It's never too early to start.

The sooner you take action toward your education after graduation, the more time you will have to build an impressive application and to make a confident decision.  Below are areas you can plan for and act on beginning right NOW:
  • Academics: keep your grades up, take rigorous classes, and succeed on the SAT
  • Experience: engage in extra-curricular, volunteer, and/or summer opportunities, or get a job
  • Finances: save money, explore all types of financial aid, and have discussions with your family
  • Character: be a positive, productive citizen with a great reputation, build strong relationships with adults/mentors, and give back to your community

Grade-by-Grade Checklists

Free SAT Test Prep

Did you know St. Clair County RESA offers SAT prep sessions each March, just ahead of testing season in your schools? Take advantage of this opportunity to potentially increase your score, and potentially earn more money for college. Register for your choice of session(s) here. 

Khan Academy

Khan Academy is a free preparation tool that will personalize practice based on your actual PSAT/SAT scores.  Give it a try!

Tips and Resources for Parents:
​Support Your Child's Academics

  • Set and maintain high expectations for academics and personal goals.
  • Help your child to develop good study habits.
  • Help your child select classes that will prepare him/her for college.
  • Encourage your child to take academically rigorous courses such as Advanced Placement (AP) classes or dual enrollment courses.
  • Discuss the importance of life-long learning with your child.
  • Discuss the importance of grades, challenging classes and standardized tests.
  • Go over your child’s standardized test results and identify areas of needed improvement. 
  • Identify testing opportunities and know test dates. 
  • Check your child’s grades regularly and attend parent/teacher conferences.
  • Encourage your child to retake the ACT/SAT if they are not happy with their score.
  • Encourage your child to take the SAT II subject tests if they plan to attend a highly selective school.
  • Encourage your child to meet with advisors regularly to stay on track for graduation.
  • Enroll your child in the Blue Water College Access Network's SAT Prep sessions.
  • Personalized SAT practice and preparation  www.khanacademy.org
  • ​Additional College Admissions Test Preparation information www.mel.org 

Tips and Resources for Parents:
Support Your Child's Experience

  • Encourage your child to participate in extracurricular activities.
  • Keep track of your child’s awards, honors, volunteer work, internships, academic enrichment programs, camps, etc.
  • Find people to support your child such as counselors, teachers, administrators, mentors, coaches, family members, BWCAN staff, etc. and develop a close network with those people.
  • Discuss the importance of a post-secondary education with your child.
  • Encourage your child’s decision making, critical thinking, responsibility, and accountability.
  • Get guidance from your child’s counselor.
  • Discuss with your student their findings utilizing Xello (see above). 
The Blue Water College Access Network is part of St. Clair County RESA’s Design4theFuture college and career initiative. RESA provides cost-effective support to the county’s seven public school districts. RESA’s vision is “Educational Excellence for All.”