Has your teenager completed all of the required college preparation courses?

By Denise Witmer, About.com Guide

While schools are on top of whether or not students want to attend college, there are many mistakes in courses taken or not taken that fall through the cracks. Guidance counselors are overworked and have too many students to oversee. Therefore, you and your teen have to be diligent in checking what courses are required each year for a student who wants to attend college.

Be sure you understand what each requirement means. For instance, two years of algebra means one year of algebra 1 and one year of algebra 2. Pre-algebra does not count. If your teen uses pre-algebra as one of his years for the requirement, the college will either force him to take a noncredit algebra course his first semester freshman year – wasting time and money - or not accept is application at all.

Be sure to meet with your teen’s guidance counselor and keep a list of all the requirements your teen needs. Ask questions about the schedule and check the requirements with some of the colleges your teen is looking to attend. Talk to your teen and be clear about what classes he/she needs to take in order to go to the school he/she wants.

Has your teenager completed all of the required college preparation courses?

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