2017-18 Common App Essay Prompts

The Common App Essay Prompts for the class of 2018 are available:

1. Some students have a background, identity, interest, or talent that is so meaningful they believe their application would be incomplete without it. If this sounds like you, then please share your story. 

2. The lessons we take from obstacles we encounter can be fundamental to later success. Recount a time when you faced a challenge, setback, or failure. How did it affect you, and what did you learn from the experience? 

3. Reflect on a time when you questioned or challenged a belief or idea. What prompted your thinking? What was the outcome?

4. Describe a problem you've solved or a problem you'd like to solve. It can be an intellectual challenge, a research query, an ethical dilemma - anything that is of personal importance, no matter the scale. Explain its significance to you and what steps you took or could be taken to identify a solution. 

5. Discuss an accomplishment, event, or realization that sparked a period of personal growth and a new understanding of yourself or others.

6. Describe a topic, idea, or concept you find so engaging that it makes you lose all track of time. Why does it captivate you? What or who do you turn to when you want to learn more?

7. Share an essay on any topic of your choice. It can be one you've already written, one that responds to a different prompt, or one of your own design.

Workshop on the Warning Signs of Suicide

www.sptsusa.org/teenuniversity

Rising Senior Night February 21

Our annual Rising Senior Night event is scheduled for Tuesday, February 21st from 6:00 to 7:00 pm in the Media Center. We will provide an overview and orientation to the college planning and application process, as well as review other important information for senior year, including Extended Essay (EE), Creativity Action Service (CAS) and Senior Mentorship.

We are looking forward to working with you all on a successful college planning journey. Please feel free to reach out to us with any questions or concerns.

2016 PSAT Scores

On Monday December 12, students who provided their email address on their PSAT/NMSQT answer sheet will receive an email reminder from the College Board explaining where and how to view their scores.

Students can set up a free College Board account at any time. If a student doesn't see their scores when they log in, email your School Counselor for an access code.

You're also encouraged to create a Khan Academy account at satpractice.org and link it to your College Board account to get free, personalized practice for the SAT.

Paper score reports and test booklets will be returned to students in January.

Resources For Understanding PSAT Results:

• "You've taken the New PSAT - Now What?" - On December 13th at 7pm, Catalyst's Founder & CEO Jared Friedland will be hosting a free webinar for high school students. He will share insights on the PSAT & SAT, help you understand your PSAT results, discuss the National Merit Scholarship Competition, and more. Families can sign up for this free webinar by clicking here!

• "Life After The PSAT" - Helpful tips on how to use your test scores

Gov School & NJ Scholars (Class of 2018)

Biotechnology High School is proud to nominate outstanding students in the class of 2018 for the following summer programs:

• Governor's School of Engineering & Technology
• Governor’s School in the Sciences 
• New Jersey Scholars Program

These are extraordinary enrichment opportunities provided to New Jersey high school students at no cost to families. To learn more about each of these individual programs, please click on the links above.

The Guidance Department will select nominees on the basis of academic achievement, extracurricular involvement, and demonstrated interest. We are able to nominate 1 student for each of the Governor's Schools and 2 students for New Jersey Scholars.

If you would like to be considered as a BTHS nominee, please submit your application by Monday, December 19th. Any application submitted after 7:30 am on 12/19 will not be considered.

Here is the link to: BTHS Gov School / NJ Scholars Application.

Also Note: students may apply for more than 1 program. Submit a separate application for each program that you would like to be considered for.

Please let us know if you have any questions. Good luck to all who apply!