Talk to your teen about what it takes to prepare for college

Most students (and most parents) think they will go on to college after high school. But far too often, neither group knows what students need to be ready.

One study found that only about one student in eight had any idea of the courses they needed to take to be successful in school. Many did not know that all grades count--and that colleges may look at grades of students as early as eighth grade.

All this means that students may reach their senior year and discover that they can't get into a college. Or they may have to take remedial classes when they get there.

What can you do?

• Don't wait until your teen is a senior. Find out what classes are needed to get into college. Talk with the guidance counselor.
• Get involved. Be sure your teen signs up for the right classes. She may not want to take that extra math class, but it could have a big impact on her future.
• Stay in touch with the school. Be sure your teen's teachers and counselors know your goals.

Reprinted with permission from the February 2010 issue of Parents Still make the difference!® (High School Edition) newsletter. Copyright © 2010 The Parent Institute®, a division of NIS, Inc. Source: Jennifer Dounay, "Involving Families in High School and College Expectations," Education Commission of the States, www.ecs.org/clearinghouse/70/37/7037.htm.