College Preparation for My Daughter

The beginning of high school last year was an exciting time for me and my daughter. She might be adjusting to a new school, making new friends and becoming more independent. Of course, she was little bit nervous and needed my help and involvement. As an immigrant parent, I never stop learning. Besides she learns, I learn, too. I learn how the school system is, how to prepare for college, read many useful educational sources, etc.
Thank you Chester County Futures who has introduced my 9th grade daughter about CollegeBoard. As a parent, I will always get forwarded messages every time they send a message to her. I read and learn a lot from their Website. Here are some tips for 9th grade students from CollegeBoard that we both can do together to succeed this year as she wants to continue studying at a college/university after high school. 

Summer Before High School

• Visit a college campus together. It’s a great way to get your child excited about college. Learn more about how you and your child can prepare for a campus visit. (Not yet)
• Get the facts about what college costs. You may be surprised at how affordable higher education can be. Start by reading Understanding College Costs. (Done this spring, 2019)
• Show your child how to explore career ideas. He or she can make a list of interests, talents and favorite activities and start matching them with occupations. Learn more about how your child can complete a career worksheet. (She did at school, but I need her to do it again with me this summer, 2019)
• Come up with fun reading ideas. Look for magazines or newspapers your child may like and talk about the books you loved reading when you were your child’s age. If your family makes reading enjoyable, it can become a daily habit. (Done. She read almost everyday)

Fall

• Make sure your child meets with the school counselor. Your child should schedule a meeting to talk about college and career options and to choose the most-appropriate classes. Learn more about the high school counselor's role (It's in the progress, step by step).
• Help your child set goals for the school year. Working toward specific goals helps your child stay motivated and focused (It's in the progress, step by step).
• Make a plan to check in regularly about schoolwork. If you keep up with your child's tests, papers and homework assignments, you can celebrate successes and head off problems as a team. Get homework tips for your child (Honestly, I never check her schoolwork. She has been independent doing her schoolwork without my help and my regular check since she was in 4th grade. She just comes to me and asks questions if she doesn't know the answers. She always tells and shows me what scores she gets in her tests/quizzes without I ask. Believe or not, her report card none of them below than 98 in the middle school and none of them below than 95 in the high school. Thank you God for this special kid).
• Talk about extracurricular activities. Getting involved in clubs and other groups is a great way for your child to identify interests and feel more engaged in school. Read more about the benefits of extracurriculars (She is an active student. She ever got involved in tennis last fall. The active extracurricular activities she has now from her school are Orchestra, Honor Society, Chester County Futures, and Spanish Club; and several activities from outside her school are Girl Scouts, Game Changers, her quartet group, and Confirmation Class. So, you know how busy I am).

Winter

• Start thinking about financial aid. It’s not too early to look into types of aid that could help you cover college costs. Start by reading 7 Things You Need to Know About Financial Aid (I have learned a lot from many sources and College/University Websites, including from CollegeBoard, and shared some to my daughter. I also involve her to participate in saving some money for her college by working in the summer time--even though it's just small money for applying her college registration as for an example. This has a purpose: through this way, she will appreciate every effort she makes, and her parent's efforts to make her wish come true).
• Discuss next year’s classes. Make sure your child is challenging him- or herself — and taking the courses college admission officers expect to see. Learn more about the high school classes that colleges look for (She took reading and writing tests, and she passed for taking dual enrollment classes. In fall this year, she will attend Delaware County Community College for free, without paying anything, including books and transportation. She also plans to take an AP class at her school besides honor classes. All these are good for her profile to build a better and outstanding college resume).

Spring

• Help your child start a college list. Visit College Search Step-by-Step together to get tips on starting a college search and figuring out what matters most to your child when choosing a college. (We will do it together after the school ends this spring)
• See how much you need to save for college. Use the College Savings Calculator  to get an idea of where you are compared with your savings goal (This is the most challenging part. We are still working on this. Her goal is getting several or some scholarships--any kind of scholarships).
• Help your child make summer plans. Summer is a great time to explore interests and learn new skills — and colleges look for students who pursue meaningful summer activities. Find out ways your child can stay motivated this summer (She has been accepted to participate again in Summer ServiceCorps. This will be the second year. She will learn about leadership and communication skills besides earning money by working at the provided work-site).

As I have read so many resources, I found a useful video that I would like to share it with you below. If you're interested to subscribe to this blog, please click the green sign below and follow its instruction. 
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As I am at home today, I can do many things that are left behind. This afternoon I could reach my goal 20% for my translating/writing project (book project)--a positive result every time I don't go work.
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