STORM2K

As some of you may know, my oldest daughter is now 16 and a Junior in HS. For several months, we've been involved in the college process - ACT prep class, ACT test, SAT test soon, college visits, etc. It's exhausting but a good tired, at the same time. Let's just say I thought it was busy and hectic when my girls were babies! Ha, what did I know.....anyway, I just wanted to share some things we've learned along the way.

Every quarter or semester grades in HS are so important! Strive for 3.5 or higher if possible. Nina wishes she could go back and take some classes over.

Parents and teachers suggesting the above to students, often falls on deaf ears. It doesn't really begin to sink until you're in this college process. I'm beginning to think Freshmen should go on college tours! That's when you can reach them still, to get those all important grades.

Our last tour was at Indiana University. This school is unlike the others - they don't look at the GPA on your HS transcript, they don't look at school activities, ACT/SAT scores, but rather here's what their admissions officers do - they calculate their own GPA for each student. They average core subject grades for all semesters, and take out fluff classes like Art, Music, etc. Just Math, Science, Language, English, etc. My entire family was sitting there listening to this unique way of determining if a student is up to their standards and I think we all went - whoa....LOL Nina actually thinks it's a good idea. Some students may not test well, why put so much pressure on ACT/SAT scores? In other words, IU wants students with A's and B's in core subjects. They'll take a stray C or several. We're not even sure if Nina will apply there, out of state tuition, etc. But we did like the campus and they seem serious about attracting students who will work hard.

Just an observation I had. To any teen members here, remember each semester in HS is important if you're thinking about applying at a hard to get into college someday. Don't mean to put pressure on you but already Nina wishes she would have tried harder now. She'll do fine and hopefully OU will accept her into their top 10 Journalism College. That's her goal but if not, she has other schools in mind too.

Mary

I have a HUGE problem with a college that doesn't take one's art/music/theatre background seriously; as you may, or may not know, my degrees are in Fine Arts (Design-Illustration), and coppertop's stated goal is to become an actor/writer.

Perhaps, Indiana University doesn't offer BFA/MFA courseloads; which is a symbol of the times, in which the arts are being IGNORED, even in K-12, in favor of the math-science labs and/or competitive sport.

Yes it is important to do well in high school along with the ACT and SAT if you want to get into a top notch school/Ivy League institution. But it's not the end of the world if you scored less than you would have liked. Those scores only get you in the door. It's a new world when you get into college where your grades and scores from high school don't matter as much. You start a new "life" essentially in college. You build upon what you were taught in middle/high school. As long as the basic knowledge is there and the desire to learn, in my opinion, you're good to go.

Don't give up hope if you didn't do so great in high school. You can always start at a community college who accepts everyone with a HS diploma or GED. They offer refresher courses to get you up to par if you've been out of school for a long time or if you just didn't get it in high school. You can start your way there, earning a 2 year degree. You can either directly enter the workforce then or you can transfer to a state university (guarenteed acceptance with a 2 year degree) and work towards your bachelor's/master's/PhD if you so desire. This is not the path for Ivy League bound students, but it's a great alternative path for many others. It allows you to work and have a family at the same time.

I am so happy that I decided to go to college. I have grown and learned so much in these past 2 years. I wouldn't trade it for the world. If you want to go to college, you can do it! Don't let money be an obstacle, there's plenty of ways around it. And there are soooooo many different paths you can take to obtain your college degree. The options are seemingly endless. With the desire to learn and better yourself, anything is possible. Good luck!
...Jennifer...

P.S. I am in no way trying to undermine the importance of doing well in high school. I just don't want people who might not have done so well to feel discouraged.