- Encourage Extracurricular Involvement
Encourage your child to join clubs that align with their interests. High School offers a wide range of clubs, and students should aim to remain active in one or more throughout high school. College admissions value long-term commitment to extracurricular activities. Participating in a club for all four years demonstrates passion and dedication. - Foster Leadership Skills
Active involvement in clubs can lead to leadership opportunities. Colleges take note of leadership roles, so motivate your child to strive for these positions. Leadership can also be demonstrated in other areas, such as mentoring younger students, organizing events, or leading sports teams. - Volunteer Opportunities
Volunteering is vital for both college applications and personal growth. Encourage your child to give back to the community through local opportunities. In Edison, students can volunteer at places like senior homes, veterans’ organizations, Liberty Science Center, and Jersey Care. High School also offers volunteer opportunities through the Key Club. - Preparing for Challenging Courses
Biology Honors in 9th grade is one of the most challenging courses at High School, so preparing in advance is key to success. Accessing personalized support can make a significant difference in mastering the material and achieving good results. - Language Courses
Spanish Honors can be difficult, particularly for students entering at Level 2. If your child is interested in changing languages, consider enrolling them in Latin or another language. Language courses impact GPA, so it’s essential to choose wisely based on their strengths and interests. - AP US History (APUSH)
APUSH is a rigorous course, especially in 10th and 11th grade. The homework load is significant, so help your child plan accordingly. Be aware that this course requires considerable time and effort, extending into late hours. - Financial Literacy Course
Financial Literacy is a mandatory graduation requirement at High School. To avoid it interfering with other electives, I recommend completing it during the summer before entering 9th grade. The course is offered through Middlesex County College, and you can find enrollment details on the High School website. - Elective Courses (Create Career Pathways)
When choosing electives, consider how they align with your child’s career interests and how they progress from basic to advanced levels (e.g., honors or AP). Ensure that any elective selected fulfills prerequisites for future courses, such as AP Computer Science, AP Micro/Macro Economics. - PSAT & SAT Preparation
Students take the PSAT in 10th and 11th grades, with the 11th-grade PSAT qualifying them for the National Merit Scholarship. It’s crucial to take the SAT early, ideally after the summer following 10th grade, to give students the space to focus on their academic work during the demanding 11th grade - AP Exams
If your child is taking AP courses, encourage them to take the AP exam in May. Many state colleges offer credit for scores of 3 or above, but acceptance criteria vary by college. - Specialized Clubs: Robotics & HOSA
For students interested in engineering, technology, or robotics, High School has a competitive Robotics Club (Team 2554). Interested students should register at the club fair at the beginning of 9th grade. Students aiming for a medical career should consider joining the HOSA club, where they can participate in healthcare competitions and volunteer for emergency services once they turn 16. - National Honor Society (NHS)
The NHS honors students with exceptional academic performance, leadership, and character. Students must apply in 11th grade, demonstrating their achievements in these areas. - Subject-Specific Honor Societies
In addition to NHS, High School offers honor societies for individual subjects, such as English and Science. Each subject has specific requirements, including minimum grade thresholds (e.g., an A- or above). Students should familiarize themselves with the criteria for each subject’s honor society.
Lastly, It’s important to understand that while GPA is a critical factor in college admissions, it is not the only one that matters. A high GPA demonstrates academic excellence, consistency, and dedication, all of which are key indicators of a student’s ability to succeed. That said, colleges also consider extracurricular activities, leadership roles, volunteering, and unique achievements that help paint a fuller picture of a candidate’s potential.
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We understand that every student’s journey is unique, and we’re here to support you every step of the way. If you have any questions or need further guidance, please don’t hesitate to reach out. Our team is happy to assist with any details or clarifications to ensure your child’s high school experience is successful and fulfilling.
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