Here you will be able to find quite a bit of information about:

Grade Placement

The Arts Requirement

CKJH Math New Curriculum Overview

The Certificate of Academic Achievement

The Culminating Project

High School Graduation and University Entrance Requirements

 

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Grade Placement

Students attain placement into the sophomore, junior or senior class by earning the following number of credits toward graduation:

Sophomore    4

Junior          10

Senior            15.5

Students who have not attained necessary number of credits will not move forward with their graduating class.

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The Arts Requirements

ARTS GRADUATION REQUIREMENT BACKGROUND.
In Fall 2004, for students who begin the ninth grade that school year (the graduating Class of 2008), new state minimum high school graduation requirements take effect. One of the new requirements is a credit in the visual or performing arts. This new requirement cannot be replaced by coursework in another subject area. The requirement can be found in WAC 180-51-061.

QUESTION: What is/are “visual arts?”

ANSWER: Visual Arts examples include and are not limited to: sculpting, ceramics, glass, painting, calligraphy, drawing/sketching, photography, film, video, TV, animation, holography, graphic design, printmaking, etc.

Visual Art forms are created by people with and through multi-medium materials, with animate and inanimate objects. Objects can be felt and described. Visual Arts require a person to see them for ultimate communication.


QUESTION: What is/are “performing arts?”

ANSWER: Performing Arts examples include and are not limited to: music, opera, dance, theatre, film, mime, comedy, puppets, performed poetry.

Performing Arts are art forms that are expressed by people that involve all five senses. The people are the art form and the medium.

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CKJH Math

New Curriculum Overview

 

New Course Name

Old Course Equivalent

Grade Level

Calculator Requirements

H.S.  Credit?

Algebraic Thinking I  (AT1)

Transition Mathematics

7th

Scientific Calculator

No

Algebraic Thinking II  (AT2)*

Algebra I

8th

Scientific Calculator required but Graphing Calculator recommended

No

Algebra Geometry I (AG1)

Algebra I and Geometry

9th

Graphing Calculator

Yes

Algebra Geometry II (AG2)

Algebra I and Geometry

10th

Graphing Calculator

Yes

Advanced Algebra and Functions (AAF)

Algebra II

10th+

Graphing Calculator

Yes

 

Notes: 

*Students who average 90% or higher on tests and quizzes in AT2 may skip AG1 and enroll in AG2.

 

Approach to Learning/Keys to Success

Since the courses are designed to provide inductive, collaborative learning through investigations, it is critical that:

v      Students are in class every day! The books do not have lessons and examples that the absent student can read and follow. 

v      Students seek help!  There are opportunities before and after school for students to get help from teachers.  Homework club on Tuesday after school focuses on math support.  The publisher websites offer support on various topics; visit the school website below for your class.

 

Teacher email addresses and websites

All websites can be accessed from the CKJH homepage at http://ckjh.cksd.wednet.edu/. The publishers’ sites are http://phschool.com/index.html (AT1 & AT2) and http://www.wmich.edu/cpmp/

(AG1 & AG2)

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High School Graduation Requirements

and

University/College

Admission Entry Requirements

Table of Contents

New CKSD Graduation Requirements                                                     

The Culminating Project (CKSD)                                                              

University of Washington Admission Requirements                                

Washington State University Admission Requirements                           

Pacific Lutheran University Admission Requirements                             

University of Puget Sound Admission Requirements                               

Western Washington University Admission Requirements                     

Seattle Pacific University Admission Requirements                                

Olympic College Admission Requirements                                               

Central Washington University Admission Requirements                       

Eastern Washington University Admission Requirements                      

Evergreen State College Admission Requirements                                 

Harvard University                                                                                     

Stanford University      

Yale College                                                                               

 

Information collected and compiled by Charles Platten- Central Kitsap Junior High School - October, 2007, 2008, 2009

NEW CKSD GRADUATION REQUIREMENTS

State and district changes have been approved that increase graduation requirements.  To be eligible for graduation, a student must:

