Preparing Students for College
Help your students take the next step in their education
Over four years of high school, students will have many teachers, activity leaders, coaches, and role models. However, as a school counselor, you are the one person who sees the entire picture of a student's high school career, and who can bring all the information together.
Some of the things you can do to give students the best chance of going on to the college of their choice include:
- Helping to plan a challenging course schedule
- Keeping records of classes and grades
- Keeping track of graduation requirements
- Advising which college admission tests to take and when to take them
- Connecting students to information on various colleges, majors, and careers.
- Recommending colleges to match academic profiles and career goals
- Advising on "safety," "good fit," and "reach" schools
- Sending transcripts to colleges
- Writing letters of recommendation
- Helping families understand aid awards and how financial aid works, and connecting students to local scholarship opportunities
As a counselor, your encouragement plays a critical role in helping students prepare for college. Your students rely on you to ensure that they are prepared for the college admissions process. Your goal is to convince your students that college is within their grasp.
Course selection
College admissions requirements are typically more stringent than high school graduation requirements. They often require a higher level of demonstrated competence in mathematics and science, and may even require a minimum number of years studying a foreign language. Make sure that all your students have the opportunity to participate in a college-prep academic program. Share with them what courses colleges expect to see on their transcripts.
In addition to course topics, it is important that you encourage all students to take the most rigorous and challenging courses suitable for their academic level. The Advanced Placement Program® (AP®) offers course work that serves as a precursor to college-level work. Successfully completing these courses—and doing well on the exams—demonstrates to colleges that students are capable of success at the college level.
Standardized tests
A strong performance on standardized tests also helps students convince colleges that they are ready for the challenge. Encourage your students to take the PSAT/NMSQT®. This experience gives them the chance to practice for important college admissions tests like the SAT®.
Extracurriculars
Colleges also expect students to have interests outside of academics. Sports and other extracurricular activities show admissions officers that students are well-rounded and can contribute to life on campus. Volunteering or working part-time also indicates a sense of duty and commitment, further proof that students are ready for the responsibilities college entails.