College Guidance, Preparation, and Success

The College Board announced mid summer that they will be introducing an 8th grade PSAT test in 2010. While some educators believe the test will help better prepare students to think about their post secondary futures earlier in their education, others feel that students are over tested and that the introduction of the test is simply an economic ploy to make more money. What do you think? To read more about this story visit the LA Times.

Orange County, Florida is cutting back on quality programs such as AVID and the Community Education Partners program due to budget cuts. For disadvantaged students that means limited opportunities for college preparation and reduction of resources designed to assist low-income students with attaining higher education. To read more visit the Orlando Sentinel.

For counselors experiencing a shortage of structured afterschool programs dedicated to college access, there are several websites like KnowHow2Go or the College Board that provide in-depth timelines and requirements to help prepare students for postsecondary education. ThroughCollege system activities also helps students consider deeper pre-college questions, such as what are their strengths, aspirations, career interests, and goals. The activities are designed to help students and mentors (which could be family members and community volunteers) engage in deeper conversations that can make college process more meaningful.