  1. Demonstrate proficiency in the Essential Academic Learning Requirements (EALRS) by passing the Washington Assessment of Student Learning (WASL) or the High School Proficiency Exams (HSPE).  The WASL will no longer be given after 2009.  Students will earn a Certificate of Academic Achievement or Certificate of Individual Achievement.
  2. Earn 22 Credits:1
  3. Complete a High School and Beyond Portfolio.
  4. Complete a Culminating Project.
1 19 credits required by the State of Washington and
   3 additional credits required by CK School District

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The Certificate of Academic Achievement

The Certificate of Academic Achievement is earned through an assessment that is given in the spring of a student's sophomore year. Students are assessed for skill accomplishment in the areas of reading, writing, mathematics and science. Students will have opportunities in both their junior and senior years to retake components of the assessment that are not passed in the sophomore year. Students may be eligible to earn a Certificate of Individual Achievement by meeting standards in their area of disability as defined by their IEP.

Credits

Credits are earned by successfully passing high school courses. Students earn .5 credits for each semester course passed. Information on specific courses and credits can be obtained from your counselor. Universities, colleges or vocational training programs may require additional credits or other pre-requisites.

High School & Beyond Portfolio

All students enrolled in Central Kitsap School District shall have a High School and Beyond Portfolio that includes transcripts/test scores, a resume, cover letter, letters of recommendation, awards, certificates, personal statement, sample of best work, a Personal Education Plan, and artifacts of the Culminating Project to document a student's completion of the High School and Beyond requirement.http://www.cksd.wednet.edu/TeachLearn/GradRequirements.htm

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The Culminating Project

The Culminating Project provides students with opportunities to connect school to life outside of the school.  Students choose projects that connect to vocational, academic, community service, and/or cultural interests.  These projects are the basis for students to refine and demonstrate the skills they have gained in school while pursuing personal interests.  Students maintain learning logs and make formal presentations about their project.  Staff will use a common checklist or rubric to review each component of the Culminating Project to ensure that it meets CKSD standards. 

Components of the Culminating Project

  1. A proposal that includes:
    1. The topic and how it relates to the student's personal, community service, career, cultural or academic interest (The CKSD portfolio may assist students in identifying possible areas of interest);
    2. The stated goal of the project;
    3. Major steps to be completed;
    4. Identification of outside consultant;
    5. A proposed timeline for completion;
    6. The estimated costs;
    7. Parent approval; and
    8. School approval.*
  2. Presentation of the project.  Staff and/or community using a common rubric will evaluate the presentation.
  3. Reflective paper that is completed at the end of the project and placed into the student's High School and Beyond Portfolio.  The paper is evaluated using a common district rubric.
  4. Project documentation will be placed in the student's High School and Beyond Portfolio and will include:
    1. A bibliography/annotated bibliography (if applicable) of research completed
      (if applicable)
    2. Artifacts of the project that document the work completed (if artifacts are too large photos may be included)

What are the Goals of the Culminating Project?

The project must accomplish the following:

  • networking in the community outside of the school (advisors, agencies, business)
     
  • exploring an interest that connects to a student's future
     
  • applying academic learning to a vocational, academic, or community interest
     
  • extending learning in a way that classroom instruction cannot

 

Restrictions

Note:  Activities deemed high risk may not be included in culminating projects unless prior approval is granted.  A list of high risk activities are:

  • No on-the-water/underwater projects (canoeing, kayaking, powerboat racing, water-skiing, jet skiing, white water raft trips, rafting, shark chumming, scuba-diving, etc.).
  • No above-the-ground projects (bungee-jumping, skydiving, hang-gliding, helicopter or plane-flying, hot air ballooning, etc).
  • No mountain climbing, spelunking, rappelling, extreme snowboarding or skiing.
  • No in-line skating, skateboarding or bicycling.
  • No weapons or the making of weapons.
  • No racing of any motorized vehicle (auto racing, car bashes, soapbox races, stunting, tractor pulls, etc.)
  • No paint-balling.
  • No athletic camps unless you have a CKSD coach willing to be an advisor--extra insurance needed.
  • No cheer/drill competitions.
  • No dog training projects.
  • No tattooing/body piercing.

http://www.cksd.wednet.edu/TeachLearn/culminatingproj.htm

 

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University of Washington

http://www.washington.edu/students/uga/fr/reqs/

 

Core Subject Requirements

 

ENGLISH

4 years

MATHEMATICS

3 years

SOCIAL STUDIES

3 years

FOREIGN LANGUAGES

2 years

LAB SCIENCE

2 years

FINE, VISUAL, OR PERFORMING ARTS

.5 years

ACADEMIC ELECTIVES

.5 years
Because these are admission requirements, all college academic distribution requirements must be satisfactorily completed before the first quarter of enrollment at the UW.

