.png)
When I tell people I am a college advisor for Grade 8-12 students, I often receive the following response: You work with students in Grade 8?! They’re too young to think about college!
I have been in the education industry for 18 years. In that time, I have worked in admissions, educational technology, high school advising offices, and individualized college counseling. In that time, this industry has changed so much. But, it also hasn’t changed at all.
The Common Application still requires the same materials: the high school transcript, test scores, extracurricular activities list, letters of recommendation, school report, and personal statement.
When students start this process early, we have the opportunity to make the best decisions for the application from day one. Students starting with us in Grade 8 have the opportunity to review all the components of a future application and make sure they are on track for their goals.
Our team of College Advisors and Former Admissions Officers often wishes everyone reviewed their courses with us before making their decisions.
During profile evaluations for older students, we commonly see course selection choices with potentially negative implications for college admissions. Course selection balances a fine line of maximizing rigor, completing core courses, and showing an academic area of interest. While there is no “formula,” there are ways that students can improve their future applications with the choices they make over four years.
We help students every day navigate the endless noise about activities list preparation. Should I do a passion project? Can I quit an activity? I love sports, but I am not good enough to get recruited; should I keep playing? Should I volunteer more?
We are answering these questions daily in our Facebook group, in our one-on-one meetings with students, and in our activity list consultations. Being able to shape a student's activities list, from the first day of Grade 9 until graduation, gives students the confidence to do what they love and also achieve their goals.
Working with students beginning in Grade 8 allows us to review their study habits and is an incredible opportunity to build systems and structures that can be scaled for high school.
Being consistent using a planner to manage time and assignments will lead to success in high school and beyond.
For many students, the transition from middle school to high school can be jarring. Understanding how grades are considered can support students in showing upward trends and choosing the right courses to find success.
Our team of educators created a comprehensive writing curriculum for students in Grades 8-12. Regardless of their academic area of interest, students who start writing early are better prepared for summer programs applications, internships, and college applications.
It’s not too early to begin practicing reflective writing or to start talking about the college process. Students might not know who they want to be when they grow up (who does?), but they can make an impact on their college choices starting now. Schedule a meeting with our team today.
Kelly Braun is first and foremost a student advocate. Working in the educational field for over 17 years, she has been a cheerleader of student dreams since she earned her Bachelor of Arts and then went on to earn her Master of Education. Prior to joining Infinite Futures, Kelly has worked in university admissions and international high school counseling. Most recently, she was Director of High School Counseling and University Guidance at an international school in Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam and Tokyo, Japan. Kelly is active in the international and US Association for College Admissions Counselors, presenting at industry conferences, serving as faculty at counseling training institutes, and volunteering to support students.
