Involved Parents Want to Know: When should I begin preparing my child for college
This can be one of the most difficult questions for a parent to answer. My husband and I began our discussion with our children early. From junior high school, each vacation involved a trip to a local university. So when should you start? If you are an active, committed parent like myself, here is a guide to help you.
Parents can begin preparing their students for college well before the application process starts. Here's a timeline of when and how to get started:
1. Middle School (Grades 6-8):
Fostering Good Study Habits: Help your child develop strong organizational and time-management skills.
Encouraging Extracurricular Activities: Encourage involvement in extracurriculars, whether academic clubs, sports, or arts, to build well-rounded interests.
Introduce the Idea of College: Start casual conversations about what college is and why it’s a valuable path, making sure to include discussions about different types of schools and careers.
2. Early High School (Grades 9-10):
Building Strong Academic Foundations: Ensure your student focuses on core subjects, as GPA and class performance are key in college admissions.
Exploring Interests: Encourage your child to explore academic and extracurricular interests (e.g., internships, volunteer work, clubs) that align with potential college majors.
Understand College Admission Requirements: Research college admission requirements for different types of schools (e.g., state schools, private universities, liberal arts colleges) to know which courses your student should take.
3. Junior Year (Grade 11):
Research College Options: Start exploring different types of colleges (e.g., large universities, small liberal arts schools, community colleges) to see which fits best with your student's interests, values, and career goals.
Test Preparation: If your child plans to take the SAT, ACT, or other standardized tests, junior year is when they should begin preparation. Consider hiring a tutor or enrolling in test prep classes if needed.
Start Building a College List: Begin narrowing down a list of schools your child may want to apply to. Consider factors like academic programs, location, campus culture, and cost.
Visit Colleges: If possible, plan visits to campuses to get a feel for different environments. College tours and information sessions can provide valuable insights.
Explore Financial Aid: Begin understanding the costs of college, scholarships, grants, and other financial aid opportunities. Familiarize yourself with FAFSA (Free Application for Federal Student Aid) and other financial assistance options.
4. Senior Year (Grade 12):
Finalize College List: Narrow down the list of schools your student wants to apply to, and determine the application deadlines.
Application Prep: Help your student organize application requirements, including essays, recommendation letters, transcripts, and standardized test scores. Be proactive in ensuring deadlines are met.
College Essays and Interviews: Assist with essay brainstorming, editing, and preparation for interviews. Encourage your child to be reflective and authentic in their application materials.
Financial Aid & Scholarships: Complete the FAFSA and look into other scholarships or state-based financial aid programs. Be sure to check deadlines for aid applications.
Decision Making: Once acceptances come in, help your child weigh the pros and cons of each school, considering factors like financial aid offers, location, and long-term career goals.
College Visits: If your child hasn’t already visited the final schools on their list, now is the time for "admitted student" days to get a better sense of the community before making a final choice.
5. Summer Before College:
Prepare for Transition: Help your student with packing, understanding their college schedule, and preparing for dorm life. This can include organizing finances, setting up a bank account, or figuring out how to handle health insurance.
Final Decision: If your student hasn’t already committed, this is the final chance to decide which college to attend and send in the deposit.
General Tips Throughout the Process:
Encourage Independence: Allow your student to take the lead on decisions as they approach high school and college, with guidance from you when needed.
Promote Life Skills: Teach your child basic life skills, such as managing a budget, cooking simple meals, and handling time management—skills they will need when living on their own.
In short, preparation for college should begin as early as middle school, with a focus on academic success, personal growth, and exploring college options in high school. The earlier you begin fostering independence and encouraging your student to think critically about their future, the smoother the transition to college will be. At EYHCollegeCoach, we partner with our clients to assist in this exploration to prepare for success. Check our many packages or customize your own unique journey.