It’s a jungle out there–cluttered with all kinds of college advice. How does a parent hack through the massive amounts of advice and find what they need with confidence? It’s not easy. There are hundreds, if not thousands, of college help websites, Facebook groups, YouTube channels and more offering paid and unpaid advice about college.
There are five experts I turn to when I need added advice about all things college:
Debbie Schwartz-admissions/financial aid
Debbie Schwartz founded Road2College in 2016 to educate families about college admissions and empower smarter college financial decisions. Her facebook group has a huge following with parents and experts sharing advice about paying for college and finding colleges with the best merit aid.
With all the scholarship search sites and information out there, you need someone to help your student WIN the scholarships they are eligible for. Monica fits that bill. She successfully helped her son graduate debt-free with $100,000 worth of scholarships by using her unique method of packaging the scholarship application. She knows her stuff and she knows what you need to know to make the scholarship application process successful.
Perhaps the most complicated aspect of the college application process is financial aid. Jodi has experience in this area from working in a college’s financial aid department. She has advice related to the FAFSA, student loans, financing college and helping your student budget for college. If you have a financial aid question, Jodi knows the answer.
I love Ethan’s information because he knows what he is talking about and much of it is free to anyone who takes the time to browse his website. He offers samples of essays, tips for writing them, brainstorming ideas and more. He also provides personalized help with the essay and web training for students as well. You can’t go wrong by using Ethan’s expertise and he even has a “pay what you can afford” option for his seminars. What could be better?
If you have a learning disabled student or simply a student who can’t seem to focus on preparing for standardized tests, Jenn is the expert. Her unique method of coaching not only helps prepare your student for the test, but she helps them learn study habits to help with more than test prep. Jenn has the training and the experience to help your student do their best on any of the standardized tests. Plus, she’s a Duke alumini and proud of it!
Disclaimer: I don’t receive any fee or commission for recommending these experts. These are simply my own “go to” experts when I have a question or need to collaborate in any of these areas of college prep. I trust them implicitly and you can too!
When parents and students enter the college-bound process,
issues arise. It’s the inevitable clash of what parents think is best for their
kids, and what the kids want. Over the past 18 years the clashes have been over
such things as food, friends and entertainment choices. As college approaches,
the parent-student conflict intensifies.
Following are six areas that typically cause conflict along with some advice on how to handle it and work toward a compromise.
1. Junior college vs
4-year college
Parents often approach the college prep process from a
financial standpoint; students do. They make their decisions based on all types
of criteria that might not seem logical to parents: location, campus
activities, the look of the campus, friends, and even popularity of the college
with their peers. While those aren’t necessarily the best criteria, they should
play into their final decisions.
Here are just a few questions to consider:
Would a
4-year college be better for your student?
If your student is independent and knows
what he wants, a 4-year college might indeed be the best choice. Students who
are focused and are ready to pursue a specific major can benefit from attending
a 4-year college starting with their freshman year.
Could you
justify a 4-year college if it was more affordable?
Although junior college is more affordable
based on cost for credit hours, there are other factors to consider. For
instance, scholarships are more readily available to incoming freshmen than to
transfer students. Financial aid awards could be enough to offset the higher
tuition fees.
Does your student understand the benefits of junior college?
Perhaps the greatest benefit of attending a
junior college is getting the basics out of the way, especially if they are
unsure about a major. The financial benefits can be great as well, especially
if the student lives at home and works while attending.
Is it possible to reach a compromise?
Talk with your student and make an effort to
understand their reasons for wanting to attend a 4-year college. Be open to the
possibility. Explain your concerns about cost and going to college without a
decided major. A compromise might be for them to take courses over the summer
before college and get a few of the basics out of the way.
2. A profitable major
vs a major that embraces their passions
Parents think logically—they want their kids to graduate and
be able to secure a job that pays well and has future career advancement
possibilities. While there is nothing wrong with that line of thinking, their
kids want to study something that interests them.
Have you considered these realities?
Your
child would be more likely to embrace college if he has a passion for what he
is studying.
