGUAGE PHYSICAL ED. / HEALTH COMPUTER World History (1 sem) Honors World History (1 sem) Honors U.S. History (Honors CCP) U.S. History Government Economics

ELECTIVES World Geog. & Cultures (1sem) Multi-Cultural Studies

(1 sem) 11th/12th Psychology (1 sem) Contemporary World Issues (1 sem)

Spanish I - V German I - IV * Greek II, IV * Greek may be used as either a

Bible credit OR a Foreign Language credit, but not both.

All Foreign Language classes levels

III - V are considered Honors Courses.

Boys’ Health (1 sem) Girls’ Health (1 sem) Boys’ Physical Education (1 sem) Girls’ Physical Education (1 sem) Fitness Training (1 sem) Alternate PE (1 sem)

(application required) Summer PE

Computer Applications for MAC (1 Sem)

Intro. To Computer Programming (1 Sem)

Web Design(1 sem) AP Computer Science (Honors) Graphic Arts I & II (1 sem each)

FEE

FINE ARTS ELECTIVES

DRAMA Technical Theater Performance Theater

MUSIC Choir Honors Choir Band FEE Jazz Band Honors Band FEE

VISUAL ARTS AP Studio Art (Honors) Mixed Media I, II Portfolio Prep Painting I & II (1 sem each) FEE Photography I (1 sem) Art Drawing I or II (1 sem each) FEE Beginning Clay (1 sem) Advanced Clay (1 sem) Jewelry I or II (1 sem each) FEE Textiles I or II (1 sem each) FEE Graphic Arts I & II (1 sem each) FEE Senior Independent Design

Consumer Skills Yearbook Chapel Leadership (app. required) Public Speaking (1 sem) Journalism I (1 sem) Journalism II (1 sem) Debate (1 sem) Paw Print Staff (student

newspaper) Research (9th grd rquird) (1 sem) Community Service Learning

*Teacher’s Aide

(1 sem – can take twice) *Study Hall

(1 sem – can take twice) *Students may take

one Study Hall OR one Teacher’s Aide per semester, but not both

CCS SENIOR HIGH HONORS COURSES – GRADED ON A 5.0 GPA

ENGLISH MATH SCIENCE SOCIAL

STUDIES FINE ARTS

FOREIGN

LANGUAGE COMPUTER

Hon. English 9 Hon. American

Literature Hon. World Literature

Hon. Geometry Hon. Algebra II Hon. Pre-Calculus AP Calculus AB

Hon. Biology Hon.

Chemistry Chemistry II AP Physics

Hon. World History

AP Studio Art Hon. Band Hon. Choir

Spanish III, IV, V German III, IV Greek III, IV

AP Computer Science

CCS CCP (HONORS COURSES) – GRADED ON A 5.0 GPA ENGLISH MATH SCIENCE SOCIAL STUDIES

Composition I Introduction to Literature

Honors Pre-Calculus Calculus I

Advanced Biology I Advanced Biology II

Honors U.S. History

GRADUATION REQUIREMENTS (Class of 2020)

I STANDARD DIPLOMA A. The student must complete and receive passing grades for a

minimum of 25 credits.

B. The student must complete and pass all required end of course exams.** ** subject to change based on Ohio Revised Code per the Ohio Dept. of Education.

C. The student must complete and receive passing grades for specific areas of study, including 1 credit of Bible for each year of attendance at CCS.

NOTE: The Standard Diploma meets the State of Ohio graduation requirements. The majority of colleges, however, prefer to enroll students who have completed the college prep coursework or honors diploma requirements.

12 hours of Christian/Community Service is required for all senior high students for their Bible class each year.

STANDARD DIPLOMA TRACKER 1 Credit 1 Credit 1 Credit 1 Credit

BIBLE **

ENGLISH

MATH Algebra I Required Algebra II

Required

SOCIAL STUDIES WORLD

HISTORY ½ Credit

U.S. HISTORY Required

GOV’T/ECONOMICS Required

SCIENCE Biology (A Life Science)

______________________ (A Physical Science)

_______________________ (An Additional Science)

ELECTIVES

FINE ARTS

RESEARCH (Required Beginning with Class 2017) 1/2 Credit

COMPUTERS 1/2 Credit

HEALTH 1/2 Credit

P.E. 2 SEMESTERS 1/4 Credit 1/4 Credit

II HONORS DIPLOMA A. The student must meet the requirements for the standard diploma.

