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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.

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How much does the transcript count for?

While aspects of the college application process is debatable, many educators and admissions counselors will agree that the high school transcript is the most important portion of the college application. While colleges look at extracurricular activities and personal statements when admitting students to various programs, the high school transcript provides insight into the academic performance of the student. A transcript essentially tells admissions committees how much a student values education.

When evaluating a student, admissions officers closely analyze which classes the student has previously taken. While rigorous course schedules are typically favored over easy schedules, advisors do not favorably view applicants who do not excel in honors and advanced placement classes. When choosing between regular and advanced placement courses, students should choose classes that are both manageable and challenging; otherwise, acceptance to prestigious colleges and universities may be denied.

In addition to being careful about course selection, students should be certain to take classes required by their desired college or university. The average college requires four years of English, three years of Math, two years of Social Science or history, and two years of a foreign language along with a lab science. Students who fail to take these courses will certainly be denied entry into some colleges and universities.

Although many high school students choose the bare minimum when it comes to course selection, those desiring to be accepted into prestigious colleges and universities should be highly selective of the classes that they choose in high school. Remember, most college admission decisions are based on the transcript.

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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.

Filed Under: High School, Higher Education Tagged With: ,

Getting Ready for First Grade

Even though many children attend pre-school and kindergarten, first grade marks a new turning point in your child’s life and yours. While this is an exciting period, it is also a period of great anxiety. Every parent wishes that their child will do well in school and first grade marks the beginning of his or her educational journey. The habits that your child will develop in first grade will carry them through all the way to high school graduation. This is a very important time and there are many ways you can help your child achieve success.

The first step you should take is to introduce yourself to your child’s teacher. Many schools offer a meet and greet prior to school starting. If this is not available to you, introduce yourself after school. Do not introduce yourself in the morning as children are pouring into the classroom. This may make your child feel awkward and will spark the interest of the other children.

Discuss the lesson plans with the teacher and how often your child may have homework. You want to be an active participant during this first year. When your child comes home, ask specific questions about the school day. Ask your child specific questions about math, writing or reading. When your child is finished with his or her homework, ask to see it. Do not just look at it, review it to make sure it is complete and see if there are any mistakes. If the homework is complete, praise your child. If you see a mistake, sit down with your child and redo the homework.

Your child will need your guidance to learn how to manage time and build study habits. By discussing his or her school day, you are establishing a healthy pattern letting your child know, you are an active participant in his or her education.

Filed Under: Education, Elementary, High School Tagged With:

Preparing Yourself and Your Child for High School

High school can be a difficult period for children and parents. The high school years are the most difficult as children will struggle to find their place in school socially and academically. Many children that have done well in school may find it challenging to maintain their academic success in high school. It is important for parents to stay involved with their child’s activities and education during high school. High school begins the period where grades are cumulative. Grades are important if your child plans to continue their education at the college level.

For parents, high school is a challenging period in which maintaining a healthy relationship with their children is challenged by the pressures of peers in school.
Educators agree parental involvement in a child’s high school education will ensure academic success for your child.

Parents should strive to keep open communication with their children. This can be a challenge, as many children will exercise their need for privacy. Encourage your child to bring their friends home to study. This will allow you to get to know the children your child has befriended in school. Inquire about their studies and let your child and his or her friends know you are there to help. If your child is involved in school activities, make every effort to support and attend as many activities as you can. If your child is not involved in any activities, encourage your child to get involved. Children involved in productive activities are less likely to get into trouble or get involved with the wrong crowd.

High school requires parents to find the delicate balance of being involved with their children’s education while allowing their children to find their place socially. As a parent, you do not want to be overbearing and too nosy. You want to keep communication as open as possible.

Filed Under: Education, Elementary, High School Tagged With:

Helping Your Teen Through High School

High school has changed into a place where popularity rules and dangers lurk in every corner. Many teens are faced with the challenges of meeting the demands of their education and trying to find their way through the high school social circles. High school is a challenging time for parents as well. During high school, many teens will become established in social circles and will pull away from their parents. Peer pressure is high and the need to fit in becomes paramount to teens.

The best method of keeping your teen safe and focused on their education is to involve them in school activities. During high school, it is important for parents to monitor their teen’s academic standing. The first sign a teen may be in trouble is falling grades or a displayed lack of interest in schoolwork. Intervention is important as soon as a parent notices a remarkable difference in their teen’s behavior.

It is important to discuss the importance of a high school education with your teens. While many teens will require more privacy, it is still important for parents to establish ground rules during high school. Allowing your teen more freedom should only come after schoolwork is complete and grades are maintained. Participate and encourage school activities such as clubs and organizations. Teens that are involved in activities will less likely get in trouble.

Also, take the time to discuss your teen’s future plans such as college. This will help him or her to stay focused on their personal goals and achievements. High school is a challenging experience for teens as well as their parents. Your teenage is striving toward adulthood and learning to make decisions. You will become more of an advisor during this time as your teen may wish to solve his or her own problems. The best thing a parent can do, is to develop open communication with their teen.