Statistics show that nearly half of all
college students drop out before receiving a degree. If your student is
pursuing something he is passionate about, the likelihood of him sticking it
out for 4 years is much higher than if he is pursuing a major that doesn’t
interest him simply because he will be more employable after graduation.
There are
lucrative majors that embrace all areas of interest and could be a good
compromise.
Investigate majors and research the ones
that have a good rate of return. Encourage your child to look at the degree
plans and perhaps add a minor to their degree embracing their passions. Some
colleges even allow students to create their own degree plans, choosing courses
that interest them and pertain to their areas of study.
Those who
are happiest in life have careers that they are passionate about.
Of course you want your child to be
successful and be able to make a living. But even though they get a job after
graduation that pays well, it doesn’t guarantee they will stick with it,
especially if it is not something they are passionate about.
Explaining
the consequences of choosing a major that’s unemployable might help your child
understand why you are concerned.
Graduating with debt and being unemployable
is a big concern for parents. But your student may not understand the
consequences of their decision. Its four years down the road and all they see
is dollar signs because they have a college degree. Encourage them to do some
research on the major they are considering and the expected salary and hiring
potential after graduation. It just might open their eyes and help them move
toward a more logical major.
3. Extracurricular
activities vs free time
Parents look at the big picture. Students focus on the “here
and now”. It’s hard for teenagers to comprehend the importance of proper
planning and preparation. They want to enjoy high school and not be pressed day
in and day out to focus on the future. It’s a delicate balance between applying
themselves, managing their time and enjoying their free time.
With a few simple tactics you and your teen should be able
to reach a compromise:
Set
aside time each day to work on college related activities.
Parents who are over achievers expect the
same from their student. But all work and no play makes for a very stressed out
teenager. Make a plan with them to spend x amount of time each day on
college-related activities. Once they complete their daily tasks, you will feel
better about letting them have some free time.
Encourage
your teen to focus on one activity throughout high school.
Many parents think that piling on the
extracurriculars during high school will impress college admissions officers.
But it’s not entirely true. Colleges are looking for focused applicants. They
are much more impressed with a student who has devoted four years in high
school to one particular activity than one who has piled them on just to
impress. Consistency is more appealing than numbers.
Allow
your teen time to have fun while helping them to find balance.
Teaching your teen to balance their time
will go a long way in helping them to manage their time in college. Students
who know how to keep a balance between studying and social activities do much
better in a college environment. Help them prioritize their activities.
Work with
them to establish goals and the steps needed to reach them.
Before they leave for college, students need
to know how to set goals and how to take steps to fulfill them. Help them make
a list of goals, both short term and long term, and encourage them to evaluate
those goals on a regular basis adjusting their time to stay on track.
4. Hand holding vs a
quest for independence
Perhaps the most difficult part of parenting a college-bound
teen is when to help and when to let them take the reins. It’s hard because for
the past 18 years we have been in control. Relinquishing control over such a
critical process in their life is harder than you might imagine. Looking at the
process from the college’s standpoint, the student needs to own the process.
They will be the one going to college and they should be the one making the
decisions. But you can certainly guide, encourage and offer help when asked.
Parents can help with
these tasks:
Staying organized-keeping track of deadlines and test dates.
Explaining the financial plan-discuss what you will pay and what you expect them to pay toward college.
Providing documents as needed, especially concerning financial aid.
Offering advice about college choices-offer advice but don’t dictate choices based on your preferences.
Accompanying them on college visits- listen to their likes and dislikes afterwards while staying objective.
Providing tutoring help if needed.
Help with studying for standardized tests.
Guide them with the final decision helping them take into account financial aid awards
Help with locating scholarships.
Parents should let
their student take the lead with these tasks:
Compiling a list of college choices
Talking during college visits and interviews
Communicating with colleges via email, social media, and telephone
Gathering letters of recommendation
Applying for scholarships
Completing the application
Completing the FAFSA
Making the final decision
5. Gap year vs going
straight to college
Parents cringe when their teens bring up the gap year. The
concept seems like procrastination and parents fear that once out of school,
the student may never go to college at all. Taking a year off to lie around and
do nothing is never an acceptable option. But taking a year off with a focused
purpose might be what’s best for your teen.
