• Courses
to take in middle and high school
• The total package:
courses, grades, and activities
• Planning for students with special needs
• Planning for
college costs
• Planning for
college: other resources
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 and Junior High 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.
|
—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
HISTORY & GEOGRAPHY
-- 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, Italian, Spanish, Latin
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, Dram, 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
The Total Package: Courses, Grades, and Activities
Courses.
When college admissions officers look at transcripts they also look at
the levels of courses. Admissions officers say that they like to
see applicants challenging themselves by choosing academic subjects beyond
the requirements (for example, a fourth year of a world language or a
science elective), honors courses, and AP
courses whenever available. By selecting rigorous courses every
year, including senior year, students are showing that they are taking
their studies seriously and are willing to work hard. AP classes
may allow you to get college credit, be exempt from college requirements
or provide helpful background for other courses. 
Grades and Class Rank. Grades count! By getting good grades in high school, students are demonstrating to admissions officers that they will be able to do college-level academic work. The grade point average (GPA) is often used as a criteria by admissions committees in making their decisions. Another indicator of academic ability is class rank, which shows where a student's GPA is in comparison with other students in the class.
Activities.
When you list the activities that you participated in while in high school,
you are filling in the rest of the picture of who you are. Colleges
are interested in knowing what you might be able to contribute to the
college community in skills, talents, and interests. These activities
may be athletics, clubs, volunteer work or paid employment. Especially
noteworthy are activities that involve special talents, community service,
or leadership (in student government or as a team captain, for example).
Students may have unique special talents (as musicians or debaters).
Community service is a good way to develop new skills while you help your
community. It is also a way to qualify for some scholarship opportunities.
Being involved with student council shows school spirit, leadership, and
the ability to work with peers and teachers. Many students have
jobs while in high school. 
Working
and keeping your grades up demonstrates that you can manage your time
well.
Self-directed learning projects also show that you know how to manage
time. Peer support activities such as peer mediation or tutoring provide
the opportunity to help others while you improve your own social skills.
In deciding on your activities, it will make a better impression to choose
a few activities in which you are very involved rather than joining many
organizations as a senior.
Planning for Students with Special Needs
Understanding the laws. In increasing numbers, students with different disabilities are attending and succeeding in colleges and universities. With good planning, access to the necessary services and support and self-advocacy, students with disabilities are successful in college. Understanding the laws and regulations that govern access to services and supports in college is the first place to start. Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973 and Title II of the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990 (ADA) prohibit state and local governments from discriminating on the basis of disability. The U.S. Department of Education Office of Civil Rights enforces these laws in colleges and universities. Understanding the laws becomes critical for students with disabilities as they advocate for their rights in higher education.
ADA Q&A: Section 504 and Postsecondary Education is a valuable resource providing questions and answers about Section 504 as it relates to postsecondary education for students with disabilities. Learning more about the ADA and its impact on postsecondary education will help you be prepared to exercise your rights in college.
Documentation. To qualify for supports and services in college, a student with a disability must identify his or her needs to the college and provide documentation. A student with a learning disability must plan ahead to be assured access to the available resources at a postsecondary school. In elementary and secondary schools, teachers and school specialists may have arranged support services for students with disabilities. However, in postsecondary schools, the students themselves must document the need for an auxiliary aid and give adequate notice of the need. Similarly, a student with Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (AD/HD) must also document the need for an auxiliary aid and give adequate notice of the need. Qualifying for supports and services in college starts with your Individual Education Program (IEP) while you are still in middle school and high school. It is important to attend your IEP meetings and ensure that your teachers and school counselors know about your intentions to attend college.
While
in high school:
• Take classes
with necessary supports that are academically challenging and meet college
admission requirements.
• Learn about your disability and the strategies that
help you overcome your challenges.
• Take more control in the decisions that affect your
life.
• Take advantage of service learning, School-to-Career,
and other community experiences to learn more about yourself.
• Practice effective organizational skills and ensure
that evaluations (you will need these to receive accommodations in college)
and documents are in order.
Remember, in middle and high school, the help you receive is an entitlement.
In college, you must advocate for what you need. Practice your
skills while in high school to get the help you need so you will be prepared
for college.
