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Thoughts for Tenth Graders and Parents
The best preparation for college “readiness” cannot be reduced to a single formula or an “earlier is better” philosophy. Our recommendation is to both live and study intensely. To read, to find a passionate interest, to practice a sport or an instrument, to help others, to draw and to photograph--all of these are accomplishments Friends Seminary students have long undertaken and are of inestimable value.
Curriculum
Our curriculum is straightforward and designed to prepare our students for college. Friends Seminary’s requirements meet and exceed most college entrance requirements; nevertheless, students should undertake five full-credit academic subjects each year, in addition to electives.
Students will be selecting eleventh grade courses this spring, and it is worth thinking about some of those choices. Although English is the only course required all four years, students considering selective colleges are wise to pursue math, science, history and world language for four years as well. Eleventh grade is generally the first year Friends students will be taking advanced courses; these may require a qualifying grade and/or permission of the Department Chair and instructor. Occasionally, an ambitious student may wish to try to advance or skip a level in mathematics by taking a course over the summer. Before seeking this option, the family should consult with the Chair of Mathematics; often a five-week summer course cannot provide the strong foundation a full year course can. Such a summer option may, however, prepare a student better for our course at a similar level or reinforce skills tentatively acquired the year before. Above all, we counsel tenth graders to carefully read course descriptions in the Upper School Course Catalog and consult their advisors as registration approaches.
Tenth Grade
As a tenth grader you have the opportunity to continue to write the script for your experience in the Upper School that you began as a ninth grader. Our advice to students is to use this time wisely, to make the most of the opportunities available here at Friends and outside of school. Seek out courses that will stimulate and challenge you. Get involved in activities which interest you. You don’t need to think too much about the details of the college admission process just yet. Instead work hard, get involved, continue to discover your passions, and have some fun.
College Related Activities Include:
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Financing a College Education night in November: open to all Upper School families.
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Coffee for ninth and tenth grade parents about standardized testing in December.
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Grade 10 Optional College night in January.
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Practice ACT in February and digital Practice SAT in March.
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In late spring, tenth graders will meet individually with their assigned counselor to review practice test results and other college-related items.
Eleventh & Twelfth Grade
In eleventh grade, students need to begin the college process in earnest. As your College Counselors, we are here to help you and excited to start our work together!
Beginning in the winter of eleventh grade, students meet with the College Counselors once a cycle in small groups. This is the Seminar class and it will continue through the first semester of the senior year. This small group format allows us to break the college process into bite-size pieces… each class focusing on different topics such as Admissions 101, Developing Interview Skills, or Do's and Dont's of the College Essay.
In addition, students will meet again with their assigned College Counselor individually in the late fall/early winter. These one-on-one meetings allow us to focus on each student’s particular interests, issues, and choices. These meetings are also an important way for us to get to know the students for whom we will be writing letters of recommendation and serving as their advocate to admission committees in other ways. In the spring, every student is required to have one family meeting with their college counselor during which an initial list of colleges is provided.
Other College Related Activities Include:
Eleventh Grade
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College Admission Representative visits at Friends throughout the fall: open to eleventh and twelfth graders.
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The Preliminary Scholastic Assessment Test (PSAT) is administered to eleventh graders in October (optional).
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Financing a College Education night in November: open to all Upper School families.
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Grade 11 College Night for students & parents in November.
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SAT/ACT tests are taken in the spring of eleventh grade and the fall of twelfth grade.
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College Coffees for parents are hosted in February and May.
Twelfth Grade
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College Admission Representative visits at Friends throughout the fall: open to eleventh and twelfth graders.
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Case Studies Event for twelfth graders and their parents in September.
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Grade 12 College Night for parents in September.
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Financing a College Education night in November: open to all Upper School families.
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Transition to College Talks in May (twelfth graders & parents).
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College Coffees for parents are hosted multiple times during the year.
As you plan your eleventh grade courses, some things to consider:
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If you are interested in history and politics, consider the Advanced US History course for eleventh grade.
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If you are a strong science student, you may think about taking Advanced Chemistry or Physics in eleventh grade and hold off on Biology until twelfth grade.
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Strong math students might take Advanced Statistics in addition to Precalculus.
Some things to keep in mind for twelfth grade:
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All students will take English 12.
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Most students will enroll in history electives both semesters.
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If you are in Precalculus in eleventh grade, then you will be on track for Advanced Calculus I or Advanced Statistics in twelfth grade. If you are in Precalculus A, then you'll be on track for Advanced Calculus I & II in twelfth grade.
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If you are a strong science student, you may think about taking Advanced Biology or another Advanced science in twelfth grade.
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Depending on your interests and goals, you may consider doubling up in your area of interest.
Grades
About narrative evaluations and grades in tenth grade: these grades, like those from ninth grade, are reported on our transcript to colleges, and sometimes the performance is not reflective of a student’s full potential. College admission officers know that students mature during high school and may look more closely at eleveth and twelfth grades. At the same time, the most selective colleges fully expect a consistently high level of performance throughout the high school years. You should also know that Friends does not rank its students nor supply a grade-point average. We also do not make academic distinctions or award prizes.
Disciplinary Issues
Some colleges require students to report disciplinary issues that lead to suspension or expulsion on applications. In these cases, both the student and the school are given the opportunity to write letters of explanation.
Extracurriculars and Summer Activities
After students satisfy the academic entrance requirements, college admission officers consistently tell us that they seek “well-rounded classes” not the fabled “well-rounded individual.” They are ultimately interested in students who have a real depth of involvement in two or three extracurricular activities. Being involved in ninth and tenth grades puts students in the position to take on leadership roles in junior and senior years. Furthermore, the entire four years of high school should be thought of as a single entity including summers. We recommend students use the summer months to work, hike, study (language immersion is one obvious example; another is to target a specific author of interest in order to read all of their works), and volunteer. We have included a sampling of summer programs and information on internships in this handbook. The parent and student network is also quite invaluable in these areas because the opportunities are vast, so be sure to ask for suggestions from other Friends’ families. Be aware that often the most desirable programs fill their enrollment quickly.