Before you put your foot down and forbid them to do this,
consider the reasons a gap year might be beneficial:
They
could use the time to pursue career interests.
A gap year could be the perfect time for
your student to learn more about specific careers that would help them choose a
major. Internships and apprenticeships during the year could provide them with
more information about the types of education needed and the specific degree
plan best suited to their chosen career.
They
could take the time to travel and work abroad.
Taking a year off to travel and work abroad
can be beneficial when they do attend college. Being exposed to different
cultures and getting to see the world helps them in their future careers. There
are many programs
that offer students the opportunity to work while abroad and some that offer
them the opportunity to volunteer for room and board. Scholarships are also
available as well.
They
could simply use the time to mature and gain focus.
Many high school graduates simply aren’t
mature and focused enough to attend college. Taking a year off means a year to
grow and mature. But it should never be used to sit around the house, play
video games, and hang out with friends. A gap year, to help with maturity and
focus, should always include a plan such as working part-time while taking a
few courses at the local community college.
Work full
time to save money for college.
For many students, working full time for a
year will help them save money for college expenses. It’s definitely something
to consider, especially if this money would be used to avoid taking out student
loans.
Parents should understand that college right after high school is not the best path for every teen. There are other alternatives, even ones that could include taking a course or two at a community college. The most important role for parents is to help their teenager find a path to success.
6. Considering alternatives to college
In a recent article I wrote for Collegiate Parent, Alternatives to Traditional College, I explained that not every student is meant to take the 4-year college path:
“When my son was a senior in high school, he had no idea what he wanted to do after graduation. College seemed out of reach and of very little interest since he coasted through high school on the bare minimum of effort. His involvement in NJROTC (Navy Junior Reserve Officers Training Corps) in high school led him toward the military option. When he left for boot camp after graduation, he was happy with his decision to avoid the traditional college route.
My daughter, on the other hand, knew she wanted to go to college and where she wanted to go. When she graduated and left for college in the fall, she was content with her decision and looked forward to four years of education.
Each of my children chose a different path. If I had forced my son to attend college it would have ended badly. If I had pressured my daughter to join the military, it would have been a disaster. But since I let them decide for themselves and didn’t push them in any one direction, they found the paths that were right for them.”
While a college degree is an impressive achievement and has undisputed value, it’s not for everyone. There are many meaningful paths after high school graduation that don’t include a traditional four-year college experience. If your student is vacillating about going to college, or is currently in college but regrets the decision, don’t panic. Your student may need to follow one of these alternative paths.
Parents and teens take on new roles during the college prep
process. The parents are attempting to let go and trust that the decisions made
will be the best ones. The teens are attempting to exert their independence and
make their own decisions. As senior year progresses, teens should move toward
independence and parents should relinquish control and trust their teens to act
as they have been taught over the last 18 years. It’s not easy, but the ideal
situation is parents guiding their teens to become independent, self-advocating
adults.
With many students overburdened with debt after graduation and parents stretching to pay for college beyond their ability to repay, it makes sense to plan ahead and know your options before making a decision about college. The College Board at FinAid.org provides parents and students with several different college cost calculators to help families plan for college costs.
The three most commonly
used calculators are as follows:
College Cost
Projector
Since college costs
increase at about twice the inflation rate, this calculator helps project how
much college will cost when you are ready to enroll. In order to calculate the costs,
you would enter the current costs of attendance and the number of years until
attendance. The calculator then projects the estimated cost.
EFC (Expected Family Contribution)
Calculator
This form is used to
calculate the financial need which is used by colleges to determine the
financial aid package. It calculates the need for a single year and helps you
know in advance the amount colleges will expect you to pay toward your college
education. This figure will also determine the amount of financial aid you
receive.
Loan Repayment
Calculator
This calculator computes
an estimate of the size of your monthly loan payments and the annual salary
required to manage them. Students should always calculate the loan repayment
amounts before taking on loans that they are unable to repay upon graduation.
Once calculated, this tool gives you an estimated annual salary needed to
afford repayment.