B. Honors electives must also include:

a. ½ credit of Speech or Debate, and

b. Additional credit in Science, Social Studies, and Fine Art, *

c. Additional half credit in Computer,

d. 1 additional credit in a core subject (English, Math, Science, Social

Studies, Fine Art)

e. Two credits in two foreign languages or 3 in one foreign language

C. The student must maintain a minimum GPA of 3.75.

D. Students must have a combined test score on SAT Verbal and Math of 1210

or an ACT score of 27 or higher.

E. Students must meet all but one of the above credit requirements to be

eligible for this Honors Diploma.

* Students must pass at least two of the courses listed.

12 hours of Christian/Community Service is required for all senior high students for their Bible class each year.

HONORS DIPLOMA TRACKER 1 Credit 1 Credit 1 Credit 1 Credit

BIBLE **

ENGLISH

MATH Algebra I Required Algebra II

Required

SCIENCE Biology (A Life Science)

______________________ (A Physical Science)

_______________________ (An Additional Science)

_______________________ (An Additional Science)

SOCIAL STUDIES WORLD

HISTORY ½ Credit

U.S. HISTORY Required

GOV’T/ECONOMICS Required

FINE ARTS

ADDITIONAL CORE

SUBJECT*

ELECTIVES

FOREIGN LANGUAGE (2+2) OR (3)

COMPUTERS

SPEECH OR DEBATE 1/2 Credit

RESEARCH (Required Beginning with Class

2017) 1/2 Credit

HEALTH 1/2 Credit

P.E. (2 SEMESTERS) 1/4 Credit 1/4 Credit

** 1 credit per year at CCS Also 12 hours Christian/Community Service required each year.

* Core Subjects: English, Math, Science, Social Studies, Fine Art)

GRADING SCALE CCS has adopted the following grading scale (number grades are not rounded-up):

Grade Numerical Average GPA

Honors GPA

Honors Courses

A+ 98-100 4.0 5.0 AP Studio Art AP Calculus AP Computer Science AP Physics Chemistry II Composition I Intro. To Literature Advanced Biology I Advanced Biology II Calculus I Honors Pre-Calculus Honors U.S. History German III & IV Greek III & IV Honors Algebra II Honors American Literature, Honors World Lit. / Honors British Lit. Honors Band Honors Chemistry Honors Choir Honors English 9 Honors Geometry Honors Pre-Calculus Honors World History Spanish III, IV, & V

A 94-97 4.0 4.5 A- 90-93 4.0 4.3 B+ 87-89 3.3 4.0 B 84-86 3.1 3.5 B- 80-83 3.0 3.3 C+ 77-79 2.3 3.0 C 74-76 2.1 2.5 C- 70-73 2.0 2.3 D+ 68-69 1.3 2.0 D 66-67 1.1 1.5 D- 65 1.0 1.3 F 0-64 0.0 0.0

COLLEGE CREDIT PLUS Ohio’s new College Credit Plus program can help you earn college and high school credits at the same time by taking college courses from colleges and/or universities. The purpose of this program is to promote rigorous academic pursuits and to provide a wide variety of options to college-ready students. A select number of courses will be available to take at Cincinnati Christian Schools with our own CCS teachers that are also approved adjunct college faculty. See the Course Description Book for CCP courses offered at CCS. Other courses can be taken on the college campus or online. Enrollment for CCP courses closes in the spring each year.

SAMPLE: Cincinnati Christian High School Transcript

Student Name

Cincinnati Christian High School Birthdate: 7474 Morris Road Gender:

Fairfield, OH 45011 Graduation Date: 513-892-8500 Class Rank:

Fax: 513-892-0516 Date Printed:

