The beginning of high school is an exciting time! You are adjusting to a new school, making new friends and becoming more independent.

Fall

• Make sure you meet with your guidance counselor. Think about  colleges and career options and to choose the most-appropriate classes.
• Set goals for the school year. Working toward specific goals helps you stay motivated and focused.
• Find some extracurricular activities. Getting involved in clubs and other groups is a great way for you to identify interests and feel more engaged in school.

Winter

• Discuss next year’s classes. Make sure you child are challenging him- or herself — and taking the courses college admission officers expect to see.

 Spring

• Make summer plans. Summer is a great time to explore interests and learn new skills and colleges look for students who pursue meaningful summer activities.

Summer

• Visit a college campus.
• Get the facts about what college costs. You may be surprised by how affordable higher education can be.
• Explore career ideas. Make a list of interests, talents and favorite activities and start matching them with occupations.
• Come up with fun reading ideas. Look for magazines or newspapers you may like and talk about the books you loved reading when you were in high school. If your family makes reading enjoyable, it can become a daily habit.