1 of 15

COLLEGE & HIGH SCHOOL READINESS�

Presented by:

Kim Bronson

Counselor

Mt. Carmel High School

​

​

2 of 15

BIGGEST DIFFERENCES BETWEEN HIGH SCHOOL & MIDDLE SCHOOL

  • Faster Pace
  • Higher Level of Rigor
  • Bigger Environment
  • Need for Independent “Executive Skills”
    • Delaying Gratification
    • Flexibility in the Face of Obstacles
    • Managing Emotions
    • Working Memory
    • Time Management/Organization
    • Task Initiation
    • Sustained Attention

For resources on how to coach/support the development of these skills, click here.

  • Expectation of Self-Advocacy
  • Problem-Solving Skills

3 of 15

HABITS OF MIND & CRUCIAL CHARACTERISTICS

  • Responsibility
  • Organization
  • Persistence/Resilience
  • Critical Thinking
  • Self-Advocacy
  • Problem-Solving
  • Ability to Collaborate
  • Growth Mindset

click here!!

​

4 of 15

BROADENING THE DEFINITION OF SUCCESS

5 of 15

SUPPORT THE TRANSITION �TO HIGH SCHOOL

  • Keep Balance in mind when choosing courses.

​

  • Encourage self-advocacy skills.

​

  • Listen, Listen, Listen; avoid solving.

​

  • Remember they still need/want you (no matter how much they tell you they don’t).

​

​

6 of 15

A WORD ABOUT COLLEGE…

  • The College Experience can and should look different for everyone.

​

  • There are over 3,000 colleges across the US.

​

  • Keep the focus on YOUR kid and THEIR needs, interests, skills, abilities.

​

  • Encourage them to follow THEIR individual path.

​

Why college engagement matters more than the college you go to

​

​

7 of 15

A COLLEGE APPLICATION CONSIDERS…�NOTE: 100% NON-SCIENTIFIC GRAPH FOR PURPOSES OF GENERAL ILLUSTRATION ONLY. �ACTUAL WEIGHT IN EACH CATEGORY VARIES BY COLLEGE ☺

8 of 15

“A-G” COURSE REQUIREMENTS �FOR COLLEGE

Subject

Required

Recommended

A. Social Science

2 years

3 years (required for HS graduation)

B. English

4 years

4 years

C. Math

3 years (thru Integrated 3)

4 years

D. Lab Science

2 years (at least one physical & one biological)

3 years

E. Language Other Than English

2 years

3 years

F. Visual/Performing Art

1 year

​

G. College Elective

1 year

​

9 of 15

COLLEGE PREPARATION TIMELINE

6th Grade

​

  • Focus on Habits of Mind concepts (Responsibility, Problem Solving, Critical Thinking, Resilience, Growth Mindset)
  • Support developing “Executive Skills”

7th Grade

​

  • Begin exploring interests and related career domains. Xello and www.cacareerzone.org and
  • Learn about college options – differences between community colleges, private universities, public universities, etc.

8th Grade

​

  • Consider beginning A-G Courses if appropriate (Integrated Math 1, Spanish)
  • Review high school graduation requirements and college admissions requirements.
  • Continue career interest research vivia (Xe
  • Start investigating local colleges. Consider visiting campuses – thinking about what is important to the student

10 of 15

COLLEGE PREPARATION TIMELINE

9th Grade

​

  • A-G Courses
  • Begin investigating careers/community service that align with your student’s interests/passion
  • Get involved! (Clubs, Sports, Art, Drama, etc)
  • Research colleges of interest

10th Grade

  • PSAT – October (if still offered)
  • A-G Courses
  • Begin investigating careers/community service
  • Extracurricular activities
  • Continue college research by taking assessments to find “fits” – Cappex, College Data.com
  • Consider visiting campuses – thinking about what is important to the student

11 of 15

COLLEGE PREPARATION TIMELINE

11th Grade

  • PSAT – October (if still offered)
  • A-G Courses
  • Continue Community service (consider “focus”)
  • Extracurricular activities
  • Continue to research colleges narrow down list.
  • Continue to visit campuses of interest.
  • Take SAT/ACT in Spring of 11th (maybe?)
  • Make summer plans: volunteer work?, internship? Job?

​

​

12 of 15

COLLEGE PREPARATION TIMELINE

12th Grade

Fall

  • Apply to Colleges!
  • Take SAT/ACT again if desired.
  • Apply for Financial Aid and University-based Scholarships

Winter/Spring

  • Apply for private scholarships
  • Visit campuses on the short list
  • Review Financial Aid Packages
  • Decide where to attend!

13 of 15

SCHOLARSHIP & FINANCIAL AID TRUTHS

Truth: Most of the big scholarship money comes from universities themselves, not private scholarships.

​

Truth: Use an EFC calculator now so you have an idea of about how much you will be expected to contribute to your child’s college education. More EFC Info.

​

Truth: Students can receive academic merit scholarships if they do their research and apply wisely. Even with around a 3.2 GPA!

​

Truth: Everyone should file the FAFSA (Free Application for Federal Student Aid) in October of senior year. This is the first step in being eligible for university-based scholarships.

​

Want more college financing truth? Visit The College SolutionSolution and College Data.com

14 of 15

WHAT’S NEXT?

  • HS Counselors visit students - March 5th
  • 8th Grade Family Nights - Tuesdays in March
  • PUSD Incoming 9th Grade google site coming soon
    • School specific info - forms, instructions, important dates
    • Presentation your 8th grader will see on March 5th
    • Other campus specific Academic Planning Resources

15 of 15

QUESTIONS?