Filed Under: Education, Elementary Tagged With:

Beyond High School

During high school, grades become cumulative. As your teen begins ninth grade, it is important to discuss goals after high school. It is crucial for your teen to understand that having exceptional grades and becoming involved in school activities will help with college admission applications. While your teen may not know exactly what they want to do in the ninth grade, he or she will have plenty of opportunity to discover new interests.

Many teens will excel in all subjects in high school; however, many will struggle with one or two subjects. Math and science classes are the classes that high school students experience the most difficulty. It is important to intervene as soon as any difficulty is detected. Your teen may require additional instruction or practice. It is important to encourage your teen to strive to master the subject that is presenting a challenge. Once he or she has conquered the subject matter, it will provide a boost in his or her self-esteem.

An intricate balance must be developed between schoolwork, school activities and social opportunities. This is challenging for most parents to manage. Talk with your teen often without coming across as nosy. Let your teen know you are always available to discuss any problems that may arise. If your teen has determined what he or she wants to do, your task is easier. For example, if your teen decides he or she wants to be a nurse, you can arrange a visit to a hospital. This will help your teen stay focused and encourage enthusiasm for school.

High school is a volatile time in a teen’s life. They may struggle to fit in or may struggle with studies. It is important as parents to stay alert to subtle changes in your teen’s behavior. Finding the delicate balance of communication is critical.

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Preparing For College

College can be frightening and the process of getting there can be a stressful one. There is an easy way to combat the most common stressors: Start preparing for college while you’re still in high school. The earlier you begin, the better. Most high school students put it off until their junior year, but if you start early, many of the common questions and routines will already be taken care of by the time you’re a junior. Below are a few steps that you can take in each year of your high school career to make the college application process a smooth one.

Freshman Year: Find out why you should go to college and decide if it’s the right path for you. Plan a list of challenging classes for the rest of high school, if possible. Rigorous classes tend to look better on your transcripts during the application process. Look at tuition costs and start to plan and save, if possible.

Sophomore Year: Meet with your guidance counselor to discuss college options. Would a state school be right for you? Do you want to stay in state or leave it? Research colleges you may be interested in and request information from them. Extracurricular activities look good on applications. Participate in a few.

Junior Year: Register and take the ACT exam as early as possible. Keep an eye on your grades and talk to your parents and guidance counselor about the colleges that interest you. Type up a resume and research scholarships (there are plenty). If possible, find a job in a field of interest.

Senior Year: Narrow your list of colleges and visit them if you haven’t already. Start the application process, taking extra time to plan any essays. Fill out the FAFSA if you’ll require financial assistance for college. Keep track of acceptance/rejection letters. Most importantly, choose the school that is right for you.

Filed Under: Higher Education, Students Tagged With: , ,

Common Needed School Supplies

Every year when school starts students and parents look for that dreaded school supply list. It seems that as a child moves up in grades the longer and more expensive the school supply list gets. While the school supply list might seem to grow every year, there are almost always a set of common school supplies that every student no matter what grade they are in needs.

This common list of school supplies will allow you to plan ahead and shop early so that you don’t need to run around at the last minute to pick up these commonly needed school supplies.

Pencils

Every student needs a good set of pencils. Whether it is for a math class or just taking notes, pencils are almost always needed by students.

Crayons

Art students know the importance of having crayons but crayons are needed in almost every grade from K through 8. Sometimes even high school students will need crayons depending on the lesson. It isn’t a bad thing to keep around the house.

Paper/Notebooks

It’s a sure bet that a student is going to need something to take their notes on. Paper or notebooks are the number one school supply that provides that need. It is always a good idea to buy extra in the beginning of the year as these supplies are in high demand.

Computer/Internet Access

The computer and Internet have become an almost essential school supply item for students all over the country. Whether you are a student of public schools or online schools like earnmydegree.com the Internet is a needed resource to provide research, paper writing and even turning in assignments.

There are many other needed school supplies such as a geometry set, calculator, pens, colored pencils and three ring binders but the supplies listed above are the most commonly asked for school supplies by schools all across the country.

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Getting Ready for the World

Some people are under the impression that school is just to teach students how to get to the next level of their educations. A first grader is out to learn the skills necessary to master second grade, and so on. It’s very rare that most people consider the fact that everything a student does, from the moment they first walk into a school building, is in preparation for the lives they are going to have later on, when they finally take up a professional mantle. Be they street sweeper or attorney, window washer or orthopedic surgeon, everyone eventually takes up some sort of occupation. We all owe some effort to society, and our receipt for the value we add is the money we earn.

Of course, there is no better preparation for a life to live than living a life. This is why sites like EducationforAdults.com are a good thing. They allow people to get off the beaten path of “school then college then job,” and let people get a more realistic understanding of what they’re good at and what their actual interests are. After all, the things they teach in school have only a passing resemblance to reality, because the environment of a classroom is so much different than the environment of an office.

When you get your children ready to go off to school (even if going off is only for the half days of kindergarten), you have to remember that school’s purpose is not complete just because someone receives a piece of paper (even if a student now “graduates” from kindergarten, middle and high school). The completion of an education is when a student goes on to finally be a constructive, contributing, self supporting citizen. How long this ends up taking is a matter that no school system can ever normalize. But then, one can always start the educational process all over again.

Filed Under: High School, Students, Teachers Tagged With: , ,
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