Get Ready for College

College Tools

9th Grade

Save Money

• If you don’t have a college savings plan, start one now, even if you just put aside a few dollars a week. (See the Financial Aid section.)
  

Classes and Tests

• Encourage your child to take challenging courses, especially in the core subjects (math, English, science, and social studies). (See the Credits Needed for College section.)
  
• Help your 9^th grader select 10^th grade 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.)
  
• Encourage your child to take the EXPLORE test in the 9^th grade if possible, especially if he didn’t take it in the 8^th grade. (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. College still seems far away, but it will be here before you know it.
• 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.
  
• Limit TV, video games, and online networking. Kids who do better in school tend to watch less TV than their peers. Besides, school should be your child’s priority.
  
• Help your child understand the importance of math and science and how it relates to the technology they use (computers, phones, MP3s, video games, etc.) 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 to show you the online Choices program, offered through Mississippi’s public high schools. It offers a lot of useful career planning info. Good career planning leads to better college planning.
  
• Help your child think about the types of 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 begin the exploration process to learn about colleges in Mississippi – it’s not too early. (See the College Options in Mississippi section.)