The Class of 2013...the time is now

It's hard to believe, but the academic year is now half way through. It is time for area juniors to begin to considering "life after high school" with earnest. Area juniors will graduate from high school in June 2013 which may seem like a long ways off, but in reality is much closer than one might imagine. 

The Class of 2013 has recently completed their mid-year exams and in December they received the results of their October PSAT scores. I urge students to request a copy of their school transcript which is a listing of their coursework, beginning in 9th grade to the present. The transcript is what colleges will review, along with letters of recommendation and standardized test scores (if required) when a student ultimately applies for admission. This will help give each student an overview of their personal academic performance to date as they begin the college search. 

We're fortunate in Vermont to have a variety of colleges that offer ample academic opportunities for students. The Consortium of Vermont Colleges, http://www.vtcolleges.org/ is a great starting point for researching higher educational opportunities within the Green Mountain State. 

The Consortium, in conjunction with Vermont Student Assistance Corporation, is hosting a workshop on planning for college and an introduction to the overall search process on Saturday, March 17 at St. Michael's College. College Pathways is a "must do" for area juniors and sophomores, and their parents. Registration begins on Feb. 1 at www.vsac.org, and students at CVU, Vermont Commons, and Lake Champlain Waldorf should all sign up for this very worthwhile event. It's one that should not be missed!

As juniors embark on their college search, it is encouraging to know that there are a multitude of institutions across the country and it's important for students and parents to enter the process with an open mind. I've worked in the field of college counseling for 30 years and suggest that families not limit their choices only to those colleges and universities with which they are familiar. This can be limiting and might leave out some wonderful options that could be just the right fit!   There are myriad choices available that will suit each student's needs and interests as based on their academic profile. The process of finding the right match takes time and the time to start is now. Take the time to create a list and carefully review each college's literature, website and then visit the campuses. Then decide! 

Sarah Soule is the Director of College Counseling at the Vermont Commons School in South Burlington. She has 30 years of experience in the field of college and independent school admission. She was recently quoted in the book, The Portable Guidance Counselor, published nationally by the Princeton Review.