Help your student prepare for college

If your student is in middle school or junior high, you may be thinking, “this isn’t something I need to worry about yet.” But education experts know that there are very important steps you should take now to prepare for college, steps such as:

• Planning coursework that lays a strong academic foundation; don’t let your student take the easy road in high school
• Reinforcing the relationship between school performance and future choices
• Encouraging a positive attitude toward hard work
• Identifying and exploring interests, skills, aptitudes, values and related career possibilities (see majors & degrees)
• Learning about college financing options (see financial aid and affording)

According to U.S. government statistics, young people who attend college get better jobs, earn more money, and are better prepared for life. So start preparing your student now.

Recommended classes

To be a strong candidate for college admission at Minnesota's Private Colleges, students should have taken:

• Four years of English (with an emphasis on writing)
  Reading nurtures a greater appreciation of people and their ideas, expands vocabulary and enhances life understanding. Clear and persuasive writing shows that a student can think critically, reason logically, interpret text and put it in context, examine and solve problems, and express information and ideas to others.
  
• A mathematics-intensive class every semester (especially in the senior year)
  Understanding concepts, carrying out procedures, and employing mathematical reasoning is applied in courses such as biology, economics and psychology and requires a high level of mathematical competence. Proficiency in algebra, geometry, and data analysis and probability is necessary for college-level work.
  
• Three or more years of science (including at least one year of laboratory science)
  Familiarity with the basic principles of chemistry, physics and biology are the foundation for advanced scientific knowledge and important for understanding the relationship among science, technology and society.
  
• Three or more years of social science
  The social sciences – economics, psychology, history, political science, and others — increase understanding of the political, cultural, social, economic and geographical forces that produce changes over time.
  
• Two or more years of a foreign language
  Studying foreign languages provides practical skills for living and working in a diverse world. It enhances understanding of a learner’s own language, facilitates acceptance of cultures and people who are different from the student and aids cognitive development.
  
• Several courses in the arts
  Music, theater, dance and studio art facilitate deeper and richer insights into our world and stimulate and give voice to creativity and imagination that make our communities vibrant places.

If your student’s school offers Post-Secondary Enrollment Options (PSEO), Advanced Placement (AP) credits, International Baccalaureate (IB) or other programs, these options can serve as rigorous training for college.

Outside activities

Participation in extracurricular activities demonstrates a broad range of interests and the ability to manage time — both keys to a successful college experience. Encourage your student to get involved. Participation in team or individual sports indicates persistence and discipline. Involvement in community service projects or other volunteer work shows willingness to contribute to the well-being of their neighbors. Active involvement in the school newspaper, special interest clubs, the debate team or the band, demonstrates commitment and develops talent. 

For more information, see the Minnesota Office of Higher Education’s Get Ready for College Web site.