Planning Your Middle School Classes

Get an Early Start

It's never too soon to start thinking about college; in fact there are things students and families can do in middle school to start planning.

6th Grade

Students: Meet with the school counselor and tell the counselor that your goal is to attend college. Select classes that will help you prepare for college. Develop good study habits and try to get As and Bs in all your classes.

Families: Help your kids with homework, but encourage them to develop independent and critical thinking skills through reading, writing, solving problems and asking questions.

7th Grade

Students:

• Visit the school counselor in the fall and ask the counselor to help you select classes that will prepare you for college.
• Take English and mathematics, such as pre-algebra. Try to earn As and Bs and put extra effort into English and math.

• Ask the school counselor if your child is reading and doing math at grade level.
• Start saving for college. Why? Even a few dollars a week will impress upon your children the importance of making a commitment to get a college education. Help your kids find ways to earn money (like babysitting, yard work, odd jobs) so they can start saving patt of their earnings for college. Consider opening a college savings account at ScholarShare.

8th Grade

Students:

• Find out if your school takes part in the Mathematics Diagnostic Testing Project, a readiness assessment test that determines if students are prepared to take Algebra.
• Take pre-algebra or Algebra 1 and a foreign language course.
• Try to earn As and Bs in all your classes. Doing well in your course work will improve your chances of getting into college (and the college of your choice).
• Stay focused on your classes and on your homework. Keeping up with your homework will help you master the study skills you need to be successful in high school and college.
• Sign up to take the PSAT (Preliminary Scholastic Assessment Test) in September of the 8th or 9th grade. This test will help you gauge where you're doing well and where you need to improve.
• Ask your counselor about taking EXPLORE, an online assessment testing program offered by American College Testing (ACT). EXPLORE is coordinated and administered by the school. The program helps students focus on academic achievement, educational plans and career possibilities.

• Meet with the school counselor and/or teachers to see how your student is doing in his or her classes.
• Visit college campuses. Talk to neighbors, relatives or friends with students in college to learn about their experiences.
• Attend college information programs at the middle school. Representatives from different schools will share information on programs, scholarships and financial aid.
• Talk to your kids about the importance of studying hard and getting good grades to prepare for high school and college.