Postsecondary planning should begin earlier than senior year. Counselors and other educators should also ensure that programming is focused on students identifying themselves as learners and college-goers.
The Network for College Success has found that a strong, school-wide focus on postsecondary outcomes can improve students’ college access and success. A school-wide focus is especially important in areas with low social capital - i.e. a lack of college graduates in a school’s neighborhood boundary. The Network for College Success does not believe in a “one-size-fits-all” or prescriptive approach as students navigate to their best possible college choices. In order to ensure equitable outcomes for all students, postsecondary planning activities should be adapted to meet students at their current stage of adolescent development as well as addressing their specific needs.
Use the Tool Set
The full Making Postsecondary Plans Tool Set is available for download. The download includes the eight tools in this Tool Set.