Course Name Grade School Year SEM1 SEM

2 SUM Credit Where Earned

JH Spanish 8 08 2011-2012 A- A-

1 Cincinnati Christian Junior High

School

HS Algebra I 09 2012-2013 A- B+

1 Cincinnati Christian High School HS Biology Honors 09 2012-2013 A- A-

1 Cincinnati Christian High School

HS Choir 09 2012-2013 A+ A+

1 Cincinnati Christian High School HS Civics 09 2012-2013 A-

0.5 Cincinnati Christian High School

HS English9 Honors 09 2012-2013 B+ A-

1 Cincinnati Christian High School HS Spanish II 09 2012-2013 B+ B+

1 Cincinnati Christian High School

HS World Geo. 09 2012-2013

A+

0.5 Cincinnati Christian High School Old Testament Survey 09 2012-2013 A A

1 Cincinnati Christian High School

HS Chemistry 10 2013-2014 A-

0.5 Cincinnati Christian High School HS Choir 10 2013-2014 A+

0.5 Cincinnati Christian High School

HS English10 Hnrs 10 2013-2014 A-

0.5 Cincinnati Christian High School HS Geometry 10 2013-2014 A-

0.5 Cincinnati Christian High School

HS Spanish III/Honors 10 2013-2014 B

0.5 Cincinnati Christian High School HS US History 10 2013-2014 A-

0.5 Cincinnati Christian High School

New Testament Survey 10 2013-2014 A+

0.5 Cincinnati Christian High School

Page 1 of 2

Cincinnati Christian High School Transcript

Student Name

Cincinnati Christian High School Birthdate: 7474 Morris Road Gender:

Fairfield, OH 45011 Graduation Date: 513-892-8500 Class Rank:

Fax: 513-892-0516 Date Printed:

Cumulative Information

Comments

Grade Point Average Total Credits

School Year SEM 1 SEM 2 Earned/Attempt

ed 2012-2013 3.94 3.89 8.00 / 8.00 2013-2014 3.97 0.00 3.50 / 3.50

0.00 0.00 0.00 / 0.00

0.00 0.00 0.00 / 0.00 Cumulative

GPA 3.93 Total Credits

11.50

STANDARDIZED TESTS

SAT Reading Math Writing

ACT English Mathemati

cs Readin

g Scien

ce Composit

e Writing Nat. Pct.

Signature

Date

Page 2 of 2

School Year

Printed

Reporting Period Qtr 4

Student ID

7474 Morris Road

Grade Level

Fairfield, OH 45011

Teacher/Advisor

513-892-8500

Homeroom

513-892-0516

Current Year Information

Academic Info GPA: 2.5103

Credits Earned: 6.75

Student Name

Student Address

Student Address

Subject Q1 Q2 Exam1 Sem1 Q3 Q4 Exam2 Sem2

English 10 80.8 71.1 87 78 81.0 79.0 86 81

HS Algebra II 74.1 78.7 35 72 66.9 66.2 53 64

HS Band 93.0 95.0

94 90.0 97.0

94

HS Chemistry 85.0 69.1 68 75 72.8 62.7 69 68

HS Greek II 88.0 70.8 75 79 76.6 70.7 65 72

HS Office Aide F/T 100.0 100.0

100 100.0 100.0

100

HS US History 85.8 80.0 83 83 66.2 68.7 78 70

New Testament Survey 94.0 87.0 85 89 80.0 88.0 86 84

Quarter AVG 86.30 79.54

82.07 77.03 76.87

76.97

Grade Point Average(GPA) 3.2552 2.6069

2.7586 2.3862 2.0690

2.2621

Cumulative Rank CreditsEarned: CreditsAttempted: GPA:

Information: 70 of 81 15 15.5 2.8276

Comments:

Grading Scale for Cincinnati Christian Junior/Senior High School

GR % GPA

Honor GPA GR % GPA

Honor GPA GR % GPA

Honor GPA GR % GPA

Honor GPA GR % GPA

Honor GPA

A+ 98-100 4 5 B+ 87-89 3.3 4 C+

77-79 2.3 3 D+ 68-69 1.3 2 F Below 65 0 0

A 94-97- 4 4.5 B 84-86 3.1 3.5 C

74-76 2.1 2.5 D 66-67 1.1 1.5

A- 90-93 4 4.3 B- 80-83 3 3.3 C-

70-73 2 2.3 D- 65 1 1.3

PERSONAL SENIOR HIGH DATA Name: ____________________________________ (Be Specific)

Grade Church/ Spiritual

Involvement

Academic Honors, Honor

Roll, NHS

Community Service/

Volunteer Activities

Athletics; Cheerleading

Fine Arts, Choir, Band, Drama

9th

10th

11th

12th

Name: ____________________________________

Grade Summer

Experiences Work

Experiences Leadership Activities

Other

9th

10th

11th

12th

TESTING

WHAT ARE STANDARDIZED TESTS? Standardized tests are created to see how students from one school or class compare to other students. They give educators a common standard to measure students performance. To measure fairly, these tests need to be given under the same conditions for all test takers. The amount of time students have to finish the test is strictly controlled. Each is scored in the same way.

