Dallas High School

Dallas School District
Box 2000
Dallas, Pennsylvania 18612
 

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Ongoing Support for Your High School Student

MONITOR ACADEMIC PROGRESS

Be aware of when all interim progress reports and report cards are issued and show active interest by providing encouragement and support.  Do not assume that someone will contact you if there is a problem.

 

ENCOURAGE YOUR SON OR DAUGHTER TO BECOME ACTIVE IN A VARIETY OF ACTIVITIES

In addition to an activities list, college applications ask for evidence of leadership.  If your child has leadership potential, encourage him/her to develop this skill by assuming leadership roles in clubs and teams.  Depth of involvement shows focus and commitment. Volunteer experience is also impressive.

 

DEVELOP AN ONGOING LIST OF SCHOOL ACTIVITIES, HONORS, AWARDS, LEADERSHIP POSITIONS, EMPLOYMENT, VOLUNTEER WORK, COMMUNITY ACTIVITIES, ETC.

This will be very helpful later when your son or daughter is required to list activities on applications.  It is also helpful to give this list to anyone you have asked to write a letter of recommendation.  See recommendation profile located in this pamphlet.

 

REVIEW REGISTRATION FORM

Every spring, review your child’s course selection sheet form to make sure he/she has selected the most challenging courses for the next school year.

 

PLAN MEANINGFUL SUMMER ACTIVITIES

Be aware of the excellent summer enrichment programs available on college campuses.  Other summer activities can give your child invaluable experiences.  Consider athletic teams, courses, jobs, volunteer work, hobbies, lessons and travel.

 

RESEARCH AND DISCUSS JOBS, CAREERS, COLLEGE OPTIONS

As the opportunity arises, gather information, talk to people about their occupations, and make informal visits to colleges.  Discuss your child’s aptitudes, interests and abilities with him/her and look at these in terms of career options.

 

LOOKING AT COLLEGE OPTIONS

What is important to your son/daughter when selecting a college?  There are over 2,600 colleges and universities in this country and the task of narrowing the list can be overwhelming  As you start this process, consider the following:

·        LOCATION

·        SIZE

·        COST

·        FACILITIES

·        AVAILABLE MAJORS

·        REPUTATION

·        COMPETITIVENESS

·        COMMUNITY

·        SPORTS ACTIVITIES

 

After you have determined your priorities, you can then begin to search for the schools that meet your criteria.  We have excellent reference books available in our guidance office.  A wealth of information is available in bookstores and on the Internet.  Call admissions offices and ask to be placed on mailing lists so you will receive information pertaining to visitation days and upcoming events.  Visitations, preview days, or open houses can be informative as they are held specifically for prospective students.  They may provide opportunities to visit a class, tour the campus, and give information on specific majors and financial aid.  You may also call to schedule an individual appointment, especially if there is something on your child’s academic record you would like to explain.  Take an unofficial transcript with you.

 

To make the most of your college visit, make sure you do the following:

  1. Research the college before visiting.  Have a list of questions ready.
  2. Take a tour.  Every campus has a personality.  How do the students look?  What is the atmosphere?  Talk to students and ask their opinion of the school.
  3. Attend information sessions for parents and students.
  4. Ask to see facilities for the major your child is considering.  Talk to someone who is in the same program.
  5. Does the college have a placement office?
  6. Does the college have an honors program?  What unique opportunities does the school have for qualified students?
  7. Ask to visit a dorm and see a dorm room.  Eat in the cafeteria.
  8. Inquire about any program of interest to your child (L.D. support and tutoring, musical activities, sports, etc).
  9. Make an appointment with a financial aid counselor.  Inquire about scholarship opportunities.
  10. Concerns to address may include: campus safety, teaching assistants teaching classes/labs in place of professors, tutorials, and the possibility for a student to complete their program in four years.