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College Bound
A Timeline for Success By Gwen Morrison
Unfortunately, this is not uncommon. Some boys are simply not as proactive in the search for higher education information. Stewart agrees that although there is not a huge difference, girls do tend to become more interested than boys are in searching for the right school.
Sophomore Year
Rachael Luttrell, a sophomore in Lawrenceville, Ga., is knee deep in college plans. Her mother, Susan, says her daughter has already decided on her college of choice. Rachael started showing an interest in her future plans during her freshman year and plans to visit the colleges in the 11th grade. Susan feels that the deciding factor will have more to do with cost and proximity to home than the social aspects. This is the year to help your teen stay on top of his or her plans. Don't let your teen lose sight of the goal.
- Continue to help the focus remain on grades and good study skills.
- Encourage your teen to take the PSAT (Preliminary Scholastic Assessment Test). It is good practice for the actual college admissions tests. If your teen does take the test, have him or her discuss the scores with a school counselor. Then your teen can find ways to improve on academic areas that are keys to college success.
- Start obtaining information from colleges in which your teen has shown an interest. Check them out online. Talk to people who have been there. Good resources can be found at Collegeboard.com or at Fastweb.com.
Junior Year
The junior year is a very important year. This is the time to get serious about deciding which college suits your teen's future career needs. It is an important year academically, as grades will be a significant factor when colleges are weeding through applications. "The best resource material out there on college selection can be found in The College Handbook," says Stewart. The book covers pertinent information about any school.
This year is the time to get busy. Help your teen be proactive with future planning.
