Paving the way for each graduate to be accepted to a college before graduation
First, understand that college preparation starts long before one’s senior year in high school. No matter where your child is in their academic career, there is something you can be doing to prepare for your child to attend college. We structure everything we do to maximize each student’s readiness for further education. So, what are some things that you, our parents and students, can do to prepare for these higher learning opportunities?
Elementary Students
Parents should open up a college account that allows them to save money for their child’s college education. The most important is to have a monthly or bimonthly amount automatically transferred from your personal bank account. This will prevent you from having “emergencies” that will tempt you to do otherwise.
Middle School Students
One way to address college prep at this age is for students to research careers. Students can obtain information by visiting different career fairs. Another way is for parents to take them to their places of work. This allows the student to see the hard work and experience that is needed in order to be a positive and integral part of our community.
Freshman and Sophomore Students
Freshman and Sophomore students have generated a class schedule that will fulfill the requirements for graduation and college needs. The students need to get involved in extracurricular activities. These may be chosen from an array of clubs, sports, church, and community activities, or volunteer time. It is imperative for them to have a well-rounded background for their resumes.
Junior Students
Juniors should register in the fall for the PSAT in order for them to practice and get ready for the SAT, usually taken in the spring of the junior year. Remember that the SAT is accepted by major colleges and universities, and is a factor in acceptance. This is why it is preferable for students to practice on this test and take it seriously.
Senior Students
Seniors may retake the ACT or SAT once again if they want to try for a higher score as this might be their last chance. Remember that it takes time to get test results and colleges to receive the results, so you want to do this promptly. At the same time, the student should start applying for scholarships as soon as possible.
College Readiness Coaching at TIA with Mr. Beebe
Mr. Beebe will meet with all students starting from 7th -12th grade in groups and individually to help prepare them for college.
He will help students decide which is the right college for them, help get them admitted, make sure they get the most amount of financial aid possible and provide fully customized college readiness coaching services that fit each family’s unique needs.
This will include free ACT/SAT/PSAT prep, free access to special software Naviance, and more. Here is the link to your own special student portal.
Career Exploration Example Plan
- 7th and 8th grade – 1st basic career exploration assessment available
- 9th grade – Interest Profiler Assessment and Road Trip Nation video exploration.
- 10th grade – Intelligence assessment and career path recommendations including detailed data and descriptions. Explore shadowing opportunities and interview professionals in the field.
- 11th grade – Deep dive into colleges or other resources and what strategic plan is the best fit for the career goals
- 12th grade – Look for employment, internships, and volunteer opportunities that are on the career path selected
- JA Inspire program available to all middle school and high school students (Exploration tools and Virtual Job Fair)
Download Colleges and Careers Resources
College Scholarship Link to University of Arizona
Enroll today at TIA!