The advantages that come with involvement in extracurricular activities for middle school students are numerous. While one motivation for joining a club may be for high school applications, there are other reasons to consider joining one too. Academic clubs such as math teams, science teams, and Model UN can be a fun way to learn outside of the classroom and to learn important life skills.
Chancellor Richard R. Carranza put out a letter on December 18th, 2020, outlining the changes that will be put into effect and continuities for the admissions process for New York City public high schools, that have been made largely due to the Covid-19 pandemic. Carranza is also focusing on lessening inequities that were thrown into light by the pandemic, specifically the worse impact that Covid-19 had on students of color and low-income students, as well as keeping the process as normal as it can be, keeping in mind social distancing guidelines.
When looking into high schools, it is vital to stay updated on the current admissions process. In years past, most schools' admissions environments would not change dramatically. However, with middle schools using alternative grading methods, and tests being delayed due to the pandemic, high schools have had to update their acceptance criteria. With so much uncertainty and rapid changes during this time, it is important to remain up to date on high school admissions environments. Here is some information on how to keep yourself updated during these harrowing times.
It's understandable to want to get a feel of the high schools you're thinking about applying to, which usually you can do by going to tours, walking around the school, listening to students and faculty about the school, and asking questions. Unfortunately due to the Covid-19 pandemic, this aspect of the high school application process is being converted to online video meetings and video format, but you can still get the same amount out of a virtual tour, with a little more effort.
One of the toughest parts of the high school admissions process is creating a list of schools you are planning to apply to. This step can be made easier though by working with your school’s guidance counselor, who can offer advice about schools that may be a good fit for you. While many students may think it is only necessary to talk to their counselor for tasks such as changing their schedule, guidance counselors can be even more helpful if you develop a relationship with them. Guidance counselors can be especially helpful in figuring out certain schools you may like. This is a two-fold process, however, so make sure you do your research and learn how to do so from talking to them. The following steps are ways you can build your high school list and develop a relationship with your counselor.
Okay, I definitely stressed myself out as I went through the high school admissions process. Just like thousands of other eighth-graders in New York City public and private schools, I was channeling my arts passions into the already stressful high school choice process. In addition to keeping up my grades (including two Regents classes I took that year), I had to develop and rehearse my audition repertoire and then schedule a dozen auditions. But it paid off when I received offers from my first choice schools and programs.