Course substitutions and waivers. Colleges may allow applicants and students enrolled in a program to substitute a course or waive a course. Allowing waivers or substitutions is a voluntary policy established by each college, and students should never assume a substitution or waiver will be granted in applying to or once enrolled in a college's program of study. Students who wish to pursue a course substitution or waiver are strongly advised to discuss their options with college admissions officers, disability support service coordinators at colleges, academic advisors and/or school counselors.
Online
Resources for Students with Disabilities
College
and Career Programs for Deaf Students
This cyber-guide has information on postsecondary programs in the U.S.
for deaf and hard-of-hearing students. The guide includes program listings,
admissions information, and support services descriptions. For each institution,
the guide provides a list of major areas of study and degrees. There is
also an informative question-and-answer section for students. The information
is based on a recent survey of postsecondary programs in the U.S.
Chadd
CHADD is the national non-profit organization representing children and
adults with attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (AD/HD). The CHADD
Web site has information about legislative, educational, and social issues
of interest to families dealing with AD/HD.
DO-IT
Disabilities, Opportunities, Internetworking, and Technology
DO-IT (Disabilities, Opportunities, Internetworking, and Technology) is
dedicated to increasing the successful participation of individuals with
disabilities in challenging academic programs and careers such as those
in science, engineering, mathematics, and technology. DO-IT provides information
on transitioning from high school to college. DO-IT has many useful publications,
brochures, and videotapes, including College: You Can Do It, that can
help you reach your academic goals, and It's Your Career, for guidelines
in finding work-based learning opportunities.
Cornucopia
of Disability Information
CODI serves as a resource for consumers and professionals by providing
disability information in a wide variety of areas. Click on College
to access good links for students and teachers.
Deaf
Students Education Services
The U.S. Department of Education provides additional school about part
B of the Individuals with Disabilities Act (IDEA) and Section 504 of the
Rehabilitation Act of 1973 as they relate to the provision of appropriate
education service to students who are deaf.
HEATH
Resource Center
This national clearinghouse offers a wide array of information and
resources on education for students with disabilities. Many HEATH resources,
like research and guides, are available here, including information on
financial aid for students with disabilities. This site is a major source
of information for families with special needs. Good links to other resources
are also provided.
LDOnLine
LDOnLine is the interactive guide to learning disabilities for students,
teachers and families. You'll find bulletin boards, audio clips, articles
written by leading experts, personal stories, research findings, and the
latest news in the field of learning disabilities. Pages from this site
can be translated into several different languages.
Muskingum
College
This comprehensive site offers a well-organized layout of learning strategies
for specific
content areas - accounting, math, psychology, and more. The site also
hosts a student transition section that provides needed supports for the
student with a disability preparing for or attending college. A parent
section provides advocacy information to help an adolescent with a disability
transition to college.
National
Attention Deficit Disorder Association
The NADDA Web site is packed with articles, personal stories, interviews
with ADD professionals, book reviews, and links to other ADD-related sites
that provide information which can be useful for you. Information is provided
on school, career, and family issues that would be of interest to students,
families, and educators. Check out the section
on ADD and schools for practical suggestions to help make your school
and college experiences more accommodating.
The National Information Center for
Children and Youth with Disabilities
NICHCY is the national information center that provides information on
disabilities and disability-related issues. Anyone can use our services-families,
educators, administrators, journalists, and students. Our special focus
is children and youth (birth to age 22).
The Office of
Disability Employment Policy of the U. S. Department of Labor
The Office of Disability Employment Policy of the U. S. Department of
Labor created this site to provide one-stop online access to resources,
services, and information available through the Federal government. The
College and Adult Education section (http: www.disability.gov/category/4)
has information for the college-bound student with disabilities.
Transition
Planning - Getting Ready for College
This a chapter from a transitions planning guide published by the Area
Resources Center of Winnebago, Boone, and Ogle Counties, Illinois. It
has a good checklist for parents, counselors, teachers and students covering
major areas in planning for the transition to college.
Wrightslaw
Families, advocates, educators, and attorneys visit Wrightslaw for accurate,
up-to-date information about effective advocacy for children with disabilities.
You will find hundreds of articles, cases, newsletters, and other information
about special advocacy and law libraries. The mission of Wrightslaw is
to help people advocate for children with disabilities - parents & family
members, teachers, attorneys, clergy, health care providers, and other
advocates.