Almost all applicants will have satisfied these requirements through high-school course work, which is generally defined as that completed in grades 9-12. There are, however, several ways to satisfy these requirements at the college level. In general, five quarter credits (or three semester credits) at the college level equals one year of high-school study. If you completed a portion of the college academic distribution requirements in high school, you can supplement high school courses with college course work.

Example

  • High School: 3 years of English
  • Community college: 5-credit English composition or literature course (counts as 1 high-school year)
Total: 4 years

GRADING RESTRICTIONS

In general, you must attain at minimum a passing grade (including 'D') to satisfy a college academic distribution requirement. Also acceptable is a grade of 'Pass' in a course taken on a 'Pass/Not Pass' basis. However, if you are completing a college academic distribution requirement through college course work, you are strongly encouraged to choose a letter or numerical grade, because you may later want to apply such courses towards requirements for your major or University or college graduation requirements, for which grading restrictions pertain.

Applicants using a college course to satisfy the mathematics requirement: specific restrictions on grading apply. See the Mathematics section.

http://admit.washington.edu/Requirements/Freshman/CADR

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Washington State University

http://futurestudents.wsu.edu/admission/require-freshman.aspx

 

Washington State University strives to admit those applicants who are best prepared to benefit from and contribute to our academic community. Admission specialists will review your application and supporting documentation carefully to assess your overall academic preparation.

In evaluating your application, the University will consider the following factors:

  • Grade point average and standardized test scores
  • The strength of your high school course work, including senior-year course work
  • Grades that you earned and improvement you’ve shown in your academic performance
  • The additional information you provide us in your personal statement

You may also choose to include letters of recommendation or other materials that speak to your potential for academic success. Such letters are often helpful in the review process, particularly if they speak to your academic abilities.

You will need to complete the following high school courses, all prerequisites for admission:

  • English—four years, including at least three of composition and literature
  • Mathematics—one year each of algebra 1, geometry, and advanced algebra; an additional (senior) year is recommended
  • Science—two years, including one year of lab science (biology, chemistry, or physics)
    Students applying as freshmen beginning in 2010 are required to have completed two lab sciences, at least one of which must be algebra-based biology, chemistry, or physics.
  • World language—two years of a single world language, Native American language, or American Sign Language
  • Social Science—three years
  • Arts—one year in fine, visual, or performing arts or an additional year of the courses listed above

You’ll have an advantage if you’ve taken academically challenging coursework such as advanced placement (AP) courses, higher level courses, and so on.

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Pacific Lutheran University

 http://www.plu.edu/external/admission/apply/

PLU takes a holistic approach to determining admission requirements. The application essay, course selection, grade trends and any resume or activities are carefully considered along with SAT/ACT scores and GPA. We have no minimum grade point or SAT/ACT score for admittance, however the average incoming freshmen GPA is calculated at 3.6, the average SAT score is 1100 and the average ACT score is 25.

Admission Requirements for First-Year Students

PLU welcomes applications from students who exhibit capacities for success at the university level. Admission to PLU is competitive. We look for students who:

  • Demonstrate success in a challenging college preparatory curriculum
  • Desire academic and personal challenges
  • Communicate clearly
  • Serve in their community, church or school
  • Will share unique or special talents

Each application is reviewed based on grade point average, class rank, transcript patterns, standardized test scores, personal essay, and an academic recommendation.

Applications for admission are evaluated without regard to race, color, national origin, creed, religion, age, gender, sexual orientation, disabling conditions, financial resources or any other status protected by law.

Standardized Tests

Freshman applicants will need to take either the Scholastic Assessment Test (SAT) or the American College Test (ACT). To be eligible for all PLU scholarships, you will want to take the test by November of your senior year. For more information about these standardized tests, see your high school college counselor. To have your scores sent directly to PLU from a testing agency, please use the following codes: SAT: 4597, ACT: 4470.

