E-Mentoring: Best Practices for Mentoring During Social Distancing -Part 3

As seniors prepare for life after high school, it is fair to assume that many of them are now dealing with an especially high level of uncertainty and stress. With college entrance exams, internships, and most graduations canceled the next best thing to look forward to is college.

PEAK is proud that since 2006, 100% of our senior scholars have been admitted into college. The COVID-19 pandemic has made the mentoring support that PEAK offers all the more critical in making sure that our scholars have the chance to pursue higher education.

There are many things that mentors can do to help high school seniors prepare for college during this time. Start by asking them the following questions below:

1. Have you completed your FAFSA for the 2020 - 2021 school year?

“For those who have not filed for financial aid you still have time since the deadline is June 1. It's not too late. They just need to go on and get it in and while they're doing that, they should also look for scholarships." - Tanya Flickin, Lead Counselor for Cincinnati Public Schools

2. How are you feeling about your ACT/SAT score? Were you hoping to retake the test this spring?

“At least 17 colleges have dropped the SAT or ACT in recent weeks for one or two admissions cycles, specifically citing the impact of COVID-19.” - Scott Jaschik, Inside Higher Ed

3. Have you settled on where you would like to enroll in the fall? Would you like help creating a pros and cons list?

“The traditional admission calendar of students picking a college by May 1st may not be as firm as it has been in previous years. Even if a college is not flexible with its dates, students and families should still try to learn as much as possible about the colleges they are considering.” - Andy Borst, Director of Undergraduate Admissions at the University of Illinois at Urbana/Champaign

College is sure to change your mentee’s life forever. These questions, though simple, will ensure they are prepared to take the next step in their education.