Guiding High School Students’ Path Towards College 

Transitioning from high school to college can seem like a daunting task. But here at King’s High School in Shoreline, WA, we’re committed to guiding our students through every step of this exciting journey. We believe that every student has the potential to thrive in higher education, and we’re here to help make that a reality.

Six Ways to Support High School Students’ Path to College

Learn the six ways we support our students as they navigate their path to college. 

1. Starting Early: The Road to College Begins Now 

At King’s High School, we believe in starting early. Conversations about college and higher education shouldn’t wait until senior year; they begin right from freshman year. This gives our students plenty of time to explore different fields of interest, conduct research into potential colleges, and understand the prerequisites needed for college admission. By starting these discussions early, we empower our students to take control of their education and future. These conversations can start with parents, teachers, coaches, or school advisors. Each King’s High School grade has a designated advisor to facilitate these conversations and provide guidance.  

2. Exploring Passions: Identifying Potential College Paths 

One of the most exciting parts of preparing for college is exploring personal passions and strengths. At King’s High School, we encourage our students to explore all their interests, whether they lie in the arts, sciences, sports, or writing. By identifying these passions early on, students can start to align their high school curriculum with their future career goals. This targeted approach helps them choose colleges that offer strong programs in their areas of interest. King’s students are encouraged to try multiple extracurriculars to help explore their passions. Extracurriculars like trials mock and DECA help students decide if business or law career paths are right for them. Trying these out in High School can help save money and time during college.  

3. Understanding College Admissions: Simplifying the Process 

The college admissions process can seem complex and intimidating, but it doesn’t have to be. Our dedicated counselors work closely with students to help them understand the intricacies of college admissions. From explaining the importance of GPA and standardized test scores to discussing the impact of extracurricular activities and personal essays, we ensure our students are well-prepared for the application process. 

4. Visiting Campuses: Experiencing College Life Firsthand 

There’s no substitute for experiencing a college campus firsthand. That’s why we encourage our students to visit them they’re interested in. Campus visits provide invaluable insights into the facilities, faculty, and overall environment. It also gives students a chance to interact with current students and ask questions about their experiences. King’s High School partners with several colleges like Grand Canyon University and Seattle Pacific University for shadow weekends. During these shadow weekends, King’s students are paired with college students and get to shadow them for a few days. They get to experience exactly what life will be like while staying in the dorms and attending classes.  

5. Financial Aid: Making Higher Education Affordable 

We understand that the cost of college can be a significant concern for many families. That’s why we offer comprehensive guidance on applying for financial aid, scholarships, and grants. By providing resources and support during the financial aid application process, we aim to make higher education more accessible and affordable for all our students. 

6. Staying Organized: Managing Deadlines and Requirements 

With numerous deadlines and requirements, the college application process can seem overwhelming. But don’t worry, we’ve got your back! Our counselors help students stay organized by creating personalized calendars with crucial dates and deadlines. This ensures that nothing falls through the cracks and that every part of the application is submitted on time. 

At King’s High School, guiding our students toward college education is more than just a responsibility—it’s our passion. We believe in the potential of each student and strive to equip them with the tools and knowledge they need for a successful transition to college. It’s not just about gaining admission to college; it’s about finding the right fit for each student’s individual goals and aspirations. 

By providing early guidance, encouraging exploration of passions, demystifying admissions, promoting campus visits, simplifying financial aid, and helping students stay organized, we prepare our students for success in college and in their future careers. Here’s to a bright future for all King’s High School students, filled with endless opportunities and success! If you live in Seattle, WA, and want your student to be set up for a successful future, schedule a tour today!