College preparation can be easy, tedious or anywhere in between, and timing and discipline is key. While it’s important that students take the time to enjoy themselves, it’s also good to get a head start on college prep when possible.
There are plenty of strategies and tips that both parents and kids can implement before high school even starts that can help — take a look at some of them below!
Tips for Parents
Where to start:
- Allow your child to take ownership of and drive the process. (After all, they are the ones doing the applying!)
- Discuss taking the highest-level math and foreign language in middle school so that when they get to high school, they are on the right track to take higher-level courses.
- Engage in conversations about what kinds of careers sound interesting to them. Keep it high level.
- If possible, connect your child to your friends, acquaintances, or coworkers so they can begin exploring various vocations.
- Begin thinking about college costs.
- Encourage positive study habits and set priorities to focus on academics.
Tips for Students
Where to start:
- Deans say to focus on doing well in school:
- Select classes for middle and high school.
- You may get some high school credit with certain classes (algebra, foreign language).
- Every year should get a bit tougher — but not so tough that it causes problems or makes you feel stressed out!
- Classes should include English, foreign language, math, science, history.
- Strengthen study habits and don’t be shy about getting help.
- Think about activities you like now and activities you might like to try in high school.
- Chat with adults you like and admire about their jobs — what do they like about their career?
Resources and Advice from Legacy Students
There’s always help available for parents and kids getting an early head start on college preparation. A popular and longstanding UVA resource is Dean J’s blog, which discusses everything from when a college search should begin to when and how to meet with college deans. Parents can also review the CollegeBoard’s Middle School Action Plan or this perspective on parental guidance throughout middle school.
Legacy students have excellent viewpoints to offer on the college process. According to a recent legacy student, “I wouldn’t recommend middle schoolers stressing out too much too early due to the quickly-changing nature of the application process and statistics needed to get into schools.” Preparation is important and can be a massive help, but parents should encourage their middle schoolers to continue exploring and growing during their pre-high school years.
Most importantly, students should have fun and do activities they enjoy during their free time. Remember that not everything has to check a “perfect applicant” box, and a student pursuing their passions consistently is something that colleges will likely notice! No matter what plan for college a family chooses to pursue, just make sure it works for everyone involved.