AVID
AVID
Advancement Via Individual Determination
AVID stands for “Advancement via Individual Determination” and it is a university-preparation program designed to help students ensure they are academically and socially prepared for success in college. Over the course of four years the SYH AVID Department helps students develop the academic skills/habits they will need to be successful at a four-year university. AVID students take the most rigorous classes they can, but receive time in AVID to collaborate with their peers around tough subjects like AP World History, AP English Literature, and AP Calculus. The program also ensures students are aware of all the necessary steps they must take to be admitted to a four-year university, including helping students to prepare for the SAT/ACT/SAT II tests.
Additionally, students learn about differences between universities, decide on a major that is right for them, and get help with university admissions essays, scholarship applications, financial aid, and much more!
For more information on AVID visit www.avid.org
AVID requirements
AVID is designed for students who have the individual drive to do what is necessary to be prepared for a four-year university upon graduation. Students must be “on-track” in their courses and have at least a “C” average. Additionally, AVID students are usually the first in their family to attend a four-year university in the United States. Most students enter AVID at the beginning of ninth grade and should talk to the AVID Coordinator (Ms. Rodriguez) to find out about the specific requirements for being in AVID.
Students learn about AVID first, understand the commitment and what is asked of them, and then are interviewed. AVID is a year-long elective, but to maximize the program’s benefit students should stay in AVID for the four-years of high school. Statistics show that students who begin AVID in middle school and stay in AVID throughout high school are more likely to complete college-entrance requirements and be admitted to a four-year university.
AVID as an elective
Students in AVID recognize that getting to a four-year university is not easy, especially for a first-generation college student. AVID seeks to ensure that students not only get accepted to a four-year university, but that they are also prepared to succeed once they are there. AVID students learn about all different universities, especially those outside of San Diego. AVID students also have access to many scholarships just for being in AVID! Many students believe that the best part of AVID includes the many field trips AVID classes take to explore universities.