This is a sponsored post written by me on behalf of Jostens for IZEA. All opinions are 100% mine.
With two of my grandchildren graduating from high school last year and two currently in high school, graduation and post-graduation plans have been hot topics around here. As an active grandparent and having raised 4 children of my own, I have learned many lessons about graduation preparation, and want to share my thoughts with you. There are so many things high school students and parents should consider prior to graduation.
It’s never too early to begin making plans. Freshman year is the ideal time to start planning the rest of your high school years, as well as your plans for after high school. Although it is never too late to start preparing for graduation, so don’t lose hope if your graduation date is nearing.
Research your options for after graduation – be it technical school, community colleges or four- year universities. Know the requirements for acceptance into the schools and degree programs you are interested in. Prepare for standardized tests, such as the SAT and ACT. Also, explore available scholarship programs and know the requirements. Most scholarships require community service work, so get started on that as early as possible. Doing volunteer work is also a great way to gain some experience!
I think it is also important to note that your college and career plans don’t have to be set in stone, prior to high school graduation. It’s perfectly normal for teens to change their minds – a lot.
Students: Don’t overwhelm yourself in high school. While it’s important to challenge yourself, you don’t want to be overwhelmed. Take advantage of dual enrollment opportunities that will earn you college credits while still in high school, and take challenging classes. Just make sure that you don’t take on so much that your grades suffer. That GPA matters when it’s time to apply for scholarships and colleges. Although studies are important, remember to have fun while in high school. You’ll have to be grown up soon enough post-graduation.
Parents: high school graduation and college can be a costly time. I encourage you to help your students find financial aid programs, and apply for a lot of scholarships. The cost of graduation photos, invitations, class rings and parties adds up fast. Start budgeting for these things early in your child’s senior year, if not sooner.
One of your options for high school rings is Jostens. Since Otto Josten created the first class ring in 1906, they have been empowering people to connect to important traditions, people, places and experiences throughout their lives.
We have been exploring the class rings by Jostens, in particular the Luxe and ShadowCast collections found on the Jostens website. The on trend designs are so stylish and unique. One of the best features is how customizable the Jostens class rings are – great to memorialize your personal high school experience or even design one together with a group of classmates or teammates. Varsity cheer has been a huge part of my granddaughter Becca’s high school years, so it would be great to design a ring for her and her teammates.
Below is a screenshot of the custom Serenity style ring we designed. It’s just lovely!
Josten’s legacy was built upon the handmade quality and personal service that helps people etch their unique memories and accomplishments into timeless, custom pieces.
If you have a high school student or recent graduate of your own, I encourage you to check out Jostens class rings.
What are some of your tips for high school grads and their parents?
Great ideas! My son is in 7th grade and the schools are already pushing them to consider taking as many AP classes now to graduating early (10 or 11th grade) to do dual enrollment (college and high school.) We are already looking into scholarships (sports and academic) just to get a head start. Time flies and I don’t want to lose out on any opportunities.