Just wanted to know thoughts on a program that they are implementing next year for the class of 2017. If you are college bound, have taken at least an AP class, no disciplinary measures, and done well academically…they are starting a program called College Transition.
This will be where the student (we have block classes every other day…4 one day…3 with an SRT (study hall/ passes to do clubs, talk to teachers, etc on the other) can take as little as 4 AP/IB/or approved classes (high honors, etc) and then have symposiums twice a month for leaders in the community to come in and give lectures, and you will be required to be in one of 4 “houses” that focus those symposiums on: business, STEM, humanities, or fine arts/performance. At the end of the senior year they will have an exit interview with leaders in those areas to come in and talk about their year and experiences. The school says to help with interacting with adults and learn to market themselves among those who support them. They said that the extra time since they don’t have to take a fully weighted schedule (which still qualifies them for sports, etc.) they can do internships, jobs, extra study, visiting colleges, etc.
Thoughts? We are a high school of over 5000 in the midwest. We usually have high performing students with over 40 NMFs, perfect scores on ACT/SAT, and nationally ranked sports teams.
My son is interested…but I didn’t know if all colleges would love this new format? It COULD be an edge of experience and time management before college that could help.
They supposedly give you time to learn time management skills of free time to pursue interests or study more, etc. He would have a special commendation at graduation, and the “experience” of college with coming in and out of school for classes. I guess they want to reward students for being able to do well…and then have them “try out” when to study and go to class before college. I am apprehensive b/c I think he should take as much as he can…but, why? It’s his senior year and it might be a learning lesson of interning or at least get the jitters of being the manager of his study time. Don’t know. He should be an ED so it looks good. I just don’t want him to get lazy before he even starts college. The traditional route is 7 fully blocked courses with the extra 8th one being the SRT. He would go down to 4 AP classes with 2 symposiums a month and that exit interview. You can do more…but you almost think that if you take a fully structured load…you have just added the extras on top. My question is: how are out of state colleges going to look at this new type of senior year? I have always heard that they like a rigorous one.
ok…trying not to get my feelings hurt…but you guys will answer what you get at COSTCO, but not about your opinions of this program the school is starting?? I am new to this CC thing.
It will depend on the school. If he is taking 4 APs and attending a twice a month program and others are taking 5-7 APs then I suppose he might not look as appealing to schools who are looking for that sort of thing. What the school is looking for is how he is spending his time. If he uses the extra time to play video games (that’d be my fear) instead of adding something else then I guess a school would view it as good. You say he will be ED. ED to where? That might help get some answers from those who know the college.
Well, we Know what we like at Costco.
We really call only guess if this would be a good fit for your son. Every program has pros and cons and is a good fit for some kids but rarely is a program a good fit for everyone.
And since this program has not yet been implemented, there is no way we can guess how colleges will view it. Why not call the colleges that you child is interested in and ask admissions directly. That will be your best source for info.