Entering High School? Plan Ahead!

Are you about to enter high school?  There are a few things to think about as you consider your course selection and look ahead.  One of the top factors that admissions people use to gauge a student’s competitiveness for acceptance is the rigor of the courses that the student took in high school.  Receiving all As in level 2 or college prep classes is not considered as competitive as earning As and Bs in level 1, honors, AP or IB courses.  You should aim high and challenge yourself to the best of your ability in high school.  

It’s never too early to map out your high school courses thoughtfully. 

Colleges want students who work hard, who participate and engage in their academics and broader school community.  They especially want students who demonstrate drive and a good work ethic.  So, when you’re debating between that easier class and one that may challenge you, think about how you want to position yourself for your future.  It may seem far off now, but the years will fly by, and you’ll be considering your options for after high school sooner than you think.  Be sure you plan well.

Ask the Consultant

Q:  How do we tackle the college admission process for an underachiever?

A:   I often ask parents of freshman and sophomore students to think back on all of their child’s report cards and tell me the common themes.  “Does not work up to potential” is not an infrequent reply.  If that is your answer, you are not alone.

The first thing we need to discover is the cause of the underachievement.  Is this the type of student who “rewards” a favored teacher by getting an A and “punishes” a teacher they don't connect with by getting a C?  Is the student not as mature as their classmates?  The only way to “turn around” an underachiever is for the student to begin to recognize the patterns and proactively learn to avoid them.

When working with underachieving students, we like to start planning for college as early as the sophomore year.  We spend a considerable amount of time discussing their learning style and how they are unique.  We call this “discovering your greatness.”  Many times a visit to a college helps the student to see the long term goal more clearly.  If maturity is the issue, we may consider a postgraduate or gap year.

For the underachiever, the college fit is critically important.  Small classes with interesting and caring professors can make all the difference for some; others need hands-on immersion in an area of great interest.  So don't give up!  After all, these students do have great potential!