+ EXPERT ADVICE | Education
Will College Prep Look Different This School Year? Your guide to navigating the college prep journey during a pandemic. By Sarah Reynolds, Foundation Academy
T
he past several months have been challenging for students of all ages as they, along with their teachers and parents, have navigated the new normal within the school system. They have adapted to online learning while handling the disappointment of missed milestones, such as graduation ceremonies at all grade levels and anticipated events like prom, with grace. The 2020-21 school year will likely be no different though high school students will have one constant to work through: college preparation. Luckily, resources such as their school’s guidance departments as well as ACT and SAT websites are here to help.
Guidance Counselors
In a private school setting, guidance counselors are equipped to work with students and their families one-on-one to select and schedule appropriate cours-
Sarah Reynolds is the Upper School Principal at Foundation Academy’s Tilden Campus. Sarah has been with FA for over 20 years as both a teacher and administrator. She holds a Master of Science in Education degree with a focus on Educational Leadership.
30
Central Florida Lifestyle | August 2020
es, explore college and career opportunities, and prepare for and complete appropriate testing. They provide guidance as well as direction and support throughout the college application process to alleviate stress for students. We are committed to providing a comprehensive program that will help all students realize their full potential and become productive, Christ-centered members of the community. The goal of our guidance department is to encourage all students toward a successful transition from high school and college to career, beginning with a positive middle and high school experience. Additionally, our FA Online College and Career Center offers convenient, 24/7 access to important college prep information so students can stay engaged and informed around the clock.
SAT/ACT Testing
The College Board, a not-for-profit organization that connects students with college opportunities, recently announced that SAT testing will be available every month starting this month. While in-person testing is now limited due to capacity restrictions at testing centers, and online SAT testing opportunities are currently paused, the College Board is doing everything pos-
sible to expand the availability of SAT testing. This also includes adding a test date in January 2021 if the demand is high enough and calling for partner colleges to be flexible with deadlines and consideration for students who are unable to test. Foundation Academy has recently been approved to be an official SAT testing site. There have also been additional dates added to the ACT fall testing schedule across the country, including new dates in September and October. Students will now have eight opportunities to complete their ACT test in time for college application deadlines. Even with expanded testing opportunities, students should take their SAT and ACT tests as early as possible. This allows additional time for test dates to be rescheduled, as the fluidity of the pandemic could cause unexpected cancellations. It’s better to be safe than sorry. While there is some uncertainty surrounding the school year ahead, school guidance counselors are working diligently with students to maintain a sense of normalcy as they prepare for college. If your student needs help, they are the first step to college prep and can connect them with the resources they need for success.