Aptitude tests measure a student’s ability to learn. They test a broad range of skills that can help students do well in school.

Achievement tests measure how much a student has already learned. ACT ASPIRE Standardized test given to students in 9th and 10th Grade covering the core subjects, English, Math, Reading, Science and Writing. The PSAT/NMSQT Test Preliminary Scholastic Aptitude Test (PSAT) and the National Merit Scholarship Qualifying Test (NMSQT): The PSAT/NMSQT provides a practice test in preparation for the SAT and is given to students in October of their sophomore and junior year. The scores are also used in the selection of the top scholars in the country for the Award of Merit Scholarships. The PSAT scores are divided into three categories – as are SAT scores – verbal, math, and writing. The NMSQT selection Index is determined annually, and the minimum score to receive national recognition varies from year to year. PSAT scores are not reflected on a student’s transcript. The ASVAB Armed Services Vocational Aptitude Battery (ASVAB) is a multiple-aptitude battery produced by the United States Military. It is administered to students in the spring of their junior year in an effort to provide them with some feedback for career suggestions. (Not offered every year.) The ACT American College Testing Program, ACT, is a standardized exam used by colleges to predict a student’s potential success in college. It is the predominant test for college admission in the Midwest and some parts of the South. Students should consider taking this test in the spring of their junior year. Students who do not score as well as they would like to may re-test in their senior year. An optional writing section has been added to the ACT. Other sections include questions in Math, English, Reading, and Science. Scores on the ACT range from 0-36, and are recorded on a student’s transcript unless the student chooses not to have them listed. The SAT

The Scholastic Aptitude Test (SAT I) is a standardized exam used by colleges to predict a student’s potential success in college. It is usually taken in the spring of the junior year after students have had a chance to take the PSAT and review their results. The SAT uses multiple choice questions to measure a student’s ability in reading, writing and math. All scores for a student’s SAT are recorded on a student’s transcript. Section scores range from 200 – 800 for a total score range from a 400 - 1600. End-of-Course Exams The state superintendent and the chancellor, in consultation with faculty in the appropriate subject areas at institutions of higher education of the university system of Ohio, will jointly select a series of end-of-course examinations in the areas of science, mathematics, English language arts, American history, and American government. For each subject area, the state superintendent and chancellor shall select multiple assessments that school districts, public schools, and chartered nonpublic schools may use as end-of-course examinations: Physical Science, Biology, Algebra I and II and Geometry (or integrated Mathematics 1, 2 and 3), English language arts 1, 2 and 3, American history, and American government. CCS opted out in the 2015-2016 school year; except for Jon Peterson and EdChoice Scholarship recipient students who are required to be assessed.

EMPLOYMENT

OHIO MINOR LABOR LAWS OHIO DEPARTMENT OF COMMERCE DIVISION OF INDUSTRIAL COMPLIANCE & LABOR www.com.ohio.gov/ OHIO REVISED CODE CHAPTER 4109* "MINOR" MEANS ANY PERSON LESS THAN 18 YEARS OF AGE WORKING PERMITS: Every minor 14 through 17 years of age must have a working permit unless otherwise stated in Chapter 4109. WAGE AGREEMENT: No employer shall give employment to a minor without agreeing with him/her as to the wages or compensation he/she shall receive for each day, week, month, year or per piece for work performed. REST PERIOD: No employer shall employ a minor more than 5 consecutive hours without a rest period of at least 30 minutes. LIST OF MINORS EMPLOYED: Employer shall keep a list of minors employed at each establishment and a list must be posted in a conspicuous place to which all minor employees have access. TIME RECORDS: Every employer shall keep a time book or other written record showing actual starting and stopping time of each work and rest period. These records must be kept for two (2) years. RESTRICTIONS ON WORKING HOURS FOR MINORS 14 and 15 YEARS OF AGE No person under 16 shall be employed: 1. During school hours except where specifically permitted by Chapter 4109 2. Before 7 a.m. or after 9 p.m. from June 1st to September 1st or during any

school holiday of 5 school days or more; or after 7 p.m. at any other time

3. For more than 3 hours a day in any school day 4. For more than 18 hours in any school week 5. For more than 8 hours in any day when school is not in session 6. For more than 40 hours in any week that school is not in session nor

during school hours, unless employment is incidental to bona fide programs of vocational cooperative training, work-study, or other work-oriented programs with the purpose of educating students, and the program meets standards established by the state board of education.

