There are a few things your high school student should be doing in October to prepare for success after high school. Take a look at our grade-by-grade breakdown for October 2016:
Freshmen
It’s important your child study, take classes seriously and keep up with homework to avoid panic when midterms roll around. Your child is setting the foundation for his or her GPA.
If your student hasn’t had a chance to do this already, urge them to explore personality and interests by taking a few surveys on Naviance. The MBTI Assessment provides a personality summary, and the “Do What You Are” survey connects your student’s personality to careers.
If someone were to ask our student “Who Are You?” what would he or she say? If there is no answer, encourage your student to spend some time exploring likes, dislikes, and interests.
Sophomores
Your student is taking the PSAT this month! Think of this as practice for the SAT, but tell your student to take this test seriously, because it is also a competition with students across the country for the scholarships that are offered based on these scores.
Students can prepare for the PSAT by using Khan Academy. It can be accessed through Naviance, or students can go to the Khan Academy website to create an account.
Juniors
Does your student have schools that he or she is interested in? Your student should keep a list of “prospective” schools in Naviance. That way, anyone who is assisting them can also see the list and get a better understanding of the types of schools they’re interested in. Additionally, school advisors can notify your student of schools that are coming to visit campus if they are listed in Naviance.
Sit down with your student to compare his or her GPA and scores to the schools of interest. Unsure of how to do this? Pick a school, and go to the “admissions” section. This section will usually list requirements and average scores or rankings of students who were accepted last year. You can also search the phrase “freshman class profile” to find the same information.
Your student will also be taking the PSAT this month. Consider encouraging your student to use Khan Academy to prepare. Have them take time today to create a plan to dedicate a certain amount of hours daily or weekly to prep.
Seniors
Has your senior talked to you about college? Be sure to talk about what colleges your student is interested in applying to and finalize a college list this month. Remember, your student should have a goal for completing applications by Thanksgiving!
The FAFSA opened October 1, so your student can begin a FAFSA today! Access the following link to submit a FAFSA and get more money for college: https://fafsa.ed.gov
Upcoming events
Explore college options at the following events:
- EMERGE Top Tier College Experience
Oct. 6, 4:45 – 7:00 p.m.
Kingdom Builders Center, 6011 W. Orem Dr., Houston, 77085
Register here: http://toptiercollegeexperience2016.eventbrite.com - Texas College Night
Oct. 20, 5:30 -8 p.m.
University of Houston Hilton Hotel, 4800 Calhoun, Houston, 77004
Ask an advisor on your campus for more information.
- Black College Expo
Nov. 12, 10 a.m. – 5:00 p.m.
Power Center, 12401 South Post Oak, Houston, 77045