High school seniors

[luvflorida]

Just curious about the amount of classes, and the level of difficulty, or lack of difficulty, of classes your high school senior is taking or took.

DD16 is a junior and has always taken a full, or near full, load of classes. She has always taken college prep and honors classes. She is very bright, but not the most motivated student. She is capable of AP level classes, but we decided not to push it because she really wasn't interested in taking any, and in the end, it wouldn't have been worth the hassle and nagging when it came time to do homework and assignments. If she put forth the effort, she could easily graduate with high honors and top ten percent of the class. We've told her that we DO expect her to graduate with honors and in the top twenty percent of the class, and she will achieve that.

My question concerns next year. She really isn't interested in taking a full load of classes, and would rather take what she needs to graduate, and get early release. High school isn't really on her top ten favorite things in her life right now. DD is a dancer, and a very good one I might add. She is planning on going on to a 4 year college, and graduating with a BFA in dance.

Her dad and I are stressing the importance of academic classes in college, as well as the performing arts. Daughter is stressing the importance of getting the best dance education she can get. She's actually mentioned a few times that college isn't really necessary to succeed in the world of dance. Right or wrong, we are trying to steer her clear of that line of thinking.

Anyway, I'd love to hear how your HS senior, or former senior, dealt with their last year of high school. Did he/she continue to take a full load of classes, or did he/she take it easier for senior year? How much does the senior year affect college acceptance?

 

[Hedy]

Disclaimer-I was a HS senior 5 years ago, I was in AP classes, and applying to a top tier college.
That said, I took 6 academic classes-2 social sciences (one honors, one AP), Honors Calc, Honors Spanish, Honors Physics and AP English. Had I not already put three years in my high school's honors program, I might have dropped Spanish and picked up another history class or an intro to a different language. However, I wound up minoring in Spanish (after swearing I just was taking Spanish in college for an easy grade), so the point of this is that stuff changes once you're in college. Therefore, I personally would pursue her taking academic classes.
My guess is for a BFA she'll need to audition, but while I'm sure she's excellent, you might want to explore the what-if she doesn't get in? Would she want to pursue a BA at a college and later try to audition for their arts program? You might want to ask about this on college tours. How would she feel about a BA in dance?
Applying to college is a beast. Good luck.

 

[monarchsfan16]

I graduated in 2005 from high school
My senior year I took, honors Latin IV (the only Latin IV available), college prep calculus (decided against AP), college prep sociology for one semester, honors psychology the second semester, college prep physics (decided against AP there too), and honors English IV. With those classes I had lunch every day, a study hall 3 days a week, and early release (1 period) every day. I was taking the exact amount of credits required by the school for seniors. A few kids took more credits than I did; most took the same amount that I did. There were 2 AP classes that I could have taken, but chose to take regular college prep classes instead. I had taken 3 AP classes my junior year and lets just say I'd had enough of those
In addition to this, I was also photography editor of the school paper, and actively involved in student council and National Honor Society. So while my class schedule wasn't as grueling as it had been the year before, I was still keeping busy
I guess my main advice, is to go with what the school recommends. The school WILL have a set amount of credits that she needs per year to be considered a student. Also look at the classes that the colleges she's looking at require for admission. No matter what her major there will be core classes that she will likely have to take in college; I've got friends here who are performing arts majors and they still have to take math and science and history just like the rest of us. Every school has classes they recommend students to have taken. Those recommendations may be basic (so many years of math, etc) but they need to be fulfilled as best as is possible (dependent on what the high school offers). If early release is very typical at her high school and she's taking what she's supposed to, I wouldn't worry about it. I'd say that at my high school probably 80-85% of seniors had early release and it may have been more than that. Remember that colleges won't see her exact schedule; they'll just see a transcript that shows what classes she has taken and her performance in those classes
I'd also say don't let her slack off. If she's never taken AP classes then don't feel like it's necessary. However, if she's taken fairly high level classes (college prep), don't let her drop below that standard either. Colleges look for consistency and don't like to see unexplained nose dives in the quality of the classes or in performance in those classes (or so I've heard). Colleges look for first quarter grades, and also require final grades (admission is usually contingent on maintaining reasonable grades throughout the year), so they do definitely look at senior year. Junior year is probably most crucial, but I wouldn't slack off senior year.