Required Prep Courses
  • Mathematics - Two years of college prep math with an average grade of C or higher
  • Foreign Language - Two years of the same language with an average grade of C or higher. If you are deficient in the math or foreign language entrance requirements, but are admissible by all other criteria, you may still be offered admission. You will be required to complete the deficiencies during your first year at PLU.
  • English - Four years
  • Social Studies - Two years
  • Laboratory Science - Two years
  • Visual or Performing Arts - One year
  • Electives - Three years (selected from the areas listed above, as well as courses in keyboarding, computer science, speech and debate)
  • English Preparation - For international students who have met the academic requirements for the university, but whose English needs improving. Learn more »
Advanced Credit Policies

If you have participated in Washington State Running Start, Advanced Placement (AP) exams, or International Baccalaureate (IB) exams, you may be eligible for college credit. PLU accepts Running Start credits as college credits, and awards up to 30 semester hours for AP and IB exam results. Advanced credit policies »

Freshman Admission

PLU builds its pool of admitted students around five admission decision dates; three dates in the fall and two dates in the spring. Students who complete their application materials prior to the 15th of October, November, December and January can expect an admission decision and notification of merit scholarships prior to the next decision date. Applications received after February 15 will be reviewed on a rolling basis.

School of Nursing Conditional Admission Program

Students interested in Nursing are encouraged to apply for the School of Nursing's Conditional Admission Program. Through this program, a select number of incoming full time, first-year students will be guaranteed admission (after completion of several academic requirements) to the School of Nursing's BSN program starting their second year. Learn More »

Weighted GPA

When reviewing applications of prospective freshmen, PLU computes an “Admissions GPA” for the applicant. The Admissions GPA weights classes that are identified on the high school transcript as International Baccalaureate (IB), Advanced Placement (AP), Honors, or Accelerated. This weighted GPA will be used throughout the admissions, financial aid, and scholarship process. If the applicant’s high school produces their own weighted GPA, the admissions office will use the better of the two. The maximum GPA for PLU admissions and financial aid purposes is 4.00.

http://www.plu.edu/admission/first-year/apply/home.php

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University of Puget Sound

http://www.pugetsound.edu/about/

 

1. What does the Admission Committee consider when making a decision for admission?

In making admission decisions, the Admission Committee considers the following: content and rigor of high school course selection, grade point average, SAT I or ACT scores, class rank (if available), personal essay co-curricular interests, teacher and counselor recommendations and a recommended interview.

Admission is selective. The Office of Admission typically receives more than 5,000 applications for a freshman class of 675. Through our competitive admission process, we take great care to match an applicant's academic and personal accomplishments with our goal of enrolling an academically talented and diverse student body.

2.What courses do you recommend incoming freshmen take in high school?

While there is not a set pre-college curriculum, the following courses will better prepare you for the quality of work required at Puget Sound:

  • English: Four years
  • Mathematics: Three or four years
  • History/Social Studies: Three years
  • Foreign Language: Two or three years of one language
  • Natural/Physical/Laboratory Science: Three or four years
  • Fine/Visual/Performing Arts: One year

3. What are the average GPA and SAT/ACT scores for the incoming class?

The unweighted high school grade point average for the Puget Sound class of 2007 is 3.54. The average SAT verbal score is 638 and the average SAT math score is 616; the middle 50% ranges from 1170 to 1350. The average ACT composite score is between a 27 and a 28.

4. Does Puget Sound accept Advanced Placement and International Baccalaureate program courses for credit?

The University encourages student achievement in the Advanced Placement and International Baccalaureate programs. Through the Advanced Placement program, we will award college credit to students who have earned scores of 4 or 5, and in some areas of 3, on their examinations. In the International Baccalaureate International Baccalaureate Exam Policy program, college credit is awarded for higher level examinations with scores of 5 or above.

5. How are homeschooled students evaluated in the admission process?

Puget Sound is dedicated to working with homeschooled students and giving them every chance of success. Please call the office of admission to speak with an admission counselor about our evaluation of homeschooled student applications.

http://www.pugetsound.edu/admission/apply/freshmen/faqs/#faq2

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Western Washington University

http://www.wwu.edu/

Cumulative academic achievement is the most significant factor in the application review. Level and difficulty of courses, grade trends, leadership, school and community involvement, special talents, multicultural experience, strength of character, and personal hardship or circumstances are additionally considered.

