9th Grade
Academics
The most important thing that freshman can do is to focus on excellence in their coursework. Grades and high school curriculum are two areas that colleges will be very interested in reviewing. If you are having problems with a particular subject, go to tutorial and work with your teachers. Develop good study habits and get to know your teachers. They will be writing your college recommendations very soon!
Activities
Get involved at Woodward. Join a service club or try out for a sport. Then take a leadership role in that activity. Colleges are looking for excellence/passionate involvement in a few activities, both in and out of school. Start a resume or file of awards, activities, etc.
Summers
Use your summers wisely. Visit colleges when on a vacation or family trip. Listen for announcements about summer opportunities. Visit Petersons for great information on summer opportunities around the country. Also, consider volunteering. Hands on Atlanta has information on many different volunteering placements throughout the city.
10th Grade
Academics
Continue to earn your best grades. Take the most challenging course work that you are recommended to take. Make sure to prepare for the PSAT and do your best.
Activities
If possible, take a leadership role in an activity. Attend the Woodward College Fair in the fall and the National College Fair in the spring.
Summers
Start to familiarize yourself with the different types of colleges available. Some good local college visits include:
- Large size: UGA, Auburn, Clemson
- Medium size: Emory, Georgia College and State University
- Small size: Oglethorpe, Mercer, Berry
- Women: Agnes Scott, Brenau
- Urban: Georgia State
- Research/technical: Georgia Tech
- HBCU: Spelman, Morehouse
- Military: North Georgia
11th Grade
Be sure to check the Woodward Academy College Handbook (Edline) for specifics concerning the junior year and check the College Counseling web site for events and updates. All juniors will be assigned a college counselor in the spring of their junior year. The Woodward College Fair will be held each September.
The grades made during your junior year are considered by many to be the best indicator for college success. The PSAT will be used for possible qualification for National Merit Semifinalist status and scholarship. Be sure to prepare as best as you can. Also, get ready to take the SAT and/or the ACT in the spring. Decide if you are disciplined enough on your own to prepare for these tests, or if you need additional help.
Continue to visit colleges during the holidays and summers. Attend sessions held by college representatives who visit Woodward and attend the Junior College Seminar in January.
12th Grade
Visit the College Counseling site and Edline for details and resources, and find out which colleges have representatives that will be visiting Woodward and/or attending the Woodward College Fair.
NCAA Initial-Eligibility Clearinghouse
Student athletes who plan to enroll in a Division I or II college should register with the NCAA to determine academic eligibility. Students should register at the end of the 11th grade after completion of six semesters of high school coursework.
The clearinghouse registration form and eligibility guidelines are available online at http://www.ncaaclearinghouse.net/ or from the “NCAA Guide for the College-Bound Student Athlete” available in the Upper School Counseling office.
After completing the registration, the student should print the online InitialRelease Copy 1 and FinalRelease-Copy 2 forms or remove the Initial and Final Release forms from the NCAA Guide and present the signed forms to the Upper School Counseling office.
Woodward Academy will not provide the NCAA with a transcript (which includes a 12th grade schedule), or available ACT or SAT scores, without the required NCAA release forms.