Your child's high school grades will help determine the type of college and financial aid he or she will qualify for. Some schools grade performance on a 100-point scale, but most high schools evaluate students on their academic performance with a letter score of A, B, C, D, and F. These grades are accumulated into a grade point average (GPA): 4 points for "A" grades and 0 points for "F" grades. The higher the GPA, the better:

• 4.0: An excellent GPA, and will qualify your child for most competitive four-year colleges and universities.
• 3.5: A very good GPA and will qualify your child for most colleges.
• 3.0: An average GPA, equal to "B" grades in all courses, and usually the minimum needed to qualify for college admission.

Parent Action Items:

• Review your child's progress reports and report cards every semester. Praise or reward your child for getting good grades. If he is struggling with a class, encourage him to speak with a teacher about how to improve. Ask if tutoring or after-school programs are available.
• Tell your child how important her grades are to you and why they are important to get into the college she wants.
• Show your support by visiting your child's teacher or counselor. Your presence in his school is the greatest sign that you are involved! Your child will be motivated knowing that you are there for him.

Visit collegeboard.com to learn more about helping your child with study skills and how the high school counselor can help.