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Dear Mark,
As the New Year begins, our family is reflecting on goals and priorities for the year ahead. Our son, a high school junior, is starting to feel the pressure of college admissions, and as parents, we want to support him without adding to his stress.
What tips can you share to help students like him set meaningful academic and extracurricular goals for the year? How can parents strike the right balance between encouragement and letting their teens take the lead in preparing for college?
We want to make the most of this pivotal year and ensure our son feels prepared and confident as he moves closer to senior year and the college application process.
Sincerely,
New Year – New Goals
Dear New Year – New Goals,
It’s inspiring to see you kick off the year with such a focused and intentional approach to supporting your son’s college journey. This kind of proactive energy is a game-changer! Here are some actionable steps to help both of you navigate this process smoothly and with purpose:
For Your Son:
- Set SMART Goals: Help him aim for goals that are Specific, Measurable, Achievable, Relevant, and Time-bound. Instead of a vague goal like “Do better in math,” he could aim for something like “Raise my Algebra 2 grade from a B to an A by the end of the semester through weekly tutoring.” Check out Bridging Gap USA in Peachtree City for support—they’re a fantastic resource.
- Plan a Balanced Schedule: Guide him in reviewing his activities to ensure they align with his passions and goals. If something no longer sparks joy or serves his future, it’s okay to let it go. Depth matters more than quantity when it comes to extracurriculars.
- Challenge Academically, but Wisely: Encourage him to stretch himself with AP or dual-enrollment classes, but remind him that keeping a solid GPA is just as important. It’s all about balance.
- Document Achievements: Suggest keeping a “brag sheet” or journal to track his leadership roles, accomplishments, and service activities. This will be a goldmine of information when it’s time to fill out applications or craft his resume.
- Explore Careers and Colleges: This is the perfect time to explore potential majors or career paths. He might take an online career quiz, shadow someone in a field of interest, or research colleges that align with his goals. At Capstone Educational Consultants, we offer a stand-alone interest inventory that takes the guesswork out of this process—parents love it!
For You, the Parents:
- Encourage Ownership: While stepping in and steering the ship is tempting, let him take the wheel. Your role is to guide and support, helping him discover his path.
- Create a Supportive Environment: Cheer him on without adding pressure. A family college visit or attending a college fair together can be a fun, low-stress way to engage.
- Stay Organized: Together, map out key dates like testing deadlines, application timelines, and summer programs. A shared calendar can be a lifesaver here.
- Foster Life Skills: Beyond academics, this is a great time to focus on practical skills like time management, communication, and resilience—life lessons he’ll carry forever.
- Celebrate the Journey: Remember to pause and celebrate the small wins—whether it’s acing a test, taking on a new leadership role, or narrowing down college options. These moments build momentum and confidence.
Collaborative Goal Setting:
Sit down as a family and set some shared goals. Maybe it’s deciding how many colleges to visit this spring or setting aside Sunday evenings for family college-planning discussions. This ensures everyone stays on the same page.
Above all, remember that progress—not perfection—is the goal. Focusing on teamwork and staying intentional will help your son step into senior year with confidence and excitement for what’s ahead.
Warmly,
Mark