 

[Galahad]

We are also in your boat - DS is a Junior. DS#1 is 25 and took a full load as a senior and was a National Merit Scholar. I would definitely be against early graduation. If they plan to go to college I don't see the advantage. The extra few months off is never the nice break so much as an opportunity to lose focus. DS#2 is currently in 4 AP Classes, One Honors Class and Orchestra as a Junior. He will have, I think, 3 AP Classes, One IB class and his performing arts stuff as a Senior. For him that is "taking it easy" his Senior year. He already has a study hall and is a student assistant for one of the Orchestra classes this year so he's not being pushed nearly so hard has he expected. I can see that pushing it too hard senior year can be demotivating if they aren't naturally wanting to climb that mountain themselves.

 

[golfgal]

First semester senior year many years ago I took a normal, heavy load of classes, second semester after I had already been accepted into college I took a somewhat lighter load and my first ever study hall. I would recommend something similar for your DD. Even though she wants to dance, what if she gets hurt and can't (not that you haven't told her this 100 times)? Even a dance program isn't going to admit someone that can't prove they are motivate to work and the best way to show that to prospective colleges is getting good grades in high school.

Has she visited any schools yet, met with anyone from those schools to see what the entrance requirements are? You say she is a good dancer but what will THEY say? A friend's DD was a very good violin player, for our area, but when she went to apply to music schools she quickly found out she wasn't as good as she thought. She did finally get accepted to a music program but it was WAY down on her list of places she wanted to go.

 

[Bearvet]

DS17 is a high school senior this year and has taken a fairly difficult course load (but not THE most difficult). He is applying to 6 colleges Early Action and all applications ask for your current course load and level of difficulty (Honors, AP, etc). So I do think (and have read) that colleges do consider your senior year course load.

DS is taking Physics (Mechanics) AP, Calculus AB (AP), 2 language arts (1 literature and 1 writing) Honors, 2 scoial studies (Psychology Honors and Asian Studies-college prep), Spanish Advanced II (college prep), phys ed (required) and 2 electives (Engineering and Technology II and Consumer automotive). He considered taking Basic Programming but it's a really tough course and he chose consumer auto instead (which offers practical knowledge about cars - changing oil, etc).

So, while it still looks like a lot, he didn't take the most difficult level of Calculus and some courses are college prep instead of Honors. DS is pretty motivated so we didn't have to guide him. The Spring trimester will be relatively easy for him as he gets through the tough stuff Fall and Winter, so I think that worked out well. My concern with focusing only on dance - how long can you do it? What about an injury and no college degree - what will she do to support herself? I think dance or any sport is great, but I tell my kids that they need to be able to earn a living. I think many colleges offer dance as a major - maybe a small liberal arts college would suit your DD? Just my thoughts....

 

[PrincessTiff]

I graduated HS last year. I took it very easy my senior year. I had 4th block off all year and also was a nurses aide for 3rd block all year so the only academic classes I had were 1st and 2nd block. I had worked really hard my other 3 years so that I would have the luxury to do this though.

That said, I do believe that it made college a bit harder for me. I was kinda out of the loop when it came to exams and such. I hadn't had a math class since my junior year of HS and that one took some adjusting to get back into.

Either way, i'm sure she'll enjoy her senior year. Good luck to both you and your daughter!

 

[WeirdEyes]

I have the same problem with my senior DS. He wants to be a filmmaker and thinks he doesn't need college. Of course, DH and I tell him it is not an option, he's going to college. This year, he's taking mostly fluff courses such as Drama, Debate, Sociology, Psychology, and Military History. His only required courses to graduate are English and Government/Economics. He's not talking any AP classes because he doesn't apply himself. He makes good grades, but doesn't study. Drives me insane!

