Students ... check your email on a regular basis.
Academic Goals:
Ensure your child takes core subjects: English, Math, Science, Social Studies, and a Foreign Language.
Discuss the importance of GPA and how it impacts college admissions.
Help them develop strong study habits and organizational skills using tools like Khan Academy for academic support.
Encourage enrollment in honors or AP classes if appropriate.
Extracurricular Involvement:
Encourage exploration of clubs, sports, or activities to identify interests.
Highlight the importance of commitment and leadership roles.
Support participation in community service. Use VolunteerMatch to find opportunities.
Portfolio Development:
Track achievements, extracurricular activities, and community service hours in an online tool like Tallo.
Career Exploration:
Introduce career assessment tools like CareerOneStop or MyNextMove.
Summer Planning:
Research and enroll in summer enrichment programs via resources like Summer Discovery.
Encourage reading with programs from Scholastic to build vocabulary and comprehension skills.
Parent Actions:
Attend school orientation and meet counselors to understand high school expectations.
Start discussing college costs and savings plans using tools like Saving for College.
Introduce the idea of a college budget and financial aid using FAFSA.
Academics:
Ensure your child continues to take rigorous courses in core subjects.
Encourage participation in the PSAT. Learn more at CollegeBoard PSAT.
College Research:
Use resources like BigFuture to explore colleges and create a preliminary list.
Extracurricular Activities:
Support involvement in activities they are passionate about.
Suggest volunteering for causes through DoSomething.
Career Exploration:
Arrange job shadowing or informational interviews with resources from JA MyWay.
Summer Planning:
Look for advanced learning opportunities through platforms like Coursera.
Parent Actions:
Attend college fairs or information sessions. Check for local fairs via NACAC College Fairs.
Update the college savings plan using a 529 savings tool from College Savings Plans Network.
Academics:
Ensure your child takes courses that align with college requirements.
Encourage them to seek help using Tutor.com.
Standardized Testing:
Register for the PSAT/NMSQT in the fall via CollegeBoard PSAT/NMSQT.
Sign up for the SAT (CollegeBoard SAT) or ACT (ACT.org). Use free prep resources like Khan Academy SAT Prep.
College Research:
Plan college visits using tools like CampusTours.
Scholarships and Financial Aid:
Start researching scholarships at Fastweb or Scholarships.com.
Summer Planning:
Apply for summer programs at colleges via resources like NSLC Summer Programs.
Parent Actions:
Review costs of different colleges using Net Price Calculators.
Discuss standardized testing timelines with school counselors.
Academics:
Confirm they are taking a full course load with advanced or AP classes if applicable.
College Applications:
Use a checklist to track deadlines with tools like Common App.
Proofread essays with support from Grammarly.
Financial Aid and Scholarships:
Submit the FAFSA starting October 1 via FAFSA.
Research more scholarships through Chegg Scholarships.
Decision Time:
Evaluate acceptance offers and financial aid packages using College Board Compare Tool.
Transition Preparation:
Help prepare for the transition with Road2College.