Stressed about the future of high school and college? Worried about not doing enough while others are doing too much? Want to set up your middle school student for success in a way that fits their interests and personality?
Here are 5 things parents of middle school students should consider during this critical developmental time period.
Yes, you read that right. Some students want to start in-depth college preparation during middle school.
With college admissions becoming increasingly competitive and standardized test policies a constant hot topic in admissions news, some families may consider giving their students an “edge” by starting the test prep cycle early. After all, if my kid can score a 1580 out of 1600 on the SAT in 7th grade, they must be a genius, right?
Understandably, some parents are coming from systems or mindsets of “how it used to be” where standardized test scores were a primary factor in their university results and career success. Standardized testing policies have changed dramatically, and US-based universities often view applications more holistically and in context. This means an SAT or ACT score is one of several factors evaluated in the admissions process.
But wait, can taking a test too early actually harm a future application instead of helping it? The answer is yes. College Board officially states,
“Official score reports sent to colleges five or more years after a test date may be less valid predictors of college academic performance than more recent scores.”
Even top universities like Carnegie Mellon weigh in:
“...we encourage students to submit 11th or 12th grade SAT or ACT scores… While earlier tests may measure knowledge at the time they are taken, that level of knowledge gradually evolves and doesn’t fully represent the knowledge students bring to college first-year courses.”
So middle school students can put their pencils (or computers, since the test is now offered digitally) away and not worry about taking another test for a few years. Focus on learning math (Algebra, Geometry), reading for fun, and understanding your middle school English classes for now to be the most prepared for when test taking time comes.
Some students view the transition from middle school to high school as a fresh start. A “C” in a math class? The meanest English teacher imaginable who doesn’t give A’s? All of that goes away when I go to high school - right?
Yes and no. Some middle school courses and grades stay with students into high school.
The two areas where this is most apparent are in mathematics and, surprisingly, World Language.
Math courses are often taken in a progression: students learn Algebra, Geometry, and Precalculus/Trigonometry before tackling Calculus concepts. The math concepts build off one another, and it is not recommended for a student to jump into Calculus before learning Algebra and Geometry.
Some students will have the option to take Algebra and Geometry in middle school, allowing them to have more room in their high school schedule for advanced math classes. These classes are often essential to meet high school graduation requirements, even though they can be taken in middle school. As a result, high schools can request that the grades of these classes be shown on the high school transcript. That means that the “C” in a middle school math class may show up to a future college Admissions Officer. How the Admissions Officer evaluates that “C” is dependent on the college being applied to. While one “C” early on is unlikely to ruin a whole application, it is important to try as hard as possible in every class.
World Language classes involve a student studying something like French, Japanese, Spanish, or Mandarin. These classes often have multiple levels, with some schools offering Level 5 and 6 or an Advanced Placement (AP) version of the class. If a student is interested in learning another language, how can they fit all of the courses into 4 years of high school?
Students can take Level 1 (and sometimes Level 2) of a language in middle school. Getting to the highest level of a new world language in high school often requires some investment in middle school. But why bother? Learning a world language can open up a student to different cultures, communities, and people, which broadens their perspectives. Admissions Officers know this, and many colleges have a multi-year world language requirement with preference for students who devote several years to learning and understanding the same language.
Since math and world language seem to be the most important, does that mean my student can slack off in all of their other courses? While not every course translates to high school and ultimately, college, it is still important for a student to develop good habits and build foundational skills. Furthermore, students who want to take advanced subjects in other areas beyond math and world language will need strong foundational skills to succeed in high school.
Does your student talk about becoming the next Joe Burrow or Caitlin Clark? Support your kid who loves to dream big by having them explore their athletic interests early. Not sure where to start? Maybe volleyball? Baseball? Badminton? Fencing? Try out different sports and see which one sticks. When kids start early, they have the luxury of time to find out what they enjoy best.
Being a strong athlete can have a positive impact on a student’s college application. Many colleges actively recruit top athletes to play on their campuses. A coach’s backing and a solid academic profile can all but secure you a space on campus. However, the pathway to becoming an athletic recruit is not an easy one; coaches are looking for top performers who have multiple years of demonstrated potential. A student who just picked up the sport in 10th grade is less likely to have those criteria than a student who has been training since 6th grade.
That doesn’t mean that athletics need to always be about college recruiting. Engagement in sports can teach students values around teamwork, collaboration, resilience, and hard work. Plus, sports are a great opportunity to keep kids active and develop habits that will stick with them beyond even high school and college. Plus, some of the most enjoyable college essays are about being the worst player on the team (but sticking with it!)
Some students show their strength in the debate room or math tournaments rather than the swimming pool or lacrosse field. And that’s ok - students should be celebrated for their strengths. What is consistent between athletic and academic competitions is one thing: preparation and training matter.
Students interested in the various levels of mathematics and science olympiads can (and should) start in middle school. In fact, the American Mathematics Competition has tests designed for students in 8th grade. These tests can help students prepare for future high school level qualification exams. Since these tests are only offered a few times a year, the earlier a student starts, the more time they’ll have to familiarize themselves with the material and attempt the exams.
The top debater in your state has also likely been practicing since a young age. Many schools offer middle school level speech and debate programs to help gear students up for high school competitions.
Even academic competitions don’t have to be about winning the top-level award. Some students engage in these activities to challenge themselves and solve complex problems beyond what is taught in their school.
Of course, not every high school has an application, and most public schools don’t. There is, however, often an application involved for families that want to send their students to private or specialized high schools.
If you are considering a private high school with an application, then it pays to follow all the tips above and make sure the student is ready by their last year of middle school.
Furthermore, some high schools may require interviews and school campus visits. These require the student to demonstrate their personality and fit to the high school staff. Engaging your middle school student in a wide variety of activities while teaching them good habits will surely give them a lot to discuss in these interviews and visits.
