My HS is really large so my guidance counselor is pretty overwhelmed with students. I’ve had 1-2 meetings with her, but she is really busy since she has to see so many students and it’s hard individualized attention. I also don’t think she’s really updated on the new SAT. I love reading these forums, but think I need to level up with some personalized mentoring. Esp since I’m first gen so my family can’t help much.
I’ve tried out a few services…curious which ones you guys like/dislike?
This isn’t so much about services, but about what you need to think about and do either on your own or with a service.
I think first you should think about what questions you have…what your GC is doing is pretty typical.
Finances Your parents should start thinking about how much money they can put toward college (and the answer might be none or not much but you need to know.)
Standardized Tests…have you taken the SAT/ACT? What score did you get? Did you take them again after more study? If you haven’t taken them, then this is where it is worth putting a lot of effort in studying for the test. Your GPA iswhat it is and will make slight changes. The SAT/aCT is something you can affect NOW.
GPA What is your weighted/unweighted GPA
Does your school have Naviance?
Do you know what you want to major in?
Does your state have a program where top students go to CC for free?
List of colleges…have you tried using the Supermatch tool here on CC? http://www.collegeconfidential.com/college_search/
You can use this and Naviance to come up with a list of schools.
You can come to CC and ask for suggestions for schools.
Once you have a list of schools, then have your parents help you put in your information ino the Net Price Calculator on a college’s website. That will give you an idea of what you are expected to pay. Does that match up with what your family can afford?
Writing essays. Come up with 3 ideas and talk to your GC or English teacher about them as College essay ideas. Then write a draft and have them
Understand your HSs schedule for applying to college…see on yoru Guidance Counsiling website…When do you request teachers for recommondation letters? When do you give your GC info needed for their recommendations
Understand your college’s schedule…make a spreadsheet of when applications are due. This info will be in the Admissions section of their website.
Following up on bopper’s good suggestions, creating a calendar should be one of your first priorities. You need to track when applications are due, test dates, recommendations, filing FAFSA and CSS, etc. Also use the calendar to mark things like college fair visits and interviews.
We used two calendars: one was a shared google calendar that both my son and I could access, the second was a large, dry-erase, at-a-glance wall calendar.
Thanks these are really helpful! Especially the calendar. I have my action items/tests currently in a list format, would be much easier that way