Advice for first high school year from homeschool

2027hopeful

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Oct 20, 2018
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I'm currently homeschooled in 8th grade and plan to go to public high school next year. I'm taking classes outside of my home right now in Algebra and 10th grade chemistry. I'm hoping to figure out whether to take all Pre-AP classes to start and what sport I should do so I can try and train for one.

What I'm trying to figure out if next year I should go with Pre-AP classes for everything possible, or not, since I'll likely experience a bit of academic shock transitioning that could potentially lower my grades (Pre-AP classes are on a 5.0 scale at this school.)

I'm also trying to figure out what sport to play, since 90% of the candidates that get accepted were varsity athletes. I'm thinking of either doing Wrestling, or Track and Field/Cross Country. I've heard it's better to do a team sport, but there aren't any I've done previously except for soccer several years ago.
 
For academics, take the hardest classes your school has to offer (in the proper sequence, of course) and excel at then. USNA cares more about course rigor and class rank than GPA. An A in a regular class is not necessarily better than a B in an AP class.

As for athletics, do the sport(s) you’re most passionate about. You don’t need to be all-league or all-state (though it doesn’t hurt), but aim to be a team captain by senior year.

Best wishes to you.
 
Agreed with the last post on academics. As a side note, pay particular attention to SAT/ACT prep.

My son just went NROTC, and it seems that him running track and playing soccer (more running), helped a lot with the PF’T’s. I’d also start doing push-ups, sit-ups, and curl-ups now. Lol
 
You don't really need to take AP or pre-AP classes as a freshman. Much more important later on. I would consider taking the highest level in classes that you feel really good about and see how it goes in your first year. You can then adjust as a sophomore.

As for sports, I agree that you should join sports that you think you'll enjoy. Team sports are good, but if you have a passion for an "individual" sport, that's okay since you'll be in a public school and have the opportunity to do other "team" events, such as clubs or team events outside of school, such as scouting. Consider a sport that involves running -- such as soccer, track or lacrosse. That said, if those sports don't interest you, pick something that does and make sure to run on your own.

You are correct that, in your first year, you may need to focus on the differences between a public school and home school -- I'm sure you'll do great, Just keep in mind that you don't have to do everything in year 1. You'll have two more years before applying to USNA. I suggest that, this next year, you focus on finding activities and sports that appeal to you and that you enjoy. Then, in the next two years, you can increase your leadership and involvement in those activities.

Also, you can do activities outside of school. These include scouting, religious activities, working, volunteering, etc. Those count just as much. In general, you'll be happiest (and most successful) doing things that you enjoy. USNA is filled with midshipmen who excel in journalism, singing, acting, and playing a musical instrument just as it has those who love sailing or jumping out of airplanes. The key is finding something that you love, sticking with it, and leading/taking ownership.
 
Wrestling is both a physical and mentally demanding sport. Wrestlers provide their own headgear, jock, and wrestling shoes-check your local sporting goods store. My now 2/c was on his high school s wrestling team, and enjoyed the sport. Making weight before each meet is important, and you will need the self control to stay away from the junk food and sugary drinks, candy, etc. during wrestling season. Socializing with your friends while everyone else is enjoying fast food and you're eating high protein stuff instead can be hard.

Conditioning usually starts in early October and the season runs until February. If you are in the regionals, semi-state, or state final, your season can extend into early March. Depending on your state's athletic rules, you may be allowed to gain up to 5 lbs. during the holiday season. You will quickly learn to budget your time and set priorities-expect to spend hours in the wrestling room. DS took his books with him and when he wasn't on the mat or practicing with his wrestling partner, he and the other team members would be working on homework and class assignments.

Did I mention the weekend tournaments where the wrestlers have to be at the host school no later than 6 a.m. for weigh-ins? Your parents will become friends with the parents of the other wrestlers on your team. Good luck- you sound like you are up to the challenge.
 
One thing I like about wrestling is that it's a relatively low-budget sport. Buy $40-50 wrestling shoes at the beginning of the wrestling season and ~$20 headgear and you're all set. Also, don't expect to get an extra five pounds after the holidays. My state does a 2 pound allowance (4 for some tournaments). It is a grind but any wrestler will tell you it's ultimately worth it.
 
One thing I like about wrestling is that it's a relatively low-budget sport. Buy $40-50 wrestling shoes at the beginning of the wrestling season and ~$20 headgear and you're all set. Also, don't expect to get an extra five pounds after the holidays. My state does a 2 pound allowance (4 for some tournaments). It is a grind but any wrestler will tell you it's ultimately worth it.
So would you suggest trying to do wrestling instead of Track and Field/Cross Country? I've narrowed it down to either wrestling or that so I'm trying to figure out what to train for.
 
One thing I like about wrestling is that it's a relatively low-budget sport. Buy $40-50 wrestling shoes at the beginning of the wrestling season and ~$20 headgear and you're all set. Also, don't expect to get an extra five pounds after the holidays. My state does a 2 pound allowance (4 for some tournaments). It is a grind but any wrestler will tell you it's ultimately worth it.
I guess its different in different areas. I wrestled back in High School and all I needed to provide was a supporter. Both the headgear and wrestling shoes were provided and that was a pretty poor district.

Which you choose is up to you. One benefit of Cross Country is that it leads to indoor (winter) and outdoor (spring) track so it can lead into a three season / full school year sport and three potential captaincies.
 
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