North Kingstown High School Guidance

Planning for College? Now?

There are a lot of terms and phrases on this Web site that might be confusing (especially when you see them for the first time). To look up a word or phrase, a good place to go is HERE.

The clock is ticking . . . and before you know it, you will be moving up to high school or moving on to college. It may be hard, right now, to think about whether you want to get a job or to go to college after high school, but you need to be thinking and looking ahead. The choices that you make now will have an impact on your ability to attend college.

When you are entering middle school you should plan on taking the right courses to qualify for the college-bound program in high school. These courses begin in the seventh grade. Once you are in high school the first choice you must make is to finish high school because a diploma is necessary to open other opportunities. While in high school, it is important to take college preparatory courses. You also need to be thinking about and planning for college costs. Then, when the time to go to college comes, you will be ready.

No matter what you decide to do after high school, pre-college courses will give you a sound, broad background. The wide range of courses will make it easier for you to earn a living, contribute to your community, and generally enjoy life. So whether you plan to go to college immediately after high school, later, or not at all, you should seriously consider the benefits of the college-bound program. At the very least, you should take courses in middle and junior high school school and high school that give you the option of continuing on to college.

Courses To Take in Middle School

If you are a middle or junior high school student, then this is the right time for you and your family to begin thinking about college. You should begin planning to reach this goal by choosing the classes that will lead to college preparatory courses in high school. Now is also the time to be getting information on paying for college and to start saving for college, if you and your family are not already doing so.

It is important that you take courses that challenge your abilities. For example, studies have shown that students who take algebra in the eighth grade and geometry in the ninth grade are more likely to attend college than students who do not. By taking these courses now, you will be able to take challenging and interesting science and mathematics electives in high school.

The following academic subjects make up the important courses that you should take in middle and junior high school. Examples of specific classes are listed next to the name of the subject; the names used at your school may differ. Courtesy: Getting Ready for College Early

—Algebra I (in eighth grade) and Geometry (in ninth grade) or other challenging math courses that expect students to master the essentials of these subjects.

—English, Science and History or Geography. Together with math, these courses make up the “core” or basic academic classes. Every student should take English every year in middle school and in high school.

Looking for some community service opportunities that will really help out others and will look good on your college application?

Servenet and Impact Online can help you find some.

By typing in your zip code, these Web sites will locate some of the volunteer opportunities in your community.

—Foreign Language. Many colleges require their students to study a foreign language for at least two years, and some prefer three or four years of one language.

—Computer Science. Basic computer skills are now essential, and more and more jobs require at least a basic knowledge of computers.

—The Arts. Many colleges view participation in the arts and music as a valuable experi-ence that broadens students’ understanding and appreciation of the world around them.

Extra-curricular activities like student government, clubs, sports, plays, and community service are important for middle and junior high school students, too. Your involvement in these activities shows teamwork, leadership, and commitment to improving your community.

Courses to take in High School

These are recommendations from the U.S. Department of Education. Note that the requirements for graduation from high school vary by district, and the recommended courses for college admission vary by college. Consult with your guidance counselor in choosing courses and be sure to read the information from the colleges on the courses they expect you to take in high school.

A total of 18 college preparatory units are required for entrance to many four-year colleges and universities.

ENGLISH -- 4 Years of College Preparatory Courses Required
Good reading, writing, speaking and listening skills are essential to do well in college and to succeed in any job. Most employers rate good communications skills as one of the most important factors in getting and keeping a good job.
Types of Classes: Composition, American Literature, English Literature, World Literature

MATHEMATICS -- 4 Years
Mathematics helps you learn to use logical reasoning and to develop good problem-solving skills.
Types of Classes: Algebra I, Geometry, Algebra II, Trigonometry, Pre-Calculus, Calculus

SOCIAL STUDIES -- 2-3 Years
Studying the history, government, economics, and geography of the United States and the world gives you a better understanding of past, present and potential future events.
Types of Classes: U.S. History, U.S. Government, World History, World Cultures, Geography, Civics

LABORATORY SCIENCE -- 3-4 Years
Laboratory science explains the mysteries of the world. Science teaches you how to be a careful observer and to use logical reasoning to answer questions.
Types of Classes: Earth Science, Biology, Chemistry, Physics

FOREIGN LANGUAGE -- 3-4 Years
Studying a foreign language can help you understand and communicate with people from other cultures here and abroad. Learning a foreign language is the best way to begin understanding another culture.
Types of Classes: French, German, Spanish

VISUAL & PERFORMING ARTS -- 1-2 Years
Visual and performing arts add to your appreciation of and enjoyment of life. Studying the arts helps to develop creativity and gives you an opportunity to express yourself.
Types of Classes: Art, Music, Photography, Drama, Dance

CHALLENGING ELECTIVES -- 1-3 Years
Electives are the courses you chose to complete your high school program. If you particularly like one area of the curriculum, such as science, you may chose to elect an additional science course. Or you may chose to explore another area by taking a college preparatory business course. Discuss your options with your school counselor to be sure that the elective is a college preparatory level course.
Types of Classes: Economics, Psychology, Computer Science, Statistics, Communications

North Kingstown High School

Home of the Skippers

150 Fairway Drive
North Kingstown, RI 02852
Guidance Phone: 401-268-6240

Timothy S. Chace

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