THE HIGH SCHOOL BLOG

Everything that is discussed here for 9th grade students is covered in depth in the book How To Pay For College Without Going Broke. Purchasing this book entitles you to a free 15 minute consultation with Reecy Aresty. Buy it here!

View all post for 9th graders here 

You may find the following websites interesting:

• Effective Study Skills 
• Roots and Shoots: Community Service
• Test Taking Tips

Creating An Ideal Home Environment

If the home is a circus, and not conducive to studying, it’s time to get your house in order for the benefit of the student’s future. The following conditions need to be met in order for the student to have every possible advantage to succeed in high school:

1. Students should have access to a comfortable place to study with as few distractions as possible (I’d aim for none).

2. Teachers, guidance counselors, and in some special instances, high school principals, should all be made aware of any extenuating circumstances that could adversely affect the student’s performance.

3. Students should devote at least 1½ - 2 hours per night on schoolwork.

4. Students should maintain a normal daily routine, i.e., three squares and eight hours of sleep. Don’t underestimate the benefits of a good night’s rest.

5. Students should not be left alone without supervision for long periods of time, e.g. more than 24 hours.

6. Students should not spend more than 15 hours per week on non-academic activities.

7. Students should not burn the midnight oil every school night.

The Core Subjects

The core subjects are what all colleges are most interested in, unless the student has a special ability such as super athlete, vocalist, musician, artist, etc.

English, Math, a Foreign Language, Science and History make up the core Grade Point Average (GPA) or CGPA. There is also the Honors Point Average (HPA), which includes Honors and Advanced Placement (AP) classes.

Most high schools consider the following subjects the core class requirements with their recommended dosage for college:

Electives such as Art, Physical Education, Music and Computer Programming are of course, much less important and should only be taken in conjunction with the core subjects.
The Painful Truth

Every student needs an edge in the admissions process whether they apply to Harvard or their local state college. The competition is fierce, and, (I hate to be the one to break it to you), the painful truth is, no one really cares about the education of your student - except you and your family.

It would be ill advised and unrealistic to expect any favors or kindly ‘ole educators to bend over backwards to insure that your student succeeds. You’ll only be disappointed.
Building A House Of Stone

If you remember the story of the Three Little Pigs, you’ll recall that the first pig built a house of straw, and the wolf blew it away in one breath. The second pig had built a house of logs, which the wolf burned to the ground. The third pig however, built his house out of stone, and it was impervious to the big bad wolf. The moral is build well and add on slowly. By the time students apply to college, they’ll be fortified and well prepared.

All students should begin by electing to take courses with college in mind. Building a solid foundation right now is crucial, so that by the time they enter the 12th grade, they will have created a skyscraper. This structures the student for the right posture with any admissions committee.
I strongly recommend that students who haven’t already begun to study a foreign language, do so right now. This will insure them four years of a foreign language and guarantee their edge in the admissions process.

Additionally, and this is sometimes difficult, they should try to develop an acquaintance with a senior. A greater edge can even be obtained by picking their brains and gaining their wealth of knowledge in the college admissions/ financial aid game.

Negotiating For Better Grades

Next, students should begin negotiating with their teachers for better grades. That’s right - negotiating! This can actually begin as early as the 9th grade.

After the first few weeks of any semester, students will have a fair idea of what final grade they’ll be receiving in most of their courses. If they are borderline A/B, B/C or C/D (88, 78 or 68), here’s what they should do:

Approach the teacher and say, “Mr. Jones, I’m beginning to think about college, and I know I’ll need the absolute best grades I’m capable of achieving. What amount of extra credit work could I do to boost my average 2 points and guarantee me an ‘A’ [or whatever grade the student is going for] if I fall short of it with an 88 average?”

The teacher will most likely respond in one of the following ways:

1. “The only way to get an ‘A’ in my class is to have a final average of 90.” (A fair response - but not the one you want to hear.)

The teacher is more likely to respect the student for asking, and reply:

2. “That’s a very interesting proposition, let me think about it and get back to you.”

A few days later, the student gets called into the teacher’s office and receives a laundry list of projects to complete for the extra 2 points. It may be more than the student bargained for, but that’s the deal. If the student earns no less than an 88 or 89, they get the ‘A’ - anything less and they don’t. However, if the student falls short with an 87 or even an 86, there is still a chance of getting the ‘A’.

