There are many tools that are available for college-bound students but all too often good ones are missed or go unused. Here are the 3 important items a prospective college student should become familiar with:
1. The high school profile. This sheet contains public information and typically accompanies high school-related supporting documentation that is submitted on behalf of the student when applying to college. This profile is used by college admission officers in order to understand what is offered at the specific high school and how each student has maximized their curriculum. The profile contains things like the school's demographics, any ranking policy, grading methods, how grades are weighted or not weighted, and average standardized test scores. Students can use this tool to evaluate how they compare to their peers.
2. A copy of an unofficial transcript. Students should meet with their guidance advisors and review their academic transcript. Be sure there are no errors. Become familiar with exactly what information the colleges will receive related to your academic performance. Reviewing this updated document each year can have the added advantage of revealing negative trends in performance thus acting as an incentive to work harder.
3. A list of scholarship donors. High school guidance offices have a list of local community organizations and businesses that offer scholarship dollars for graduating high school seniors. (If a student has access to a Naviance portal, the information may be found there as well.) It is suggested that students do research and determine what scholarships they are in line for well before any deadlines. As the cost of college is looming in every student and parent's mind, knowing early on what options are available for off-setting cost goes a long way to help build a well executed plan for college.
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