How Much Help Do You Need from Your Diploma Program?

My youngest daughter, Katelyn, was over to our home last week to watch the movie, Free Solo, with me. This outstanding documentary follows Alex Honnold, the first climber to climb Yosemite’s El Capitan Wall, a 3,000.00 foot assent, without ropes or safety gear. This climb up El Capitan would be the first of it’s kind. One misstep would result in certain death. Great movie! An unbelievable feat filmed by the same crew that produced the movie, Meru, another outstanding climbing documentary.

This wasn’t the first time Alex had ascended the El Capitan Wall. He had climbed it with ropes and safety gear over 40 times. He knew the path he would take. He knew the best route and risks. He was familiar with what had to be done and how to do it. By virtue of experience, Alex had created his own support system.

When you think about support and guidance, how much do you think you will need to successfully help your student complete their high school years?

Below are some questions you can ask representatives of prospective diploma programs that will help you make an informed decision. They are arranged into three categories: advisors, transcripts, and other.

               Advisors:

• Will I be assigned a specific advisor to meet with by phone, email, or in person?
• How often may I meet with him or her?
• What are their credentials?
• If questions come up between appointments, how do I receive the help I need?

Transcripts:

• How often are transcripts updated?
• Do you assist in grading any of my students work?
• Do you send out transcripts on my behalf to prospective colleges?
• How long do you keep records, what do you keep, and how is it kept (digitally, or paper)?

Other:

• Do you provide letters of recommendation?
• What does the interface between college admissions personal and your diploma program look like?
• Do you provide a graduation ceremony?

Some of our clients simply want a transcript. They have the necessary experience, confidence, and need very little help. But, they do want a transcript. They know that admissions personnel are used to looking at a one-to-two-page transcript that summarizes the student’s high school career. Some parents may know that graduate schools often want, in addition to a transcript from the four-year college or university the student graduated from, a high school transcript and proof of graduation. We have found this to be a common practice.  

Knowing how much help you will need to insure your student will successfully complete their high school years is an important in choosing a diploma program that is a good fit for you, Asking the above questions will help you with your decision.

Thanks for reading!

Curt Bumcrot, MRE

Our first group test is just three weeks away. Be sure to sign up soon to reserve the day and testing time that you desire for your children. Also, we recommend using one of our popular practice tests available in one of two formats- available as an instant download or mailed hard copy. To order, go to our practice tests page.