... but that’s the case, so best not to ignore reality. Colleges are usually more patient and flexible about ninth grade academic achievement, but they often begin calculating grade point averages (GPA) quite precisely with tenth grade. It would be misleading not to point this out, especially here in California, where the
University of California and the
California State University determine an applicant's GPA based on sophomore and junior year grades.
Students don’t have to become obsessed with grades alone because of this; colleges are just as interested in a student's accomplishments outside of the classroom, and the character and commitment a student brings to school work.
If students do their “level best” (a phrase that deserves close attention in our hectic and demanding lives) and stay focused on getting the most they can out of each class, team, organization, performance, and creation they undertake, grades will most likely take care of themselves. LWHS still believes sincerely that character and commitment are the keys – that the narrative comments from a student's teachers are as important as their grades, and that the team concept applies as much to learning as it does in theatre and sport.
The world of college, and specifically college preparation, comes more into focus this year as well. For one thing, students will take the
PSAT (Preliminary SAT) in October (LWHS will register students automatically). Although this test is intended for juniors, sophomores take it as preparation for next year. The scores have no bearing on college application this year; they simply give LWHS a sense of where students stand with respect to this kind of assessment. When students take the PSAT again as a junior, their scores may offer a more reliable benchmark, and may help them decide how best to approach the actual
SAT tests, which will begin in the spring of junior year.
LWHS also invites sophomores and their parents to attend an evening presentation in October – “Finding the Right College Fit.” A panel of college admission officers and recent Lick graduates will discuss the prospect of exploring interests, searching for “the right college fit,” and understanding how colleges evaluate applicants. LWHS hopes to find a balance between a student's need to focus primarily on their work and involvement in this community, and the evolving need to discuss and look ahead to college applications. If LWHS errs on the side of the “here and now,” especially for frosh and sophomore students, it is because LWHS believes that this is more important, and that students deserve to live in the present for all it is worth. Having said this, however, LWHS always welcomes questions from students and parents/guardians about college preparation.
In the spring, students will be deciding which classes they will take next year; talk with school advisers for help with this process. The range of options will be much broader than it was during freshman and sophomore years, and students are encouraged to take step back and take the longer view of the curriculum they are building at Lick. What will the completed arc of a student's four years look like? How do students wish to shape their curriculum, both in core academic classes and in elective options? Where might students best find opportunities for leadership and service? Students can’t do everything, of course, but LWHS hopes they will continue to reflect on these questions - discuss them with parents/guardians, advisers, teachers, and friends - so that they will get the most out of their time at Lick.
As time and interest allow, please explore this website as a resource for information and a link to the major components of the college application process. College counselors look forward to meeting students and beginning this exciting and fulfilling adventure next year. In the meantime, have a great sophomore year!
