Ramping up students’ rigor

As counselors, we are fully aware that students, both intellectually and socially, must develop as individuals. We know that what works for one student may not work for another. Our schools track and place students in courses, from college level to remedial, hoping that they are placed in the most suitable learning environments. Consequently, the rigor of students’ academic programs have been largely pre-determined by the time they enter high school. 

Over the past decade, I have had students (and their parents) ask for my advice on how to compensate for a less rigorous curriculum during freshman and sophomore years. 

Considering that every high school and school district has its own policies with regard to course placement, my advice is straightforward and simple: first and foremost, speak with your school counselor and know your school’s rules. Then, I advise students to do the following:

Not all students have the ability to handle the rigors of honors, AP or IB coursework. Also, class size limitations and scheduling conflicts are inevitable. For those students who cannot enroll in such courses, I suggest that they do very well in their current classes. If they show superior academic achievement in a particular subject, then I suggest that they ask to be transferred into a more challenging course mid-year. 

It is very easy for our students to do what is expected of them. I encourage my advisees to demonstrate genuine intellectual curiosity. Help your students find fun and creative ways to engage their classmates and teachers. A student might bring outside reading into an English class, or do a hands-on project to demonstrate a math theorem or scientific principle. Students who show a genuine love of learning always impress an admissions officer.

Depending on your school’s policies, you may advise students to take summer or off-campus classes (at another school, online or at a local college) to increase the rigor of their curriculum. During the school year, this usually requires creative scheduling and the support of teachers and administrators. 

For some students, it may be easier to take summer courses or schedule an independent study. 

Finally, there is a tendency for juniors and seniors to overload their courses in an effort to make up for lost time. Not only is this stressful, but it can get in the way of their learning processes. In other words, students should not take a physics course without a solid background in math. Let your students know that it is not too late to take required courses for college admission and that there is a college for everyone. Moderation is important, and we should suggest that students use their summers and extracurricular time to make up for any holes in their academic program. 

College counseling is more than helping students find the right college. We also advise students on the appropriate academic program in order to prepare them for the demands of college or a particular vocation. As their advocates, we can help students demonstrate and develop intellectual and personal traits that will hopefully lead to admission into a college that best meets their needs. 

Katherine L. Cohen, Ph.D., is CEO and founder of IvyWise and ApplyWise.com