For the last twelve years, our office has worked diligently with middle school students to give them the resources and guidance to look ahead towards college. We are not focused on them attending UGA, but instead on making sure that college is a goal and an option in their academic future. In our goal to get these students prepared for college, our office has created a program called Gear Up 4 High School, with a focus on giving middle school students an understanding of what to expect in high school and beyond, and to help make the transition to their high school go as smoothly as possible.
Students
- Read. Read novels, non-fiction, etc, but read
- If you have an academic passion, feed that passion. It might change, but you can then change with it.
- Activities: explore the options around you, and step out of your comfort zone.
- Summer is for more than time off. 4H, summer programs at colleges, school academic camps, reading, etc.
Parents
- Read with your kids.
- Find ways to cultivate your child’s interests. Nudge, but let them explore.
- If there is a conflict between academics & co-curricular, lean into the academics
- Start the slow process of allowing your kids to be self-sufficient.