PARENT/GUARDIAN ACTION PLAN: FRESHMAN YEAR
Taken from (https://bigfuture.collegeboard.org)
The beginning of high school is an exciting time. Your student may be adjusting to a new school, making new friends and becoming more independent. But your student still needs your help and involvement. Here are some things you can do together to succeed this year.
Summer Before High School
Visit a college campus together. It’s a great way to get your student excited about college. Learn more about how you and your student can prepare for a campus visit.
Get the facts about what college costs. You may be surprised at how affordable higher education can be. Start by reading Understanding College Costs.
Show your student how to explore career ideas. He or she can make a list of interests, talents and favorite activities and start matching them with occupations. Learn more about how your student can complete a career worksheet.
Come up with fun reading ideas. Look for magazines or newspapers your student may like and talk about the books you loved reading when you were your student's age. If your family makes reading enjoyable, it can become a daily habit.
Fall
Make sure your student meets with the school counselor. Your student should schedule a meeting to talk about college and career options and to choose the most-appropriate classes. Learn more about the high school counselor's role.
Help your student set goals for the school year. Working toward specific goals helps your student stay motivated and focused.
Make a plan to check in regularly about schoolwork. If you keep up with your student's tests, papers and homework assignments, you can celebrate successes and head off problems as a team. Get homework tips for your child.
Talk about extracurricular activities. Getting involved in clubs and other groups is a great way for your student to identify interests and feel more engaged in school. Read more about the benefits of extracurriculars.
Winter
Spring
Help your student start a college list. Visit College Search Step-by-Step together to get tips on starting a college search and figuring out what matters most to your student when choosing a college.
See how much you need to save for college. Use the College Savings Calculator to get an idea of where you are compared with your savings goal.
Help your student make summer plans. Summer is a great time to explore interests and learn new skills — and colleges look for students who pursue meaningful summer activities. Find out ways your student can stay motivated this summer.
FRESHMAN CHECKLIST
August / October
Get involved in extracurricular activities.
See your counselor and review your current choices.
Review the Naviance Program with your counselor and parent(s)/guardian(s). Check out college entrance requirements.
Use Naviance to start developing a resume by keeping a scrapbook of your accomplishments including articles about yourself, awards that you have won, and activities in which you have participated.
Attend any regional College Fair during the school year.
December
January / February
Research colleges and college entrance requirements.
Make a list of possible schools.
Visit your counselor and ask to review your grades.
Attend second semester sports assemblies and activities meeting. Get involved!
Look into volunteer opportunities that will expand your interests and skills. Check the volunteer board in the counseling office.
March / April
Plan courses for Grade 10.
Check admissions requirements against course selection.
Use Naviance College Search for admissions information.
Visit your counselor and ask for SAT Online Prep information.
May / June
Check reverse verifications for 10th grade courses.
Ask counselor for summer program information.
Log on and use SAT Online Prep program.
July / August