Chapter 4

Making the Most of Your Kid’s Academic and Outside Experiences

IN THIS CHAPTER

Bullet Understanding the value of good grades and test scores

Bullet Making sense of the “marketing” of high school students

Bullet Helping your teenager make the most of their academic and activity choices and limited time

Most parents I know want the “best” for their kids. Everyone has their own definition of what that means, but for the vast majority, it generally includes raising children who are well-adjusted, self-confident, and happy, and helping them develop their talents and abilities. Of course, no one is happy all the time, and good parents understand that kids learn from failure and adversity.

There are plenty of myths and misconceptions about what it takes to develop your children’s potential and for them to gain admission to the “best” colleges. And, there are lots of myths and misconceptions about what makes a particular college one of the “best.”

This chapter helps you to navigate and make the most of the choices your kids have during their primary, middle, and high school education years. (Note: I understand that some families believe in homeschooling and what I discuss in this chapter and book ...

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