Freshman applicants are required to submit an official high school transcript or GED Certificate and SAT or ACT scores. The minimum required high school course pattern, which can be strengthened by additional and/or advanced coursework, includes:

  • English
    Four years, selected from college preparatory composition and/or literature courses.
  • Mathematics
    Three years, including geometry and two years of algebra beyond pre-algebra.
  • Science
    Two years, with one year of algebra based chemistry or physics; one year must include a lab.
  • Social Studies
    Three years (e.g. history, civics, psychology, economics, etc.); credit awarded for student government, leadership, community service, and other activity courses normally will not satisfy this requirement.
  • Foreign Language
    Two years in a single foreign language, Native American language, or American Sign Language. The requirement may be satisfied for students from non-English speaking countries who entered the U.S. educational system in eighth grade or later.
  • Fine and Performing Arts
    One semester or trimester; courses in color guard, drafting, sewing, etc. are not acceptable.
  • Academic Electives
    One additional semester in any of the above areas.

Vocational, integrated, or college course equivalents, as determined by a school district, will be accepted if documented by the high school.

http://admissions.wwu.edu/freshman/f_criteria.html

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Seattle Pacific University

 http://www.spu.edu/ 

(please note: the following information was found in the year 2002 and may not be current. SPU does not currently detail entry requirements anymore. However, you can download an application and check out the FAQ page which are very helpful.

Seattle Pacific University admits students with academic characteristics that predict their success in the University programs to which they seek enrollment and who exhibit personal qualities that indicate a contribution to the mission of the University.

In line with its original charter, SPU admits students without discrimination as to race, color, nationality, creed, age, or sex. A strong college preparatory program in high school is recommended and prepares students for success at the university level. In addition to academic ability, such factors as intellectual curiosity, goals, leadership, responsibility, personal and social adjustments, Christian commitment, and a desire to serve the community are considered.

Depending on space available, a waitlist process may be required to manage the entering class. Admission to the ACCESS program may be granted to applicants who have a demonstrated need for study-skills assistance. Admission to the University does not automatically constitute admission to the particular program or school in which a student wishes to study. 

Freshman Admission Requirements
Seattle University is committed to qualitative decision making based upon a review of applicants' backgrounds as a whole. Primary consideration is given to course selection and performance. Preference in admission is given to entering freshmen who will have completed a  minimum of 16 secondary units in core subjects to include:
·   four units of English
·   three units of college preparatory mathematics (typically algebra I, II, and geometry)
·   three units of social science/history
·   two units of laboratory science (three are preferred)
·   two units of a foreign language
·   two approved academic electives
 
SPU uses the Common Application which can be found at https://www.commonapp.org/CommonApp/default.aspx
 
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Olympic College

http://www.oc.ctc.edu/

Also, this information is old – it has been difficult finding information on entrance requirements.

Students from all walks of life and educational backgrounds are invited to attend OC. General admission processes occur on a first-come, first-serve basis. To be eligible for general admission to the college, one of the following is required:

• High school or GED graduation, or

• 18 years of age or older, or

• A written release from the high school district

In addition, qualified high school juniors and seniors may be offered admission to the Running Start program. Usually applicants under the age of 16 are not offered general admission.

An offer of general admission to the college does not guarantee acceptance to a specific program. Special admission and academic criteria are required for some professional/technical programs and are listed with the program description in this catalog and on the college website. Call, visit, or e-mail the Admissions Office to inquire about special acceptance and academic requirements

Information from 2009: OC now has you take the Accuplacer - a placement exam which helps officials place you in the correct type of class. More information about the Accuplacer can be found at: http://www.olympic.edu/Students/GettingStarted/SEAC/Assessment/

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Central Washington University 

 http://www.cwu.edu/

 

First year applicants must complete the following high school CADR classes:

CADR refers to college admission criteria established by the Higher Education Coordinating Board (HECB). Each school district determines which of its courses meet CADR guidelines. Students are encouraged to take additional courses above and beyond the CADR.

  Students that have an Admissions Index of 28 or greater and have completed or will complete their high school core requirements will be offered admissions to CWU.