At semester’s end, the student should approach the teacher with an outstretched hand, thank him/her for the opportunity they were afforded, tactfully remind the teacher of the fact that they missed the ‘A’ by just one or two points, and say to the teacher that they hope to have him/her again for another class. The teacher will more than likely reward the ambitious and hardworking student with the ‘A’ anyway.

Several of my students who used this exact approach received the ‘A’ or ‘B’ they sought - even though they fell short of the goal by a point or two. Like they say about the lottery, “You’ve got to be in it to win it!” You’ve everything to gain and nothing to lose - so try it.

It is also very important for students to take as many Honors and AP classes as possible. The risk/reward ratio comes into play here. Colleges are looking for students who take risks and challenge themselves academically and otherwise. The bonus for earning an ‘A’ or ‘B’ or even a ‘C’ is that it adds extra points to the GPA and gives the student that all-important edge in the Admissions Process. The challenge perceived is more important than the grade received.

Obviously, I don’t recommend that any student become stressed out by taking classes they are not capable of doing well in, or working beyond reasonable limits. However, for families with an exceptionally bright child, it is highly recommended that they take as many advanced courses as they can comfortably handle. An outstanding academic record has always been and is still your best bargaining chip.

Remember: Receiving an ‘A’ in a non-honors class is not as impressive as earning a ‘B’ in an Honors or AP class. It demonstrates that the student took a greater challenge and therefore a greater accomplishment is perceived. Admissions officers are as impressed by the challenge as they are with the result.

Warning! Don’t get caught up in the pursuit of “class rank.” If your school doesn’t rank, so be it. Just do the best you can and everything will take care of itself. For most colleges, as long as your numbers are in the top 10% to 25% of their applicant pool - you’ll be qualified. Elite schools, such as the Ivy’s, will most likely look for students in the top 5% or less. Whatever your standing is, that’s what it is; just like your GPA, it will have to stand on its own. Leave the class rank obsession to those students obsessed with perfection - they’ll never achieve it!

Clubbing

At this point in time the student should begin clubbing. No, I don’t mean staying out ‘till the wee hours of the morning, partying. Membership in the Debate Club, Student Council, Key Club, etc., is one of the absolute necessities to becoming a well-rounded, acceptable student.

During their entire high school career, it will prove to be even more beneficial if the student holds office or takes on a leadership role in some of these clubs. Better still, at some point students should take the initiative and form their own volunteer organization(s), or perhaps a fundraiser for a disadvantaged family or someone who was struck down with a disease that requires a substantial dollar amount for treatment. Clubbing, participating in sports, and getting involved in every day school activities all add points to the GPA.

Clubbing is fun and builds character at the same time. However, rather than joining a different club every semester, it is far more impressive to stay with the same club for all four years. This will show admissions officers that the student has perseverance and honors commitments. It’s very important to show your passion about something other than just the opposite sex. Admissions officers are looking to test the student’s resolve and their ability to finish what they start - whatever they start.

Beginning early is also very important, because if a club doesn’t have the right fit, you need to know by the end of the 9th grade or at the very latest, the 10th grade, rather than in the senior year. By the end of the 10th grade, the student should have narrowed down their club involvement allowing them more time to take an active role in the ones they’ve chosen.

I always recommend joining the Yearbook Staff, Debate Club and the Key Club. By being a member, or even better, being an officer, students get to be more involved with the entire school and can develop relationships with teachers that will prove invaluable when it comes time for LOR’s. Being president of a language club also goes a long way with an admissions committee.

Leadership is a quality that will impress others throughout a student’s life. Taking on a leadership role demonstrates taking a risk and assuming responsibility. Even students who are super athletes need some diversity, as sports alone are not enough; students need to avoid the impression that they are one-dimensional. It is more important that students are portrayed as multi-faceted.

Volunteer And Community Service Hours

The student must also begin to accumulate community service or volunteer hours, which will add even more points to their overall GPA. However, don’t confuse extracurricular activities with volunteer work.

One has nothing to do with the other.
· I define extracurricular activities as in-school participation.

· Community service takes place outside of school.

