12th Grade
This is it – last year to get ready!
Find Money for College
- File your taxes as early in the spring semester (after January) as possible – you’ll need your tax info when you apply for federal and state financial aid.
- Even if you don’t think your family will qualify, help your child complete the FAFSA (Free Application for Federal Student Aid). Do this as soon after January 1 as possible. (See the Financial Aid section.)
- Help your child complete the application for state financial aid. (See the Financial Aid section.)
- Keep looking for scholarships – even if your child isn’t the star student or star athlete. Some scholarships aren’t based on merit. And some application deadlines are early in the senior year, so don’t put this off. (Check out the Scholarship Finder.)
Keep saving for your child’s college. - If you haven’t been saving, start now – every little bit helps. (See the Financial Aid section.)
Classes
- Make sure your 12th grader is still 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.)
- EVEN if she has completed all the courses needed for graduation and for college, she should still take advanced courses her senior year. With math and other subjects, you use it or lose it. (See the Credits Needed for College section.)
Tests
- Help your child sign up to take the ACT as early as possible in the fall. Keep in mind that some colleges have early application deadlines, so make sure the standardized tests are taken in time for the test scores to reach the college by their deadline. Some colleges, especially out-of-state, prefer or require the SAT I, so be aware that your child may need to take it as well. (See the Testing Information section.) If he is unhappy with his scores, he can take it again.
- If he excels in a subject, encourage your child to take AP exams at the end of the year. Even if your child’s school doesn’t offer AP courses, or if you home-school, your child can still take the AP exams. (See the Testing Information section.)
College Prep
- Help your child complete his college applications. Be aware of application deadlines and submit all required information as early as possible.
- If possible, take your child to visit the campuses of colleges she has applied to.
- Once your child has selected the college he wants to attend and has been accepted, be sure he confirms his acceptance.
- If your child will be living on campus, make sure you complete the housing applications on time.
- Be aware of important upcoming dates at your child’s college like registration, freshman orientation, and payment deadlines.
Career 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”.
- Encourage your child to sign up for career-based programs and summer camps for high-school students at Mississippi colleges – there are lots of fun options.
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. Beware of "Senioritis!" Your Senior’s grades are still important.
- 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
- 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.
- 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.