Planning for Students with Special Needs: ARTICLES
OF INTERESTS
Attention deficit
disorder in college: Faculty and students: partners in education
Self-Advocacy
for College Students
Employment
and Work-Based Learning Activities for College Students with Disabilities
This booklet promotes the importance of work activities, and work-based
learning, to your college experience. It urges all students with disabilities
to take key steps that will enhance their career opportunities. Its premise
is that by combining academic study with more work experiences, you will
be better prepared for the workforce.
Ways
that Students Can Help Themselves
College Students with Learning Disabilities: A Handbook
Links
to other information of interest to students with disabilities
and their families can be found throughout the Preparing for College
site.
Financial
Planning
Paying for a college education is usually the second biggest financial
decision a family makes, next to buying a house. Although paying
for college is a big commitment, most people recognize the benefits in
greater future earnings and improved quality of life. Few families
can pay for a college education without any assistance, but by planning
early, using all the resources available, and choosing a college wisely,
virtually everyone can afford a college education.
Consider the following strategies to reduce your college costs:
- Earning college credit in high school by enrolling in a Tech-Prep program
- Taking AP courses. By passing the AP exam, you can earn college credit
- Getting education benefits by serving in the armed forces
- Taking your first two years at a community college
- Working for a company that provides tuition benefits and attending college part time
- Participating in The New England Regional Student Program (RSP), which allows students in the six New England states to study in approved programs not offered by public institutions in their home states and to pay reduced out-of-state tuition at public institutions in the region.
- Getting credit
for prior learning. If you have training through work, the armed forces,
or life experiences, you may be eligible for credit. Ask for information
about the CLEP
exam in the college office that evaluates prior learning.
Saving
for College
Developing a savings plan early will help to make a college education
affordable. The earlier that families develop a savings plan for
college expenses, the smaller the amount to be saved each year.
For information on how much a college education will cost and to figure
out how much you need to save, use one of the financial aid calculators
in the Financial Aid section of this Web site.
When you are thinking about the total costs of going to college, include
books, room and board, and travel expenses, as well as tuition.
Many states have special savings plans for college costs. Rhode
Island residents should visit the Rhode
Island Higher Education Assistance Authority (RIHEAA) and CollegeBoundfund
sites for information on state-sponsored savings plans.
Financial
Aid
Most students rely on some financial aid available through the state or
federal government and from the colleges they attend. The federal
government provides most of the financial aid through Pell Grants, Supplemental
Educational Opportunity Grants, Stafford Loans, Parent Loan for Undergraduate
Students Loans (PLUS), Perkins Loans, and work-study programs. Information
on federal financial aid and links to free publications such as Funding
Your Education and The Student Guide are available from the
U.S. Department of Education's
Web site. Financial aid information is also available at students.gov,
which is an interagency project of the U.S. government that provides postsecondary
students with easy access to all kinds of federal government information
and services. You can call the Federal Student Aid Information Center
for information at 1-800-4-FED-AID (1-800-433-3243), TTY 1-800-730-8913,
or 1-319-337-5665. Hours of operation are Monday through Friday from 8:00
a.m. to 12 a.m. (midnight EST) and Saturday from 9:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m.
(EST). The first step to receiving federal financial aid is to fill out
the FAFSA (Free Application for Federal Student Aid). Information and
online application forms in English and Spanish
are available on the FAFSA Web site.
Many high schools and public libraries also have the forms and sponsor
financial aid information nights.
Speak with your school counselor and school librarian who can tell you
about federal, state, local, and other financial aid. Your state may also
have grant and loan programs (check the Rhode
Island Postsecondary Education Resources section of this Web site
for resources in RI). Community, civic, religious, and professional/corporate
organizations also sponsor scholarships that you might qualify for. Ask
your family members to inquire at their places of work if scholarhips
or tuition assistance are available to children of employees. Many local
agencies, such as the College
Planning Center, can help you understand and fill out the financial
aid paperwork. See also two sections on this site: RI
Postsecondary Education Resources and RI Opportunity
Programs.
Many valuable resources can be found on the Internet. However, not all
scholarhip search sites are free, and you will probably have equally good
results by consulting the resources listed above and by using only free
online services. For links to more information on scholarships, loans,
and grants, see the section on Financial Aid.