 

[luvflorida]

My guess is for a BFA she'll need to audition, but while I'm sure she's excellent, you might want to explore the what-if she doesn't get in? Would she want to pursue a BA at a college and later try to audition for their arts program? You might want to ask about this on college tours. How would she feel about a BA in dance?
Applying to college is a beast. Good luck.

You're right, she will have to audition to get accepted into any dance program. She'll also have to meet the college's regular requirements to get in. We discussed with her the differences between a BA and a BFA, and she is focusing on the BFA. In general, it seems that the majority of her credits would come from dance in a BFA program, and the majority of credits would come from academics in a BA program. However, she could major in dance by going for a BA or a BFA.

It's hard because obviously we don't want to step on her dream, but it's tough out there in the real world. We've had discussions about all the 'what-ifs'. All it takes is one bad injury and that can be the end of a dance career. She is very talented, but there are lots of other very talented people out there. Some of it is talent, some of it is luck, and some of it is who you know. We want her to leave other doors and options open, but for now, dance is all she sees in her future.

 

[wendy46001]

First semester senior year many years ago I took a normal, heavy load of classes, second semester after I had already been accepted into college I took a somewhat lighter load

Back in the dark ages i did the same thing...took classes until I had the magic piece of paper saying welcome to college...then i took 2nd-5th periods (basically 4 classes out of 7, came in late left early...ah those were the days)....dont know if you can even do that anymore....

Recall my parents being worried about it at first but it worked well for me

 

[luvflorida]

First semester senior year many years ago I took a normal, heavy load of classes, second semester after I had already been accepted into college I took a somewhat lighter load and my first ever study hall. I would recommend something similar for your DD. Even though she wants to dance, what if she gets hurt and can't (not that you haven't told her this 100 times)? Even a dance program isn't going to admit someone that can't prove they are motivate to work and the best way to show that to prospective colleges is getting good grades in high school.

Has she visited any schools yet, met with anyone from those schools to see what the entrance requirements are? You say she is a good dancer but what will THEY say? A friend's DD was a very good violin player, for our area, but when she went to apply to music schools she quickly found out she wasn't as good as she thought. She did finally get accepted to a music program but it was WAY down on her list of places she wanted to go.

Motivation is no problem when it comes to dance! She takes 10/12 hours of dance classes a week, and is on a dance competition team. Every instructor has told DD that she has a certain x factor, ( ), and that she is very versatile. Whatever it is, they see something in her and her dance skills and abilities. But that, of course, doesn't guarantee a successful career in dance.

We will be touring colleges this coming spring and summer. So far, it seems as though she'll have no problem meeting the entrance requirements of the colleges she's looking into. However, we want her to realize that there are a lot of kids applying for a limited number of slots, and it doesn't hurt to have more credits and classes than just the minimum required.

 

[almacdonald]

My last year of High School I took a full load minus 1 class. I took Biology, Chemistry, Physics, Calculus, Social Studies, English and Religion (a requirement to graduate). I ended up graduating with about 9 classes worth of credits more than i NEEDED but hey, my major changed after 1 year of university so it's a good thing i took all those courses!

 

[tink_n_pooh]

I don't even think that you can do that around here. We onlyhad one option other than to be in school for 9 periods a day. We could do CIE which means that you had a have a job that you went to immediately after you left school at noon. In CIE the students also had to take a special CIE class during the day and do all kinds of things related to their jobs.

We couldn't even leave the school grounds during the day. We were only allowed to take study hall twice (in 4 years of high school) adn the guidance counselors really avoided letting anyone but seniors even have a study hall. Maybe our graduation requirements were different but I only graduated from high school 7 years ago

 

[luvflorida]

I don't even think that you can do that around here. We onlyhad one option other than to be in school for 9 periods a day. We could do CIE which means that you had a have a job that you went to immediately after you left school at noon. In CIE the students also had to take a special CIE class during the day and do all kinds of things related to their jobs.

