For many students, high school is often a whirl of classes, extracurricular activities, studying for the SAT, and still trying to maintain a social life. Students are focused on the overriding goal of getting into college, but many students are unsure of what this goal requires.

“High school students already know that GPA and SAT scores are important, but a lot of them don’t know what else they need for college, such as extracurricular activities,” says Lois Kim, program director for C2 Education. “They need to know these things, so it is important for teachers and for our C2 educators to help students and parents understand that getting into college goes way beyond the report card.” Students and parents should use every resource available to learn as much as possible about the application process and the various requirements for being accepted to a well-respected school.

Of course one of the primary factors determining college acceptance is a strong GPA. However, this doesn’t necessarily mean that schools value good high school grades over everything else. Schools also look at course levels. They want to see students who have challenged themselves in their class choices, and so they are often more pleased with a student who has received slightly lower grades in advanced classes than with a student who has breezed through regular level classes with all A’s. This means that parents, teachers, and students must walk a fine line when focusing on grades: Good grades are important, but so are intellectual and academic challenges.

Many parents try to become more involved with their children during high school years in order to prepare them for college, but sometimes this can be a mistake. “Things are more complicated in high school,” Ms. Kim says. “Often, high school parents are more informed about coursework, but they still focus too much on grades. In my experience, grades are often influenced by outside factors, such as the teacher or the demands of a particular course, and parents sometimes don’t understand this. Then parents get frustrated because they might attempt to communicate with the school counselor about their child’s grades, but in high school the counselor often prefers to work with the student before involving the parent. I advise parents to be very involved in elementary and middle school, but sometimes in high school it is best to give the students room to work with the counselor first. After all, in another few years the students will need recommendation letters, so it is good to develop relationships with teachers and administrators now.”

In addition, it is important for both parents and students to recognize that schoolwork alone will not prepare students for the SAT. Ms. Kim notes that “many parents are very proud of their straight-A students, and then when the student takes the SAT, they score badly, maybe only scoring 500 in each section. Such parents are often furious about the school system, because they want to know why a straight-A student isn’t doing well on the SAT. It is really hard for them to accept the reality that the SAT isn’t a reflection of past grades. Too many parents can’t see past a straight-A report card, so when their students do badly on the SAT, they want to know why the SAT doesn’t cover what they are learning in school. Parents need to understand that the material on the SAT is not usually taught in school, because the SAT is about what students need to succeed in college, not what they are learning in high school. In order to avoid unpleasant surprises when the SATs roll around, parents should have their children take diagnostic tests, such as the ones we offer at C2 Education, to identify any weak areas the student might have. Then, perhaps the student can take some SAT prep classes to address those weaknesses.”

Colleges want to see a well-rounded student. Because colleges look beyond the report card, parents should, too. “Parents shouldn’t panic if their student isn’t getting A’s – just find the reasons behind the grades. Even straight-A’s don’t necessarily mean that the student is perfect. Communicate with teachers, and perhaps take the student for diagnostic tests and, if necessary, outside help. Utilize all available resources, that’s the most important thing,” Ms. Kim concludes.

For more information about C2 Education and our programs, please call 1 (800) 777 – 7000 or visit us on the web at www.c2educate.com.