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Postsecondary Preparation

Students need to prepare for the variety of options that are available to them once they earn their diploma from Bloomington High School South. They must select their courses carefully using all the information and services offered to them: the career interest inventory where students identify their career cluster, discussions with family, school counselors and teachers, the Learn More Resource Center 1-800-992-2076, as well as shadowing, mentoring and internship opportunities.
Because entry requirements vary among colleges there is no specific list of courses which comprises a college preparatory curriculum. A recommendation for maximum preparation permits very little flexibility in high school course selection while a recommendation for minimum preparation would not qualify students for admission to highly selective institutions. Since many BHSS students will attend Indiana University, [it should be noted that Indiana University’s admission standards require a minimum of 30 credits of college preparatory courses as follows: eight credits of English; six credits of mathematics (algebra, geometry, and advanced algebra); four credits of social science (economics, government, history, psychology,, or sociology); six credits of laboratory science (biology, chemistry, or physics); eight credits in some combination of (1) world language, (2) additional mathematics, laboratory science, or social science, (3) computer science using an advanced programming language. In addition, four credits of world language and courses which develop writing composition skills are strongly recommended. Also note, Purdue University requires at least two years of a foreign language taken at the high school.] This preparation does not guarantee admission; it merely makes the student eligible for consideration at Indiana University. It is likely that such a program of study would be appropriate preparation for many other colleges or universities; however, it must be emphasized that it is the student’s responsibility to be aware of entrance requirements for specific colleges of interest and to choose his/her high school courses accordingly.
A student may prepare for a two-year associate degree program, obtain an associate degree and then continue to complete a four-year program, or in some cases enter the workforce immediately upon graduation. BHSS offers coursework which includes a suggested sequence of academic courses and designated electives which are based on the student's career interest and educational goal. BHSS provides a strong linkage between the high school and the two-year technical institution or the four-year institution where applicable. There are currently several courses that transfer from Bloomington's Ivy Tech State College to other institutions. These institutions currently include:
  • University of Southern Indiana,
  • Vincennes University,
  • Anderson University,
  • Rose-Hulman,
  • Saint Mary of the Woods College,
  • Murray State University,
  • Indiana Wesleyan University,
  • University of Indianapolis,
  • Ferris State University, 
  • Bedford College Center.
There are also general education courses with transferability of credit to
  • Indiana University,
  • IUPUI,
  • Indiana State University, 
  • Ball State University.
Students need to carefully study their associate degree options in their career area and make their plans accordingly. Another component of career preparation which is growing consists of partnerships with business and industry.

Last Updated : 23 March 2006 :: by William Hilycord : websou@REMOVEmccsc.edu