The document provides guidance to high school students on planning for their future by focusing on academics, exploring extracurricular activities, gaining experience through summer programs and jobs, effectively preparing for standardized tests, using guidance counselors for support, and considering various factors in the college admissions process such as GPA, curriculum strength, and test scores. It emphasizes exploring interests, gaining leadership skills, and focusing on personal growth rather than just getting into college.

1. Making High
School Count
Planning for your future

2. What are your ?
 Personal
 Social
 Academic
 Extracurricular

3. Thinking about
College
 How do academic, extracurriculars and other
factors fit into the college admissions process?
 GPA Sorting Game
 Mock Admissions Committee Decisions
 What factors did you consider?

4. State of College Admissions Report 2010
Factors in Admission Decisions
 Grades in college prep courses (86.5)
 Strength of curriculum (70.7)
 Admission test scores (57.8)
 Recommendations, essays, class rank,
extracurriculars, grades in other courses,
demonstrated interest

5.  Isyour ultimate goal college Academics
admission? What else do you
want to achieve in high
school?
 “It isn’t about getting in—it’s
about getting out with a
degree, about being able to
read, write, think, lead and
follow(and know when to do
those things). It’s about
making the most of your
talents and skills in and out of
the classroom.”

6. Extracurriculars
 Can have a significant impact, personally,
socially and even academically
 Try new things until you find good fits
 Do what you love to do! Not what you think
colleges want to see.

7. Extracurriculars con’t
 Summers count. Use them to grow and
learn. Camp, academic programs, skill
development
 Startkeeping a list of service activities
both in and out of school. Same for
extracurriculars, sports, awards, honors.
 Jobs and volunteer work are great!
 Commitment, leadership and success

8. Growing Great
Test Takers
 Depending on year, may need to think about taking SATIIs
along with APs
 Students can practice by PSAT and PLAN: rational prep
rather than overkill
 SAT/ACT typically spring of junior year and fall of senior
year
 Testing too early can cause more anxiety and lower
scores, “score choice” confusion
 800+ colleges that are test-optional: Bowdoin,
Connecticut College, Denison, Furman, George Mason,
NYU, Wake Forest
 Reading is the best test prep: comprehension, speed and
vocabulary

9.  Freshman and sophomore years are the time
to explore: subjects, careers, clubs
 Ifit will help, visit a couple of colleges to get a
feel for what is coming, what you can look
forward to. Shadow a professional. Volunteer
in an area in which you are interested
Explore

10. How to use the School and
College Counselor
 If you are unsure of your academic goals, I can help
with some focused exploration of subjects, majors,
careers as well as finding your individual path through
Woodlawn
 If you are struggling with personal, social or academic
issues, I can help find ways through the difficulties
 Parents: I can help you to understand the changes
and growth that your child is going through.
 Through December, I am on campus all day Mondays
and Wednesdays, other times by appointment. Email is
the best way to schedule an appointment.