Page 11 - CHANGING Winter 2019

The Bronx Institute at Lehman College • Bronx GEAR UP Network
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10TH GRADE
10th graders, before you move to the 11th grade, you should complete:
• A second Math Regents (Optional) • A second Lab Science Regents
• A Social Studies Regents
• PSAT
• Community Service • Resume
• Internships
The PSAT exam is essentially a practice SAT, but it’s important for several reasons. It will help you measure your ability to take standardized tests; it provides necessary practice for the SAT; and it can connect you with valuable college resources and scholarships, offered to high-performing students. If you were not offered the PSAT/NMSQT as a 10th grader, you may be offered the PSAT 10 in February or March. They are the same test, just offered at different times of the year. Talk to your ACRC about studying for the PSAT!
Extracurricular activities are a very important part of your college application—they make you look better to prospective colleges and universities, and they show that you’re involved with things that are happening at your school. They’re also a great way to be social! Join clubs or teams, and try to aim for a leadership role.
Be sure to meet with your college counselor. Schedule a meeting to talk about college and career options, and make sure you are taking the most
appropriate classes for your college goals. Your counselor can help you make a college wishlist, which you can then discuss with your parents about what you may want in a college.
Start thinking about your resume. You’ll need a solid resume when applying for schools, scholarships, and other academic opportunities. It should be balanced and include extracurricular activities, education, awards and achievements, jobs or internships, or anything else that you feel best represent your interests, talents, and who you are as a person. To learn more about internship opportunities, see page 9.
11TH GRADE
11th graders, before you move to the 12th grade, you should take:
• An English Regents
• A U.S. History or Global Studies Regents • Algebra II
• SAT
Prepare for the SAT! Many juniors take the SAT in the spring so they can get a head start on planning for college. The SAT is one of the most important parts of your college application, and you should be as well- prepared as possible.
Consider taking SAT Subject Tests. These tests focus on specific academic fields, such as literature, United States history, chemistry, biology, and others. Many colleges require or recommend taking these tests to get a sense of your skills in a certain academic area. It’s best to take a Subject Test right after taking the relevant course so the information is fresh in your mind.
Ask your guidance counselor which exams you should be taking: PSAT/NMSQT, SAT, SAT Subject Tests, ACT, and/or AP Exams. Don’t miss the deadlines, and find the schedules at www.collegeboard.com.
Start researching colleges that match your interests and your GPA. Go on virtual college tours and visit local campuses. Flip through college brochures for ideas on where to start, and be sure to talk with your college counselor or BGUN Academic College Readiness Coach.
Become familiar with the Common Application. Write a first draft of your application letter. Get feedback from friends, family, and teachers, and continue refining your letter. Also, begin thinking about your college essay and what you might want to include in it. This is your best chance to show off who you really are, and a good college essay can help strengthen your application.
Start picking challenging courses for next year. Taking honors courses or college-level courses like Advanced Placement as a senior can help you prepare for college work. These are the courses that college admissions officers like to see, and they’ll help your application stand out from the crowd.
AP EXAM DATES
AP Biology – Monday, May 11, 2020
AP English Language and Composition –
Wednesday, May 13, 2020
AP Microeconomics – Wednesday, May 13, 2020 AP U.S. History – Friday, May 8, 2020
AP Calculus AB – Tuesday, May 5, 2020
AP Chemistry – Thursday, May 7, 2020
AP Computer Science – Friday, May 8, 2020
AP Spanish – Tuesday, May 12, 2020
AP Statistics – Thursday, May 15, 2020
AP World History – Thursday, May 14, 2020
AP Environmental Science – Monday, May 11, 2020 AP U.S. Government and Politics –
Monday, May 4, 2020
AP Studio Art: 2-D Design, Last Day to Assemble
Portfolio – Friday, May 8, 2020
STUDENT CHECKLIST
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