Orville H. Platt High School

Helpful Hints

 

 

 

For Freshmen:

  • Freshmen need to earn 6.00 credits to become sophomores. If you do not earn 6.00 credits at the end of your freshman year, you will be a freshman again the following year.
  • The PSAT 8/9 is taken in October.
  • Students enrolled in Advanced Placement (AP) classes will take exams in May. 

For Sophomores:

  • Sophomores need to earn 12 credits to become juniors. If you do not earn 12 credits, you will be a sophomore again the following year.
  • The PSAT/NMSQT is taken in October, and the PSAT 10 in March.
  • Students enrolled in Advanced Placement (AP) classes will take exams in May.

For Juniors & Seniors:

  • Juniors need to earn 18  credits to become seniors. If you do not earn 18 credits, you will be a junior again the following year.
  • A transcript (a record of all of your grades and credits earned while you are in high school) will be created at the end of your junior year. This is the transcript that will be sent to colleges to which you apply during your senior year. Your transcript is one of the important documents colleges will review as they determine whether to accept you for admission. The grades you earn in junior year will be the last full year of grades colleges will see, so it is especially important to do your best.
  • Junior year is the time to continue develop post-high school goals. Naviance is used to research colleges and careers, and also to process your college applications, request teacher recommendations and transcripts. It's accessible wherever a computer is available. Your counselor will assist you with the Naviance program to help you gather information about colleges to which you may be interested in applying. Additionally, online searches of colleges can be beneficial. Juniors are encourages to visit as many of the colleges as possible that they are considering.
  • Junior year is SAT year! All juniors will take the SAT as the Connecticut assessment in Reading, Writing, and Math. These scores can also be used for college applications. Many students will take the SAT two to three times, as colleges ask for your best scores on the application.
  • Students enrolled in Advanced Placement (AP) classes will take exams in May.
  • If you are having difficulty, try to improve your study methods. There are many ways to study, the ones that you use will depend on your individual style: re-read course material, copy over notes, re-work your homework problems, find a study partner, form a study group, etc.
  • It is important to pay careful attention to grades and get involved in school activities. Be sure to speak with your teachers if you are having difficulty in any courses. Teachers are available after school to assist you with homework and to review key concepts presented in class.
  • Working Papers are issued in the school counseling office. Employers require working papers for students under the age of 18. You must bring your Promise to Employ letter (and a birth certificate, if you are not a Platt High School student) to one of the guidance clerks.
  • Athletes who are juniors and seniors: If you plan to compete in athletics in college, you need to apply to the NCAA Eligibility Center. Register online at www.ncaaclearinghouse.net for information. After you register, be sure to print two copies of the registration and bring them to guidance. One copy is sent to the NCAA with your transcript and the second copy is sent with your final transcript. See your counselor for more information.