September: Each year provides new challenges for students.
Help them start on the right foot by keeping the following tips in mind.
Monitor academic progress.
- Look over your child's course schedule to make sure that he or she is taking challenging, college-prep courses.
- Discuss the course load with your child to ensure that he or she does not feel overwhelmed.
- Encourage your child to meet with a school counselor to develop a "course map" for high school.
- Monitor your child's academics. Make sure homework gets done and your child has a good place to study. Don't assume that someone will contact you if there is a problem; progress reports don't always make it home.
Encourage participation in extracurricular activities.
Extracurricular clubs and sports keep students involved, help them meet new people, and allow them to learn outside of the classroom. Encourage your child to get involved in outside activities that support his or her interests.
Get involved. If you are the parent of a junior or senior...
- Attend a VSAC Paying for College night with your child. These presentations help students and their families understand the financial aid process. Ask your school counseling office when VSAC is coming to your school or check out the schedule of Paying for College presentations in high schools throughout the state.
- Encourage your child to start the college exploration process. Programs such as VT Guidance Central help students determine what to look for in a college.
- Help your child get organized. Your child may receive a blizzard of paper during the school year. It is essential that important documents – such as applications and financial aid forms – be kept where you and your child can find them easily. Deadlines can also become overwhelming. Keep track with the VSAC Planning Calendar. It is full of important dates, including registration and test dates for the ACT and SAT, and open house dates for Vermont colleges. E-mail info@vsac.org to obtain a copy. Help us route your message to the right area by including the topic in the subject line of your message.