Tips for Sophomores

Myths and Realities

Grades, Classes, Activities and Free Time, and Applying to College

A word on your Transcript:

First, the school transcript is one of the most important records the school has of your work. You will be issued it several times in your junior year for you to check and make sure of its accuracy.

What’s on the transcript?

  • Breck course work
  • Breck grades and GPA
  • Breck commendations

What’s not on the transcript?

  • SAT, ACT, AP scores
  • Activities
  • Discipline (suspensions/probations)
  • Teacher comments
  • Grades from other schools

Course Selection

There are some myths about course selection that pervade the college admissions process.

Myth #1: I must be in as many AP courses as possible or I will not get into a "good" college.

First, "good" colleges abound in this country and they are all seeking students who are thoughtful and well prepared. Yes, they also like to see students accomplish rigorous work, but know that at some private schools, like Breck, rigorous work happens in many classes, not just AP classes. Colleges are looking for you to show your most capable work in your junior and senior year. Therefore, you want to take classes that are challenging, in an appropriate load that allows for you to involve yourself in other aspects of school life than just homework.

Myth #2: A grade of "B" at Breck is like an "A-" at other schools.

As I often say to families in meetings, it is both a blessing and a burden to go to Breck. Yes Breck has rigorous, small classes with lots of opportunity to shine, but no college would presume to compare a large public school experience to the experience you are having here. Therefore, you will be evaluated in the context of a student who is given tremendous opportunities, both in and out of the classroom. It is natural for colleges to consider how well you have taken advantage of those opportunities. Colleges, particularly small private ones, see their academic experience as most similar to Breck’s academic experience. Therefore, they would naturally seek students who have made good use of their surroundings while in high school.

Myth #3: If I had a bad semester in my high school years, all my college aspirations will go down the drain.

There are lots of reasons why students don’t do well at certain times in their lives, and colleges can be very understanding. They would like, and deserve, an explanation, if you expect them to have some leniency when considering the ups and down’s of your transcript. Certainly there will be some reasons that will be more compelling than others, and they are always looking for genuine signs of recovery in your grade trend.

Myth #4: I have to be excellent in all my subjects or I have no hope getting into college.

Instead of stretching yourself to thin on expectations of superior grades in all your classes, you should spend your high school career determining what subjects interest you and make sure that you are excelling in them.

Free time

Myth #5: Colleges don’t care about how I spend my time outside of school.

Just as the measure of a person can often be how they behave when they think no one is watching, the choices you make when you have control of your own time are incredibly important in shedding light on who you are and what you want to do in your life. It doesn’t have to be glitzy, expensive, or self-sacrificing. It does need to be an extension of you, pursuing an interest of yours. Please, also value time for reflection and rest. The more "things" you do is not more impressive — its how you do them.

Myth #6: I must do some sort of volunteer work during my free time.

Breck and its students make a serious commitment to service work. Do not feel that colleges care whether you extend service work into the summer months. If you are compelled to continue the relationship with a certain site, then, by all means, work there, but there is no "quota" for service work.

Activities

Myth #7: I need to be in at least five clubs and activities each year of my high school career.

No one is looking for resume padding. Colleges are seeking students who will be participants in the life of their campuses. Therefore, find something you like to do and do it. Being a member of too many clubs can stretch you too thin, so choose wisely and try to make a difference in the organizations to which you belong.