Most of you have finished the first quarter or trimester of your school year. Make sure to check your student’s grades, attendance and chat about any challenges they may be dealing with.
Middle School students should begin talking to teachers and counselors to see the types of advanced courses that are available in high school. Scheduling for next years courses will take place between January and March, so now is the best time to have those conversations. Just because your student is getting A’s and B’s does not mean that they are in the most challenging courses to best prepare them for success in high school and post-secondary education!
Freshmen and sophomores should be watching their grades like a hawk. This early time in their career is pivotal in keeping those grades as high as possible. When they do well at this stage, it is easier to maintain or increase that desired grade point average. They should also be exploring extra-curricular activities that they are or will be involved in this school year.
Sophomores and Juniors should be getting ready to receive scores from the PSAT in December or January. They should get those scores and review them in detail to see how to raise their score for the next test administration. The ACT offers free test prep for students that used a fee waiver to take the test and The Collegeboard offers free SAT prep via Khan Academy for all students that take the PSAT or SAT. Students should be knee-deep in established extra-curricular activities and even applying for part-time jobs. Now is the perfect time for them to look for seasonal jobs so they can stay out of YOUR pockets,lol!
Juniors should be working on a game plan to end the school year on a high note. Remember, the average that they begin senior year with is what is sent out to colleges. They should also be looking at dates to take the ACT or SAT in the spring. It is recommended that they take two tests prior to the beginning of senior year.
Seniors should be wrapping up their applications this week if they plan on applying to competitive colleges. Yes, this week! If this week is a stretch, December 1st should be your next target date. They also should do their best in class as many competitive colleges will request their first semester grades. For some students, first semester grades may be the deciding factor in being admitted.
There’s a lot to take in so if any of you would like a FREE 15 minute consultation, click here to go into my calendar. Also, we will be offering discounted 1-on-1 consultations with the Black Friday/Cyber Monday specials, so make sure to check your email later this week to save a couple of dollars!