At this point in the school year, the high school hustle and bustle is in full swing. As parents, we make sure our teens get to school, take them to band or sports practices, and ensure they get their homework done.
Amid our busy schedules, we need to make sure we’re staying on top of college planning.
Here are a few tasks, by grade level, for you what your teen should be focused on now:
Seniors
- Decide where you want to apply and find out their application deadlines
- Obtain letters of recommendations for college applications
- Start drafting the college essay – experts say you should allow two months to do this (Our Best Foot Forward package can help your teen identify their Greatest Strengths)
- Get transcripts and ensure the information is correct – sometimes data errors happen
Juniors
- Sign up and prepare for standardized testing
- Start or update an academic resume
- Identify which majors you want to pursue
- Schedule campus tours for the colleges you are interested in (Use your school breaks to visit a campuses when they are in session)
Sophomores
- Talk to the guidance counselor and consider dual enrollment options
- Keep track of accomplishments, awards, and recognitions to help prepare for college applications
- Visit colleges during school breaks to start getting an idea of the type of college you want to attend
Freshman
- Start identifying careers of interest
- Keep track of any accomplishments, awards, and recognition – you will need this for your college application (Our College Countdown Organizer is a must-have)
- Set and keep good study habits
Act on these tasks to make sure that college planning doesn’t get lost in the craziness of everyday life. Your teen’s high school years will come to an end before you know it. Are you interested in learning more? Schedule a free College Assessment Plan call with me today.