RESTRICTIONS ON WORKING HOURS FOR MINORS 16 and 17 YEARS OF AGE No person 16 or 17 who is required to attend school shall be employed: 1. Before 7 a.m. on any day that school is in session or 6 a.m. if the person

was not employed after 8 p.m. the previous night 2. After 11 p.m. on any night preceding a day that school is in session.

PROHIBITED OCCUPATIONS FOR MINORS UNDER 16 YEARS OF AGE 1. All manufacturing; mining; processing; public messenger service 2. Work in freezers and meat coolers and all preparation of meats for sale

(except wrapping, sealing, labeling, weighing, pricing and stocking) 3. Transportation; storage; communications; public utilities;

construction; repair 4. Work in boiler or engine rooms; maintenance or repair of machinery 5. Outside window washing from window sills or scaffolding and/or

ladders 6. Cooking and baking; operating, setting up, adjusting, cleaning, oiling

or repairing power-driven food slicers, grinders, food choppers, cutters, bakery type mixers

7. Loading or unloading goods to and from trucks 8. All warehouse work except office and clerical 9. Work in connection with cars and trucks involving the use of pits, racks

or lifting apparatus or involving the inflation of any tire mounted on a rim equipped with a removable retaining ring.

PROHIBITED OCCUPATIONS FOR MINORS 14 through 17 YEARS OF AGE 1. Occupations involving slaughtering, meat-packing, processing or

rendering 2. Power-driven bakery machines 3. Occupations involved in the manufacture of brick, tile and kindred

products 4. Occupations involved in the manufacture of chemicals 5. Manufacturing or storage occupations involving explosives 6. Occupations involving exposure to radioactive substances and to

ionizing radiations 7. Power-driven paper products machines 8. Power-driven metal forming, punching and shearing machines 9. Occupations involved in the operation of power-driven circular saws,

band saws and guillotine shears 10. Power-driven woodworking machines 11. Coal mines 12. Occupations in connection with mining, other than coal 13. Logging and sawmilling 14. Motor vehicle occupations 15. Maritime and longshoreman occupations 16. Railroads 17. Excavation operations 18. Power-driven and hoisting apparatus 19. Roofing operations 20. Wrecking, demolition, and shipbreaking.

MINORS UNDER 16 YEARS OF AGE MAY NOT ENGAGE IN DOOR-TO-DOOR EMPLOYMENT UNLESS The for-profit employer is REGISTERED with the Ohio Department of Commerce. DOOR-TO-DOOR SALES EMPLOYERS SHALL: 1. Be in compliance with all applicable Ohio and Federal laws relating to

the employment of minors 2. Provide at least one supervisor who is over the age of eighteen, for each

six minor employees 3. Have been and be in compliance with Ohio's Motor Vehicle Financial

Responsibility, Workers' Compensation, Unemployment Compensation, and all other applicable laws

4. Require all minors to work at least in pairs 5. Not employ any minor who does not have an appropriate Age and

Schooling Certificate 6. Provide each minor employee with a photo identification card 7. Not employ any minor in any door-to-door sales activity during school

hours except where specifically permitted 8. Not employ minors under 16 in door-to-door sales activity before 7 a.m.

or after 7 p.m. 9. Not employ minors 16 and 17 years of age in door-to-door sales activity

before 7 a.m. or after 8 p.m. For further information about Minor Labor issues, please contact: The Ohio Department of Commerce, Division of Industrial Compliance & Labor, 6606 Tussing Road, Reynoldsburg, OH 43068 phone: (614) 644-2239. TTY/TDD: 1-800-750-0750. An Equal Opportunity Employer and Service Provider (REV. 1/14/11)

Minors 14 through 17 years of age must have a work permit.

