1. Plan the academic schedule with care. The most selective colleges are looking
for students who stretch themselves by taking the most rigorous course of study
possible. However, it is not necessary
to take every possible AP.
Further, some AP/Honors course are significantly more work than the regular
track, others are just a bit more work.
Talk to parents and students in the grades ahead and get the inside
scoop. It is a very delicate
balance between rigor and good grades.
Choose AP/Honors courses in areas of strength and where it makes the most
sense.
2. The one subject for which Tip #1 does
not hold is math! If at all
possible, stretch for the fast math track. Making it to AP Calculus (AB or BC) is a key benchmark for
many of the highly selective colleges.
3. Encourage your child to explore
extracurricular areas of interest.
Colleges are not just looking for good students, they are looking for good
students who will make a significant contribution to their sports teams, their
musical groups, their theater troupes, their newspapers, their student
government organizations, etc. Support your child's passions: send him to a specialty
camp, sign him up for voice lessons, encourage him to run for student council,
consider finding a class in an area of intellectual interest. Students definitely deserve some time
off to hang out with friends and relax, but too much of that just leads to
boredom and trouble (especially in the summer).
4. Encourage your
student to read. Reading is the best way to prepare for standardized tests. The more students read the better their
verbal, writing, and critical thinking abilities will be. Not only are these skills critical for
the SAT and ACT, but they are also key to academic success in high school.
Perhaps even consider making vocabulary building a family activity by learning
a word a day?
5. Encourage the
development of good study habits and address any areas of weaknesses now. The clock starts ticking the first day
of high school so it is critical that your student come out of the gate
ready. If his writing skills are
weak, consider some remedial work.
If he struggles at math, perhaps he should consider getting a tutor. Likewise, good organizational, time
management, and study skills are essential to succeed in high school. Brainstorm with your student about the
best time, the best place, the best method to study, offer to help quiz or edit
when appropriate. Make it clear
you value his educational success.
6. Educate yourself about college costs
and how you will finance your student's education. The price tag for many private colleges today is over
$55,000 per year. Learn about how
the financial aid system works, figure out if you will qualify, and make a plan
for how you will save for and finance this major purchase.
7. If you are in an area where there is a
college of interest (or perhaps you are going to your college reunion), don't
hesitate to take a tour, explore the campus, even sit in on a group information
session. The more students
know about the differences in colleges and the college process early on, the
better prepared they will to build a college list and ultimately apply.
8. Enjoy this time! It goes far too
quickly and things are never the same once students go off to college. Appreciate that the search for a
college is a journey and not a destination. Relish the stops along the way!
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