Students who do not meet the published quantitative admission criteria will be reviewed holistically by the Comprehensive Review Process. You will need to complete the essay portion of the application if: Essay questions for review by the Comprehensive Review Committee can be found in the Comprehensive Review Process section.

 

 

http://www.cwu.edu/~admissions/index.php/admissions-requirements-5

 

 

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Eastern Washington University

http://www.ewu.edu/Home.xml

 

General Freshman Admission Criteria

Applicants who have a 3.3 cumulative GPA (or higher) and have satisfied the CADR will be automatically admitted. 

Students who fall below a 3.3 GPA OR have CADR deficiencies will be considered for admission using holistic review. In holistic review, we consider insight resume responses, grade trends, course rigor, senior year course schedule, and SAT/ACT composite scores.

To be admissible, students must have at least a 2.0 cumulative GPA in high school and any applicable college work.

CADR refer to college admission criteria established by the Higher Education Coordinating Board (HECB). Each school district determines which of its courses meet CADR guidelines. Students are encouraged to take additional courses above and beyond the CADR.

  • English: 4 credits (including 3 credits of literature and composition)
     
  • Math: 3 credits (including algebra, geometry, and advanced algebra)
     
  • Social Science: 3 credits
     
  • Lab Science: 2 credits (one credit required in an algebra based lab science)
     
  • World Language: 2 credits of the same world language, Native American language or American Sign Language
     
  • 1 credit of fine, visual, or performing arts, or electives from any of the other required CADR areas

    • http://www.ewu.edu/x5491.xml

     

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    Evergreen State College

     http://www.evergreen.edu/

     

    Students entering directly from high school and high school graduates who have accumulated fewer than 40 transferable credits by the application priority date will be considered for admission upon the following:
    • A grade point average (GPA) from high school (minimum 2.0 cumulative for full consideration, 2.8 or above recommended)
    • Test scores in the Scholastic Aptitude Test (SAT) or American College Testing (ACT)
    • Completion of required high school coursework
    • Good standing in any college work attempted

    The most important factor is academic achievement demonstrated by the nature and distribution of your high school coursework. This work should include classes in English, social sciences, a foreign language, mathematics, science and the arts.

    You may submit additional materials you believe will strengthen your application, such as your personal statement (PDF), letters of recommendation and essays. Letters of recommendation and essays should be limited to one page and should clearly address your academic history and educational goals. Artwork, videos and audio recordings will not be considered.

    The average GPA for a freshman applicant admitted to fall quarter 2008 was 3.17. The average SAT verbal and math composite test score was 1141 and the average ACT composite test score was 25.

    What high school courses are required for admission?

    Freshman applicants are required to have completed the following college-preparatory program in high school:

    English 4 credits
    Social Studies 3 credits
    Foreign language (single language) 2 credits
    Mathematics (Algebra I and above) 3 credits
    Science ( both years must be lab science ) 2 credits
    Fine, visual or performing arts or college-prep elective from one area above 1 credit



    This list of acceptable college-preparatory coursework (PDF) may help you decide which courses meet the subject-area requirements

    http://www.evergreen.edu/admissions/freshman.htm#admissionscriteria

     

    Harvard University http://www.harvard.edu/

    There is no single academic path we expect all students to follow, but the strongest applicants take the most rigorous secondary school curricula available to them. An ideal four-year preparatory program includes four years of English, with extensive practice in writing; four years of math; four years of science: biology, chemistry, physics, and an advanced course in one of these subjects; three years of history, including American and European history; and four years of one foreign language.

    http://www.admissions.college.harvard.edu/apply/faq.html#1

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    Stanford University http://www.stanford.edu/

    Academic Preparation

    There is no magic formula for getting into college. It is true, however, your college search has the potential to be enjoyable and successful if you have:

    • taken full advantage of the opportunities available to you in high school
    • achieved at a high level all four years
    • and consulted early on with your high school counselor

    Recommended High School Curriculum

    We respect the responsibility that high schools, principals, and teachers should have in the development of courses and curricula for their students. For that reason, we do not have a set of required courses for admission to Stanford. We have found, though, that a curriculum emphasizing depth and breadth across the core academic subjects is the best preparation for the academic rigors at Stanford. Our experience has suggested that students who excel in a curriculum like the one below are well-suited for the demands of college academics:

    • English: four years, with significant emphasis on writing and literature.
    • Mathematics: four years, with significant emphasis on fundamental mathematical skills (algebra; trigonometry; plane, solid, and analytic geometry).
    • History/Social Studies: three or more years. Such courses should include the writing of essays.
    • Science: three or more years of laboratory science (including biology, chemistry and physics).
    • Foreign Language: three or more years of the same foreign language. Your study of a foreign language ought to include the development of four basic skills: reading, writing, speaking, and listening comprehension.

