The planning process for your high school student begins early in their junior year of high school and continues through their senior year and the summer prior to their first fall semester of classes.
Junior year of high school
September
Help your student list the ways to reach their greatest potential by developing good study habits, such as setting aside specific time for sketching in a sketch book, practicing observational drawing, setting aside time for studying for each class.
Discover more about KCAD by encouraging your teen to attend one of the Connect to KCAD events which run September through June.
January
We encourage you to talk to parents of students who attend KCAD. Discover why they and their student chose Kendall College of Art and Design.
You can help your student by preparing for the ACT or SAT exam. Be sure your future college student lists KCAD's ACT number (1983) or KCAD's SAT number (1376) when taking the exam, so we receive the scores.
March
If you haven't already done so, encourage your future college student to visit our campus while classes are in session. Set up a tour of KCAD's campus by clicking here .
August
Discuss goals, grades, and activities for the coming year. Many colleges carefully examine senior-year grades and courses.
Senior year of high school
September
Call 800.676.2787 to learn more about portfolio review requirements and scheduling a portfolio review.
October
Encourage your student to apply to KCAD early. Make sure that your teen has completed the application. Your student can apply online by visiting the admissions page. You can set up an on-campus visit with your student. After a tour, parents and students are invited to explore the campus on their own, as well as explore the downtown Grand Rapids community.
File your FAFSA (Free Application for Federal Student Aid) starting October 1.
November
Talk with your teen about how you are going to finance their college education, discuss different financial aid packages and explore potential scholarship opportunities at KCAD. Many scholarships have deadlines. Look into requirements early.
February
There is still time to apply to Kendall College of Art and Design.
March
Make sure that your student continues to apply for independent scholarships in your community.
May
Make sure that your student's final high school transcript has been or will be sent to Kendall College of Art and Design.
June
Enjoy the graduation ceremonies and celebrations. Remember, KCAD's orientation session(s) run during the summer months.
July
Help your college bound student start packing.
August
Classes start - welcome to KCAD!