The tassel is worth the hassle for this homestretch of your student’s high school journey. Seniors are now down to the wire on finalizing college and career plans after graduation. Standardized tests are still very important and grades should continue to be kept up. Searching for scholarships and financial aid should be a top priority.
Keep in mind this may be the last year to impart into your student’s life on a daily basis. The schooling may be coming to an end but the education should continue for the rest of their lives. Many colleges want early decision for their students. Check with the intended colleges to find out their applicationdeadlines to make sure they are filed on time. If needed, go to more college interviews.
Double-check to see if the college has received all of the student’s information and always keep a copy of the application. Keep track of important dates and deadlines. Visit your final college choice and get to know the campus.
The student’s SAT score needs to be sent to the schools that they are interested in. They can send them to four colleges free of charge by putting the prospective college’s code down when signing up for the SAT. Most colleges now will take either the SAT or ACT and if they prefer one over the other, they will usually convert the score. Since there are no penalties for taking the test many times, it should be taken until the student’s desired score is realized.
The goal of good grades should continue. Students need to make sure they have enough credits in English, Math, Science and Social Studies. Physical Education credits can come from dance, soccer, volleyball or many athletic activities that they are offered. Having some foreign language credits is always a plus and electives can come from enrichment classes or other sources that the students are involved in: drama, yearbook, woodworking, cake decorating, etc. Check with your state’s credit requirement for high school graduation. This should be used as only a guideline and not the final authority on your student’s homeschool education.Scholarships are available through most colleges based on several criteria: SAT scores, transcript and extra-curricular activities. Students should bring a record of these items to the college interview so they can be considered for school money. Numerous websites and local organizations also have scholarship opportunities. College money can also come from grants which are usually based on need and determined by filling out a FAFSA as early as the first day of January.
The high school journey is nearing the end. It is not only a time to reflect but also a time to hug your student more each day. Students should focus on finishing strong in their academics and extra-curricular activities. You haven’t been able to direct the wind but you were able to adjust the sails in their high school days. The student’s future may be unknown but they have got to this point by charting a clear course.
For more information visit www.collegeprepgenius.com or contact Jean Burk at info@collegeprepgenius.com Also sign-up for our free No Brainer Scholarship Newsletter.
