Get Ready for College

College Tools

10th Grade

Save Money

• It isn’t too late. Start saving now for your child’s college, if you haven’t already. Even a small savings account will help. (See the Financial Aid section.)
  

Classes and Tests

• Make sure your 10^th grader is taking the challenging courses that will put her on track to be college-ready. These include challenging core courses (math, English, science, and social science) and the right electives (foreign language, computer, arts, etc.). (See the Credits Needed for College section.)
  
• At the end of the year, help your 10^th grader select 11^th grade courses that will keep her on track to be college-ready. These include Advanced Placement (AP) or International Baccalaureate (IB) courses in subjects where your child excels.
  
• Encourage your child to take the PSAT/NMSQT and/or PLAN tests in the 10^th grade if possible. They may help your child qualify for the AP or IB courses, and they are good practice for the ACT and SAT tests. (See the Testing Information section.)
  

Know What Is Happening at School (in the classroom and out

• Encourage your child to see the guidance counselor to make sure he is on the right track for college.
  
• Help your child stay focused on school work and keep up her grades. Grades in high school are very important to some colleges.
• Be active in your child's school. Join the PTA, attend open houses, and volunteer to help make your child’s school better.
• Encourage your child to participate in music, art, clubs, and athletics programs and to pursue leadership positions. Colleges look for well-rounded students, who understand teamwork.
  

Educational Opportunities at Home and in the Summer

• Encourage your child to volunteer. Volunteering is not only a wonderful way to give back to the community, but volunteering offers your child an avenue for exploring different types of work environments.
  
• Look into educational summer camps and other programs held at Mississippi colleges and universities.
  
• It may be hard with kids this age, but try to limit the time your child spends watching TV, playing video games, and surfing and chatting online. Kids who do better in school tend to watch less TV than their peers. Besides, school should be a priority.
  
• Help your child understand the importance of math and science and how it relates to the technology they use and their interests.
  
• When you give your children gifts, be sure to include educational games, books, and hobby supplies.
  

Career and College Prep

• Ask your child if he is still using the online Choices program, offered through Mississippi’s public high schools. It offers a lot of useful career planning info.
  
• Help your child learn more about the careers that interest her, and learn about the skills she'll need to succeed in that career. (See the Career Planning section.)
  
• Look for job shadowing opportunities, such as “bring your child to work day”.
  
• Help your child as he continues to learn about colleges in Mississippi. There may be some opportunities – football games are always fun! – to visit college campuses. (See the College Options in Mississippi section.)