College Admissions Guidance

Blog posts about college admissions topics such as essays, extracurriculars,  planning, mental health, etc.

What is college readiness for middle school students?

academics boost demonstrated interest extracurricular activities future planning middle school Sep 26, 2021
Students should casually go to local college visits with parents, make it a fun experience. They should investigate different career pathways at career fairs. They should take assessments to identify careers in line with their interests. It is important that students continue to build their reading, writing, and mathematical skills. 
It is important that students continue to build their reading, writing, and mathematical skills.  Studies show that students who are off-track in 7th grade math are at higher risk for scoring below college benchmarks on the ACT in high school.
Grade point average should also become a focus for students at this age.  High school transcripts permanently record grades that follow students to the postsecondary application process.  Middle school is the best time to teach students about GPA and how performance affects their readiness.
 
What can middle schoolers do to prepare for college?
Start Preparing for College in Middle School
  1. Establish good study habits. ...
  2. Explore extracurricular activities. ...
  3. Read, read, read. ...
  4. Choose challenging courses. ...
  5. Get caught up and-or ahead. ...
  6. Talk about college. ...
  7. Get familiar with college costs and how to save money. ...
  8. Establishing good study habits.

Here's a reference handbook from the college board for middle school guidance counselors https://secure-media.collegeboard.org/digitalServices/pdf/advocacy/nosca/11b-4382_MS_Counselor_Guide_WEB_120213.pdf. Parents should read and emulate the role with their middle schoolers. 

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