PARENTS’ PLAYBOOK FOR
SUCCESSFUL COLLEGE COACHING
Funded by the Education Services Foundation, our mission
is to help Mississippi students plan and pay for college.
JACKSON: 601.321.5533 | GULF COAST: 228.875.4441 | NORTH MS: 662.349.2789 | WWW.GET2COLLEGE.ORG
MISSISSIPPI COLLEGES & UNIVERSITIES
PUBLIC UNIVERSITIES
Northwest
MS CC
Alcorn State University
www.alcorn.edu
Delta State University
www.deltastate.edu
Blue Mountain
College
Coahoma
CC
Jackson State University
www.jsums.edu
Mississippi State University
www.msstate.edu
Ole Miss
Itawamba
CC
DSU
MS Delta
CC
Alcorn State
Co-Lin
CC
Southwest
MS CC
Blue Mountain College
www.bmc.edu
William Carey
University
www.wmcarey.edu
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Jones County
Junior College
USM,
William Carey
Pearl River
CC
MS Gulf Coast
CC
Millsaps College
www.millsaps.edu
Tougaloo College
www.tougaloo.edu
Meridian
CC
Belhaven, Hinds CC,
JSU, Millsaps,
MS College, Tougaloo
PRIVATE UNIVERSITIES
Rust College
www.rustcollege.edu
East Central
CC
Holmes
CC
University of Mississippi
www.olemiss.edu
Mississippi College
www.mc.edu
MSU
East MS
CC
Mississippi Valley State
University
www.mvsu.edu
Belhaven University
www.belhaven.edu
MUW
MVSU
Mississippi University
for Women
www.muw.edu
University of Southern
Mississippi
www.usm.edu
Northeast
MS CC
Rust
College
COMMUNITY & JUNIOR COLLEGES
Coahoma CC - www.coahomacc.edu
Copiah-Lincoln CC - www.colin.edu
East Central CC - www.eccc.edu
East MS CC - www.eastms.edu
Hinds CC - www.hindscc.edu
Holmes CC - www.holmescc.edu
Itawamba CC - www.iccms.edu
Jones County JC - www.jcjc.edu
Meridian CC - www.meridiancc.edu
MS Delta CC - www.msdelta.edu
MS Gulf Coast CC - www.mgccc.edu
Northeast MS CC - www.nemcc.edu
Northwest MS CC - www.northwestms.edu
Pearl River CC - www.prcc.edu
Southwest MS CC - www.smcc.edu
THE FIVE P’S OF
COLLEGE ADMISSION
The “Five P’s” are widely recognized as the key elements of importance in the college admission process.
They will serve as touchstones for admission and scholarship decision-makers. It is imperative that you clearly
understand these criteria upon which you will be evaluated.
Program:
Performance:
• high school profile
• curriculum
• classes completed
compared to
what is available
• grades
• class rank
Participation:
• a difference the
student made in
his or her school
or community
PROGRAM
IAL
PERFORMANCE POTENT
Potential:
• test scores - ACT,
SAT, AP, IB
Personality:
• essays
• recommendations
• interviews
PARTICIPATION
PERSONALITY
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REQUIREMENTS FOR
COLLEGE ADMISSION
FOUR WAYS to gain admission to a Mississippi public university
1.
2.
3.
Complete the College Preparatory Curriculum (CPC) with a minimum 3.2 high school grade point average (GPA) on the CPC; or
Complete the College Preparatory Curriculum (CPC) with a minimum 2.50 high school GPA on the CPC or a class rank in the top 50% and a score of 16 or higher on the ACT* (Composite); or
Complete the College Preparatory Curriculum (CPC) with a minimum 2.00 high school GPA on the CPC and a score of 18 or higher on the ACT* (Composite); or
4.
Satisfy the NCAA standards for student athletes who are “full-qualifiers” under Division I guidelines.
*In lieu of ACT scores, students may submit equivalent SAT scores.
What if I do not meet the criteria?
Students who do not meet the above criteria are nonetheless eligible for admission. Such students must participate,
however, in an on-campus placement process at the university of their choice. The process will determine whether
the student may be enrolled in regular freshman-level courses or be required to enroll in the summer semester with
mandatory participation in the Summer Developmental Program. Successful completion of the summer semester
entitles the student to continued enrollment in the fall semester at the university of his or her choice.
The minimum REQUIRED CPC for full admission into a Mississippi
public university is as follows:
The RECOMMENDED CPC for enhanced readiness for university-level
coursework is as follows:
• English: 4 Carnegie Units - All must require substantial
• English: 4 Carnegie Units - Compensatory Reading and
communication skills components (e.g., reading, writing, listening,
and speaking).
