Selecting courses, considering careers, and planning for post-high school demands complex decision making. High school academic advisors provide individualized guidance so students follow educational paths aligned to abilities, goals, and interests. One-on-one advising supplements classroom learning by helping each student navigate options, requirements, and processes to manifest a vision. Dedicated academic advising is essential to foster informed choices and readiness.
Benefits of High School Academic Advising
Expert advising provides students tailored support including:
- Help interpreting academic records, test scores, grades to identify strengths/weaknesses
- Course selection assistance based on ability levels, prerequisites, and career aspirations
- Ongoing progress monitoring and intervention if a student struggles
- College and career exploration aligned with interests and competencies
- Guidance on college admissions testing timelines and test preparation
- Explanation of graduation requirements, NCAA requirements, and eligibility for activities
- Education on course registration processes, add/drop policies, and four-year planning
- Referrals to counselors, tutors, and other resources as needed
- Help developing self-advocacy skills to foster independence
According to education research, “proactive advising provides the individualized support students need to make informed decisions and follow pathways to reach their potential.”
Types of Academic Advising Models
Schools structure advising based on resources using several approaches:
- Teacher-advisors – Students meet regularly with an assigned teacher-advisor throughout high school for guidance.
- School counselor model – Guidance counselors advise students on academics in addition to social-emotional issues.
- Professional advising department – Specialized advisors only focus on academic/career planning for a caseload of students.
- Peer tutoring – Older students mentor younger students to help with goal setting and subject questions.
- Parent outreach – Equip families with curriculum guides, course catalogues, and planning checklists to guide kids.
- Online advising – Web programs help students map graduation plans and college/career alignments.
- Mixed models – A combination like peer mentoring and dedicated advisors provides multiple layers of support.
“Schools should provide a tiered system including teacher, counselor, specialized advisors, and technology support based on available resources,” recommends the National Association of Academic Advising.
Key Topics Covered in Academic Advising
Effective advising guides students through key decision points and requirements:
- Course registration – Selecting classes at the appropriate rigor level to fulfill requirements and align with goals. Monitor prerequisites and graduation track.
- Standardized test planning – Navigating entrance exam options and timelines to prepare for college applications.
- NCAA eligibility – For athletes, ensuring courses meet NCAA credit requirements for recruitment.
- Dual credit options – Advising whether to enroll in AP classes for college credit or pursue early college classes.
- College and career research – Exploring interests, researching options, choosing majors, finding best school fits.
- Resume and interview prep – Building materials needed for job, internship, and college applications.
- Financial aid literacy – Learning about FAFSA, merit scholarships, student loans, in-state tuition to inform budgeting.
- Transition planning – For special education students, mapping post-graduation supports and services.
“Academic advising touches all aspects of educational planning to manifest each student’s postsecondary vision,” explains the National Academic Advising Association.
Benefits of Early Advising
Best practice is to begin academic advising in 9th grade, not senior year. Early advising:
- Allows four years to meet all requirements
- Provides exposure to diverse options before specialized interests develop
- Enables deeper college/career research rather than last-minute decisions
- Gives underclassmen motivation through future planning
- Helps new high schoolers transition into independence expectations
- Offers intervention for struggling students from the beginning
The National Association for College Admissions Counseling states: “All high school students need early mentoring to explore pathways, understand processes, access opportunities, and ultimately self-advocate.” This multi-year guidance ensures students follow inspiring academic journeys.
In conclusion, high school academic advising provides personalized guidance so students make informed choices to manifest goals. Advisors help each person optimize their high school experience based on skills and aspirations to access opportunities ahead. By demystifying processes and illuminating possibilities, advising equips students to chart exciting educational and career paths.
