High School 101: Essential Tips for Your Rising 9th Grader

As the new school year approaches, your rising 9th grader is likely feeling a healthy mix of excitement and apprehension about high school. As a parent, you may also have mixed emotions, remembering your own freshman year while thinking about the academic and social challenges ahead. While these concerns are valid, it's important to know that with the right support, your child will thrive. Here are six tips to share with your rising 9th grader:

Tip 1: The Clock Starts Ticking on Day One

Help your child understand that their GPA starts from the first day of high school. Emphasize the importance of staying diligent with their workload from the beginning. According to the College Board (2020), students who maintain a high GPA throughout high school have a higher likelihood of being accepted into their college of choice. Starting strong will prevent the struggle of trying to recover from a poor start.

Tip 2: Own the Journey

Encourage your child to manage their time and stay organized. High school requires more independence, and students need to take responsibility for their assignments and deadlines. The American Psychological Association (APA, 2019) found that students who use organizational tools like planners are better equipped to handle their responsibilities, which prepares them for the increased autonomy of college life.

Tip 3: Ask for Help

Remind your child that seeking help is a sign of strength. Teachers and counselors are there to support them, but they can only do so if students communicate their needs. According to the National Education Association (NEA, 2021), students who seek help from teachers are 30% more likely to improve their grades. Encouraging your child to ask questions and seek feedback can significantly enhance their academic success.

Tip 4: Be a Risk Taker

High school is a time for personal growth through academics and extracurricular activities. Encourage your child to step out of their comfort zone by trying new classes, joining clubs, or participating in sports. The National Association for College Admission Counseling (NACAC, 2019) reports that students involved in extracurricular activities are more likely to develop leadership skills and achieve higher academic performance. Additionally, project-based learning (PBL) is becoming popular for enhancing critical thinking and problem-solving skills by working on real-world problems.

Tip 5: Set Limits

While it’s important to get involved, it's equally crucial to maintain a balance. Good grades and a healthy social life are not mutually exclusive. Teach your child to prioritize their workload and manage their time effectively to avoid burnout. This balance will help them succeed academically while still enjoying their high school experience.

Tip 6: Seize the Day

Urge your child to adopt the carpe diem approach. High school years fly by, and it's important to make the most of them. Encourage them to graduate with no regrets and to take advantage of every opportunity.

KQ: A Listening and Experienced Ear

As children transition into their teen years, they can greatly benefit from the nurturing counsel of seasoned mentors. Keating Quigley provides ongoing, age-appropriate coaching for students approaching high school. Reach out to us: we’re just a phone call or email away.

Here’s to a rewarding 9th-grade experience for your child, packed with tremendous growth, enriched exploration, and exceptional opportunities!

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Sources

• American Psychological Association

• National Association for College Admission Counseling

• National Education Association

• College Board

• National Center for Education Statistics

Written By Keating Quigley | Educational Consultants

What Kids Worry About When Going Back to School

As summer winds down and the school year approaches, many middle and high school students experience a mix of excitement and anxiety. While the return to school brings opportunities for learning and socializing, it also comes with a range of worries that can affect students' well-being. Understanding these concerns can help parents support their children through this transition. Here are some common worries kids have when going back to school and how parents can address them.

Academic Pressure

One of the most significant worries for students is academic performance. Middle and high school students often feel the pressure to achieve high grades and meet the expectations of teachers, parents, and themselves. This pressure can be particularly intense during transitional years, such as starting middle school or high school.

According to the American Psychological Association, 31% of teens report feeling overwhelmed by their school workload. Parents can help by encouraging effective study habits, setting realistic goals, and prioritizing well-being. Open communication about academic expectations and providing a supportive environment can alleviate some of this pressure.

Social Challenges

Social dynamics play a crucial role in the school experience, and worries about fitting in or making friends are common among students. Middle and high school students may fear being judged or bullied, especially if they are entering a new school or transitioning to a different grade level.

A study in the Journal of Adolescent Health highlights that social anxiety is a prevalent concern among adolescents, impacting their ability to form and maintain friendships. Parents can support their children by encouraging participation in extracurricular activities and fostering open discussions about their social experiences.

Body Image and Self-Esteem

As children enter adolescence, they become more conscious of their appearance and may worry about body image and self-esteem. The pressure to conform to societal beauty standards and the fear of being judged by peers can be overwhelming.

The National Eating Disorders Association reports that body dissatisfaction is a significant issue among teenagers. Parents can promote a healthy body image by modeling positive self-esteem, discussing unrealistic portrayals in the media, and emphasizing the importance of inner qualities over physical appearance.

