Back to school season is in full swing. As summer winds down, parents have been swept up in the tide of back to school shopping, double-checking summer assignments, and preparing their children for another year of academic success. This season can get even more stressful as your children begin the college application process. Test preparation in particular can be challenging for children and parents alike. It is important for parents to support, guide and mentor their children through the college admissions process. If you are afraid that your child may struggle with time management, SAT/ACT preparation, or completing their college applications; here are a few things you can do now and over the course of the school year to help your child get ready:
Create an SAT/ACT test prep plan
For many parents nothing is harder than getting their child to study. It’s only more difficult to get your child to study for the SAT and ACT on top of their existing academic obligations. We have written extensively about how you and your child can work together to create a SAT/ACT test prep plan.
If you are the parent of a high school junior or senior, it is critical to start a conversation with your child about which SAT or ACT test dates they plan to register for. Once you and your child have agreed on test dates, use this information to follow up on and guide your child’s test prep process.
Create the right study environment
Effective studying does not happen in a hectic or messy environment. Work with your child to identify the three or four areas or environments in which they study most effectively. These places can be both inside and outside the home (e.g., kitchen table, library, or bedroom). Be sure that any potential distractions are removed from the chosen study areas.
Stay organized
Today’s high school student is expected to juggle any number of academic; extra-curricular; social; and sports commitments. Many parents choose to put all of their child’s commitments on one central calendar to facilitate keeping track of everything. If this schedule is not kept digitally, it should be posted somewhere where it is easy for the entire family to view.
Introduce yourself to your child’s teachers
Your child’s teachers will be your allies throughout the school year. They can help identify and address academic red flags before they become major obstacles to academic performance. Partner with your child’s teacher to develop an action plan for achieving goals and addressing any areas of development.
Schedule a meeting with your child’s guidance counselor
Once you have been able to introduce yourself to your child’s teachers, it may also make sense to schedule a meeting between yourself, your child, and your child’s guidance counselor. In this meeting, empower your child and ensure that their voice is heard. This meeting is also your opportunity to have your questions about the college application process answered. Once you have this conversation, let your child drive the process. Be a source of encouragement and check-in to make sure all necessary classes, tests, and applications have been completed.
What else would you add to this list? Add your comments below!
