Preparing for College

Start Planning Before College

You can help your student to build good habits in junior high and high school that can later translate to good habits in college. For instance, helping him or her to develop time management skills in their teens will serve them well later on. Also, establishing homework and quiet time, along with strong study habits, will provide a sound foundation for college.

Dual Enrollment for high schoolers allows students to get college credit while they're still in high school. Plus, it let's them preview what taking a college class is actually like.

Enrolling in AP (advanced placement) classes in high school prepares students for college-level courses. Find out what AP classes are offered at his or her school and what the requirements are to enroll. Then encourage him or her to meet the criteria and get enrolled.

Some admissions counselors recommend that a college preparation timeline should begin as early as junior high. This allows the ground work to be laid for good grades and a variety of extracurricular activities. Take a look at the College Planning Timeline on the Georgia College 411 website for more information on planning ahead.

Find more tips and planning ideas, visit the parents page at ed.gov.

GPA and Testing

Colleges and universities consider many aspects when evaluating applicants and high school grade point average is definitely a top criterion. A high GPA not only helps one's college application, but many experts believe it translates to success in college. Read about the entrance requirements for GGC.

Standardized tests such as the College Board Scholastic Assessment Test (SAT) and the American College Test (ACT) are used by many colleges and universities to evaluate students for both admissions requirements and eligibility for scholarships. Currently, GGC does not require SAT or ACT test scores, but taking the tests is strongly encouraged.

To learn more about testing, exam preparation and related information, visit:

• act.org (American College Test)
• Collegeboard.com (College Board Scholastic Assessment Test)

What are your student's academic/career interests?

Many freshmen start college as undeclared majors while many of the students who have declared a major wind up changing their minds. Nothing is wrong with either of these scenarios. However, there are some ways to help your student zero-in on their interests and passions that could lead to a fulfilling career. And you can start this process years before they are college-age.

Get real life exposure. Encourage your student to work part-time or volunteer at businesses that match their interest. For example, if he/she is interested in becoming a lawyer, working summers in a law office will expose them to the day-in and day-out routine in a typical office. For someone who aspires to join the medical field, he/she can volunteer at a hospital or nursing home. For a student who wants to become a teacher, working part-time as a classroom aid may be an option.

Actually doing the work and/or helping the professionals they hope to be one day can be a telling exercise about a student's likes/dislikes, strengths and interestes in the working world.

Start a conversation. Talk to your student about his or her favorite school subjects and how they relate to jobs and careers. The link between classroom subjects and a job may not be apparent to them. Don’t forget to share your own working experiences. Many companies offer “bring your child to work day”. Take advantage of this learning experience.

Talk to your student's high school guidance counselor and encourage him or her to do the same. They are familiar with their school's curriculum and can offer assitance based on your student's interests and feedback.

Use self-assessment tools. Assessment tools may reveal talents, interests and aptitudes you never thought of exploring. A good tool to try is at Career Planning by Georgia College 411.

Even if he or she doesn’t have a clear career goal in mind when they begin college, that’s okay. Often the classes they take as a freshman will shape their interests and their faculty mentor can assist in the career development process. Plus, GGC students can take advantage of the Career Development and Advising Center, which provides resources to help students pursue their academic and professional goals.