Can Anyone Relate?

I have four children.  I didn’t finish high school, I did get my GED though and go to college later. My youth was not focused on my future. It was focused on surviving! So when my oldest started high school, I had no idea about what needed to be done to get in a college.

What I learned,

Have your child take the ACT or SAT test mutliple times before Dec. of their Senior year. Max. times to take is 12, some colleges have their own ACT test to take which will give your child another try at a higher score. Some colleges also take the best scores from each subject on the ACT or SAT test and compile for your test score, (which would make a higher score and a higher Academic Scholarship).

Keep your GPA up, 4.0 or higher.

Their Junior year is what Colleges use for their Grades, GPA , etc. ( Had no idea about that, thought it was Senior year.) Which is why we let her get a job.( Bad Idea, not focused on school like she should have been). Lesson learned for our other 3 kids.

Most colleges applications, scholarships etc, require Deadlines of December of their Senior year. Research the deadlines for applying at colleges, scholarship deadlines vary so stay on top of that. Colleges have their own scholarships with different deadlines.

Don’t expect your child to stay motivated or figure all this info out and stay on top of it.It is too much to focus on , not fair to your child. (My opinion). Make lists, write in calendars, stay on top of deadlines. There will be essays to write, papers needed from the high school, etc. All of this will benefit your child, their future, and save you money!!! College is not the only answer, great trade schools, military, etc. A child has a blank slate after high school and should always know they have many opportunites with their life!!

Leave and additional info please, I still have 3 kids to go to college!