Maren Holmen

Even though the AP exams aren’t until May, now is the time to start your AP test prep, particularly if you aren’t taking an AP course.  (Yes, that’s correct—it is possible to take an AP exam even if you aren’t taking an AP course in that subject area!)  Because AP exams are what colleges use to judge whether or not you are granted college credit for your knowledge in a certain subject, they are more comprehensive and require a greater knowledge than an SAT Subject test.  Understandabl

Numerous articles (including our own on this blog) have been written about how to choose the right high school.  Clearly, this is neither easy nor easily quantifiable.  There are many references to making lists, doing your research, and asking questions of everyone you know.  These are all part of choosing the right high school—but it isn’t the core, in my opinion.

Myth:  There’s a right school for every person.

Every student is unique. We know this better than anyone and we’ve spent the last nine decades making it possible for this uniqueness to complement a top-quality education. Our students come from a variety of backgrounds, with their specific ways of learning, particular interests, and distinct aspirations. This individuality is celebrated by the flexibility and the choices they are able to make for themselves at Beekman.

You’re in high school—hurray!  It feels like a huge accomplishment to get through your first day (and it is—go you!), but there are some things to keep in mind as you start at a new school.

Don’t bite off more than you can chew.  Figure out how much time it will take you to do your homework before you sign up for Student Council, Chess Club, and the yearbook staff.  It’s great to be involved, particularly in a new school, and it can help you make new friends.  But you don’t want to feel so overwhelmed that you feel like you can’t accomplish everything.

Once you’ve sent in your applications and are starting to receive acceptance letters, you’re done, right?  Wrong!  Now you need to prepare yourself for what to expect in high school.  And there’s plenty of work to be done there.