Here's a quick way to make sure your child is on track in high school

Worried that you may find out that your child is on the wrong track in high school when it's too late? Meet with your child's high school guidance counselor right away. Make sure your child is taking the most rigorous courses available to him/her. By taking the most challenging classes offered, he/she will demonstrate personal drive and academic prowess. Top colleges prefer students who seek college-level classes to prepare themselves for success in higher education.

Don't let your child be one of those who find out in their junior year that they should have taken more sciences or languages. Discuss your concerns with your counselor. If your child struggles in the most difficult classes, seek tutorial support before dropping to the lower-level classes. If you'd like professional advice from a college advisor, check Merit's Online College Advisory services.