GRADES: Grades are a priority. It is never too early to begin thinking about GPA and scholarships. Class ranking and overall GPA are factors that are important as students begin to consider future plans.
ATTENDANCE: Students who do well in school attend school regularly. You cannot learn if you are not here.
CAREER EXPLORATION: It may seem too early to begin making plans for after high school but graduation is getting closer. Students should be taking classes that will help them achieve their goals. Career exploration is vital. Louisiana ePortal is a good resource for investigating careers as well as in-state colleges and technical programs – www.laeportal.com.
PLAN: This is the pre-ACT and is given to all sophomores free of charge in September. Students should use this test as a predictor of ACT scores as well as a guide to improving future ACT scores.
ACT: It is recommended that students complete geometry before they take the ACT. There is ample time for students to take the ACT during the junior and senior years.
SAT: The pre-SAT or PSAT is given on a specified day in October. This is the qualifying test for the National Merit Scholarship program. Sophomores may take the PSAT for practice. The junior year score is the only one applied toward National Merit competition. Traditionally, Ruston High School has students annually that are National Merit Scholars – top 99% in the nation.
TOPS: Tuition Opportunity Program for Students: This is a scholarship available to Louisiana students who have completed the required Core curriculum, earned a 2.5 GPA on these core classes, and scored at least a 20 on the ACT.