Transcript/Rigor:
Arguably, the most important component of one's application during the college admissions process is one's high school transcript. This mere sheet is scrutinized by admission officers around the globe, and it is solely an indicator of one's academic prowess. It is sent to all the colleges you apply to, as well as various other processes such as scholarship applications, jobs, and prestigious internships. Therefore, it very important that you do the best that you can as it relates to your academic records , so you can reap the rewards later on. But how do admission officers evaluate transcripts? They evaluate them through various measures: most prominently with the rigor of your coursework, your performance in these courses, and the types of classes you choose. The idea of "rigor" is simply related to questions that you should always keep in mind, "how challenging and demanding have your classes been". Are you pursuing the most rigorous coursework at BLA, whether that be various AP's or Honors(Pre-AP) classes? Rigor is a huge indicator of your academic success in college, so most colleges value this aspect wholeheartedly. In addition, colleges evaluate your transcript by a basic definition of performance, " how were your grades in these classes". Although extenuating circumstances arise at times during one's high-school career, it is paramount that you maintain good grades, and an upward grade trend is always looked upon favorably by admission officers. Therefore, please try your best in the classes that you engage in, and continue to be the classical students that BLA espouses. Finally, colleges evaluate you on the types of classes you choose. This usually means two different ways: Are you engaging in a well rounded curriculum, or are you focused on a specific field(discipline) while still completing your requirements. In hindsight, you should always keep in mind future goals and potential colleges while in the process of course selection, for instance, if you are interested in STEM, it would be best to take rigorous classes in that area. Furthermore, even though the transcript is reviewed highly by admission officers, it is solely up to you and the efforts you put in, which as a result will allow you to have better choices in the future.
BLA Highschool Courses:
9th Grade:
10th Grade:
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11th Grade:
12th Grade:
Course Catalog:Students! Please continue to reference the course flow chart in order to pick classes that suit your interests and passions. It is your job to advocate for yourself. and to choose the classes that you want to benefit from. BLA courses emphasize a well rounded liberal arts education, so you must take advantage of these resources and you use them to its fullest potential! |
| course_flow_charts_-_course_flow_chart.pdf |
Course Selection Resource:
Here is a website designed by students to help you with you course choices.
Website:https://sites.google.com/bostonk12.org/latin-academy-course-selection/home
Website:https://sites.google.com/bostonk12.org/latin-academy-course-selection/home
Tips and Reminders:
- Do not, and I repeat DO NOT overburden yourself with classes that you know you cannot handle. It is imperative that you not choose classes for the purpose of a GPA boost or something along those lines, but on the basis of future goals and personal interests. Although you still should aspire to take rigorous classes, is also important to choose classes that you know you will enjoy. Meet with your guidance counselors often and they will certainly help you find a balance between your courses and other initiatives. BLA is here for your success, so please utilize the resources at your disposal.
- Do not think of think of classes merely being attributed to the grades that you receive, it is really the culmination of diverse perspectives and various conversations that will enlighten your liberal arts education. Rely on the knowledge and expertise of your teachers and staff, value the perspectives and opinions of your fellow students, and immerse yourself with the culture of BLA. This is your education, so continue to embody the values that make up who you are and the people around you.
- Lastly, please remember that every year counts in high school. Yes! This means your freshman year as well. Although many students fear the horrors of junior year, it is very important that you do well in your classes before so as to maintain a good grade point average(GPA). In addition, do not fall for senioritis as well, those grades surely count for college admissions. Overall, please understand that you are all capable of succeeding in these courses, but it mainly relies on how much emphasis and drive you put into these experiences. You got this!!!