Careful planning during high school will set students up for their greatest successes!
If you have a high school student, it is a good idea to set up a high school guidance consultation to make sure that your student is on track for graduation as well as take full advantage of the educational opportunities in Florida.
Summer may be the time where your 15 year old wants to get their learner's permit to drive. If you have a 14 - 18 year old, make sure that you have submitted their end of the year evaluation to your local school board. Their paperwork must be in compliance. If it is not complete, then they will not be issued either a learner's permit or their driver's license.
If you have a high school Junior or Senior next year, begin planning now to visit colleges during this summer and next year. Plan a fun family road trip mapping out visits to campuses and taking the school tour. Visiting college campuses will help your high school student begin to process their next steps after high school.
Knowing the standard core subject areas as well as electives is important as you plan your student's course work. There are many educational avenues available today for home educated high school students to satisfy those requirements; dual enrollment, virtual classes, individual tutors, co-op classes and testing (AP and CLEP). These options provide high school credits and some will award college and vocational credits. If your student plans on taking dual enrollment classes next year, contact your local community college now to take the PERT entrance exam. If your student has taken the SAT or ACT exams, those scores, if satisfactory, may be used for dual enrollment entrance at the community college.
It is important to keep a record of your high school course work so that you can put together a transcript. Transcripts are needed for college, technical school, sports, internships, scholarships, The Common Application, and the military. If you are a senior and have not already prepared a high school transcript, this is the month to have it prepared. Colleges will be requesting an initial transcript and then a final transcript containing your final grades when your student graduates high school. If you have a home school student athlete, visit the NCAA, NAIA and NJCAA websites to review what they require for eligibility. Follow the homeschool links.
I can prepare transcripts for you as your student begins taking their high school courses. Many times parents are unaware that some activities and scholastic studies may also be included in their transcript and they they may receive actual course credit. I can assist you in identifying those courses. I also include test scores (PSAT, SAT, ACT, AP and CLEP), sports, community service, special achievements that I believe more fully portrays your student's total scholastic /activities while in high school.
I can initially prepare the transcript, then after each school year is completed, the courses and activities may be added. When the official transcript is needed, it will be current and sent as "Official" where you designate.
By getting to know your student in the preparation of their transcript, I can further assist you with letters of recommendation as well.
Even if you are planning on a "gap year," it's vital to create your transcript upon completion of high school. For any help with this process, please feel free to contact my office for more information.
If you are not satisfied with your SAT or ACT test scores, sign up to take the exam again. There is no limit to the number of times you may take these exams. Fortunately, the highest scores are combined from each test.
Visit www.sarasotacountyschools.net and go to link College Financial Aid-Scholarships, then 2014-2015 Scholarship Opportunities. Select your scholarships, perfect your essay, seek/secure recommendations and submit the scholarship package. Be sure to note the individual scholarship deadlines. Bright Futures scholars check June deadlines for applying prior to your actual graduation date.
High school seniors may complete their FAFSA now. The earlier it is completed, the better chance for scholarships or grants. By planning ahead and systematically checking off items from your “to-do” list, you will accomplish everything you need to with ease!