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| April 2008 : Volume 2, Issue 13 |
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Welcome to ACT Parent, a monthly newsletter to help you guide your kids through middle school and high school toward college and a career. We know that sometimes you feel like you're in survival mode. We'll try to make the process a little less stressful.
If you have comments or suggestions, we'd like to hear from you. Contact us at actparent@act.org.
In this issue:
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 Gain an ally in the college planning process: the school counselor
The school and college admissions counselor at your child's school can be a great ally and resource in the college planning process. For parents of high school juniors, this is a great time to learn how to work with your child's counselor to get through the college planning process.
Many counselors conduct informational meetings on everything from a general overview of the step-by-step planning calendar to working sessions on filling out financial aid forms. Find out where these sessions are publicized so you can watch for upcoming dates.
Partner with the counselor by understanding how to best communicate with him or her, whether by phone, email or in person during assigned office hours. Keep in mind that while the counselor is dedicated to helping your child with finding the right college, researching careers and providing recommendation letters, he or she is also doing the same for many other students. Be mindful of deadlines and considerate of the counselor's time.
Counselors want your child to succeed. Together, you can help your child achieve that goal.
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College road tripping for parents
For high school juniors, the summer before their senior year is an important time in the college planning process. This is typically a time to begin exploring college campuses. These trips will help your child and you "try on" a school.
To make the most of your college visit experience, plan ahead. Narrow the list of schools to visit at any one time. This will help alleviate information overload. Oftentimes, campus tour information can be found on the school's website, making it easier to build an itinerary.
Review marketing materials from the school and then work with your child to develop a list of questions and ask them all. Learn about resources available to students, such as healthcare, the library, tutors and advisors. Visit with a financial aid advisor to discuss options.
Encourage your child to explore on his or her own by visiting the student union and campus hangouts, asking questions of students and possibly staying overnight on campus with a student. Admissions offices often can arrange for these stays.
Take notes and bring a camera. Details can become easily confused if you make several visits.
You both need to feel comfortable with the college decision, so use this time to understand which schools are the best "fit." College visits can be rewarding for the entire family, so embrace the experience and enjoy the time spent exploring the future with your student.
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End-of-year college planning checklist
The end of the school year means seniors are wrapping up college plans and juniors are kicking into high gear.
Following are items from ACT's college planning checklist for students. Check out more college planning suggestions and resources for all high school students.
For juniors:
For seniors:
- If not already done, help your child complete the FAFSA right away and submit it for financial aid consideration
- Watch for the Student Aid Report (SAR), which should arrive by mail about four weeks after the FAFSA is filed
- Visit colleges that have invited your child to enroll
- Track important financial aid and scholarship deadlines, helping your child prepare and submit forms as needed
- Compare financial aid packages offered by different schools
- Help your child track and observe deadlines for submitting all required fees and paperwork to the school
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Test prep resources
Preparing for the ACT test is easy thanks to online tools at actstudent.org. Here, you will find practice test questions and a sample prompt for the Writing Test. Check out the practice tests to see the concepts your child will need to understand.
"Preparing for the ACT," a booklet with a complete practice test, scoring key, writing prompt and sample essays, is available to download on the Test Prep section of actstudent.org. The ACT registration packet, available from the counseling office, also contains the booklet.
Sign up for ACT Online Prep™, the only test prep program developed exclusively by ACT test development professionals. At only $19.95 for a year's use, it's a great tool.
Get involved in your child's preparation and planning. Research shows parents are a strong influence in children's lives. If you take an interest in them, they'll start taking more of an interest in themselves.
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ACT test date reminder
The next national ACT test date is June 14, 2008. The registration deadline is May 9 and late registration (with an additional fee) is May 10–23. Register online today at actstudent.org.
Nineteen states--Arizona, California, Florida, Georgia, Illinois, Indiana, Maryland, Michigan, Missouri, Nevada, New York, North Carolina, Oregon, Pennsylvania, South Carolina, Tennessee, Texas, Washington and West Virginia--will offer the test on September 13. All states will test on October 25. View all 2008-09 test dates.
An optional Writing Test is available in addition to the multiple-choice achievement test. Find out about the Writing Test on the ACT student website, including the colleges that require it.
For questions about the ACT test, visit ACT's student website.
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