FinAid.org also offers many more calculators that can help you plan and budget for college. Here’s the extensive list with links:
(Privacy guarantee: None of the information you enter in these calculators will be saved, and no record of your sessions will be stored anywhere.)
It is always wise to
know your college costs before you make a college choice. Knowing these figures
also helps you when evaluating financial aid packages and comparing the various
offers from the colleges you are considering.
If you’re a parent with a college-bound teen you might be feeling just a bit overwhelmed. With tuition costs rising and many colleges reducing their financial aid packages, it’s easy to wonder if you’ll be able to afford that hefty college price tag and focus on college sticker shock. Whether you are looking at fall college admission payments coming due, or you have several years to go before forking over the cash, you’ll appreciate these simple cost savings tips.
Encourage your teen to search and apply for scholarships. There are all types of scholarships available for all types of students at all ages and education levels. Summer is the perfect time to search and apply, thus conquering summer boredom.
Get college credit early with AP exams. If your teen is enrolled in high school AP courses, make sure they take the AP exams. If they score well, they will receive college credit, which can save you thousands of dollars in tuition alone.
Don’t discount private universities. Your EFC (Expected Family Contribution) will be the same no matter which college your teen attends. Private universities often have substantial alumni donors and also have the largest aid packages with many paying the total cost of tuition.
Consider programs
that provide funds during college in exchange for a service commitment. These
programs such as ROTC, AmeriCorps, VISTA and
the Peace Corps offer tuition reimbursement, stipends and also provide an
opportunity to serve.
Apply for financial
aid even if you don’t think you will qualify. Every family should
complete the FAFSA (Free Application for Federal Student Aid). Every college
uses this form to distribute need-based and non-need based aid. Even if you
don’t qualify for need-based aid, your teen might qualify for an academic
campus-based scholarship.
Be a penny pincher. You
can save big bucks on textbooks, computers, meal plans, dorm furnishings and
transportation. Investigate alternatives to paying top dollar for new items and
save on second-hand items.
Encourage your teen
to take summer classes at your local community college. The
cost for these courses will be substantially less that at a four-year
university. However, make sure that these credits will transfer to your teen’s
chosen college upon completion.
Before your teen heads off to college, create a simple budget that will
help your teen and your family plan for college-related expenditures. These
simple college cost savings tips should help you save a large chunk of change;
and in today’s economy, every dollar counts.
The National Center for Education Statistics requisitioned a study that followed the attainment and persistence rates of a nationally representative sample of 19,000 American students, following them over the past six years.
The report found that within six years of enrollment:
35
percent of students had not received any type of degree and were no longer
enrolled at any institution
46
percent of students who initially enrolled in two-year institutions did not
receive any type of degree and were no longer enrolled at any institution
50
percent of students who enrolled in a four-year college did not attain a degree
from that college
These statistics show that there is a significant amount of students who enter college and do not attain a degree. What can be done to assure that you don’t become one of those college dropout statistics?
1. Research
colleges and majors before applying—It’s just plain smart to do the
research and know why and where you want to go to college. Refine your list of
choices to include the colleges that offer the academic program that suits your
interests and the college setting and faculty that you feel most comfortable
with and could see yourself flourishing in that environment.
2. Study the
cost of attendance and know your financial aid options—Before you choose a
college, make sure you can pay for it and that you’re comfortable with repaying
any loans you secure to finance it. Verify that your scholarships will be
available for the course of your enrollment and what requirements need to be
met to keep them. Do some calculations that show you the true cost of
attendance using college cost calculators.
3. Find the “perfect fit” college—If you feel like you fit at the college you are attending, you will be more likely to stay and complete your degree. That perfect fit means that you want to be there AND the college values you and wants you there as well.
4. Be invested
in the process—If college is your goal, you need to be invested in the
process. Contribute to the education financially and you will be more likely to
stay invested and complete the process. Going just for the sake of going or
because you think it’s what you are supposed to do will not keep you there.
5. Be realistic
about obstacles and get help if necessary—College, like life, will have its
own set of obstacles. When you encounter them, get help. Seek advice from a
mentor or another student. Get tutoring if you find you’re struggling with your
classes. Speak with a professor if you need clarification or assistance on
projects. Use your RA (Resident Assistant) to help resolve roommate conflicts.
