Preparing for College

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Print out a college preparation checklist

Checklists were provided by the GEAR UP Program

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6th, 7th & 8th Grades

It's never too soon to start thinking about college; in fact there are things students and families can do in middle school to start planning.

Students:

Talk with your parents, teachers/school counselor and friends about going to college. Make this one of your educational goals.
Begin thinking about academic classes that will help you prepare for college (math, English, science, world languages).
Develop good study habits and challenge yourself in all your classes.

Families:

Ask your student about what they are learning in school and their educational goals.
Encourage them to develop independent and critical thinking skills through reading, writing, solving problems and asking questions. Your involvement in homework and school projects will support their learning.
Ask your student's teachers about the 7th Grade WASL test and ways that you can encourage/reassure them about the testing process and outcomes.

Students:

Support your educational goal of going to college by working with your parents, teachers/school counselor to select the most challenging classes that you are ready to tackle.
During 8th grade registration, ask about college preparatory English, Pre-Algebra or Algebra and world language courses that you can begin in the 8th grade.
Stay focused on your classes, homework and school projects. Planning ahead and keeping up with these will help you master the study skills you need to be a successful student.

Families:

Talk with your student about their educational goals and how school is going for them. What challenges are they facing (both academic and social)?
Meet with your student's teachers and/or school counselor to discuss your student's 7th grade WASL outcomes and next steps to prepare for retaking the assessment or planning for the 10th grade assessment.
Begin talking about college costs and saving for college. Why? Even a few dollars a week will impress upon your children the importance of making a commitment to get a college education.
Become "college savvy": Visit college campuses, attend college information programs at the middle school, and talk to neighbors, relatives or friends with students in college to learn about their experiences.
Talk to your kids about the importance of studying hard and getting good grades.

Information on this page was provided by the College Success Foundation.