Such activities involve scouting, working for one’s house of worship, working with AIDS and/or Alzheimer’s patients, seniors, hospice, Special Olympics, the blind, assisting hospital or nursing home staffs, coaching, refereeing, tutoring, Horses For The Handicapped (autistic children), or any other involvement with the handicapped, Habitat for Humanity, Meals On Wheels, environmental work, such as cleaning up beaches and highways, etc., etc., etc.

By participating in volunteer work with financially, emotionally and/or intellectually challenged people, students demonstrate their compassion and empathy for others, and this will help them shine with the admissions officers. Working with those who are less fortunate also gives the student a much broader idea of what life outside of their own environment is actually like.

Many religious and other organizations have been known to give double credit for volunteer hours. Try it yourself. The colleges will love you for participating above and beyond the call of duty.

Graduation from a public high school in Florida usually requires a minimum of 40 hours of community service, and school districts throughout the country each have their own specific requirements.

Additionally, many private and religious schools have no mandatory requirements. Don’t make the mistake of ignoring or only completing the minimum. An example of the benefits of community service is best demonstrated in this scenario:

Two students apply to the same college, but there’s only room for one of them. They have comparable grades and test scores. Student “A” has 370 hours of community service, while student “B” has only 40 hours. Which student do you think will most likely be accepted?

This rhetorical question illustrates a very important point. The more community service hours, the more of a decisive advantage a student has in the admissions process. As part of a student’s resume, it is a safe bet that many schools will actually look for student involvement with the handicapped or others less fortunate.

Students who start their own fundraiser or other similar community service project will virtually guarantee extra points being added to their GPA. This is so well regarded by the schools, it can actually make up for a shortfall on the transcript! It is here that mediocrity fails and a degree of excellence overwhelms.
Warning! If you’re on a sports team, in the orchestra, or have a parent who is a physician, don’t limit your time to only those particular activities. Once again, it is here that diversity as well as commitment counts.

A combination of work, community service and sports cover all the bases. Don’t ask yourself, “How can I possibly do all of that?” I guarantee that there are numerous other students doing more. How isn’t important, but why is! That’s what the best schools are looking for - above average students who go the extra distance.

What all students should be asking themselves is, “Will I be one of them?” - and then do what it takes, whatever it takes, to make sure that they are.

In 2003, two students whom I counseled had each accumulated over 1,000 hours of community service. One was a Sea Scout and an Eagle Scout, and the other had achieved the same status in the Girl Scouts and also had accrued hundreds of additional volunteer hours.

Another student of mine who is legally blind, bilingual, had over 1,200 service hours, 1,400+ SAT, 4.5+ GPA, etc., etc., etc!! This is a perfect example of what a student with the proper guidance and motivation can accomplish.

Planning is the key word that not only sums up the admissions process but the entire College Funding Process as well. You must plan your work and work your plan. No one plans to fail, but sadly, too many fail to plan.

Parents and their ninth graders reading this e-book will now have a tremendous advantage over families with seniors who haven’t done much planning, even if their students have impressive numbers. Starting early also narrows down college choices so that by the 12th grade, students will know exactly which schools they’ll be applying to. It’s here that curriculum counts and name recognition is secondary. The one overriding factor that families need to be aware of is to insure that the student obtains the maximum knowledge in the course they are pursuing!
Summertime Activities

How you spend the next three summers will also have a direct affect on how the admissions officers will perceive you. A lackluster summer suggests the student is not community oriented, and this could actually detract from the GPA. Students volunteering for out-of-state community service (excluding summer camp) will certainly turn heads.

If you are fortunate enough to be able to tour Europe or the Far East, keep a diary of your everyday activities. Accentuate the cultural aspects of your trip, rather than the leisure times. If you studied in a foreign country, that would be an A+. Don’t squander such opportunities. These experiences will be great material for future college essays.

Taking college courses in the summer is another great idea. This also shows risk taking, which, once again, is highly regarded by all admissions officers. If the student can land an internship, that too would be most advantageous and will add to the GPA. Just be sure that the work suits the student’s academic abilities. Students should not be afraid to quit if all they are doing is inventory or some other menial task.

The High School Guidance Counselor

The 9th grade should be a student’s first exposure to guidance counselors. Sadly, many of my clients think the term “guidance counselor” should be considered an oxymoron! I, however, do not share their view.

