Advice for 9th and 10th Grade Families
Early high school is an exciting time, and it is also when many parents start thinking about what comes next. It can be overwhelming because the plain fact is that most of us don’t know what we don’t know. Do families need to start thinking about college in early high school? As with everything, there is no one-size-fits all answer, and every family is different. But we thought we’d run through some FAQs here in the hope of helping families feel more informed (and less worried!).
My student is a freshman / sophomore in high school – is it time to start thinking about college applications? For the most part – no. With a few exceptions (see below) it is too early to start thinking and worrying about college applications. The best advice for students is to focus on their grades and get involved in activities that are meaningful to them. The pathway to college will start sorting itself out soon enough.
What are the “few exceptions” I should be aware of? There are some situations that call for earlier attention. A few are listed below.
Student Artists: If your student develops an interest in art (visual or performing) and is considering pursuing that in college, it makes sense to research and understand the admissions processes and requirements. Many arts programs require portfolios or auditions. Portfolios can take a long time to compile, and auditions can also have specific timelines and deadlines. Your student may want to ask their high school art teacher for guidance. Another good resource is the National Portfolio Day Association, an organization that provides guidance and portfolio reviews for students. Students don’t need to panic and rush this process, but it is better to be informed early on.
Student Athletes: Recruiting for college sports is very different from the typical college application process. If your student is an athlete who would like to pursue collegiate athletics, a good resource is Renee Lopez. Her book and her Facebook group are highly regarded and helpful in navigating this complicated path.
Students Interested in Overseas Universities: For students interested in pursuing a degree overseas (meaning a full degree - not a semester abroad), it can make sense to be informed about requirements early on. There are several Facebook groups that provide helpful information on the subject (“Flown Abroad, Full-Time Version” and “Full Degrees Overseas 101”) and of course students will need to look into specifics once they start to focus on specific countries and colleges. Important things to be aware of include:
Language Proficiency – if a student is pursuing a program taught in a language other than English, they will likely have to show a high level of proficiency in the language.
High School Class Selection – students should consider what overseas colleges look for. For example, some universities in the UK look at AP classes and test scores as indicators roughly comparable to their A-Level system, so sophomore and junior year AP scores can be more important for admissions purposes than they are in the US. Your mileage may vary, of course, but it is better to understand this before selecting junior year courses.
Differences from US System – are many! Colleges and universities overseas might have shorter durations, different academic calendars, fewer (or more) general studies requirements, less (or more) flexibility regarding changing majors, and different expectations regarding housing. If a student is considering attending college overseas, it is a good idea to look into these differences earlier and not be surprised.
Students Interested in Attending Service Academies: This too requires advance preparation as the application process is very particular and has multiple steps. Students considering this pathway can start researching the requirements and process early in high school. A good starting point is the College Essay Guy guide on service academies, and of course students can look at the websites of each service academy directly.
Should we start attending college tours? Sure, if it is fun and interesting for your student. Some students might feel too much pressure if college tours start in earnest when they are still navigating the first years of high school, while others will find it inspiring. We suggest trying out a few tours when they are convenient - while on a family trip, a visit to relatives, or a local college tour. Virtual tours are also excellent. Check out our post on college tours for more information.
Should we hire a private college consultant? College admissions consultants (called IECs) can be enormously helpful in some situations, and not really needed in others.. It can be hard to figure this out at the beginning of high school, but some advisors book up early. You can read our blog post about hiring consultants for more information and guidance if you are considering this.
Is there anything else we should do now? We are big fans of starting to talk about college costs and budgets early on in a straightforward and transparent way. We have suggestions about these conversations in our Paying for College Video Series. Incorporating this into conversations about college can help normalize the topic and lead to healthier and happier decision-making down the road.
Every student and every family situation is different, but for most, the college application process starts to take shape when students are juniors. Trying to get going early has its own downsides, and can lead to stress, pressure, and unclear decision-making. There is still plenty of time ahead!