Before you make such a
large investment, the wise consumer will do the research and be realistic about
what is required to finance the education, while admitting that you will face
obstacles along the way.
It’s time for your senior to start planning college visits; and an important part of any college visit is the college interview. Here are some tips to help your student prepare:
Your palms are sweating. Your throat is dry. You are sitting in an admissions office waiting for your turn to be interviewed by someone from the college you are intent on attending. You’ve heard all the horror stories and you’ve prepared as best you could for the questions that will be asked. You know that this interview is an important part of the admissions process and it could contribute to the college’s final decision.
Here are three things
you need to remember before you walk in to the admissions office:
1. Be Yourself
The admissions officer
is not looking for the person you
wish you could be or the person you think they want to see. They want to get to
know you and get a feel for how you will fit in to their college population.
Being yourself benefits you and the colleges by helping both of you get to know
one another and find that perfect fit. You do yourself and the college a
disservice by pretending to be someone other than who you are. It’s a bad way
to begin your college career and a poor example to set in an interview.
2. Take some time to
prepare
Don’t walk into a
college interview unprepared. Research some of the common questions asked and
think about how you would answer them. Know a little about the college and be
prepared to tell the admissions officer why you are interested in attending
their college. If you’re excited about attending, they will be excited about
offering you admission. Every college wants students who want to be there and
who know how they will fit in to their campus. If you show little motivation,
they will show little interest.
3. Remember that you
are also conducting an interview
Colleges are not the only ones conducting the interview. You are interviewing them to find out whether or not you would feel comfortable attending there. Prepare some questions in advance; but don’t ask questions that can be found on the website or in the admissions literature. Admissions officers welcome questions that communicate an interest in their college and a willingness to learn more about their specific academic programs. Don’t just sit there and answer “yes” and “no” to their questions without having a conversation. It’s your opportunity to get to know them as well as theirs to get to know you.
The college admissions
interview communicates that you are interested in attending and gives the
colleges an opportunity to get to know you by putting a face with a name. When
decision time comes around, colleges will remember your interest and the
interview could very well put your name above someone who didn’t take the time
to schedule one.
Many times, students and parents just “let the college decision happen”. They automatically assume that once they make the decision to attend, they will be able to get in somewhere, even if it’s a local community college. You should take charge of your college process and make it your “job” to find a place where you can get a college education that is worth the money.
1. Establish relationships
Start early establishing
those relationships that will help you in the college admissions process. You
will need recommendations from teachers, counselors and even business
professionals. You should also make contact with admissions personnel at the
colleges you are considering. These relationships will cement your desire to
attend their college and keep your name at the forefront of their minds
when they receive your application.
2. Choose to choose
Don’t let the college decision happen. Make a decision
to choose the colleges. Take control of the process from researching, to
visiting, to applying, to final acceptance. It’s up to you to evaluate your
financial aid awards and determine the best value. You don’t want your
college education to be an “impulse” buy.
3. Be wise about
funding
Part of taking charge of
the process, is taking charge of the funding. Know what your budget is and what
you are willing to spend. Don’t bury yourself in debt. Look at the repayment
calculators and evaluate your earning potential upon graduation. Don’t take the
“I’ll-think-about-that-when-I-graduate” approach. Most importantly, fill out
the FAFSA (Free Application for Federal Student Aid) because this qualifies you
for government grants, loans and college merit aid scholarships.
If you follow these
simple suggestions, you will be the one in charge of your college search. Don’t leave the process to fate, luck or someone you
don’t even know. It’s your future. It’s your decision. It’s your education.
Your senior is looking ahead. The last few months of high school. Major decisions to make. A huge to-do list. Then…it’s off to college. How will your student adapt? How will you adapt? Here’s a letter to your student (save it for later) and prepare yourself for their first day of college and the longest goodbye.
This is it!
You have made the college applications, you have been to those (not for the faint of heart) college visits, you have been accepted for a place, and then, finally, your alarm clock wakes you from your slumber. The day has finally arrived.
