College prep: A 'do great' guide for students, parents
When you're a parent sending your child off to college, it's a moment of swelling pride and perhaps some natural fears. The same applies to your young student, as they're taking an important step that will set up the rest of their adult life.
Becoming a college student provides a rite of passage into adulthood, career options, higher earning potential, and years of memories that last a lifetime. To make sure that all parties are ready for this moment, there are some college preparation steps you should know.
Parents and students alike will benefit greatly by exploring the following information when preparing for college.
Take the PSAT and SAT seriously
When learning how to prepare for college, recognize just how important the college entrance exams are. The SAT is the most important one, while the PSAT prepares younger students to take it.
Take the SAT exam at least twice, and as many times as you need to, beginning in the fall of your junior year. The universities accept the highest of your scores, and there's no limit on how many times you can take it.
Study extensively in advance, and take some SAT prep courses and practice exams to help.
Visit colleges every summer
College planning starts with exposure and a mindset change. Start as early as possible helping your child set academic goals that involve going to college.
Starting in middle school or high school, add some college campus visits to your summer vacation itinerary. The visit can be as informal and laid back as you want, and will give your young student the feeling of being on campus.
It will give them something to aspire to and offer some added motivation going into the school year.
Get finances in order
Finances are always an important part of the college process. Tuition is steadily on the rise, and you'll pay significantly more if your student decides to attend an out-of-state school.
The earlier you start setting money aside, the easier it'll be to handle college finances when the time comes. Look into college saving plans that will help you ensure that you have the money for tuition and room and board when the time comes.
Involve your student in the process of browsing college prices so that they understand the seriousness of the investment.
It's part of the process of helping them mature and recognize that college is a time of newfound freedom, in addition to a time of added responsibility.
Develop the best scholarly habits
Parents and students will have peace of mind when the student is prepared for the rigors of college. You need to set these habits up early so that they are already college-ready.
A college schedule will involve early morning classes, long study sessions, and prioritizing time. Help your student with this in their middle and high school years, and make sure that they're striving to be proactive, rather than waiting until the last minute and cramming.
Some good habits to employ include taking the best notes, seeking help early in the semester, and studying every day regardless of what tests or assignments are on the horizon.
Explore potential career opportunities
Academic success paves the way for several life benefits. Students that excel in college and take advantage of internships will have more career opportunities. This can also lead to higher earning potential.
Set goals with your student now so that they can understand what it takes to attain certain careers. This will provide motivation and inspiration that can also push your child to do their best.
Learning the prerequisites for certain careers will also help your child schedule the best AP classes and electives. It can also help them explore summer programs that can also steer them toward these goals.
Help your young student become independent
Student performance requires a combination of discipline and foresight. When your young scholar is emotionally mature and independent, this will carry over into college campus life.
Textbooks and homework aside, make sure that you're also helping your teen mature a bit more each year. This involves giving them more responsibilities and obligations.
Issue more privileges and trust based on how well they do what is required without having to be asked. These sorts of factors are every bit as important as intelligence and academic performance and will dictate a lot about their college experience.
As a parent, you'll also feel at ease knowing that you're sending your student off to college with the right mindset and temperament.
Stress time management and priorities
Taking care of what needs to be done boils down to time management. This is a matter of scheduling, discipline, and priorities.
Help your young student build these habits with their high school course load so that they are prepared once they arrive on a college campus in the fall. A big part of this means delaying instant gratification by sticking to the work that must be done.
Being out and about and in touch with the social scene is certainly part of the high school experience, but make sure that it is kept in perspective. This way, your student will have the discipline needed to not get too lost in the newfound freedom of college.
College preparation for parents and students
When you handle college preparation in this way, everyone in the family will benefit. This is a time in a person's life in which the world is wide open to them.
Start with these tips so that the transition is a positive one. For more information on education and life skills that make a difference, stay tuned to our website.
