Graduation

The State of Indiana offers students four options to meet graduation requirements.  Students and families are encouraged to meet with their counselor to discuss which option best aligns with their post-secondary plans. Counselors meet with all students every year to review their graduation plan.  

The SAT and ACT

Taking either the SAT (Scholastic Aptitude Test) and/or the ACT (American College Test) is one of the most important components of the college admission process, along with high school course rigor and the grades earned in them.  However, students and families often underestimate the importance of these tests and fail to prepare for them.  Would you not study for any other major test? Of course not!  Plus, higher scores on these tests can often lead to more merit-based financial awards from colleges.   As always, encourage your student to see their school counselor with any questions and support.

Resources:

• 2017-2018 SAT Dates ACT vs. SAT- which test should I take?
• Viewing your PSAT scores
• Using your PSAT scores to prepare for the SAT

Paid online prep

• Higher Scores Test Prep

FREE online prep:

• Khan Academy (SAT for March 2016 and beyond)
• March2Success (ACT and SAT)
• Number2.com (ACT and SAT)
• Parents Countdown to College Coach (SAT and ACT)

Planning For College

Admissions

The world of college admissions can be very confusing and complicated.  We believe at BGHS that early, proactive work to understand this world better will benefit your student greatly.  Here are some tips and resources to support you:

1.  Encourage your student to request a meeting with their school counselor as early as freshman year to begin to plan a course of study and explore possible majors, colleges, and careers.  Know that students will also receive support in their Preparation for College and Careers course and from their counselor though classroom visits, presentations, and in reviewing their 4-year plan annually.  

2.  Encourage your student to work to meet the requirements of the Indiana Academic Honors diploma, Technical Honors diploma, or both if they are seeking admission into a 4-year college.  Many of Indiana’s colleges seek one of these as their minimum admissions requirement.  If they are on a Core 40 track, encourage them to maintain high grades in those courses and still take as many courses as possible that reflect the Honors diplomas.  For specific course questions, see your school counselor.  

3.  Visit college campuses informally early in high school and formally in talking with an admissions counselor beginning in junior year, so you know what schools you are interested in are looking for, and more importantly, if they are the right fit for you.  

Other resources: 

• The NACAC (National Association of College Admissions Counseling) Guide to the College Admissions Process
• The College Admissions Process Breakdown
• Tips for High School Parents
• Indiana Career Explorer (free resource to explore interests, majors, careers, and schools)
• Indiana Online College search
• Video from Mrs. Johnson- “College Admissions- Getting Ready for Senior Year” (27 minutes)

OTHER POSTSECONDARY PLANNING (MILTARY, APPRENTICESHIPS, GAP YEAR, WORKFORCE, TRADE SCHOOL)

• BGHS Postsecondary Manual