The day you leave home and embark on your college education.
Oh, the joys, the excitement, the nerves, the cold dread of fear…
It’s time for some survival tips to help you get through your first day.
Tip #1: Operate an open day policy
If you have a roommate, then you will automatically have one candidate for your social circle (let’s hope you like them). But if you are in a room of your own, don’t shut the door when you arrive. Well, don’t shut it for long anyway, as your day will be a lot easier if you manage to say “hello” to somebody. An open door is an opening for other residents to come and introduce themselves to you, so while you might want to curl up in bed if you’re stricken with nerves, know that operating an open door policy on your first day will help you make contact with similar others.
Tip #2: Make your room your own
Homesickness is common for first-day students, and while you may be tempted to ring your parents every five minutes for comfort, you can also make any negative feelings disappear by decorating your room with your some homely touches. Photos of friends and family, posters from your old bedroom, and any knick-knack you might possess are all useful ways to transform your dorm room from something strange and unfamiliar to something comforting and reassuring.
Tip #3: Get out and meet people
Don’t stay in your room alone for long. Hopefully, you may have met people through the open door policy we advocated, but if not, you need to be proactive. Wander down the corridor and knock on other people’s doors. Introduce yourself, and let them know your room number. And go out into the wider campus and find out where people are hanging out. It takes courage to go up to groups of people, but try and do so, or if you see other people wandering about alone, go and say “hello.” They are probably in the same boat as you are, trying to make sense of their first day in a new place.
Tip #4: Explore the campus
You are going to get lost – a lot – in your first few days at college. Don’t worry, this is normal, and if you are late for a few classes here and there, then you have an excuse. Still, you can make life easier for yourself by exploring your surroundings. Especially as you won’t have much to do on your first day, this is the perfect opportunity to spend time getting to know where things are. From the cafeteria to the library, make a mental note of how to get to places, or make notes on your phone. You might also meet people this way too, so remember to be polite and introduce yourself as you’re on your walk around the campus.
Finally
Don’t despair if you don’t meet anybody you like. Don’t worry if your first day threatens to overwhelm you. It will get easier, so try to stay calm and carry on, even when your nerves threaten to get the better of you. There is plenty more advice online on how to survive college life, including this excellent blog from Stephen Troese Jr, so gather as much info as you can to help you on your college journey.
As the costs of college keep rising each year, many students and their families find it necessary to rely on financial aid to help pay for college. There are many different types of financial aid available, and knowing which one best matches your situation is key to not only choosing the right type of aid, but also maximizing the amount that you can qualify for—and minimizing your debt obligations later on.
Financial aid is a critical part of the college application and attendance process. It can make college a reality for many students and help bridge the gap between family contributions and the overall cost of attendance. Some types of aid don’t need to be paid back; others can leave you in debt for years to come.
With that in mind, it’s important to understand how to best approach the financial aid process, and how to set yourself up for financial success later by putting thought into the process now.
What Should You Start With?
The first step in the financial aid process should be completing the FAFSA. Short for the Free Application for Federal Student Aid, the FAFSA walks you through a complete picture of your finances. If you’re a dependent student—most first-year students are—then it also includes questions about your parents’ financial situation and their potential ability to assist in funding your education.
The federal government is the biggest source of financial aid for college students, and before it’ll consider you as eligible for aid, you’ll need to complete the FAFSA, which serves as your application for all federal aid. The FAFSA is completed online, it’s free, and there is plenty of help available to assist you and your family in filling it out.
What’s the Takeaway from the FAFSA?
Once your FAFSA is submitted to the federal government along with your choices of colleges, a Student Aid Report, or SAR, is generated from the information you entered. The SAR explains how much your expected family contribution (EFC) is. The government takes the position that it’s your responsibility to pay as much as you can to your own education first; the EFC is how much the Department of Education thinks you and your family should be able to contribute to the total cost.
Each year, colleges publish an amount called the cost of attendance. It includes all the expenses that go into attending that school: tuition, room and board, textbooks, fees, and other things like living expenses throughout the school year. Your EFC is subtracted from the Cost of Attendance, and the resulting balance is considered your financial need. The federal government sends your SAR to the schools you listed, and they compile a financial aid package to offer you.