PROCEDURES TO COMPLETE A WORK PERMIT

APPLICATION

Dear Student Worker,

If you are under the age of 18, many employers require that you have a completed permit on file in order to be employed. This paper that you have been given is the application for this work permit. It is not the actual work permit. To receive a work permit, the application must be completed in full and then returned to the Guidance Office. Here are the steps:

1) Fill in the “Student/Applicant” information section. Please include your complete address including city, state, and zip code. Don’t forget your birthday with the correct birth year.

2) Schedule a doctor’s appointment. The doctor will fill in and sign the “Physician’s Approval” sections. Note: If you have a physical on file in the Athletic Office and it is less than a year old, you may attach that in lieu of visiting your doctor. This cannot be used if the physical on file is more than 1 year old.

3) Take the form to your employer and have him/her complete the “Pledge of Employer” section.

4) Return the application to the Guidance Department at school. I will then enter your application information into the computer and print a new document for you called an “Age and Schooling Certificate”. This new document is your work permit. Please note that I cannot always do a work permit immediately. I will certainly try to help you as quickly as I can, but there may be some waiting time for various reasons.

5) Take the work permit to your employer.

LOOKING AHEAD

COLLEGE PLANNING

WHAT DO COLLEGES LOOK FOR IN AN APPLICANT? When deciding which applicants to admit to their college, admissions officers look at many different factors. Read on to see if you are the kind of applicant they want.

Challenging Schedule One of the main factors that college admissions officers look for is a rigorous class schedule. Colleges want students who are willing to challenge themselves. For most colleges, this is even better than having the best grades. If an admissions officer is deciding between two applicants, where one student has a 4.0 and takes standard courses and the other applicant has a B average but takes advanced courses, the admissions officer will usually pick the B average student. If your current schedule is not that rigorous, talk to your Guidance Counselor about taking more advanced courses in the future.

Grades While a challenging schedule may hold a little more precedence, grades are still very important to colleges. Many colleges have a minimum GPA requirement to apply. Therefore, it is crucial that you keep your grades up throughout your entire senior high career. If you think that it is okay to slack off a little bit during your senior year, think again. Many colleges have been known to revoke their offers of admission to students who suffer from ‘senioritis’.

Standardized Test Scores Colleges do take your admissions test scores into consideration. If you are aiming for a scholarship, your test scores need to be at or above the high end range for the college in which you are applying. If your test scores are near the median range, then your class schedule and grades will be the main deciding factors for admission. If your test scores are low, an admissions counselor may go to bat for you if your grades and schedule are outstanding. Read “The Low-Down on College Admissions Tests” for tips on taking the SAT and ACT.

Extracurricular Activities Being involved in extracurricular activities shows admissions officers that you are a well-rounded student and that you are good with time management skills. Colleges want students who are going to be involved with activities on their campus. Keep in mind, however, that you should not join a bunch of activities just to fill up your senior high resume. Admissions officers are looking for quality over quantity. Pick a few activities that really interest you and become fully involved in them. It looks better on your senior high resume when you can say you organized a fundraiser for the science club, rather than just being a member of the club.

Application Essay The college application essay allows you to show your uniqueness to admissions officers. Counselors look for application essays that are honest and provide supplemental information. Do not restate the information found on your transcript and application. Instead, write about your desires, your goals, special events in your life, etc.

Letters of Recommendation Admissions officers rely on letters of recommendation to let them know how others view you. Be sure to pick your recommenders wisely. If your recommender does not know you that well, it will show through the letter.

Other Factors Because colleges want a diverse student body, admissions officers may consider other aspects when determining eligibility for admission. Keep in mind that colleges really want well-rounded students, so having a good mixture of the above-mentioned factors will help you in the admissions process. Also colleges want students who are interested in them – visit, ask questions, develop a relationship with admissions counselors. Information taken from www.ecampustours.com

HOW TO TAKE YOUR SENIOR HIGH CLASSES TO

THE NEXT LEVEL Taking challenging classes in senior high is a great way to build new skills. And it will serve you well when you get to college, because you will be more prepared for the work. In a recent survey of college freshmen, more than half of the students surveyed said that they wish they had worked harder in senior high.