We couldn't even leave the school grounds during the day. We were only allowed to take study hall twice (in 4 years of high school) adn the guidance counselors really avoided letting anyone but seniors even have a study hall. Maybe our graduation requirements were different but I only graduated from high school 7 years ago

At my daughter's high school, there are two kinds of early release for seniors. If the student has enough credits to graduate, and the proper classes have been taken, (i.e. 4 years of English, 31/2 of Social Studies, etc.), they can leave school for the second semester of their senior year. The second early release option involves taking classes only for the first few blocks each day, (again, only if they've met the requirements to graduate), which would mean going the full year, but getting out every day before lunch. Daughter is liking the idea of the second option. I just don't know how colleges look at things like early release.

 

[golfgal]

At my daughter's high school, there are two kinds of early release for seniors. If the student has enough credits to graduate, and the proper classes have been taken, (i.e. 4 years of English, 31/2 of Social Studies, etc.), they can leave school for the second semester of their senior year. The second early release option involves taking classes only for the first few blocks each day, (again, only if they've met the requirements to graduate), which would mean going the full year, but getting out every day before lunch. Daughter is liking the idea of the second option. I just don't know how colleges look at things like early release.

If she uses the early release for good and not evil she should be fine . If she has everything she needs and taking the morning only classes will give her some extra credits I don't see a problem with doing that especially if she will be getting a job, doing volunteer work or taking more dance during that time "off". If she is going to go home and sleep, I wouldn't let her do the early release. The getting a job part could be especially beneficial to help pay for schooling.

 

[Snowysmom]

My younger DS who is a senior is taking a full course load and at his high school, you have to take 6 courses plus health/gym. He is taking AP calculus, honors brit lit, honors environmental science, business management, honors creative writing, and International studies. He has a moderate amount of work, not overly challenging except for calculus. Older DS took a more challenging course load senior year but he is very motivated. First quarter grades are very important for college. The colleges around here stress that you must keep up your grades all year and they reserve the right to "unadmit" you if your grades drop alot. I don't really know if that ever happens. I have never heard of taking off second semester of school, that is an interesting idea. The kids here need 32 credit hours a year in order to graduate. The best idea would be to check out the requirements for the colleges she wants to apply to and make sure anything she does conforms to those standards. Good luck!

 

[christineann]

Meeting the entrance requirements is often not enough. More kids are applying to college these days, and the colleges can afford to be more selective every year. Because of her AP's, my daughter started college with enough hours to be classified as a sophomore. Her senior year was not an easy one, but she juggled her classes, sports and a job and had a very good college application. All the colleges we visited said that they look for students who challenge themselves, even after they have accumulated enough hours to graduate. Check with the admissions offices at the colleges if you have any questions. They are very helpful.

My son's girlfriend is a college senior and is a voice major - unfortunately, her voice has deteriorated a little because of acid reflux, and she may not be able to graduate in voice. At this point, she does not have a minor, so things are very difficult for her.

 

[DisneyBlonde]

My son (senior) is also taking a full load this year...AP (UCONN) and honors courses. He picked his classes himself...didn't even give himself a study hall. He complained last week about how he has so much homework, and that Sr year was supposed to be the easiest. He's doing very well gradewise, but, like your daughter, he's very bright yet unmotivated. He'd rather be playing his guitar than dealing with school.

 

[luvflorida]

My son's girlfriend is a college senior and is a voice major - unfortunately, her voice has deteriorated a little because of acid reflux, and she may not be able to graduate in voice. At this point, she does not have a minor, so things are very difficult for her.

She must be so disappointed. This is the kind of thing I worry about. You can make all the plans in the world, but something can happen that completely destroys those plans. We'd like to see our daughter get a good, solid academic background in college in addition to her following her dance dreams.

 

[christineann]

That's good advice. I told my son that I think she should consider other options now, such as a degree in education with a minor in music (or something along those lines). She is a wonderful girl, and I think she would be a great teacher. It's a good idea to have a Plan B, just in case.