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Let's Create a College Readiness Plan! Part 2: Investing in College Prep!


How to Create a College Readiness Plan?


Part 2: Invest in College Readiness


Last week, we kicked off our newsletter series, How to Create a College Readiness Plan? A college readiness plan is an intentional roadmap that prepares teens for:

  • College admissions

  • Career exploration

  • Understanding how college will be paid for


In our previous newsletter, we shared that nearly 70% of college students change their major at least once, according to the National Center for Education Statistics. While changing majors is common, it often leads to more time in college and higher costs. The solution? Start career preparation early—even as early as middle school.


Many families believe college prep begins during a teen’s junior or senior year of high school. In reality, college readiness should start much earlier, with a strong focus on academic advising and college and career exploration. Parent involvement and professional guidance play a major role, yet a College Board survey found that only 56% of parents feel prepared for the college admissions process.


So, how can families start investing in college readiness early?


3 FREE Ways to Invest in College Readiness


1. Know Your Teen’s Academic Profile

Families should understand their teen’s academic stats: GPA (weighted or unweighted), class rank, and SAT or ACT scores. Review your teen’s transcript every semester—errors can happen, and correcting them may take up to two months.


2. Encourage Reading for Fun

Many teens underestimate how much reading college requires. Start as early as middle school by encouraging reading for enjoyment. Articles, books, or topics that match your teen’s interests all count and help build lifelong skills.


3. Prepare Early for Testing

Research shows that 90% of teens experience test anxiety, and many don’t know how to properly study for standardized exams. Reviewing your teen’s PSAT results can help identify areas for improvement and determine whether test prep is needed. Test-taking is a lifelong skill that benefits teens well beyond high school.


Need Help Getting Started?

PreCollege Solutions created Parent College Readiness Checklists for each high school level—available to email subscribers for $5 (price increases February 1, 2026):


Next week, we’ll share Part 2: Who is Paying for College? Stay tuned!


 
 
 

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