Challenging classes, such as honors and college-level courses, also help you get into college: They are exactly what admission officers like to see on applications.

Honors and college-level courses are valuable for other reasons too. In the survey mentioned above, most of the students who took college-level courses as part of the Advanced Placement or College Credit Plus programs said that these classes were more worthwhile and more interesting than others.

Experience a Different Approach Honors and college-level courses differ from regular classes in various ways. Here is a brief overview of some of the classes that may be available to you:

• Honors classes usually cover similar material as regular classes but at a faster pace or more deeply than regular classes

• The College Board’s AP Program offers college-level classes that help students develop and apply skills such as reading critically, solving problems analytically and writing clearly. There are more than 30 classes available.

• Ohio’s new College Credit Plus program can help you earn college and high school credits at the same time by taking college courses from colleges and/or universities.

• You may be able to take college courses while still in senior high, either at your school or on a college campus.

Try honors and college-level courses.

Find Your Interest Courses can introduce you to topics and ideas that are not covered in the regular classroom. This range of subjects allows you to explore your interests and develop new passions. You may even discover the subject that will become your college major or the focus of your career.

Build Important Skills Honors and college-level courses can help you learn the skills and habits you will need for success in college and beyond. They will allow you to develop:

• Stronger writing skills • Problem-solving abilities • Time-management skills • Discipline • Good study habits

Prepare for College Showing that you are willing to push yourself by taking rigorous classes in senior high can help when you are applying to college. In fact, the level of courses you take now is one of the first things colleges look at.

In addition, college courses, and AP Exams may lead to college credit and advanced placement in college. This means you may be able to skip some basic college courses and move directly into interesting advanced classes. This also may allow you to free up enough time to pursue a double major or to study abroad. Information taken from www.collegeboard.com

FRESHMAN YEAR WHAT SHOULD THE STUDENT BE DOING TO PREPARE FOR COLLEGE?

The senior high years are a time of study and personal growth. Each year, hopefully teaches a student a little bit more about himself and brings him closer to the understanding of what his future choices will be. In the 9th Grade, it’s a bit early to know exactly what career choice to study for, or what school to attend after senior high, but it’s not too early to start planning. For one thing, take your education seriously. Learn how to learn. Don’t just ‘get by’ with a satisfactory grade, but learn the material that is being taught. Do the work assigned, and any extra that it may take in order for you to learn what is being taught. Ask questions when you need to. Seek extra help if something is difficult for you. The class is not just about what grade you get, but what knowledge you learn. Don’t fall for the age-old complaint, “I’ll never use this after senior high.” Because you don’t yet know what you will be doing, or what you will need. Knowledge opens doors to opportunities, and good study habits developed in senior high, will pay dividends in college.

Begin exploring extracurricular activities. Scholarships usually require more than just a certain GPA. Community service and leadership activities are often requirements as well. Find a place to volunteer your time, and do so on a consistent and frequent basis. Invest yourself in a project that gives back to your community. Follow through and initiative are looked upon highly when it comes time to determine who is the most qualified for a scholarship. Don’t do so many activities that you can’t complete them well. Rather than a mile wide and an inch deep, go for more depth than breadth. In other words, fewer activities done with quality, are better than many activities without a high level of commitment.

Take a peek on the internet for scholarships. You can find some that you can apply for as early as your freshman year. But even if you don’t find one that fits you as a freshman, keep track of what is available, and mark your calendar so that you can return to it, at the appropriate time. HOW DOES CCS HELP?

CCS has a solid college preparatory curriculum to help your student be academically prepared for post senior high studies. If a student is struggling in a class, his/her teacher can be contacted to begin the process of determining what help is needed. Besides the classroom teacher, we also have a tutor for mathematics, and an Intervention Specialist who helps students who have learning disabilities.

Conferences are held at the end of the first quarter of the school year. A parent may talk to all of their student’s teachers during conference times.

Students grades and homework assignments are available online for parents and students to view at any time.

Scheduling information meetings are held by grade to provide information to students about class choices.

Group discussions with the Guidance Counselor take place 1 or 2 times in the freshman year to review the importance of grades, discuss GPA’s, and transcripts. The student begins his/her personal data sheet to record his/her senior high activities.

The ACT ASPIRE tests are given in the spring of the 9th Grade year.

