Parents:

Making informed choices about college is extremely important. As parents, you play an important role in your teenager’s life as he/she begins the college selection process. Your son/daughter needs your prayers, support, wisdom, guidance, and love. The hardest part of this process will be stepping back and letting your teenager take charge. This won’t be easy; but it is necessary.

The pressures of SAT/ACT tests, deadlines, college application essays, and the stiff competition for the limited spaces at the selective colleges may become frustrating for your teen. However, your family can turn this process into a rewarding opportunity that brings you closer together…if you remember to listen to your teenager.

As the College Guidance Counselor, I would be happy to help your son/daughter navigate through the college application process. Please encourage your teen to make regular appointments with me for college guidance.

Seniors:

1. As summer draws to a close, you should be narrowing your list of college choices. It would be wise to apply to around four to seven schools.
2. Start a planning calendar to keep track of important deadlines such as SAT/ACT test dates, campus visits and interviews, application deadlines, etc.
3. If your first SAT/ACT scores were low, take the tests again.
4. Review the courses you’re taking this year. Is the course load challenging enough?

Important Dates:

• September 13: ACT (register online [actstudent.org] by August 12)
• October 4: SAT (register online [collegeboard.com] by September 9)
• October 25: ACT (register online [actstudent.org] by September 19)
• November 1: SAT (register online [collegeboard.com] by September 26)

Juniors:

1. Review the courses you’re taking this year. Is the course load challenging enough?
2. Have you been participating in extracurriculars? If not, become involved in at least one activity this year.
3. Review your course of study and fine-tune it if necessary. Are you on track with college prep classes? Are you taking the most challenging level of classes for your capabilities?

Sophomores:

1. Take a look at your extracurricular activities. Do they show that you are active outside of the classroom?
2. Review your course of study and fine-tune it if necessary. Are you on track with college prep classes? Are you taking the most challenging level of classes for your capabilities?