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Learn more about what transitioning to College looks like for your high school junior.

Dear Parents of

High School Juniors

Okay, no more putting it off, it is time to talk about college.

If you have kept in-depth discussion of the subject under wraps during freshman and sophomore years, you and your teen are about to go on a voyage of discovery during junior year. He or she will discover what interests them, excites them, and motivates them. You will discover an adult emerging, and the emphasis here is on emerging, from what will soon be the memories of childhood.

College Countdown has put together an overview for parents on how to approach talking about college with their children. Click below to see our guide: Practical Advice for Your High School Junior.

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Our Guide to Junior Year

Affording CollegeJunior StudentParenting
September 24, 2024

5 Reasons to Talk With Your Kid About College Financing Now

As a parent of a high school student, however, there’s no time like the present to have a candid conversation about college costs and the resources you have available to…
College AdmissionsJunior Student
September 18, 2024

Navigating the College Search: Build Your “College Compass”

For many families, the college search is stressful by nature. But what makes it even more challenging is that most begin the process without first understanding their student—the key player…
Applying to CollegeJunior StudentSenior StudentStudent Life
June 15, 2024

Invest in Yourself

As your student considers what the college experience will look like for them, I would like to offer a letter of encouragement based on my experience. Now, as a college…

Junior Year

Timeline

Junior Year

Socrates’s statement, “Know thyself,” holds true for this year of the college search.

Fall

Encourage Good Study Habits – Keep Grades Up

Consider AP Classes, Dual Enrollment, SAT Prep Courses, College Ready Courses

Register PSAT (Oct.), SAT, ACT, AP

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Set Parent Expectations for the College Selection Process

Schedule College Visits and Attend College Fairs

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Research Careers and Colleges

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Draft a List of Potential College Choices (Appeal, Affordability, Selectivity)

Encourage Your Child to Connect with HS Guidance Counselor, College Admissions Counselor

529 Considerations – Glidepath Adjustments

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Spring

Review HS Transcript

Register SAT, ACT, AP Exam

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Encourage Summer Job, Internship

Continue College Visits (Virtual Visits) – Appointments with FA, Admissions, Academic Advisors

Request Letters of Recommendation

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Summer

Start an Outline for Your College Essays

Family Discussion about Money, 529 College Savings

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Consider Early Action, Early Decision

Review Application Procedures for Top College Choices

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Skills to Teach: Budget, Laundry, Cooking, Healthy Habits (sleep, study, etc.)

Senior Year

The Parent

Advisory Council

The Parent Advisory Council (PAC) is a group of ScholarShare 529 parents with children already using their 529 savings for college. That means they know a few things about college and are eager to share perspectives and insights with you as your teenager begins their college adventure. This is a group of parents who have been there, done that. Now, they’re ready to exchange stories with you. Meet the PAC.

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