As mentioned earlier, the high school guidance counselor’s time grows shorter every year, and their areas of expertise are usually limited to career planning and college selection. However, some states have advanced guidance programs such as the BRACE Program (Broward Advisors for Continuing Education) in Broward County, Florida.

The BRACE Program has created a “super” guidance counselor; one with advanced training in college preparation giving them far more knowledge and expertise in the admissions process than their counterparts. However, even they unfortunately lack the necessary financial expertise that could save families thousands of dollars in the College

Funding Process.

This less than perfect situation, caused by circumstances beyond the control of guidance counselors, exempts them from any blame. They are not trained to be financial experts and cannot be expected to perform as such. However, to their credit, they are of enormous help in many other areas.

Students will need guidance counselors to write outstanding LOR’s to the colleges they will be applying to. Students are advised to make every effort to get on their good side from the very beginning of the high school years. A birthday, anniversary, Easter or Christmas card can go a long way.

No, I’m not suggesting that you bribe them. It’s just that with all the overcrowding so prevalent in high schools these days, students may need to light a fire under them just to be remembered. So, don’t hesitate to suck up to them (especially in the 11th and 12th grades), because an outstanding LOR from your guidance counselor to your favorite college may just tip the scales and get you accepted.

Note: Writing LOR’s is part of the guidance counselor’s job description, and, although one could argue that they are not paid nearly enough, writing LOR’s is one of the things they are paid to do. Don’t hesitate to go knocking on their doors. The bottom line is, do whatever it takes, but stay in their good graces. Never lose sight of the fact that they are there to help you.
The Private Guidance Counselor

Under normal circumstances, students should not have to go beyond their high school guidance counselor(s) for assistance. However, if the following circumstances exist, by all means seek out the services of a “private” guidance counselor or college advisor.

· In your class of 1000 plus students, the counselors have virtually no time to assist you with your college research.

· The counselor has proven him or herself to be of no help once too often.

· Your special talent needs nurturing, guidance and direction that unfortunately your counselor(s) cannot provide.· You are a special needs student, and in need of someone special to help you.

Note: Parents also have the option of hiring a college admissions/financial aid professional, an expert in admissions and financial aid.
The International Baccalaureate (IB) Program

The IB Program, a/k/a The Diploma Program, is a demanding international course of study only offered at some 250 select high schools in the US and an additional 550 worldwide. If one of these schools is within a reasonable driving distance, parents with exceptionally bright students should seriously consider enrolling them in an IB Program in the 10th grade or certainly no later than the 11th grade. Additionally, college credit can be earned by achieving an acceptable score on the IB exam.
The Home Schooled Student (”Professors Mom & Dad”)

The time has passed when home schooling was rare, and I have personally counseled many students who had been. I neither recommend nor dissuade anyone from this approach to education. However, it is highly recommended that parents have all the information concerning home schooling in their resident state so that their student will obtain a high school diploma on time and without any difficulty. Contact your state’s higher education authority (listed in Section V) and prospective colleges to determine if they have any special requirements.

It will be of utmost importance that the student’s paperwork be as impeccable as possible. In addition, testimonials from community leaders as to their character, and mentors who will attest to their academic performance are absolutely necessary. Parents cannot act as guidance counselors and write outstanding LOR’s. They should come from a high school teacher, a college professor or a private guidance counselor, and be sure to choose your mentors well. They can make the difference between being accepted or rejected.

Warning! The failure of parents to make sure everything is done according to their state’s specific guidelines could result in their student not being able to graduate from high school on time.

For further information on home schooling, go to www.homeschool.com

9th Grade Summary

1. Review the transcript for errors, omissions and inconsistencies.

2. Take a foreign language.

3. Negotiate for better grades.

4. Join clubs, assume a leadership position if possible, and participate in sports.

5. Begin to accumulate community service hours.

6. Begin developing the student’s resume.

7. Families should plan an official or unofficial visit to several of the colleges of choice, check out schools on the Internet, and students should seek out alumni in their area to get another perspective on colleges being considered.
8. Use tutors whenever necessary. Student tutors are acceptable.

9. Parents need to review their student’s work and grades on a weekly basis. Parents must get involved, but shouldn’t take over.

10. Parents need to personally meet with all teachers and guidance counselors and begin to nurture relationships with key players in the student’s future. “Parent’s Night” alone is not enough!

