On-Track-For-College Coaching Program

WHAT DOES IT MEAN TO BE “ON-TRACK” FOR COLLEGE?

The “American Dream” for millions of American families is being able to send their children to college. Parents, and sometimes grandparents, often save for years to give their students this educational opportunity.  While financial planning helps address the constantly increasing costs of a college education, what do students need to be doing to be “on-track” to make the most of that investment?

Being “on-track” for college starts in the freshman year of high school as students set up challenging four year academic course schedules, get involved in extracurricular activities and find interesting ways to volunteer. During the school year and/or during summers, students may be able to broaden their horizons by participating in enrichment programs such as studying abroad, college programs for high school students and music or sports camps. Some students may hold part-time jobs. All these activities are not only preparation for the college application process, they are also avenues to self-discovery as students learn what interests them, where their strengths lie and what college majors and career paths they may want to pursue in the future.

HOW DO STUDENTS GET “OFF-TRACK"?

The lives of most high school students are very busy as they juggle the competing demands of their academic course load, sports and other extracurricular activities, jobs, friends, family, and responsibilities at home. Some students are successful at maintaining a balanced life, especially those who have good skills in the areas of organization, studying and time management.

Other students who are less skilled in these areas may become overwhelmed and have lowered success due to their disorganization.  Such difficulties may be present throughout a student’s high school years or may not present themselves until senior year as the student adds the college application process to the rest of his or her hectic schedule.

These kinds of issues often lead to conflicts between a student and his or her parents. As the parents try to get the student to become more responsible and organized, the student frequently reacts negatively, feeling “pushed” by the parents. Rather than becoming more responsible, the student may shut down.

 

 

 

 

Even if you’re on the right track – you’ll get run over if you just sit there.” – Will Rogers



Karin M. Grimes, LCSW   
Phone: 708/383-5354   
Fax: 708/383-1164   
Karin@LifeTransitionsCoach.com

Site by TuttiVivo