Counselor’s Corner
by MARYLYNNE WEAVER
Preparing for college begins with preparation for high school. Universities indicate that students should start preparing for higher education in middle school. Baylor University’s guide “Preparing for College” suggests that students that wait until high school to start preparing for college have waited too long. They recommend planning for college by planning for high school as early as the 7th or 8th grade. A recent Harris Interactive poll of 7th and 8th graders found that 92 percent believe they are likely to attend college, but only 32 percent had obtained any information about preparing for college.
Middle school is a good time for students to continue investigating career options, set future goals and begin the path toward postsecondary education. Students can begin planning their course of study by choosing classes in middle school that will prepare them for appropriate high school courses that correspond to a career path. Classes can include electives like creative arts, journalism, athletics and technology courses to help a student discover their interests. Students also should be encouraged to get involved in community service opportunities, clubs and other school organizations and believe it or not, start scholarship searches. Yes, there are many scholarship opportunities for middle school students.
The U.S. Department of Education recommends that students include courses like Algebra 1, foreign language courses, and technology courses in their studies prior to entering high school. This allows students to qualify for more rigorous high school courses and ultimately prepares them to be more successful in their post secondary education. Students qualifying for pre-advanced placement (pre-AP) courses, should be encouraged to take these courses. Pre-AP courses are more challenging and will take more time and dedication, but will prepare a student for more rigorous studies, such as advanced placement and dual credit classes in high school.
If a student has not already started preparation for college prior to entering high school, they can schedule a conference with their high school counselor to prepare a graduation plan that will get them on track for their future. Parents and students then must work the plan to help students improve their chances of acceptance to the college of their choice.
Planning, goal setting and preparation starting as early as the beginning of middle school are recommended to improve the chances for a successful high school experience that leads to post secondary education and future career options. For more help on how to encourage students contact your school counselor or see the Hays CISD website.