• Mathematics: 3 Carnegie Units - Includes Algebra I, Geometry,
and Algebra II. A fourth class in higher level mathematics is highly
recommended.
• Science: 3 Carnegie Units - Biology, Advanced Biology,
Chemistry, Advanced Chemistry, Physics, and Advanced Physics
or any other science course with comparable rigor and content.
One Carnegie unit from a Physical Science course with content at
a level that may serve as an introduction to Physics and
Chemistry may be used. Two of the courses chosen must be
laboratory-based.
Compensatory Writing may not be included.
• Mathematics: 4 Carnegie Units - Includes Algebra I, Geometry,
Algebra II, and any one Carnegie Unit of comparable rigor and
content (e.g., Advanced Algebra, Trigonometry, Pre-Calculus,
Calculus, AP Calculus AB, AP Calculus BC, Discrete
Mathematics, Probability and Statistics, or AP Statistics).
• Science: 4 Carnegie Units - Includes Biology I, Chemistry I, and any
two Carnegie Units of comparable rigor and content (e.g., Physics,
Physical Science, Biology II, Chemistry II, AP Chemistry, Physics II,
AP Physics B, AP Physics C – Electricity and Magnetism, and AP
Physics C – Mechanics, Botany, Microbiology, or Human Anatomy and
Physiology).
• Social Studies: 3 Carnegie Units - Courses should include United
• Social Studies: 4 Carnegie Units - Includes World History, U.S. History,
• Advanced Electives: 2 Carnegie Units - Requirements may be
• Arts: 1 Carnegie Unit - Includes any one Carnegie Unit of visual and
States History (1 unit), World History (1 unit with substantial
geography component), Government (½ unit), and Economics (½
unit) or Geography (½ unit).
met by earning 2 Carnegie units from the following areas/courses,
one of which must be in Foreign Language or World Geography:
Foreign Language, World Geography, 4th year lab-based
Science, 4th year Mathematics.
• Computer Applications: ½ Carnegie Unit - The course should
include use of application packages such as word processing and
spreadsheets. The course should also include basic computer
terminology and hardware operation.
• Pre-High School Units: Algebra I, first year Foreign Language,
Mississippi Studies, or Computer Applications taken prior to high
school will be accepted for admission provided the course content
is the same as the high school course.
Introduction to World Geography, U.S. Government, Economics, and
Mississippi Studies. (Credit earned for a State/Local Government
course in any other state may stand in lieu of Mississippi Studies.)
performing arts course(s) meeting the requirements for high school
graduation.
• Advanced Electives: 2 Carnegie Units - Includes any two
Carnegie Units of Foreign Language (I and II), Advanced World
Geography and a Foreign Language (I) or any combination of
English, mathematics, or lab-based science courses of
comparable rigor and content to those required above.
• Computer Applications: ½ Carnegie Unit - Course should emphasize
the computer as a productivity tool. Instruction should include
the use of application packages, such as word processing and
spreadsheets. The course should also include basic
computer terminology and hardware operation.
• Pre-High School Units: Algebra I, first year Foreign Language,
Mississippi Studies, or Computer Applications taken prior to high
school will be accepted for admission provided the course content is
the same as the high school course.
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STUDY SKILLS:
S
“SCARF-M”
Study Environment
The location, time, and atmosphere in which students study can greatly impact their digestion and retention of
the information.
C
Colored Pens/Highlighters
Using different colored pens and highlighters while taking notes and studying can aid students in the
categorization of information.
A
Acronyms
An acronym is an abbreviation formed from the first letters in a phrase or a word. Acronyms can be used by
students to remember information such as the colors of a rainbow (ROY G. BIV = Red, Orange, Yellow, Green,
Blue, Indigo, Violet).
R
Rewrite Notes
When students take notes in class, the handwriting often comes out sloppy and unorganized because they
are trying to listen and write at the same time. When they get home, they should rewrite the information more
legibly in an outline format that is more organized and easier to understand.
F
Flashcards
Flashcards are an effective, inexpensive study tool that can improve students’ memorization skills. Students
may also use candy, small breaks, or other rewards as incentives for reaching small goals when they memorize a
certain number of flash cards.
M Mnemonic Devices
A mnemonic device is a formula or rhyme used as a memorization aid. Students are taught mnemonic devices
in middle school to learn the Algebraic Order of Operations (Please Excuse My Dear Aunt Sally = Parentheses,
Exponents, Multiplication, Division, Addition, Subtraction) or the order of notes on a musical staff (Every Good
Boy Does Fine and FACE = EGBDF and FACE).
Test Taking Strategies
Read ALL of the directions first.
If all the problems are worth the same amount of points, answer the easy questions first.
Use the process of elimination (POE) on multiple choice questions.
Double-check your answers.
