1. Guiding Your Student Along the Path to College
A grade-by-grade guide to navigating the high school years
Susan Schatz
Schatz College Consulting

2. Taking an active role in your child’s education
at school and at home

3. At school… Get to know your child’s guidance counselor
Make certain they are set on a college preparatory track
Make sure they are engaged in clubs and activities
Make sure that they are challenged by a rigorous course load

4. At home… Encourage good study habits
Discuss the importance of maintaining good grades
Discuss acceptable use of social media (i.e. facebook)
Keep a “resume” file listing all honors, awards, clubs, activities, jobs, community service, hobbies
Stay on top of standardized test deadlines
Understand and utilize Naviance
Discuss college options, financial feasibility
Visit colleges –sign up for information sessions, campus tours, and interviews if applicable
Discuss application deadline options and timelines (ED, RD, EA, Rolling)

5. 8th Grade
Most students don't start thinking about college until they enter high school. If they start planning now, they’ll be a step ahead of the crowd.

6. 9th Grade
Now that they are freshmen in high school, the job of preparing for college begins. Colleges will look at everything they do for the next four years, so they should consider it an opportunity to impress.

7. 10th Grade
Sophomore year is a busy year. Course selection is important and grades count!
It‘s time for your student to step up his/her academic and extracurricular efforts.

8. 11th Grade Junior year is a very important and demanding year.
It is the year that colleges will examine most closely.
This is the year they face standardized tests, tour college campuses, and make important choices.

9. 12 th Grade
Senior year counts! Make sure your student avoids senior slump! Colleges will be looking closely at senior grades throughout the year. Additionally, keep in mind that colleges can revoke their decision due to a drop in a student’s grades.
Depending on their application status (deferred, waiting for decisions, etc.) seniors need to stay on top of the process both in their school endeavors and at home.

10. Summary The college application process is more competitive than ever.
No matter what grade your student is in high school, he/she needs to know what is ahead and how to plan for it.
Students have an important job, but as parents and guardians, so do you.