Your federal financial aid package could include a variety of aid products including Pell grants, unsubsidized and subsidized federal student loans, and more. You should always consider Pell grants and subsidized federal aid first. A Pell Grant is a type of aid that does not require repayment, and subsidized loans do not accrue interest while you’re attending school.
After looking at your offer, you may find that your financial aid package isn’t enough to cover the entire bill, but there are other options to consider such as scholarships.
Should You Consider Scholarships?
The short answer is “YES, absolutely!” Scholarships, like grants, are essentially free money that you don’t have to pay back. They should always be a consideration regardless of what year you are in college. You can apply for new ones every year, and there are tons of sources to find scholarships. They can really make up the difference up between the cost of attendance and your financial aid package. Start early and often. If the FAFSA wasn’t so important, this would be the first place to start.
There are thousands of scholarships available every year, but they’re highly competitive. Each program has its own application criteria and deadlines, and the best way to maximize your chances of winning one is to ensure that you follow the program’s directions and meet all of the deadlines—preferably applying as early as possible. The best way to go about winning scholarships is to just keep on applying to any legitimate opportunity you can find.
Is There a Last Resort?
If you find there’s a funding gap left over after scholarships, grants, and other federal aid, then you still have one option: a private student loan. There are distinct differences compared to federal student loans do, but sometimes they’re a necessary tool to cover that funding gap.
Offered by banks, credit unions, and other lenders, private student loans are based upon your creditworthiness; as a result, most students find that they need a qualified cosigner for approval. Further, you may find even the best private student loans still have high interest rates compared to federal loans. After all, interest rates are generally higher for private loans. Also, they don’t come with a grace period like a federal loan. That means you’ll need to start paying it back immediately, just like a car loan or mortgage, even if you’re still in school.
It is clear that private student loans are not as desirable compared to their federal counterparts; however, sometimes they’re a viable option if it’s crunch time.
One of the key lessons you can teach your teenager is how to get along with others. Participating in sports on a team is a good way to raise a team player.
Taking part in sports and more active activities is a positive substitute for overindulging in technology as it will ensure that your teenager will be getting plenty of exercise so they can stay fit and healthy. Unfortunately, though, encouraging your teen to get into sports isn’t always easy. After all, we aren’t all natural sportsmen!
You might need to use all of your talents of persuasion to encourage your teen to become sporty. It’s not completely impossible, though, especially if you use all of these tips.
Encourage Them To Choose A Team Sport
Firstly, you will need to help your teen decide which sport they want to get into. It’s usually a good idea to encourage them to try out a few different ones to start off with to see which they enjoy the most. You might find that they prefer team sports, such as soccer and baseball, as being part of a team can help them make friends and encourage sportsmanship.
Buy The Right Kind Of Sports Gear For Them
Before your teenager gets started, they will need the right kind of clothes for the activity. From track and field uniforms to soccer jerseys, you will find that all kinds of sports have their unique clothing. There’s a reason why all these sports clothes are so different, and it’s that the player’s body can be as flexible as the sport requires. So, making sure your teen is dressed in the right clothes will help them perform better out on the field or pitch, as well as making sure they look the part.
Promote Watching Sports At Home On TV
If your teenager is quite stubborn and refusing to try out any sport, you might want to start watching a few sports at home as a family. This should pique your teen’s interest in at least one of the sports. After a while, they may even want to try it out for themselves. Hopefully, watching sports on TV in this way can help to spark a life-long enjoyment of one sport.
Get Them Some Lessons Or Coaching
Your teen might not be too skilled when they start taking part in a sport. This can be quite off-putting for them at first, and they might end up embarrassed or think that they are letting the team down. There is one way around this, though – they might just need to take part in some lessons or coaching. This should help them greatly improve their skills, and it can also be a valuable way for them to gain some experience playing a sport before they are part of a team.
Hopefully, all of the tips above help you persuade your teenager to get into sports. The hardest decision for them might be which sport to follow as there are so many to choose from!