SAMPLE SCHOLARSHIP OPPORTUNITIES AVAILABLE

FOR 9TH GRADE APPLICANTS AAA Travel High School Challenge Amount: Varies Requirements: The Challenge is open for grade 9-12 public, private,

and homeschooled students through the United States. Additional Information: The challenge consists of three phases: an online test,

40-question written exam for the top five scorers in each state, and a national contest for each state’s top scorer at University Orlando in LF.

Ayn Rand Essay Contest Amount: $30-$10,000 depending on status in school Requirements: Three separate essay contests – grades 8, 9 and 10 and

grades 11 and 12, and grade 12 and college students. For complete information, rules, and to enter, please visit the website.

Deadline: Varies ChiGems Art & Poetry Scholarship Amount $250 Requirements: Students in grades 9-12 currently enrolled in public or

non-public schools in the United States, and adult non-professionals who wish to continue their art education. The scholarship will be distributed to any accredited school in the United States. Please visit the website for more information and an application.

Deadline: Every other month. See website for details. Other:

The Virginia Budge Award: www.virginiabudgeaward.com The Holocaust Remembrance Project: http://holocaust.hklaw.com AFSA High School Essay Contest: www.afsa.org Profiles in Courage Essay: www.jfklibrary.org

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS (The following information comes from a publication

sponsored by the Ohio State University)

When should I begin visiting colleges? It’s never too early to start visiting colleges and universities. Visiting campuses in your early high school years will help you figure out what kind of environment you prefer (big or small campus, located in a city or a rural environment, etc.) Try stopping at campuses that are on your route when taking family vacations, or make plans to visit friends and relatives who are college students or who live near campuses. As a general rule, you should begin making visits to specific colleges of interest by your junior year of high school.

How difficult is college? How smart do you have to be? College will be a greater academic challenge than high school. Even though you will take fewer courses at a time in college, those courses will require more outside preparation than high school courses do. Students taking four or more classes at a time in college are usually referred to as “full-time students” because the work load and time commitment is much like a full-time job.

What if I don’t know what to major in when I get to college? You won’t be alone. Most students enter college undecided about a major or change their minds at some point after starting. Many colleges offer thousands of different classes—and give you time to explore the possibilities. Most colleges don’t require students to choose a specific major area of study until their third year.

Does it hurt my chance of receiving financial aid if we have money saved for my education?

In most cases, students whose parents have saved for college are still able to receive financial aid, but end up with less loan indebtedness. This benefits the family, because it’s much cheaper to save than to borrow. A recent study showed that the typical graduate who borrows to pay for college has an average of $174 per month in student loan payments. A student who can avoid borrowing due to savings will start his or her life as a college graduate without the burden of student loan payments.

What role do extracurricular activities play in the college admission process?

Colleges and universities are looking for well-rounded students, and extracurricular activities like student government, school clubs, sports, yearbook, a part-time job, or volunteer activities are experiences that most colleges value. Remember, however, that colleges will consider academic factors above all others.

What are my chances of graduating from a college in four years? At colleges around the country, the average time to graduation is more than four years. Why? Some students change their major several times and need to take more course work than students who stick to one area. Students also often take advantage of special programs such as co-operative education, internships, or overseas study, which are valuable experiences but can delay graduation. Many students work to help pay for college and may not take a full load of classes each term. There are many students however, who do graduate in four years. It just depends upon the choices you make.

What is more important: taking harder courses or maintaining a higher GPA?

It is important that you challenge yourself while in high school by taking difficult coursework. This will prepare you for the demands of the college classroom. Most colleges and universities will look at both your course selection and your grades in the admission process and balance them together. Of course, you should make sure that you are choosing the best course for your level. It’s not a good idea to get a very poor grade in an advanced course because it is over your head!

What credits from eighth grade count toward college? Most credits from before high school will not count toward college. However, if you take Algebra I or the first year of a foreign language in the eighth grade, many college and universities will count those courses as part of your college prep curriculum.

Do colleges and universities have programs and services in place to help students with special needs?

You will find that each college and university is different, but most will offer help to students with special needs. Some common programs and services are programs to help students with physical or learning disabilities, honors programs for exceptionally talented students, programs and services for under-represented minority students, and tutoring service for students needing additional help with particular academic areas.