Your teen’s high school journey can seem like it will last forever, but as they approach graduation, it becomes clear that they need to prepare for their next adventure. Inspire your child to consider their education and learning as a lifelong voyage of discovery—the lion’s share of which happens after senior year. This holds true for students headed straight into the workforce, college or a vocational school, as well.
Wherever your adventurer is headed, your family can use the guidance and planning resources listed below to prepare your child for college and career success.
Get Informed
Planning for something years in advance can be daunting, but you can remove the guesswork by relying on trusted resources and timely information. For example, ACT—the organization that created the standardized test used for college admissions—offers a variety of monthly newsletters that feature an ever-expanding library of curated content. They also keep students and parents informed and on track with targeted resources for every step of the journey. Here are a few places to get started.
- Parent Newsletters—Monthly resources and articles for parents
- Student Newsletters—Monthly resources and articles for students
- College Planning Guides—Navigation for students and parents for every step
- ACT Social Media—Everything you need to keep your finger on the pulse of college prep
- ACT Fee Waivers—Learn how qualified students take the ACT for free
- Test Accommodations and English Learner Supports—Learn about supports for students with unique needs
- Ask the colleges on your student’s list about testing options with ACT OnCampus and use the resource locator to see availability.
Get Involved
ACT is so much more than a test—we offer workshops and webinars year-round, along with all the resources students, parents and guardians need throughout high school and beyond. No matter what stage you’re in, or what your goals are, ACT has the right resources at the right time.
My Journey: High School to College and Career Virtual Conference
ACT is hosting a FREE virtual event Saturday, Oct. 30, 2021, for high school students and their parents to answer critical questions about planning for and transitioning to college and career. Exciting details for this one-of-a-kind event continue to develop, so get updates and sign up here!
Career Bound: Workforce and the NCRC: National Career Readiness Certificate
Whether your teen is thinking about the next phase of their education, launching a new career, or making a transition in their current job, the ACT® WorkKeys® assessment system can help. WorkKeys is a system of assessments and curricula that build and measure essential workplace skills that can affect job performance and increase opportunities for career changes and advancement. Explore the WorkKeys and the National Career Readiness Certificate.
Get Noticed
When students register for their free MyACT account they’ll unlock a treasure trove of materials and tools specifically designed to help students dial in their interests and stand out to colleges and universities across the country. Encourage your child to opt-in to ACT’s free Education Opportunity Service (EOS).
Get Prepped
The best preparation for the ACT is a rigorous high school course load, but the following options can help students make sure they’ve got their bases covered and offer valuable familiarity with every section of the ACT.
Get Going
Transitioning out of high school is one of the first and biggest steps students take toward leading their independent, adult lives. It’s a whirlwind of social, economic and emotional changes crammed into a short time span, with outcomes that will reach far into the future. The ACT test is one of the best ways for students to show they’re prepared for the next level of their education journey.
Your student’s ACT score report shows colleges they’ve got the grit to put in the work necessary and the determination to stand out and be recognized for their efforts. Encourage your student to take ownership of their future, take advantage of the resources available, and take the ACT to pursue a rewarding lifetime of learning and career success. Register for fall 2021 test dates.
ACT is a mission-driven, nonprofit organization dedicated to helping people achieve education and workplace success. Grounded in 60 years of research, ACT is a trusted leader in college and career readiness solutions.
