The majority of parents in the United States expect their children to attend college. Most students also share this goal. Middle-school parents don't always take the steps necessary to help their kids get to college.
Harris Interactive's national survey of 7th and 8th graders released in this year found that 68% reported having little or no knowledge on what classes to enroll in to prepare for college.
Counselors from colleges, the National Association for College Admission Counseling as well as ACT encourage parents to start college planning in middle school. The reasoning behind this is very simple:
- If your child is going to college, they will need to be well prepared in middle-school.
- Make college affordable for the whole family by doing your research.
You can cut the cost of college by using a variety of methods, including scholarships, low-interest student loans, work-study and spending the first two-years at a local community college. It takes some time to find out about these options, as well as to gather all the necessary information to meet the deadlines.
All families should plan for college, regardless of whether the parents have attended. Rose Fabiszak from the College Board, who is in charge of College Ed, says that the process of applying to college has changed since 2004.
Plan your next steps with these seven easy steps.
College Talk
Even if your child doesn't tell you, the expectations that you have for her can be a major influence. It's important to help her imagine her future, especially when middle school is a time of social anxiety. Do not expect your child to be able to attend Harvard. Discuss with your child her interests and how these might translate into college majors or careers.
College Ed, in partnership with districts and schools, does just that. Students assess their interests, talents and college majors in a series or lessons. Then they develop a plan of action to reach their goal. Fabiszak explains that "this is a self-exploration."
You can find resources online to start the conversation with your child about careers. Many of them were mentioned in "Helping You Child Connect School and Work," an article by GreatSchools.
You and your child can visit colleges together so that she can start to imagine herself in the college. Fabiszak shares the story of how her daughter visited a college out-of state that seemed like it would be a good match. It was not. Fabiszak's child realized she wanted a closer home. She commuted to college in the city.
Fabiszak told her, "You need to find somewhere comfortable." "She made a change of heart." We encouraged the girl early and she was able to decide what would work for her.
Make the School Your Partner
It's at this time that parents are less involved with their children, yet they need guidance and support. Meeting your child's teacher is a good idea if it hasn't been done already. Make sure you let them know what you'd like to hear about changes in their work or behavior. The counselor can help you to identify strengths as well as weaknesses in your child by reviewing the results of his or her standardized tests. The counselor can help you identify electives or activities for your child that will allow him to grow. Speak to the counselor to find out how you can help your child with extra work or challenging assignments.
Fabiszak says, "Speak up about what you need at school." "You can call the school to ask for extra help if your child is failing in math.
Your child's school choice is important.
This is what the research shows: Children who complete algebra in eighth and ninth grades are far more likely than others to attend college. This math class is required for high school math and science courses like chemistry and Physics. Along with math, your middle schooler should also be taking:
- Every year
- History, geography and science: as many classes possible
- Foreign language. Many universities require two years of language study, which can be begun in middle or high school.
You should encourage your child to enroll in computer science classes at the middle or high school level. This is because many college courses and jobs require computer literacy. He'll learn new skills as well as discover a possible career.
Bottom line: your child must be more prepared than just to graduate from high school to be able to attend college. It's too late to start preparing him for college preparatory classes.
College costs: Be savvy
Experts point out that there is a wide range of options for financing a higher education. You just have to be diligent. You can avoid the panic of last-minute borrowing by researching the system, the options for saving, such as 529 Plans, and the creative ways to finance your education.
Fabiszak believes that you can pay for your college education. "It requires work and early action."
Also, you will discover that there are other cost-saving options: Your student can earn college credits by enrolling in Advanced Placement courses in highschool or taking summer classes at a community college. You can save a full year's tuition by taking AP classes in high school or summer courses at your local community college.
Encourage your child's love of reading
The best preparation your child can get for the SAT/ACT or college readings is to have them read the books.
Why not make learning vocabulary a game for the whole family by learning one word per day? Many subscription services will send you a daily word via email, such as this one by Dictionary.com. The daily word can be taught to your family over dinner.
High school is coming up
The high school years are the preparation for college. How do you compare? Does your school offer AP and honors classes? These courses give students an edge when applying to college. Will they be available to your child? Are they open to all students or does a student need a particular grade point or teacher selection? Do you have electives or extracurricular activities to motivate and engage the child? Are there other options if not? Do you need community resources to complement what your school offers — such as music groups, sports teams, tutors? Now is the time to research your future child's highschool, talk to parents and visit the classes.
Our grade-by grade college preparation time lines will guide your child through 9th, 10th, 11th, and 12th grades.
You should not delay in getting your child assistance with studying skills
In high school and in college, your child's success will depend on his or her ability to manage time and organize. Now is the time to tackle these issues before they become more difficult. Be sure to provide your child with the materials they will need for homework. Monitor his results and help him develop a regular schedule. Speak to the counselor of your child about extra help. It could be at a center for community or after-school tutoring. GreatSchools offers a variety of study tips.
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