Navigating Relationships

Middle and high school students also worry about navigating relationships and the complexities that come with them. Concerns about dating, breakups, and peer pressure related to relationships can add to their stress. Parents can help by maintaining an open line of communication, providing guidance on healthy relationship behaviors, and respecting their child's privacy while being available for support.

Managing Time and Responsibilities

Balancing academic work, extracurricular activities, and personal life can be daunting for students. The fear of not having enough time to complete assignments, participate in activities, and still have time for relaxation is a common concern.

According to the National Sleep Foundation, teens need about 8 to 10 hours of sleep each night, but many fall short due to their busy schedules. Parents can assist by helping their children create a balanced schedule, encouraging good time management skills, and emphasizing the importance of rest and self-care.

Fear of the Unknown

For many students, the uncertainty of a new school year brings anxiety. Questions about new teachers, new subjects, and new routines can create a sense of fear.

Parents can ease this fear by helping their children prepare for the new school year. Visiting the school, meeting teachers, and discussing what to expect can provide a sense of familiarity and reduce anxiety. Encouraging a positive attitude and focusing on the opportunities for growth can also help students feel more confident.

Final Thoughts

Understanding the worries that middle and high school students face when going back to school is crucial for providing the right support. By addressing academic pressures, social challenges, body image concerns, relationship navigation, time management, and fear of the unknown, parents can help their children navigate this transition more smoothly. Open communication, reassurance, and practical support can make a significant difference in easing their anxieties and promoting a positive and productive school year.

Need More Help? Reach Out to Keating Quigley Today

If you're seeking expert advice and guidance on any aspect of your child’s education, contact Keating Quigley today. We are here to support your family and ensure your child's educational journey is a successful and enjoyable one. Email us now to learn more about how we can help!

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Sources

• American Psychological Association (APA)

• National Eating Disorders Association (NEDA)

• National Sleep Foundation

Written By Keating Quigley | Educational Consultants

Boarding School Bound? Here's How to Pack Like a Pro!

Part 2 - The List

Embarking on the journey to boarding school marks a momentous milestone in your child's life, one that can trigger a whirlwind of emotions - from eager excitement to nervous anticipation. As a parent, it is your job to ensure that they step into this new adventure well-prepared, both in practical and emotional terms.

In Part 2 of our blog on this topic (check out Part 1 here), we’ve compiled a comprehensive packing list to ensure your child has everything they need to start the school year confidently. Here's to an unforgettable experience filled with growth, friendships, and success!

KQ - A Guiding Voice

Looking for guidance on boarding school options? KQ can help. We offer advice on boarding school options nationwide, from big to small, single-gender to coed, athletic to arts focus, close by to distant: we’re here to guide you on them all! Contact us at 203-987-5602 or email us to learn more about our services. We can’t wait to hear from you!

Written By Verona Keating & Jacquie Quigley | Co-Founders | Keating Quigley Educational Consultants

Boarding School Bound? Here's How to Pack Like a Pro!

Part 1: The Power of Preparation

Pomfret School, CT

Embarking on the journey to boarding school marks a momentous milestone in your child's life, one that can trigger a whirlwind of emotions - from eager excitement to nervous anticipation. As a parent, it is your job to ensure that they step into this new adventure well-prepared, both in practical and emotional terms.

Part 1 of our blog offers invaluable tips that you can incorporate into your summer break routine at home, ensuring your child is well-prepared for their transformative journey ahead. By following these straightforward steps, you can help build resilience and self-confidence, laying a solid foundation for their academic and personal success once they set foot on campus.

And in Part 2 – coming soon – we will provide a comprehensive packing checklist to ensure your child has everything they need to hit the ground running at their new home away from home.

Here's to an unforgettable experience filled with growth, friendships, and success!

Build Emotional Resilience

As their first solo venture away approaches, mixed emotions may start to swirl in your child’s head. They may feel excited about the year ahead but also apprehensive about leaving home and making new friends. Here are some positive steps you can take to ease concerns. 

Foster Open Communication: Encourage your child to express their feelings and worries about boarding school. Address any anxieties they might have and provide reassurance and support.

Encourage New Connections: Where possible, help your child connect with incoming classmates in person or in group chats. This advance contact will create a sense of community ahead of move-in day.

Maintain Old Connections: Assure your child that you'll always be there for them and that they can maintain connections with family and friends through phone calls, FaceTime chats, and letters (yes, the art of letter-writing still exists!)