PLANNING FOR
COLLEGE: OTHER RESOURCES
College
is Possible
Sponsored by the Coalition of American Colleges and Universities, this
site has information on preparing for college, including recommendations
for junior and senior high school students. It has sections on choosing
the right college and on how to pay for college. There are good
links to other sites with information on preparing for and applying to
college and on paying for a college education.
Getting
Ready for College Early: A Handbook for Parents of Students in the
Middle School Years
Written for parents as an introduction to preparing for their children's
college education, this site includes recommendations for steps to be
taken during the junior and senior high school years. A Spanish
language version is also available. 
Guide
to Postsecondary Education Information
More and more students with learning disabilities are enrolling in colleges
and universities. And, more and more institutions of higher education
are offering support programs for students with learning disabilities.
LDOnLine has assembled a comprehensive guide to assist in the planning
and selection process, plus lots of advice on creating a successful educational
experience.
GrO/Going
Right On
GrO is a free downloadable multimedia program from the College Board designed
to encourage middle school students to start thinking about college.
GrO was designed for early teens who may be uncertain about their future
prospects for college or unsure about how to get on the college-bound
track.
Hard
Work Pays: What you have to do in high school to get the life you
want
This booklet, prepared by the American Federation of Teachers (AFT), provides
middle school students with informaiton about what they need to do in
high school to turn their aspirations for college or a good job into reality.
Mapping
Your Future
This site, from the Texas Guaranteed Student Loan Corporation, contains
helpful information and useful links. Guided tours of the site are
designed for middle and high school students, non-traditional students,
student borrowers, and s. A Spanish
language version of the site is available. See Careership
for interactive career activity. The site has scheduled “chat nights”
around admissions and financial aid questions. Students can access
online applications, get financial aid information, check the status of
student loans, and use loan and budget calculators.
Parent
Connection
A college planning newsletter with information directed toward questions
from parents.
The
Path from Home School to College
Home schooled students face special challenges when it comes to planning
for and applying to college. Their distinct school situation demands a
unique approach to the college admission process. This site provides information
and links to help.
Planting
the Seeds of Success: Advising College Students with Disabilities
This brief guide for students provides general information for empowering
students with disabilities to access their full potentials and function
effectively as independent members of any university community.
Post
Secondary Guide
This site, sponsored by the Pacer Center (Parent Advocacy Coalition for
Educational Rights), provides recommendations for college preparation
and lists, publications, and resource links for parents and students with
disabilities.
Preparing
Your Child for College. A Resource Book for Parents.
A comprehensive guide for parents, this online publication provides answers
to general questions and information on preparing students academically,
financing a college education, and the importance of long range planning.
Helpful checklists for parents and children are included. This 1996-1997
edition is the most recent online version.
Ready,
Set, Go
This online newsletter for middle school students provides information
on planning academically and financially for college.
Students.gov
This mission of this Web site is to give college students and students
planning on going to college easy access to the informaiton and sercies
available from the U.S. government. The site also includes links to other
educational and some commercial sites. The site was developed as a cooperative
effort of the federal government, higher education and students to reflect
what students and families say is the information they need.
Summer
programs to help prepare students with learning disabilities for college
This directory provides information on summer programs that prepare high
school juniors and seniors with LD and/or ADD for the challenges of college-level
work. Topics addressed include time management, organizational skills,
mnemonic strategies for effective reading and note taking, and test preparation.
Students learn how to approach and request services from disability support
services staff. Considerations for choosing the right college and self-advocacy
skills are also discussed.
Think
College
This U.S. Department of Education Web site has information for pre-high
school, high school, returning adult students and families. There
are links to financial aid and college planning Web sites.
Think
College Early
This handbook for students in middle and junior high school school shows
students how a college education will improve their lives. The importance
of early planning, choosing the right courses and financing an education
are stressed.
Why
College?? Why Not!! | Thinking
Ahead about College | Finding
a Career
RI Postsecondary Education Resources |
Choosing a College
Listings of Colleges |
Financial
Aid/Scholarships | SAT
or ACT Preparation
RI Opportunity Programs
| Resources for Educators
Home | What's New | Feedback
Rhode
Island Office of Higher Education
Academic and Student Affairs
50 Holden Street, Providence, RI 02908-5748
(401) 222-6560
Web
site developed in December 1998 by Phyllis
Harnick and Timothy S. Chace
Site last updated September 2003 by Michol
Stapel
