College Bound – Helping Girls Get Ready!

The following blog is adapted from an article Alison wrote for LEADER Magazine.  For the full article click here, and to download the college-planning guide she authored, click here for the English version and here for the Spanish version.

The college-planning process is an exhilarating yet challenging time for teens and the adults in their lives. From the dreaded standardized tests to the much-awaited acceptance letter, this foray into the world of higher education will most likely dominate the conversations of girls in grades 11-12.  Adults in girls’ lives have the opportunity to support what the girls have learned in school and from their peers, and to supplement this knowledge with their own perspectives and experiences.

Middle/Junior High School
It’s never too early to start thinking about college. In most middle and junior high schools, there are specific classes a girl will need to take in order to begin her journey on the “college track.” Speak with or send a note to parents reminding them to talk to their daughter’s teachers, school counselors and/or administrators about the importance of her being enrolled in these essential courses during her pre-high school years.

Freshman Year – 9th Grade
While applications are still years away, colleges look at everything students do for all four years of high school. Suggest that the girls speak with their guidance counselors to decide which classes they should take, and to discuss any testing ­accommodations they may need if they have special learning requirements. Encourage them to start a college preparation folder, which will contain application materials like report cards, awards, and lists of extra-curricular activities, paid jobs, and/or volunteer positions.  Urge them to continue their involvement in extra-curricular activities, and discuss their participation in community service projects that reflect their interests. All of these activities can be listed later on college applications, and are taken into consideration by college registrars.

Sophomore Year – 10th Grade
This second year of high school is often more comfortable for teens as they have gotten used to their new environment. Encourage them to set goals and suggest that they start investigating colleges by exploring school websites and looking at admission requirements. Remind them to update their college preparation folders.

Junior Year – 11th Grade
This is the year girls will begin the college application process. This is a good time to help them create a résumé. Also propose that they attend college fairs, begin investigating scholarship opportunities, and introduce them to the FAFSA (Free Application for Federal Student Aid). As they begin to receive publications from colleges in the mail, offer a system for organizing brochures and letters and remind them to keep updating their college preparation folders.

Senior Year – 12th Grade
During this exciting last year of high school, remind the girls that their grades are still important; every year colleges rescind offers of acceptance because of poor senior-year grades. Discuss whom they will ask to write their recommendation letters.  If you are asked to write such a letter, ask the girl for a copy of her résumé [which should include awards, achievements and accomplishments (academic or otherwise) work experience, etc.] and speak with her about how her future goals fit with the college(s) to which she is applying.

Celebrate
Finally, celebrate graduation and the prospect of each girl attending the school of her choice! This is a wonderful time to enjoy her accomplishments and to congratulate her on her years of dedication and perseverance.