Get ready for college - 8th Grade

Students:

• Find out if your school takes part in the Mathematics Diagnostic Testing Project, a readiness assessment that determines if students are prepared to take Algebra.
• Talk to your school counselor about taking pre-Algebra or Algebra I and a foreign language course, if they are available.
• Work to the best of your abilities. Your teachers will be making recommendations for your high school courses based on your efforts this year.
• Keep up with your homework so you develop the good study skills you’ll need in high school and college.
• Ask your school counselor about the ACT EXPLORE® program, which is designed to help students explore a broad range of options for their future. See www.act.org/explore for more information.
• Start talking to adults you know about how they can help you to find opportunities to job-shadow, or talk to professionals about their careers, majors, and college experiences.
• Participate in school orientation at your future high school to learn about the different activities available. Plan to join clubs, play sports, and volunteer. Not only will you get to make great new friends, you’ll also have a great time while keeping active!

Families:

• Meet with the school counselor and teachers to see how your student is doing in her/his classes.
• Continue to expose your child to the higher education environment by attending such activities as athletic games and musical or art performances at local college campuses.
• Talk to neighbors, relatives, or friends with students in college to learn about their high school and college experiences.
• If offered, attend college information programs at your student’s middle school. Representatives from different colleges will share information on programs, scholarships, and financial aid. You can also check out some college websites to see what courses are required for admission.
• Talk to your student about the importance of studying hard and getting good grades to prepare for high school and college.
• Learn the basics about college costs and financial aid from the Center for College Planning at the New Hampshire Higher Education Assistance Foundation (NHHEAF) Network Organizations. Visit www.nhheaf.orgor call a college counselor at 1-800-525-2577, extension 119. Remember, New Hampshire residents benefit from reduced in-state tuition costs at USNH institutions and are eligible to apply for federal, state, and local scholarship and grant opportunities. Financial aid can make college very affordable. 

What Skills Will Help Me to Succeed?

Reading, writing, math, and science form the foundation on which to build your knowledge and expand your mind. It’s important to master the skills in these areas in middle school, as they will give you the tools you need to succeed in high school, college, and beyond.

• Reading: Reading—literature, fiction, and nonfiction—(and lots of it!) helps to improve vocabulary, verbal skills, and writing ability.
• Writing: Expressing yourself well is important in every profession. Practice good research and writing techniques. Get feedback and give yourself plenty of time to rewrite and edit your writing assignments to do the best job possible.
• Making Calculations: In today’s technological world, having an understanding of math is a must. Progressing from basic math in seventh grade to Algebra to geometry, calculus, and trigonometry in high school will give you the tools to open your mind to new ways of thinking and problem solving. And don’t get frustrated or give up if some things are harder than others—persistence is the key to success!

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