11. Lay the groundwork for superlative LOR’s.

12. Arrange for a free financial consultation with a college funding professional to determine whether income planning and/or asset repositioning are necessary.

13. Prepare for the PSAT. An exceptionally high score will qualify the student to be a National Merit Scholarship finalist. The prestige earned is far more valuable than the money awarded and will impress college admission committees.

14. Take the SATll in Biology if possible, while the subject is fresh in the student’s mind. Most other SATll’s will come later.

15. Notify guidance counselor(s) if you are also working with a college funding professional. In this way, all can work together for the ultimate goal - the best possible education for the least possible cost.

16. Visit www.monster.com <http://www.monster.com> - for admission matching services and their free scholarship search database.

17. Visit www.collegiatechoice.com <http://www.collegiatechoice.com> - their unedited video tours of colleges are most impressive.

18. Visit www.nymenmtor.edu <http://www.nymenmtor.edu> - for their online research of New York’s state colleges and universities.

19. Visit www.campustours.com <http://www.campustours.com> - they answer questions on over 3,200 colleges and also have virtual college tours.

20. Visit www.collegboard.com <http://www.collegboard.com> - for invaluable, up-to-date college information and to calculate your EFC.

21. If possible, apply for out-of-state summer opportunities, i.e. community service, internships, etc. Any pre-university program students become involved in shows a high degree of seriousness, challenge and the all-important elements of risk and commitment

22. Read and read some more. Be sure to have a dictionary handy (and two dictionaries if you’re bilingual), so you can learn 5 to 10 new words every week (in each language). Just think, if you only learned one new word each day while in high school, you would have added more than 1,250 words to your vocabulary! This alone guarantees to substantially raise your SAT English score. Even if you’re a math genius, you can always afford to increase your vocabulary.

23. If offered, students should take a course in Speech or Public Speaking. It will be invaluable later on in life.

24. Students should begin to focus on a career - it’s never too early. This will make choosing a college or university much easier.

25. Try to obtain copies of college newspapers. This can be a very “eye opening” experience. If you have difficulty, go to www.cpnet.com http://www.cpnet.com.

26. Students should make a chart of all standardized tests (PSAT, ACT, SAT, SATII, etc.). List the test, date taken and the score. In this way, areas that need improvement can easily be identified. It’s never too early to get your numbers up.

27. Bilingual students need to take the TOEFL (Test of English as a Foreign Language). The TOEFL is a computer-based test consisting of 4 parts:

• Listening
• Structure
• Reading
• Writing

The more proficient the student is, the more difficult the questions become. This standardized test is a must if English is not the first language. (Who’s to say what language is spoken behind closed doors.) I encourage every student who is bilingual to take the TOEFL, even if both student and parents were born in the US. If, for any reason, the guidance counselor tells the student he or she doesn’t qualify or that the test is not necessary - it should be taken anyway!

Remember: This is a test of English! Students fluent in another language should absolutely take the TOEFL regardless of any advice to the contrary. A high score on the computer based TOEFL (280-300) will certainly add points to the GPA. A high TOEFL will tell the college that the student won’t have any language problem if they’re admitted. This is another strategy that will give the student an additional advantage or “edge.”

Note: If the test is offered without the use of computers, then a similar test (with no writing section) is given instead. It is called the TWE (Test of Written English).
28. Students planning a military career will need to do research and focus on schools offering an ROTC program. They should also make every effort to keep in contact with their US Senators and Congressmen. Their LOR is required for an appointment to one of the military academies.

29. Students should consider taking classes in summer school to make dual enrollment possible in the 11th and 12th grades. This really shows foresight and maturity on the part of a promising student.
30. Students should make an effort to establish friendships with seniors and pick their brains.

31. This is the right time to begin planning 10th grade schedules to stay and keep on track.

32. Fine Arts students should try to establish a relationship with a world-class talent in their field - show them their stuff, and get an LOR.

Note: It is widely perceived that contact with a world-class artist is virtually impossible, especially for an unknown high school student. Well, don’t believe it. There are many Don Quixote’s out there looking for a noble cause or gesture - find one of them. Nobody ever promised you it would be easy.

33. After reviewing your options, consider entering an IB Program by the 11th grade.

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