Oak Hill, WV (WOAY) As students are getting ready for the immediate school year, it’s also important to start thinking long-term. The college admissions process can seem like a marathon, but keeping a few things in mind starting as early as middle school can help ensure a smooth process throughout your child’s education. Helping your child develop strong organizational and time-management skills will serve them through high school and beyond. Encouraging your teen to try activities, from sports to music to clubs, can open doorways to scholarships and lifelong passions. Work with your teen and their school counselor before freshman year to develop a four-year-plan that includes college-preparatory classes and continued involvement in extracurriculars.