Foster Independence: Encourage your child to take on more responsibilities at home, such as managing their own schedule and organizing their belongings. This will help them feel more confident handling tasks independently once they get to campus.

Use Positive Reinforcement: Highlight the positive aspects of boarding school, such as the opportunity to explore new interests, make friends from diverse backgrounds, and experience personal growth.

Pack Smarter

Once you’ve taken care of your child's emotional preparation, it's time to tackle the physical aspect of packing. Apart from being as practical and organized as possible, our biggest recommendation is to avoid overpacking. Here are some tips to keep in mind:

School-specific Guidelines: Contact your child’s school for their tailored packing list to ensure you don't miss any essential items. Also, carefully read through the uniform and dress code guidelines in the Student Handbook. And if your child is an athlete, check with the Athletics Department to ensure they have all the correct equipment. 

Quality over Quantity: Focus on buying durable, high-quality items that will last. This will save you money in the long run and ensure your child has reliable belongings.

Label Everything: Invest in labels or permanent markers to mark your child's belongings to prevent mix-ups and loss.

Clothing Essentials: Pack a combination of school uniforms or dress code-compliant outfits, casual and formal wear, and appropriate clothing for extracurricular activities and seasonal weather conditions.

Prescription Medications: If your child takes any form of regular prescription medication, be sure to check with the school’s health center to learn more about their prescription medication policy.

Laundry Supplies: Provide your child with detergent, stain remover, a hamper, and a laundry bag to encourage responsibility for their laundry needs.

Storage & Organization: Consider providing storage solutions like under-bed storage containers and closet organizers to keep their belongings tidy.

Electronics & Entertainment: While limited screen time is encouraged, a laptop, headphones, and a few comfort items from home can ease the transition. 

KQ - A Guiding Voice

Looking for guidance on boarding school options? KQ can help. We offer advice on boarding school options nationwide, from big to small, single gender to coed, athletic to arts focus, close by to distant: we’re here to guide you on them all! Contact us at 203-987-5602 or email us to learn more about our services. We can’t wait to hear from you!

Written By Verona Keating & Jacquie Quigley | Co-Founders | Keating Quigley Educational Consultants

10 tips to maximize college visits

Summer is just around the corner, and it's the perfect time for all you high school rising juniors and seniors to get out and explore college campuses. This is a right of passage for many students and their parents - and an essential part of college admissions.

So, to help you make the most of your visits, we advise you to start planning now. We've put together tips on how to fully immerse yourself in each campus and gather all the information you will need to make an informed decision about your future college.

1. Research

Before hitting the road, prioritize your interests, academic programs, preferred location, and other essential factors. Then, dive into college websites and gather information about campus life, majors, extracurricular activities, and admission requirements.

2. Schedule

Contact the admissions office or visit the college's website to schedule your visit. With convenient online booking systems and special visitation days for prospective students, you'll quickly find a date that fits your timeline.

3. Prepare questions in advance 

Make a list of questions you want to ask during your visit. These should include inquiries about academics, campus life, housing, internship opportunities, career services, and anything that is important to you. Asking questions will also demonstrate your interest and help you gather valuable insights.

4. Dress appropriately

Dress comfortably yet presentably. Opt for business casual or smart casual attire, as this will give you a professional appearance while still being comfortable for walking around campus.

5. Pack wisely

Always have a notebook or phone handy to jot down notes during information sessions. You can also take videos or photos to capture essential details as you wander around. And remember, it gets hot on the college campus trail, so pack your water bottle!

6. Attend Info Sessions & Tours

Participate in guided campus tours and information sessions. These will allow you to explore campus, visit key facilities, and soak up the atmosphere. They will also help you gain valuable insights into the admissions process, financial aid, academic programs, and student support services.

7. Connect with students & faculty

Meet with current students and faculty members in your area of academic interest. Their perspectives can fill in the gaps of your college visit and help you make an informed decision.

8. Explore the surrounding Area

It is also important to allow time to explore the surrounding area beyond campus. With that in mind, check out nearby neighborhoods, coffee shops, restaurants, local attractions, and amenities to get a sense of what it would be like to live in the area. Four years is a long time after all!

9. Reflect & debrief

Take time to reflect on your experience after each campus visit. Write down your impressions, pros and cons, and other relevant observations. Trust us, colleges start to look and feel the same after a while, so this exercise will help you keep track of your thoughts.

10. Don’t forget to have fun!

Visiting college campuses is an excellent way to imagine yourself as a student and evaluate if a particular college is right for you. These experiences are also a right of passage, so savor the process and create special memories along the way. With this in mind, start compiling those road trip playlists, and get ready to hit the open road!

