First-Generation College Students: What They Need to Know

Some children grow up expecting to attend college. Some children dream about the possibility. At ACT, our mission is to help everyone succeed. If your child is the first in the family to attend college, you're not alone. And ACT is here for you every step of the way.

Start early by encouraging your child to read, research, and think about what he or she wants to do and be. Beginning in preschool or elementary school, become an active part of your child's academic life. Team up with school counselors and teachers. ACT research proves that the more challenging the classes, the better prepared your son or daughter will be for both college and career.

Continue promoting rigorous coursework in high school. If your child had a rocky start, remind him or her that it's never too late to turn things around. As the parent of a first-generation college student, you need to know where to start. Check out these first-generation college student resources for some excellent advice and information.

As the junior year of high school approaches, advance preparation will save the day. Register your child to take the ACT in the spring. It is the only test that measures what your teenager has actually learned in school. Not only will the results highlight your student's strengths, they will also show areas for improvement. If, for example, your student's math score shows room for growth, he or she still has time to take a tougher math class to prepare for college. During the registration process, ACT also surveys your teen about career preferences and then provides your student with a comprehensive report based on these preferences. For more information about the ACT, please visit Frequently Asked Questions About the ACT.

Talking, listening and asking questions will also serve you and your student well. Remember that you're learning new college procedures; you and your teenager are in the process together. For some commonsense approaches, see our college planning advice or this checklist for college planning.

Money is a consideration for all parents, whether their children are first-, second-, third- or fourth-generation students. Apply for the FAFSA (Free Application for Federal Student Aid) first thing in January at http://www.fafsa.ed.gov. Be sure to also see ACT's information about the cost of education to learn more about options for financing a college education.

If time and money permit, try to plan some on-campus college visits with him or her. Sometimes high school counselors and teachers coordinate these trips. If not, try to include a handful of campuses in your planning. Nothing compares to an in-person visit. For distant colleges, take a virtual tour online, contact the admissions office, and learn as much as you can about the university from the comfort of your home.

It's an exciting time for the entire family when a student becomes the first to attend college. Make the journey together as a family. Lean on one another for help, guidance and inspiration.

Organizational Strategies for School

As the parent of a middle school or high school student, you've probably heard one or more of the following early-morning shout-outs:

• "I can't find my homework."
• "I don't have anything to wear."
• "Can you sign my permission slip?"
• "I need lunch money!"
• "I missed the bus. Can you drive me?"

After taking a deep breath, you rush to the rescue. But what if mornings and nights were well organized and calm, allowing your child to concentrate on what matters most: schoolwork. Well, it is possible. Try one or more of the following strategies so you and your student can begin and end the school day on a smooth note. Tell your child "I want you to . . ."

• set your clothes out the night before.
• keep a binder with dividers and pockets for each subject.
• start homework as soon you get home.
• put completed homework in your backpack ready to grab as you go out the door.
• bring me any school notes or forms by 8 p.m. each night.
• keep a master calendar with all your assignments and activities.
• set your alarm clock to wake up on time.
• get at least 8 hours of sleep each night.
• tell me if you're struggling in a subject or class.
• turn off the television and other distractions while you're doing homework.

Depending on the level of chaos in your home, the previous suggestions may be easy or tough to implement. But as a parent, you can make a tangible difference in your child's education . . . starting at home. The more structure you provide, the more time your child can devote to academic success.

2009–2010 ACT Test Date Schedule

Students may register online or pick up registration packets from their high school counseling office. The cost for the ACT test without writing is $32. When combined with the optional ACT Writing Test, the total cost is $47. For those who qualify, fee waivers are available from high school counselors.