New Year, New Goals, New Opportunities

For many people, the start of a new year is a time for making resolutions. It’s also the time for students to begin planning courses for next year. Whether your child is in middle school or almost in college, it’s time to help him or her set goals and look for new learning opportunities.

The earlier your son or daughter begins taking rigorous classes, the better prepared he or she will be for college and the workforce.

Unfortunately, ACT research shows that simply earning a high school diploma doesn’t mean students are ready for college courses or job training. Help your child understand how hard work and learning opens up options for the future.

Analyze your student’s grades and test scores. Talk with teachers to find out how to help improve academic weaknesses, especially in those areas that pertain to career interests.

Begin talking with your younger students about careers and college. Explain what’s ahead so they know why hard work now is important. Guide your older student to make decisions based on interests rather than the opinions of others. Encourage career exploration so your teenager knows what course of study he or she might want to pursue in college.

It’s never too early to plan for the future. Encourage your pre-teen or teenager to visit the ACT student website to learn more.

Looking Ahead to the Finish Line

Senior year is fast approaching for juniors, so it’s a great time for them to plan ahead for next year. To help jump-start your junior, encourage them to:

1. Register for the ACT. Juniors should be ready to take it by spring of this year. If not, they should plan to take it this summer or fall. Your student can check out sample test questions on our student website.
2. Continue taking challenging courses. The more rigorous the classes, the better prepared your student will be for college. Learn more about recommended classes on our student website.
3. Use ACT’s World-of-Work Map to learn more about possible careers and vocations.
4. Use ACT’s Map of College Majors to investigate potential areas of study.
5. Begin focusing on which colleges he or she likes and which are the best fit. The internet is a great first step to explore campuses. High school counselors are also terrific resources during the college search.
6. Fill out the ACT college comparison worksheet (PDF).
7. Read ACT student blogs to learn what others are doing to prepare for college.
8. Make plans to visit colleges this spring when classes are in session.
9. Start or update an academic resume.
10. Explore financial aid options.
11. Learn more about the Free Application for Federal Student Aid, or FAFSA.
12. Research scholarship and grant opportunities.

Surviving “Senioritis”

Whether your senior has been accepted by a college, is still waiting for an offer, or plans to work after high school graduation, spring term of senior year is not the time to succumb to “senioritis.” Sure, your son or daughter has worked hard during the last four years. But rather than throwing in the towel, it’s a good time for a reminder to finish strong.

Future employers and colleges are watching. Some universities may withdraw offers of admission to students who drop college prep classes or begin earning lower grades. It’s the full four years that count, not just the first 7 semesters.

If your senior starts slacking, a college might send a warning letter or add certain stipulations to its admissions offer, such as requiring a specific grade point average during the first year of college.

Taking it easy may feel like the right thing to do. But staying focused and mentally sharp will make the transition from high school senior to college freshman much easier.

So let your teen enjoy senior year, but remember that academics — no matter what the future holds — should come first.

Did You Know . . .

Your junior high student can take the ACT? You may register your child online to take the test. In addition, some schools invite gifted and talented students to take the ACT as part of an academic talent search program.

2009–2010 ACT Test Dates

Students may register online or pick up registration packets from their high school counseling office. The cost for the ACT test without writing is $32. When combined with the optional ACT Writing Test, the total cost is $47. For those who qualify, fee waivers are available through high school counselors.

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See also:

ACT's Information for Parents

The ACT

PLAN

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Financial Aid

College Search

Careers