College prep by Brian Underwood: It is never too early to start preparing for college

Welcome to "Jeopardy," the College Planning Edition for junior high and high school parents!

Our panel of contestants is comprised of junior high and high school parents who are interested in working with their students to help them navigate the shifting sands of college and career planning.

Today, we're pleased to have with us Kathy, a mother of two from Carson City, Bob, a father of two from Genoa, and Lisa, a mother of three from Minden-Gardnerville.

Hello, everyone, and welcome to Jeopardy. Here are your topics:

• Troubling Trends

• Scores & More

• Reliable Resources

Today's abbreviated format will allow each contestant one question before we move to Final Jeopardy.

Kathy, since you've got a senior and, therefore, the least amount of time among our contestants to help your student, we'll have you lead off.

Thanks, Brian, I'll take Reliable Resources for 300.

•••

A: Among many in Cyberspace, this website is considered one of the most comprehensive college and career planning sites, offering students guidance on everything from Academic Support to those planning to major in Zoology.

Q: What is the CollegeBoard website - www.collegeboard.org.

That's right, Kathy. The College Board (author of the SAT) offers everything from virtual college counseling services, to free SAT-prep assistance, to in-depth information on colleges around the country. This site is an excellent resource for students/families at every stage of planning. Whether you're a senior needing immediate help or you're an underclassman with a bit more time, this site offers one-stop shopping.

•••

Bob, you've got a junior, so you're next.

Brian, I'll take Scores & More for 200.

A: According to The Princeton Review, one of the largest and most respected SAT & ACT test preparation companies in the country, juniors (and, ideally, sophomores, too) should be preparing this month and early next month for this test?

Q: What is the PSAT (e.g. Practice-SAT)?

Well done, Bob. The PSAT is an early opportunity for sophomores and juniors to receive a "non-counting" benchmark of their preparedness for the SAT. In other words, the PSAT is practice test offered to juniors (and to sophomores in some schools) as part of the National Testing Day program during the month of October to help students gain familiarity with the SAT. High schools typically receive and distribute free test prep booklets at this time of year to assist students prepare for the practice assessment.

•••

OK, Lisa, you've got three children, one in junior high and three in elementary school, what category appeals to you?

Brian, I'll take Troubling Trends for 400.

Excellent choice, Lisa!

A: The American Council on Education -ACE (www.collegeispossible.org) cites these factors as the most important steps that elementary and middle school students/families can take to enhance college and career planning options?

Q: What is:

1. Investigate and choose a savings vehicle;

2. Begin saving as early as possible;

3. Encourage your child to challenge him or herself academically, to develop good study habits, and to become involved in school and community-based extracurricular activities.

4. Discuss career and college options with your child and encourage his or her aspirations, and...

5. Consult with your child's middle school to learn more about the applicable college preparatory classes available to him or her.

Great job, Lisa! You've been doing your homework. The ACE is absolutely right about the importance of getting an early start on such things. Of particular importance is ensuring a student's academic fitness for college. The development of a strong work ethic through disciplined study habits and consistent outside reading from school-recommended reading lists will dramatically enhance a student's preparedness for college.

•••

We've got a tightly knit pack, with Lisa in the lead with 400, followed by Kathy with 300, followed by Bob with 200. And now, it's time for our Final Jeopardy question from the category of: What's next?

A: Going forward, this periodical will be your authoritative source for all things related to college and career planning, including more information on these topics as well as information on other topics like:

Fit & Feel: Steps to selecting the right college.

Money Matters: Financial options and resources to funding a college education.

Dire Deadlines: A comprehensive roadmap from junior high to college.

And other topics as requested.

The Final Jeopardy answer? This space every other Sunday.

The winner of the game? The readers who might use this column as a starting point to further their students' pursuit of lifelong learning.

• Brian Underwood is the executive director of Sierra Lutheran High School.