    Choosing Courses

    We expect applicants to pursue a reasonably challenging curriculum, choosing courses from among the most demanding courses available at your school. We ask you to exercise good judgment here, and to consult with your counselor, teacher, and parents as you construct a curriculum that is right for you. Our hope is that your curriculum will inspire you to develop your intellectual passions, not suffer from unnecessary stress. The students who thrive at Stanford are those who are genuinely excited about learning, not necessarily those who take every single AP, Honors, or Accelerated class just because it has that name.

    Advanced Placement Courses and Scores

    Our admission process allows – and indeed encourages – the flexibility of a high school to design the most appropriate curricular offerings and opportunities for its students. What a course is named or whether it concludes with a standardized test is considerably less important to us than the energy a student contributes to the learning process and the curiosity with which he or she pursues questions and ideas. Sometimes this challenging high school course load will include advanced placement classes; other high schools choose to offer equally demanding courses that neither carry the AP designation nor lead to an AP exam.

    We want to be clear that this is not a case of “whoever has the most APs wins.” Instead, we look for thoughtful, eager and highly engaged students who will make a difference at Stanford and the world beyond, and we expect that they have taken high school course loads of reasonable and appropriate challenge in the context of their school.

    As a result, we do not require students to submit AP scores as part of our admission process. AP scores that are reported are acknowledged but rarely play a significant role in the evaluation of an application. Grades earned over the course of a semester, or a year, and evaluations from instructors who can comment on classroom engagement allow us the most detailed insight into a student’s readiness for the academic rigors of Stanford.

    http://admission.stanford.edu/basics/selection/prepare.html

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    Yale College  http://www.yale.edu

     What does Yale look for?
     

    Students and parents often look for a specific answer to the following question: If a candidate presents A, B, and C, will he or she be admitted to Yale? Unfortunately, so many factors are at play in the selection process that outcomes for most candidates in the pool are impossible to predict. We estimate that over three quarters of the students who apply for admission to Yale are qualified to do the work here. Between two and three hundred students in any year are so strong academically that their admission is scarcely ever in doubt. The great majority of students who are admitted, however, stand out from the rest because a lot of little things, when added up, tip the scale in their favor. The difference between a successful and an unsuccessful candidate at Yale is often painfully small.

    What does matter in the admissions process? Yale is above all an academic institution, and thus academic strength is our first consideration in evaluating any candidate. The single most important document in the application is the high school transcript, which tells us a great deal about a student's academic motivation and performance over time. We look for students who have consistently taken a broad range of challenging courses in high school and done well in them. There are no score cutoffs for standardized tests: the median scores for admitted students on the verbal and mathematical portions of the SAT generally fall in the low-to-mid 700s, and the ACT composites in the low 30s, but successful candidates present a wide range of test results. While there is no hard and fast rule, it is safe to say that performance in school is relatively more important than testing. A very strong performance in a demanding college preparatory program may compensate for modest standardized test scores, but it is unlikely that high standardized test scores will persuade the admissions committee to disregard an undistinguished secondary-school record.

    High school teachers can provide extremely helpful information in their evaluations. Not only do they discuss your performance in their particular class or classes, but they also often write about such things as your motivation, intellectual curiosity, energy, relationships with classmates, and impact on the classroom environment. Obviously it is important that you solicit recommendations from teachers who know you well.

    http://www.yale.edu/admit/faq/applying.html

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    There is a lot more information than what is posted on these pages on all the Universities and Colleges. This pamphlet is intended to give you an idea of what’s required to graduate from High School and enter into a College or University.

     

    Most of this document as a word file may be found here.