Get adequate rest the night before.
Use an outline when composing an essay.
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COMPARISON OF
SCHOOL TYPES
Middle School
High School
College
Size
6th-8th grades
9th-12th grades
500-50,000 students
Schedule
7-8 classes
block scheduling, credits
MWF, TTh, hours
Campus
halls separated by grade
level
halls separated by subject
buildings separated by
subject
Class Size
grouping, teams
30+ varied grade levels in
subjects
50-100+
Class Options
elective choices only
choices within subjects
unlimited options
Attendance
mandatory
mandatory; tardies add
up and can effect student
exemptions
voluntary and expensive
Time
structured
structured
manage your own time
Student Involvement
built into the school day
extracurricular activities
are added to the school
day, before and after
must decide whether to
participate in co-curricular
activities
Parent Involvement
very encouraged
less encouraged but more
needed
not an option
Parent Communication
lot of teacher/parent
communication and
reminders
students must keep track
of dates and deadlines
with little sharing of
information directly to
parents from teachers
no communication with
parents
Parent Advocacy
parent advocates for
student
student should speak to
teachers directly when a
problem/issue arises then
involve parents
colleges cannot discuss
concerns with parents
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KNOW YOUR ROLE:
STUDENT = STAR PLAYER | PARENT = COACH
TEACHERS, COUNSELORS, ETC. = ASSISTANT COACHES
Parents often assume the role of cheerleader or casual fan in the arena of their student’s education. They
celebrate winning seasons and hang their heads when their favorite player puts up disappointing stats. It is time
for parents to grab the clipboard and take over as head coach in setting the pace and equipping their child with
the skills needed to charge on to victory!
Of course, this task is a difficult one to take on solo or even as a duo, so this is where your assistant coaches
enter the game in the form of teachers, counselors, and administrators. Each of these parties holds particular
skill sets to give your star player specialized training in different aspects of achievement, but the overall strategy
is orchestrated by the head coach (YOU, the parent) to lead your student to success. Although it is the coach’s
job to train, guide, and support, your student will ultimately be responsible for his/her own performance.
So, how can parents play a bigger role to support your students and keep them on track?
CHOOSING CLASSES AND ACTIVITIES:
Student: Take challenging courses.
Parent: Know graduation requirements and the bigger
picture.
Student: Read books and explore points of interest
outside of class.
Parent: Sign student up for extracurricular, academic, and
community service programs.
*We want to expose our students to challenging courses
and activities but not to the point of burnout.
STUDY ENVIRONMENT:
CAREER EXPLORATION:
Student: Research the educational requirements and average
salaries of various careers.
Parent: Arrange shadow opportunities for different careers
and educational levels.
*Parents don’t have to be an expert on all colleges,
curriculums, or careers, but they can initiate the conversation.
SOCIAL MEDIA ENVIRONMENT:
Student: Make good choices and be aware of the
information you are sharing.
Parent: Encourage independence but still monitor behavior.
Student: Turn off your phone.
Parent: Provide healthy, quiet study environment.
ORGANIZATION:
Student: Write all projects, homework assignments, tests,
and quizzes in a planner.
Parent: Provide a yearly planner for your student to keep
track of important dates.
*Check behind your student and provide incentives.
*Model work habits and discipline.
TUTORING:
Student: Get to know your teachers and take advantage of
tutoring opportunities.
Parent: Be proactive about making tutoring arrangements
for your student before grades suffer.
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COLLEGE PLANNING
TIMELINE 9-11
Choose challenging high school courses.
• Work with your counselor to develop a four-year plan.
• The courses you take in high school show colleges what kind of goals you set for yourself.
• Sign up for advanced classes, honors sections, AP or IB classes.
• Choose electives that really stretch your mind and help you develop new abilities.
• Research academic coursework required by colleges and universities of interest.
Start building a resume.
• Keep your academic records and lists of awards, honors, and activities at school and in the community.
• Participate in extracurricular activities, academic programs, summer camps, and workshops.
Start thinking about the colleges you want to attend.
• Create a list of colleges and universities in which you are interested.
• Gather information about the colleges from their websites.
• Request brochures and applications.
• Use www.bigfuture.collegeboard.org as a resource.
Make campus visits.
• Visit colleges and talk with admissions staff, sit in on classes, meet college students, and take campus tours.
Prepare for standardized testing.
• Prepare for the PSAT, the SAT, and/or the ACT.
• Sign up to take the SAT at www.sat.org or the ACT at www.actstudent.org.
• ACT recommends students take the ACT at least once their junior year, but you can begin earlier.
Begin to research financial aid and scholarship sources.
• If you are interested in playing sports in college, research NCAA eligibility requirements.
• Explore summer opportunities and start saving for college.