11. Bonus Tip: Save your child from cringeworthy moments!

If you are a parent gearing up for college visits with your high schooler this summer, click here for a sidesplitting and must-read checklist that will save you from becoming a walking embarrassment to your child while on campus. Thanks to The New Yorker Magazine for this hilarious gem!

And lastly, A few useful resources…

• To help you prepare for your upcoming roadtrips, we have created a Campus Visit Research Tool & Checklist. Just click on the link below, and we'll send it straight out to you.

• If your rising senior is planning to tackle their college essay over the summer months, check out our recent blog post, It’s College Essay Season: Let’s Get It Done!, for advice on how to pen an effective piece.

• And for tips on how your student can maximize their time this summer, read Rising Seniors: Get Ahead this Summer!

Contact KQ: An Expert guiding Voice

Working with an educational consultant can streamline the college admissions process and alleviate stress. Keating Quigley is here to help if you'd like to learn more about how to prepare for campus visits - or any other aspect of the college search. We're always just a phone call or email away!

Written By Verona Keating & Jacquie Quigley | Founding Partners | Keating Quigley Educational Consultants

College Chronicles by Charlotte G.

Meet one of KQ’s new Intern Bloggers! Charlotte grew up in Greenwich, CT. She graduated high school in 2020 and currently attends university in Virginia. Charlotte looks forward to sharing her perspectives and advice on academics, dorm life, and the joys along with the challenges of being a college student!

#1 - My top 10 Freshman Tips

Ah, as the beginning of the back-to-school commercials and sales come about, we’re reminded that summer is soon to come to an end. And for some, it means moving out and going to college for the first time. I was a college freshman last year and although it was an unprecedented year, every piece of advice I received from older siblings, friends, and adults remained just as, if not more, important. Trust me, I was terrified. Moving out after living in the same town and with my parents, my whole life seemed insane. I always knew I would go to college, but it always felt so far in the future, until it was right in front of me. 

And now, after my first year of college, I have never been more excited to return; I followed the advice from my friends and family which in turn made my freshman year one of the best years of my life. My hope is for yours to be just as amazing, so I am going to list some of the advice my friends and family gave to me that made me more cool, calm, and collected when heading into college. 

1. Balance Work and Play

   I think this is the most important piece of advice I was given. College is tough academically, and freshman year you are also thrown into the thick of social life. You are dying to meet people and make friends and acclimate to the school community. However, it is also important to prioritize schoolwork. Like myself, most college freshmen are experiencing living and studying away from home for the first time. This meant I had to adjust my study skills and truly learn how to manage time. I am a pretty social person, but I learned pretty quickly that to do well in school you have to balance both perfectly. It is okay to miss out on a couple of things in order to do better in school, and it is okay to not do your best on one project if you feel too overwhelmed with school. 

2. Get an academic planner 

   Getting an academic planner actually saved me. Without it, it is so easy to forget a small assignment that was just slipped out in the middle of class or something. I’ll link some below

   • Try this one

   • Or this!

3. If you have communal showers, Invest in shower shoes

   Please, who knows what’s on the floor in there! 

4. Buy headphones or earbuds 

   If you know you have a roommate, get yourself some headphones or earbuds if you don’t have any yet. No matter if you love or dislike your roommate, everyone needs a little alone time once in a while and with headphones, you can be in your own world without bothering the other person in the room.

5. Hold your judgments when meeting new friends

   It's totally okay not to be friends with everyone, but as a freshman, everyone is going through the same motions of making friends, and for some people, it's harder than others.

6. Try to make connections with your professors 

   It will only help you in the long run to have people in your corner! 

7. Don’t be scared to go to extra help sessions/office hours 

   It shows you really care about understanding the material and doing well, and will only help you to get extra help.

8. Be as outgoing as you can - even if it’s uncomfortable

   Although it's scary to be yourself, it's also the easiest way to find people that will be your best friends. Being genuine attracts people.

9. Immerse yourself in school spirit!

   Go to sports games!!! They are amazing and it is so fun to have school spirit. 

10. If everything is overwhelming you and you feel swamped, take a break 

    I had to take a lot of breaks this year, especially with corona, I felt my stress sometimes take over. The most effective ways I regrouped were working out, calling my mom or my home friends, going for a walk, or just watching a comfort show (my personal fav is New Girl)

Written by Charlotte G. | Blogging Intern at Keating Quigley Educational Advisors