Introduction to 9 th Grade at Lahore American School

1. Introduction to 9th Grade at Lahore American School Graduation and University Planning

2. Report Cards and Transcripts • Students receive report cards on a quarterly basis. • The quarter grades are relevant to the calculation of semester grades, but the semester grade is what goes on the transcript. • Transcripts are the documentation of the students’ progress. They are used for college entrance or any other need for such documentation.

3. The Report Card

4. The Transcript

5. Graduation Requirements English (4 credits) World Language (3 credits) English 9 Three credits in a single language English 10 or English 11 or AP English Lang. Two credits in two different languages English 12 or AP English Lit. Social Studies (3 credits) Physical Education/Health (2 credits) Human Geography- required PE/Health 9 Modern World History- required PE/Health 10 Mathematics (3 credits) Fine and Applied Arts (1 credit) Your choice (placement is based on previous record)Your choice Science (3 credits) General Electives (5 credits)* Biology- required*Any course taken beyond the number of units in a given subject area is regarded as an elective. Information & Communication Technology (ICT) (1 credit) Your choice Total 25 credits

6. Course Planning All 9th Grade students must take the following: • English 9 • Human Geography • Physical Education 9 • Algebra I, Geometry or Algebra II • Introduction to Physical Science or Biology • French or Urdu • Art I or one of the three courses offered in Computers • Freshman Seminar (this course does not earn credit) *Placement is determined by exit exams and previous performance in the subject area

7. Preregistration Form • Use pencil only • Last name, First name as on the student’s passport • Math, Science and World Language selections need teacher approval from the current subject area teacher • Parent signature

8. Planning for University • University planning is an important and individualized process. • The Director of Guidance (Ms Tara), Assistant Counselor (Ms Gaga) and the Counseling Office Assistant (Ms Melissa) are available predominantly for this purpose. • This is a good time to look ahead to what type of courses are of most interest and what type of profile the student is looking to develop.

9. Math Sequence

10. Language Sequences

11. What are the universities looking for? This depends on many factors such as: • Location • Level of selectivity • Highly competitive universities have very low admittance rates and most applicants are already preselected by having a profile close to that they are looking for. • The applicant pool at that school for that particular year • The culture of the school and type of students who tend to thrive there (they want a good fit) • Likelihood that you will accept your offer of admission

12. What are the universities looking for? United States: Most schools utilize a process referred to as “comprehensive review.” This means they take a holistic look at the student, reviewing not only the transcript and SAT scores, but also letters of recommendation, essays, leadership, service, work experience and other extra-curricular activities such as sports and clubs. Profile of a student admitted to Harvard (7.2% acceptance rate): • Unweighted GPA- 3.93 • SAT- 2270 • AP Courses- 10 • Exceptional extra-curricular work

13. What are the universities looking for? UK: Strong prioritization of academics and exam scores. They also require a personal statement and one letter of reference, both of which should address appropriateness of the choice of course of study. Profile of a student admitted to London School of Economics (6.8% acceptance rate): • Unweighted GPA- 3.90 • SAT- 2120 • AP Courses- 7 • Exceptional extra-curricular work

14. What are the universities looking for? Canada: Students are admitted based predominantly on grades and extra-curricular. The SAT score is generally not required, but if the score is high it can provide an edge in the admissions process. Letters of recommendation are also not required in most instances, occasionally universities will ask for them. Profile of a student admitted to McGill (46% acceptance rate): • Unweighted GPA- 3.77 • SAT- 2040 • AP Courses- 7 • Exceptional extra-curricular work

15. What are the universities looking for? • Pakistan: Universities in Pakistan have very different requirements than those of North American and European universities. If your student intends to apply to Pakistani universities, please plan to visit us in the Guidance Office so we can explain the specific requirements that must be met. Early planning is critical for Pakistani university admissions.

16. What type of extra-curricular activities? • Quality over quantity • Universities want to see commitment and growth • Relevant to career aspirations • Internships • MUN • Clubs • Personally enriching • Volunteer work • Sports • Music • Unique

17. Talk to Us! Anytime you have questions or concerns about college planning, academic progress or any issues which impact students’ performance, please contact me at the e mail address or phone number below. Tara Williams, Director of Guidance twilliams@las.edu.pk Phone: 3576-4157