College tours are an important part of the college application process. This month we provide some suggestions to help you and your teenager take advantage of this wonderful opportunity.

Checking out the website is a great starting point and will help your daughter rule a college in or out. Some websites even have student blogs that offer a unique insider’s view. Various criteria should be considered including how competitive the school is, location (urban, suburban, or rural), proximity to home, religious affiliation, single-sex institution, and the size of the school.

Once your teen has narrowed down the list of prospective schools, find out each one’s policy regarding information sessions and campus tours and at what times and days of the week they are offered. Many schools require advance registration either by email or by phone. Let your son or daughter make the appointments - this helps them take ownership of the process. If a school conducts interviews, have him or her schedule that also. (Be sure to dress appropriately for an interview.

* Organize the itinerary. Limit yourself to visiting not more than two colleges on the same day - more than that can be overwhelming. Allow time to visit the surrounding area since that too will be a part of your child’s college experience. * Leave much younger siblings behind if at all possible. Make other arrangements for your younger children who may grow fidgety during information sessions and may not be able to keep up with the often brisk pace of campus tours.*Brainstorm with your son or daughter about questions

they may want to ask the admissions personnel or the campus tour guides. Encourage your teen to take notes during the information session.* Parents, try to take a back seat. Let your son introduce himself to the college admissions rep and ask questions after the information session.  If your son is having an interview with the admissions office, let him be the one to check in with the receptionist.

* Be curious. Explore the campus after the tour is over. Check out the student union or have coffee at a campus café. Walk over to the playing fields or stadium. Stop by the academic department that interests you. Strike up a conversation with a student (even if it is just to ask directions) so that you can open the door to asking him about his major, whether he lives on or off-campus, the social life on campus, athletics, the neighboring community, etc.

*Last, but not least, have fun!These road trips present a unique opportunity to bond with your teen as she considers her options and faces important decisions about her future.

Five scholarships will be awarded to area high school seniors this year by the Mission Viejo Activities Committee.  The deadline for all applications is March 20.

Selections will be made based on community service, academic record, potential to succeed, leadership and school participation.  Scholarships will be awarded to students planning on attending four-year schools, community colleges or technical programs.

applications are available at the Mission Viejo Library, Mission Viejo City Hall as well as Capistrano, Trabuco Hills, Tesoro and Santa Margarita Catholic high schools.  Information:  949.830.7066

The Activities Committee, a voluntary and non-profit organization, has awarded $30,000 in scholarships since the program was started in 2001.

Our economy is changing with the emergence of globalization.  It is more important than ever for our students to learn both academic and career curriculum if we are going to develop 21st century workers.

You’ve probably noticed that there is nationwide excitement about the advantages of Career Technical Education (CTE) and the world class benefits that arise for students who combine traditional coursework with hands-on training and on-the-job learning.  Our economy is changing with the emergence of globalization.  IT is more important than ever for our students to learn both academic and career curriculum if we are going to develop 21st century workers.

In California, it is an especially exciting time for CTE!  In January 2007, the State Board of Education adopted CTE frameworks that specify the skills required for students in grades 7 - 12 to be successful in California’s 15 key industries.  With leadership from Jack O’Connell, State Superintendent of Public Instruction, the newly adopted CTE curriculum standards have been designed to the highest caliber, emphasizing rigor, relevance, and relationships.  Governor Schwarzenegger has pledged his support by proposing increase program funding to build and improve technical education programs.

There are numerous programs in Orange County that provide students with opportunities to explore career pathways and participate in hands-on training.  Included in these programs are Career Technical Education (CTE), Regional Occupational Programs (ROP), Service Learning and Work Experience.  Upon completion of coursework in many in many off these programs, high school students not only receive elective credit toward graduation, but many ROP and CTE courses also qualify for University of California, California State University, and community college credit.

According to a study conducted by the University of California, Riverside, students participating in ROP programs showed proven improvement in school, enjoyed greater success in both college and careers, and found greater relevance from their studies than their peers who did not take an ROP class.

Unique to ROP, classes and curriculum are based on labor market reports, current trends, and input from business advisers in the community to create and maintain up to date and innovative career electives.  Many courses also include an internship which allows high school students the opportunity to try their hand at a career in a real world setting while earning elective credit toward graduation.  ROP teachers are credentialed and experienced in the fields they teach and courses are offered in approximately 15 industry sectors.  Course offerings in new and emerging fields such as Animation, Computer Programming, Crime Scene Investigation, Home Technology Integration, and Sport Medicine are being developed every semester.

Classes are offered at various times during the school day, after school and on weekends to provide flexibility when students are planning their schedules.  To register, students should visit the career cent on campus or speak to their school counselor, Combining CTE programs with traditional courses allow high school students to forge a vital connection to their future and make the most of a world class education where every student succeeds.

For more info on ROP, go to the following websites:

www.ccrop.org

www.coastlinerop.us

www.nocrop.us

www.capolagrop.k12.ca.us

www.carocp.org

Parents often ask how they can help their children navigate through high school to be prepared for college.  Studies show that students are much more likely to excel when their parents stay involved.  Parents should keep track of their student’s progress, encourage goal setting and consult regularly with the student’s academic advisor.

High school students who aspire to attend college should take a rigorous course of academic classes.  Classes that are the most challenging, such as honors, International Baccalaureate, and Advanced Placement courses, will give the student the best possible preparation for the admissions competition and the demands of college.

One of the key things parents can do is to make sure their sons and daughters take the appropriate “A-through-G” classes required by the University of California (UC) and California State University (CSU) systems.  To meet he minimum eligibility requirements, applicants must have completed a series of high school college-preparatory courses that provide a strong academic foundation, including, but not limited to:

Two years of history/social science; Four years of English’ Three years of mathematics including advanced algebra and geometry (four years of math are strongly recommended); Two years of laboratory science (three years are strongly recommended):  Two years of a language other than English (three years are strongly recommended); One year of visual and performing arts; and One year of a college-preparatory elective.

Going to College?