PROJECT REACHABLE

FRESHMAN YEAR

DAILY PLANNER
Flowing Wells provides students with a planner. Actually using it will save you from
needlessly forgetting about assignments. Use it to write down homework, to-do
lists, keep track of extracurricular events, etc.

STUDENT HANDBOOK
In the Flowing Wells daily planner is the student handbook. You may want to read this at the
beginning of the year and have it to refer back to when unsure about a policy or procedure.
Important information in the handbook:
School Calendar
Bell Schedules
Graduation Requirements

Attendance Policies
Athletic Schedules and Policies
Dress Code

You will find this chart in the handbook.

These are Flowing Wells graduation
requirements, but many selective
colleges will want something a little
different. We will focus on the chart to
the right.

Notable differences include:

4 years of Science
4 years of Social Studies
4 years of Foreign Language
As many (Pre-) AP as possible!

CHOOSING CLASSES
Take Pre-AP (Honors) and AP classes
Freshman year, I chose regular biology instead of the Pre-AP version.
When I got into the class and compared it to the Pre-AP version that
many of my friends were taking, I realized I had made a mistake to
doubt my academic abilities. Luckily, I was able to switch into the PreAP class, and it became one of my favorite classes.

In all experiences Ive had with advanced classes, its always better to
challenge yourself. Even if you feel unqualified for a particular
advanced course, Ive found that regardless of how intelligent you think
you are, when you commit to doing the work, staying organized, and
being attentive, you will do just fine.

SAMPLE FRESHMAN YEAR SCHEDULE

Subject

Class (according to FW offerings)

English

Pre-AP English 1-2

Math

Pre-AP Algebra 3-4

Science

Pre-AP Biology

Social Science

Pre-AP World History

Foreign Language

Spanish 1-2

Fine Arts/Elective

Beginning Theater

NOTES ABOUT FOREIGN LANGUAGE

For people who already know a second language, it is often tempting to take a challenge
test. This test allows a students to pass out of beginning level classes either to avoid
taking a language class at all or to advance to higher levels more quickly. Use extreme
caution when deciding whether to take this routeask your counselor whether you will
be given a pass/fail grade or a letter grade on your transcript. Some colleges will
mathematically assign pass grades as the letter grade D. If you choose to do this,
clarify with the colleges you apply to as to why your transcript appears with a pass/fail
grade. If you got ahead to take the next level course, it will be impressive! As an
additional note, its good to reach out to colleges with priority questions, concerns, and
clarifications during the application process!
Depending on your high school, some languages may be offered only to the second year
level. Keep this is mind when you decide which language to take. Most schools will want
3-4 years of a single language. Another option is to take higher level classes online or at
community college.

UNDERSTANDING YOUR TRANSCRIPT

Below that, you will find information like your standardized test
scores, credits earned, your weighted and unweighted GPAs, and
your rank.

This is where all your classes, the

grade, and the credits earned will
show up. Information is updated
after each semester.

CLASS RANKINGS
1. Weighted courses help your GPA.

2. Collect your transcript each semester to track progress.

3. Plan your four year course schedule now.
4. Usually, summer school hurts your GPA. It will increase the
amount of classes you will take, thus mathematically
decreasing your grade point average. This is especially true of
unweighted classes.
5. Limit non-weighted electives, as they pull down your GPA.
6. Grades count equally throughout all 4 years!

GETTING INVOLVED
Freshman year, I decided not to run cross country after running every year
since 3rd grade. It was all because I was worried and unconfident. This is the
classic example of freshman nerves and inexperience. If I had just talked to the
coach, he would have loved to see another freshman going out for the sport!
Communication is key, and you should never be intimidated to ask for some
guidance.

All the same, I didnt waste my time: I used the cross country season to train for
the upcoming basketball season. I ran cross country during the subsequent
three years.
Try something new, then stick with what you like.
Commitment & consistency is more important than what you choose to do!