... 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 in
approved “A-G” classes.
Students don’t have to become focused on 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 and community engagement.
If students do their “personal 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 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 sports.
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). The scores have no bearing on college applications; they simply give sophomores experience taking the
SAT, which is one of the two standardized tests students may take for admission to college. Another option is the
ACT, and students may take a practice ACT or SAT as a junior to help them decide which testing path to follow.
The college counseling team also invites sophomores and their parents/guardians to attend an evening presentation in October – “Finding the Right College Fit.” A panel of college admission officers and recent LWHS graduates will discuss the prospect of exploring interests, searching for “the right college fit,” and understanding how colleges review applications. 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 we err on the side of the here and now, especially for frosh and sophomore students, it is because we believe that students deserve to live in the present for all it is worth. Having said this, however, the college counseling team always welcomes questions from students and parents/guardians about college preparation.
In the spring, sophomores will be deciding which classes they will take next year.The range of options will be much broader than it was during frosh and sophomore years, and students are encouraged to take a step back and take the longer view of the curriculum they are building at LWHS. 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, advisors, teachers, a college counselor, 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. The college counseling team looks forward to meeting students and beginning this exciting and fulfilling adventure next year. In the meantime, have a fun and engaging sophomore year!
