Although four years may seem like a long time, you will be shocked at how quickly the four school years in high school will pass by. As a parent, you will want to be there to help prepare your child for a college degree if they have plans to pursue a higher education.
This guide will help you navigate the steps to take each year your child is in high school to help set you up for success when it’s time to apply for college.
Helping Your Student While in High School
In the 9th and 10th grade:
- Create an academic plan and keep track of the student’s classes and academic progress every semester
- Ensure the student is taking challenging classes (AP classes)
- Help them develop good study habits
- Encourage them to be involved in extra-curricular activities
- Help them research career interests and speak to their counselor about post-secondary education and/or admission requirements
- Look into local colleges that offer college credits while the student is in high school
- Encourage them to work, volunteer, or take additional courses during the summer
- Help them start a draft of their college resume in the 9th grade, since it will be easier to keep track of everything during their four years in high school. Resume should include a list of: School clubs and extracurricular activities, volunteer and community service events, awards and accolades, jobs and internships, college classes and college-prep programs.
In the 11th grade:
- Begin taking a deeper dive into the conversations of their career interests. Begin exploring careers and their earning potentials
- Attend college fairs with your student and prepare questions to ask the institutions about their programs
- Encourage your student to build relationships with their teachers and college counselors, as they will be critical when it’s time to ask for letters of recommendations
- Continue to keep track of the student’s academic progress and GPA
- Begin to narrow down the list of colleges being considered. Specific factors to keep in mind include: location, size, state or private, available programs of study, specialized programs of interest, sports, clubs and extracurricular activities, atmosphere and student body, and cost and potential for available financial aid or scholarships
- Visit at least one college campus to help reduce the college anxiety that exists due to unfamiliarity
- Have your child study to take the SAT/ACT exams keeping in mind the requirements of the colleges being considered.
- Encourage volunteer work and participation in school-based activities, clubs, or sports
- Begin the search for scholarships, learn of qualifications, and have the student apply
- Check with your employer of any educational benefits your dependents may qualify for
In the 12th grade:
- Continue to keep track of the student’s academic progress and GPA
- Encourage the student to stay involved in school activities and to begin seeking leadership roles in school clubs or sports
- Visit college campuses so that the student can become familiar with the campus or use virtual tours
- Make sure the student completes the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) in the fall. As the parent, you may need to create an account as well to sign their application
- Have the student take any entrance exams needed, such as SAT/ACT
- Have the student begin applying to colleges
- Have the student review their acceptance letters and commit to an institution
The Importance to Prepare for College in High School
Applying to college is becoming more competitive than ever, particularly if you’re aiming for a top-tier university. Getting into a specific college or university is not guaranteed, but by understanding what it takes early on, you empower the student to rise to the challenge and shape their path to success. Considering the acceptance criteria during high school allows the student to plan how they will work toward meeting them.
It is also important to understand that preparing for college is not only about meeting the acceptance criteria, it is also about building the skills and knowledge the student will need once they get there, like mastering solid study habits, effective writing abilities, and stepping into independence with confidence.
Tips to Choosing the Right College for Your Student
Many factors come into play when choosing a college, such as location, cost and financial aid, programs of study, college culture, reputation, sports, etc. Therefore, picking the right college can feel overwhelming. You can start by creating a spreadsheet or chart to compare the student’s top choices based on the factors listed below. Trust both your research and your instincts.
Start with Self-Reflection on the student
- What are their academic interests (STEM, arts, business, etc.)
- Do they prefer a large or small campus?
- Are they more comfortable in a city, suburb, or rural area?
- Do they want a vibrant social scene, or a quieter and more focused environment?
Make sure the college offers what they need
- Majors and programs they are interested in
- Faculty reputation and research opportunities
- Class sizes and student -to-faculty ratio
- Study abroad, internships, and co-op programs
Cost and Financial Aid
- Tuition and fees
- Room and board
- Scholarships, grants, and financial aid packages
- Work-study opportunities
- Post-graduation debt and Return on Investment (ROI)
Location and Campus Life
- Distance from home
- Climate and geography
- Campus culture
- Housing options (on campus vs off campus)
The College’s Reputation and Outcome
- Graduation and retention rates
- Job placement and starting salaries
- Alumni network strength
- Rankings
If possible, visit the campus and feel the vibe
- Take a campus tour
- Sit in on a class
- Talk to current students
- Explore the surrounding area
Support Your Student Every Step of the Way
Learn About NVigate
If your student is about to begin high school, or you have younger children that you would like to begin preparing for a post-secondary education, you may want to visit NVigate.gov. Nevada residents can take advantage of the many opportunities and benefits available to them such as state sponsored 529 plans, prepaid tuition, matching grants, and in-state scholarships. NVigate offers a variety of programs that help families navigate planning, saving and paying for a post-secondary education.
Still Have Questions?
Contact the Student Loan Ombudsman directly Here.