Freshman Parent Meeting Q & A
2/2/21
Thank you to all of the families that joined our Freshman Parent College Planning Q&A in January! It is so fun to dialogue with families, even virtually, as you plan ahead for your scholars’ futures. A sampling of our Q & A from the session is included here; please let us know if you have any questions.
Q: Where can students watch the first Freshman College Planning video again?
Q: Where can students view the Freshman College Preparation Steps again?
Q: Where else can I find action items for our 9th grade family?
Q: How can we learn more about colleges?
A: Virtual College Fairs are a great way to learn about colleges in an informal, less intimidating format. NACAC is the national organization serving admission counselors, and they have several virtual fairs this spring:
https://virtualcollegefairs.org/events.
Q: Where can we find helpful information about planning ahead for the financial cost of college?
Q: Where can students continue their journey as a Catholic student?
Q: What is the average SAT score for BCHS students?
A: We saw a slight change in our average score following the pandemic. Beginning with the August 2020 test administration and running through the December 2020 test administration, our students’ average score has ranged between 1144 and 1191. For the class of 2020, the average score was 1164 (590 ERW/ 574 M). This average is for all test takers.
Q: How do you plan for college as a freshman in high school?
A: Freshman year is a time to begin conversations and lay a foundation for things students will need to know later. One key is to begin to empower them to be independent, make difficult decisions, and struggle though challenges. High school is a great time to face adversity because they still have your support as they pass the roadblocks. It allows them to challenge themselves enough to grow. Students gain confidence that they will carry with them to college and their career. Our students excel in time management, but that also comes with a learning curve. The first two years of high school are a perfect opportunity to start exploring interests, hobbies, and causes about which students are passionate while they build the academic rigor in their coursework.
Q: What things do colleges consider when looking to offer admission to students?
A: GPA, how challenging the coursework has been in high school, test scores (many schools are test optional now, but the future of testing is still up in the air at many institutions), involvement outside of the classroom, special talents that students have, and additional special considerations of extenuating circumstances.
Q: How do I help my student be successful in classes they don’t enjoy?
A: Students have a chance in high school to learn that the right study habits, commitment to asking questions, and engagement with activities that don’t interest them can help them build critical thinking and skills for college courses and the workforce. Tutors, teacher help, and success plans from counselors are all available to help them find success.
Q: What options are there for post-secondary plans?
A: There are multiple paths to a bachelors degree, and students have so many options on where they start their journey after graduation. We are here to help with admission to 2-year, 4-year, and trade schools while also helping them connect with certification programs, employment, and the military.
Q: How can Bishop Chatard students take summer courses?
A: Bishop Chatard offers summer health. Additionally, we have a list of approved sites where students can enroll in courses for credit recovery or to help them address curriculum needs due to extenuating circumstances. Because much of the course content in our curriculum builds on the foundation of the previous course, core classes are not intended to be taken away from Bishop Chatard as a replacement of what we have available. School counselors are available to discuss curriculum planning and answer questions regarding outside credits.
Q: What should 9th graders do?
A: Freshman can do their best academically, diversify their interests to try new things, make sure that they are searching for schools to learn their options.
Q: Can you contact colleges as a freshman?
A: Sure! You can work with admission offices or directly with academic departments to find answers to your questions. Most answers you have at this stage in the process are also readily available on the college and university websites.
