How to Prepare Your Eleventh-Grade Student for the Rest of High School and Beyond
1. ENCOURAGE AND EXPECT YOUR STUDENT TO TAKE FOUR YEARS OF MATH
Many students are not ready for college math classes.
- Talk with your student about the importance of enrolling in math during his or her senior year.
- Encourage your student to enroll in the highest course for which he or she qualifies.
2. UNDERSTAND AND HELP YOUR STUDENT PREPARE FOR THE 11TH-GRADE PRAIRIE STATE (PSAE) TEST
The PSAE test that student take in the spring of their junior year includes the ACT, which is used by many colleges to determine college acceptance and college course placement. Good scores on the ACT may help students qualify for academic scholarships.
- Encourage your student to prepare for the test using online resources and review sessions. Free practice questions are available at act.org and whatsnextillinois.org.
- Make sure your student gets good nights sleep and eats well before the test.
- When the test scores come back, review the scores with your student.
- Ask for help from Ms. Shute to understand scores and how they may affect your student’s options.
3. ENCOURAGE YOUR STUDENT TO ATTEND THE COLLEGE FAIR AT SAUK VALLEY COMMUNITY COLLEGE
Held in October, the college fair brings representatives from colleges and universities from across the country together to share information about their schools with potential students.
- Go with your student to the presentations at College Night; they'll help you develop questions to ask each college's representative.
- Allow your student to roam the college exhibits and explore the variety of opportunities.
- Take home handouts from colleges and give your student a chance to dream.
4. HELP YOUR STUDENT FIND OUT ABOUT OPPORTUNITIES TO EARN COLLEGE CREDIT DURING HIGH SCHOOL
Not only can this lead to saving money in college, but it can increase your student confidence and help them explore a possible field of interest.
- Ask your student about advanced placement courses, dual credit courses, and articulated credit through career technical programs.
- Suggest that your student talk with Ms. Shute about these opportunities to earn college credit early.
5. VISIT COLLEGES WITH YOUR STUDENT
Visiting colleges can help students find the best "fit" for them.
- Encourage your student to start visiting college websites.
- Once your student has identified colleges of interests, he or she should plan to visit as many as possible. Consider partnering with another family to take trips.
- Encourage your student to call the admissions office and learn schedules for open houses or campus tours at colleges of interest.
Alliance for College Readiness, a partnership between Elgin Community College and Community Unit Districts 300, 301, 303, and U-46.