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March 2007 |
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"In fact, 2.94 million students graduate
from more than 27,000 high schools each year in the
United States." (msnbc.com) |
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The
future, more specifically high school graduation, is
something most, if not all, teens think about and look
forward to. As graduation gets closer, questions from
teens and adults arise such as, "Which college will I
attend?", "What will my major be?", and "How in the
world are we going to pay for this?" It should be
comforting to know that you are not alone. In fact, 2.94
million students graduate from more than 27,000 high
schools each year in the United States (msnbc.com).
While some of this information can be overwhelming, here
are some things to stay focused on as you help your teen
down the road to graduation. The first thing you must do
is be prepared! Find out all the information you can
about each college your teen is considering. Talk to
students who attend those schools and ask what they
think. Look on the Internet to read and study the newest
US News and World Report's college ranking report
(www.usnews.com/usnews/rankguide/rghome.htm). If
possible, go visit the campus. Spending a few hundred
dollars to find out your teen does not like a college is
better than spending thousands on a semester of misery.
Second, remember that behind every successful teen,
there is a supportive network. If you look at the
enrollment of the most competitive colleges, you’ll find
that most of the kids who attend have been assisted
enormously by families, mentors, community members,
teachers, or all of the above (msnbc.com). Third,
remember that God is in control. Through all of the
waiting, disappointment, excitement, and worry, God will
use your tireless preparation, never-ending support, and
countless prayers to reveal His perfect plan.
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As
you prepare for college, here are the Top 10 things colleges
are looking for in high school
students:
1. A high
school curriculum that challenges the student.
2. Grades
that represent strong effort and an upward trend throughout
their four years in high school.
3. Solid scores on
standardized tests (SAT, ACT).
4. Passionate involvement in
a few activities, demonstrating leadership and
initiative.
5. Community service showing evidence of being
a "contributor."
6. Work or out-of-school experiences
(including summer activities) that illustrate
responsibility.
7. A well-written essay that provides
insight into the student's unique personality, values, and
goals.
8. Letters of recommendation from teachers and
guidance counselors that give evidence of integrity, special
skill, and positive character traits.
9. Supplementary
recommendations by adults who have had significant direct
contact with the student.
10. Anything special that makes
the student stand out from the rest of the
applicants!
(familyeducation.com)
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 Some interesting thoughts on
college...
After graduation, I plan to:
65% - Go to
college or a trade school.
15% - Get a job.
15% -
Figure it out when the time comes.
5% - Travel around
for a while.
(libraryloft.org)
Christian teens who go to college or a university
should…
21% - Attend a Christian
institution.
3% - Attend a secular
institution.
61% - Pick based on interests and
personality.
16% - Attend wherever they can
afford!
(pluggedinonline.com)
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* In
October 2005, 68.6% of high school graduates from the class of
2005 were enrolled in colleges or universities.
(bls.gov)
