College Readiness 101

Freshman year You’ve got eight semesters here. How will you use them?

Take rigorous coursework. Study halls are sometimes unavoidable, but Blackhawk has a wealth of elective and curricular offerings that are the envy of many school of our size. College-track students should definitely be taking Lab Biology and CP or Honors English. A challenging elective like Public Speaking or Entrepreneurship looks great on your transcript.
Explore your interests in and out of the classroom. High achievement in sports and music can show measurable commitment and discipline. It’s never too early to pursue community service and civic engagement.
Plan ahead. You’ve got eight semesters here. How will you use them? This scheduling plan will get you started. Remember to explore the complete BHS program of studies, and not just the grade-specific sheet you received in your class meeting. If you’re on the accelerated math track, it can be beneficial to take the PSAT as a sophomore.

Grades, grades, grades. You’re taking the right classes. Make sure you execute — your transcript follows you forever.
Testing. All high-achieving sophomores should take the PSAT. It’s also likely that you’re taking your first AP class and exam. You can find more about PSAT/SAT prep and AP prep with the links at the top of the page.
Do your research. By the end of your sophomore year, you should be thinking about your academic and vocational future. If you don’t know what you want to for a living, do you know what you want to study? If not, do you know what type of postsecondary school you’d prefer? Big or small? Christian or secular? Urban or rural? State or private? The earlier you narrow your search, the better off you’ll be.
Plug in your data. I’d recommend using niche.com as your primary tool; it’s powerful, user-friendly, and local (a Pittsburgh company). As you get your test scores back, enter them (and your grades) into the software. Important note: You should make a new, dedicated email account for your college and scholarship search. You’re going to get a LOT of email.

Make it through. Junior year is hard at Blackhawk. Keep at it.
Plan your senior year. Is dual enrollment the right option? Which credits apply to which colleges, and how do they apply? How many AP classes will you take? Which of those tests are worth taking? The answers to these questions vary from school to school, so…
Narrow your college search. By the end of junior year, you should have a short list of majors and schools. Make some visits, Meet some admissions representatives. Find out what you need to qualify for admission. Tighten your focus and plan accordingly.
SAT and ACT. Take them. Take them more than once. Also take the NMSQT. Some schools give full-tuition scholarships based on ACT composite scores of 32 or above. Here’s a site to give you a few ideas.

Close the deal. The admissions office won’t like it if you take your senior year off.
Start the application process early. It’s more of a hassle than you might expect. Help your teachers and recommenders by giving them plenty of time to write letters. Also consider early action and/or early decision if you’re sure of your #1 choice.
Follow the money. Your future alma mater might offer you athletic or merit-based aid. Find out. Supplement that aid by applying for in-house scholarships at Blackhawk (find hard copies each month, starting in October, in senior homerooms and the guidance office).
Be confident. Remember, you are the product. Approach every interview and application knowing that the school should be selling itself to you, not vice versa.
Go out and change the world.