High school is half-way through. It is definitely not a time to slack but to step it up a notch. Giving college more than a thought is extremely important at this time. Colleges really focus in on the grades of juniors so keep those grades high. Make sure your student saves samples of their best work for their portfolio and continues keeping good records. Keep in mind big scholarships are on the line in the junior year. Focusing on the course ahead has never been more important than now.
Maintaining good grades is a must if college is on their mind. The junior year grades are very important in the college process because they can be used to measure how well they will do in college. Grades also play a hand in determining what scholarships and grants they are eligible for so maintaining good grades is very important.
Attend a college fair with them to get more information about the colleges that are on their list as well as checking out those that are not on the list. Have them keep adding information to their college notebook. Contact the schools on their list and request admission literature, financial aid and scholarship opportunities. Narrow down the schools that don’t fit their criteria. Students should be both optimistic and a realist when applying for various schools.
Depending on your student’s degree plan, make sure they save samples of their work to show the person that they interview with at college. They should always take with them more than what is required. If they are a journalist major, have them take several different types of their writings to show the interviewer. (i.e. submitted article, winning essay, persuasive argument, research paper) Keep these items in a neat portfolio along with their continued community service records. Don’t forget to log in the time it takes to go to and from the activity.
The PSAT/NMSQT now counts for all the big scholarship offers. It is usually the third Wednesday or Saturday in October. Hopefully they have been studying all summer by taking numerous practice tests. The benefits of scoring high could include: full tuition, free room and board, study-abroad stipends, graduate money, honors dorms, etc. Scores that qualify for scholarships vary from year to year and depending on what region they live in. If a student misses the PSAT/NMSQT in their junior year, they can take the “alternative testing method”. If a student falls into the National Merit ranking, colleges will be begging them to enroll in their school (with them picking up the tab).
Students should take the SAT in October since they are already primed for the PSAT/NMSQT. Take an SAT II if the colleges they are interested in require it. Take one or two more SAT’s in the spring. Scoring high on the SAT can not only result in entrance to the college of their choice, but also can yield great scholarships. Many schools have several full-rides available in each department and are generally given to students with the high SAT scores.
Time has really flown by and it won’t be slowing down any time soon. It can’t be a time to take a break but more of a time to put it in high gear. The pilgrimage may be getting harder but the road is a little clearer. Keep your student on the road, trudge through the obstacles and you’ll soon see the end in sight.
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.
