Each year, a new group of Nevada State High School (NSHS) students embarks on their first real college experience. As NSHS students, 11th and 12th graders find themselves with much more freedom and flexibility in their daily schedules than traditional high school students. At the same time, that freedom comes with a need to become more personally responsible. Personal responsibility is something that will be discussed during the NSHS Introduction to College course, a two-week intensive class that takes place in August and is repeated in December/January for incoming spring semester students. The course is designed to better prepare each student personally, academically, and socially for the transition to college, as they are about to be taking real college courses! When getting ready to attend Nevada State High School, here are some helpful tips for what new students need to know.
1. Core Values: The school’s core values are responsibility, integrity, and motivation. Learning the definition for each and embracing these values will help you better connect with everyone at the school, from students to staff members.
2. Proven Process: Review the school’s proven process of making sure every student is college-ready. These steps — onboarding, mission, measurement, and monitoring — explain exactly how NSHS will get you college-ready by graduation.
3. College Schedule: Finalize your college schedule and submit your Course Approval for Payment (CAP) form. Know when and where your classes are located, and always arrive early.
4. Commitment: Decide now if you are 100% committed to being successful in a real college experience. If you are, give it all your effort beginning on day one of the two-week course.
5. Relationships: Proceed with caution when forming new relationships. When evaluating a friendship, ask yourself one simple question: Does this person make me a better person? If the answer is no, it’s time to consider making new friends.
6. Social Opportunities: Participate in a variety of clubs, activities, and events at both Nevada State High School and the college(s) you are attending. Scheduled social activities and volunteer opportunities are great ways to meet other students and make new friends. (See #5!)
7. Solutions: Create habits around finding solutions to problems you encounter. This will go a long way in both school and life in general. Many people are quick to point fingers at a problem, but only a few understand the importance of finding and implementing a solution.
Attending a school that focuses on providing students with a real college experience is a big step, and the Introduction to College course will better prepare you for that experience. Start the school year being 100% committed to why you are here and how Nevada State High School can help you get where you want to be.
