8th Grade

Students

• Find out if your school takes part in the Mathematics Diagnostic Testing Project, a readiness assessment that determines if students are prepared to take algebra.
• Talk to your school counselor about taking pre-algebra or algebra I and a foreign language course, if they are available.
• Work to the best of your abilities. Your teachers will be making recommendations for your high school courses based on your efforts this year.
• Keep up with your homework so you develop the good study skills you’ll need in high school and college.
• Participate in “Discover U” where you can visit local college campuses, participate in fun events, and meet and talk to students. Go to www.nhdiscoveru.org to learn more.
• Ask your school counselor about taking the ACT EXPLORE ® program, which is designed to help students explore a broad range of options for their future. See www.act.org/explore for more information. Check with your guidance office to see if “College Scoop” from the College Board is available to assist you with planning for high school and with thinking about college.
• Ask your school counselor about Junior Achievement programs near you.
• Participate in school orientation at your future high school to learn about the different activities available. Plan to join clubs, play sports, and volunteer. Not only will you get to make great new friends, you’ll also get to have a great time while keeping active!

Families

• Meet with your student’s school counselor and teachers to see how she/he is doing in class.
• Continue to expose your child to the higher education environment by attending such activities as athletic games and musical or art performances at local college campuses.
• Participate with your child in “Discover U” where you can visit local college campuses, join in fun events, and meet and talk to students. Go to www.nhdiscoveru.org to learn more.
• If offered, attend college information programs at your student’s middle school. Representatives from different colleges will share information on programs, scholarships, and financial aid.
• Talk to your student about the importance of studying hard and getting good grades to prepare for high school and college.
• Learn the basics about college costs and financial aid from the Center for College Planning at the New Hampshire Higher Education Assistance Foundation Network Organizations. Visit www.nhheaf.org or call a college counselor at 1-800-525-2577, extension 1

What Skills Will Help Me to Succeed?

Reading, writing, math, and science form the foundation on which to build your knowledge and expand your mind. It's important to master the skills in these areas in middle school, as they will give you the tools you need to succeed in college and beyond.

• Reading: Reading—literature, fiction, and nonfiction—(and lots of it!) helps to improve vocabulary, verbal skills, and writing ability.
• Writing: Expressing yourself well is important in every profession. Practice good research and writing techniques. Get feedback and give yourself plenty of time to rewrite and edit your writing assignments to do the best job possible.
• Calculating: In today's technological world, having an understanding of math is a must. Progressing from basic math in 7th grade to algebra to geometry, calculus, and trigonometry in high school will give you the tools to open your mind to new ways of thinking and problem solving. And don�t get frustrated or give up if some things are harder than others—persistence is the key to success!