Guidance » Freshmen

Freshmen


Freshman Year
The freshman year is when everything starts to "count". Freshman grades are the beginning in determining the GPA, which is used to determine class rank. Freshman courses, grades, credits and attendance will all become part of the student's transcript, which becomes part of the permanent records. Freshman activities, honors and awards can be listed on college and scholarship applications.

1. Familiarize yourself with post high school opportunities.
College, technical/vocational schools, apprenticeships or the military and their entrance requirements will help determine which high school courses are needed to obtain entrance. Seek advice from parents, teachers and counselors to create a four-year high school curriculum to meet your goals.

2. Monitor your academic progress.
Make sure that you see all interim/progress reports and report cards. Be sure you understand that freshman grades are vitally important.

3. Become involved in a wide variety of activities.
In addition to asking students to list their high school activities, many scholarship applications, college applications and job applications ask for evidence of leadership. It is therefore a good idea to develop leadership skills by volunteering to be an officer of a club, captain of a team, squad leader in the band, etc.

It is also important to participate in activities outside of school (e.g. church, scouting, recreational sports). Community service is particularly important on all applications.

4. Start an Activities, Awards and Work Experience list.
Sometime during your freshman year start keeping a list of school activities, honors, awards, leadership positions, employment, volunteer work, community service, etc. Keep a list and include everything! If you have a home computer, start an "Activities & Awards" file and update it at least once a year. This will be very helpful later when you are required to list activities, honors etc. on scholarship, college and employment applications. See below for a copy of a blank Activities, Awards and Work Experience worksheet.