Yes You Can! Finish Early

Although most counselors are focused on providing necessary tools that will help students finish high school on time, some advisors are also concerned with early high school graduation. According to various reports, it is possible for high school students to finish school early and enroll in college. As with any over achievement, such action requires much motivation and concentration.

The first step to finishing high school early is to meet with a guidance counselor. When scheduling the meeting, students should inform the counselor of their plans to complete school at an accelerated speed so that the advisor can have necessary information accessible to the student in the meeting. Counselors are reluctant to approving an accelerated program; especially when it appears that a child cannot handle a regular school schedule. Students who complete average work in high school should not expect to be placed on an accelerated program before improving their grade point average. Likewise, students who have poor behavior or attendance records should also expect to be denied. Why would a counselor give a student more classes if he or she has not shown that they can handle the courses that they already have? If a student expects to be approved for early graduation, then he or she should show it through perfect attendance, stellar grades, and model behavior.

After qualifying for and completing an ambitious course schedule, students should consider their plans after graduation. While most parents suggest college, all career paths do not require a four year university. Students should choose careers that they feel comfortable with, and should not aspire to do something just because it satisfies family members.

Sending Transcripts to Prospective Colleges

As students approach their Junior and Senior years in high school, many of them begin considering which college they would like to attend and filling out applications. Most college applications ask that a transcript be sent as well. What can a student with a less-than-average grade point average do to convince a college that they are worth accepting?

First, look for places within the application to mention ways they have improved since they earned the scores that pulled down their grade point average. An essay question or a question about extenuating circumstances might be a good place to explain three “F” grades in one semester due to an extended illness or emotional distress from a home situation.

Most colleges also require an essay. If appropriate, the student should mention how he or she has grown and how they intend to do better in college. This works better if the student’s grades have improved and are still good at the time of the application. Promising to work harder in college because it will be easier than trying to work hard in high school will not get your student what they need.

If there is no other place within the application to do so, writing a separate letter explaining that they have taken full responsibility for the bad grades and have been working to improve upon them may help. A letter of recommendation from a teacher who can back up the student’s story can help as well.

If it does not help, it is not the end of the world. Students end up at their second and third and fifteenth choice for a college every year. If nothing else, try spending a year at your near-by community college. Colleges only look at the most recent school when checking GPAs. A student’s high school GPA will most likely not be factored in to the final decision if he or she works hard. The next step after this is to apply again with a whole new grade point average.