As your child approaches the end of high school, the question of whether they’re ready for college looms large. It’s natural to have mixed emotions—pride, excitement, and maybe even a bit of anxiety. College is a significant step toward adulthood, but how can you tell if your teen is prepared to take it? Here are a few key factors to consider when determining if your teen is ready for college.
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As a parent, I would say paying for college was on my top 10 lists of worries as my children entered high school. We were caring for my elderly father and great aunt, along with battling with breast cancer. It was all we could do to stay afloat with medical and elder care expenses breathing down our necks every month.
My son was looking at a military career, but I knew he wanted to go to college. He also knew that we could not afford to contribute. My daughter was two years behind him, and I knew she had her heart set on Boston University, an expensive private college in the northeast. I worried day and night that her dreams would not materialize, and my son would have few options other than joining the military out of high school.
My children were not first generation students. However, I did not attend college, and my spouse attended a local college that basically accepted anyone who applied. I was lost. My circle of friends were not college graduates and were not encouraging their kids to apply to college. My parents did not encourage me to attend college, so I was clueless about the process. I had no idea where to turn for help and the school counselor was responsible for hundreds of students at a large public high school. She had little time to advise students about colleges and even less time to help with figuring out how to pay.
Dealing with all the family drama and concerned about finances, my son made the decision during his junior year to join the Marines. I was supportive but worried the decision was forced on him because he felt he had no other option. The day he signed a letter of intent, I decided to focus the next few years on my daughter’s dream—attending college.
I knew I had to research colleges, look at finances, and make sure she had a stellar academic and extracurricular record to back up her applications. When she entered her senior year, we had a plan. Here’s what we did:
Continue reading Are You Worried About Paying for College?
When most people think of medical careers, minds immediately jump to clinical roles like doctors, nurses, physical therapists, and nursing assistants. However, the medical field could not operate without the vital support of many other highly dedicated and qualified people. Indeed, there are so many other non-clinical career options in the medical field that are not only hugely rewarding but also essential to the field. The good news is that you can read about four of the very best non-clinical medical career options below.
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Ah Back to School….
It’s a million degrees outside and the aisles at the store are crowded and bare of the exact supplies your student needs to start the year.
You want to set you and your student up for the best possible school year, but are finding overwhelm at every turn. They are sold out of the twin XL dorm sheets your daughter had her heart set on. Your son wants to visit every college on the west coast and the east coast and all the ones in the middle as well. You found out you were supposed to keep your “Band Mom” t-shirt from last year, but you painted your fence in it and now….
Or maybe you are taking your baby to college and are wishing with all your might you could wear that ratty “Band Mom” t-shirt in the concession stand just one more time.
Feeling your frenzy (because we’ve all been there), I jumped at the chance to contribute my Parenting for College Crash Course eBook to help you set your student up for college to the BACK TO SCHOOL BUNDLE.
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If you have a high school student thinking about college, be prepared to hear these words after their first few weeks, “I don’t like it here. I want to change colleges”. As your heart sinks and a hundred things go through your head, remember that I told you it would happen; and if you read this article it might help you handle those words without your heart and brain exploding into a million pieces.
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Entering high school is a significant milestone for both students and their parents. This transition can be exciting, nerve-wracking, and filled with opportunities for growth. As parents, your support and guidance are crucial in helping your student navigate this new phase.
Here are some tips to help you and your soon-to-be freshman plan for a successful and fulfilling high school experience.
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Sending your child off to college can be a nerve-wracking experience for any parent, drawing on memories of our own transitions. Yet amidst our own apprehensions, it’s essential not to overlook the need to provide unwavering support and encouragement to your soon-to-be college student as they embark on this significant journey.
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College fairs are often bustling events, filled with eager students, university representatives, and stacks of brochures. While the thought of navigating through a sea of booths might seem daunting, attending a college fair can be an invaluable experience for anyone considering higher education. If your student is a high school junior just beginning their college search, here’s why they should make it a point to attend college fairs.
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The college decision deadline is approaching for those seniors who have been accepted to colleges and have multiple college offers. Even though some have extended their decision deadlines beyond May 1 due to the FAFSA issues, parents and students are evaluating colleges and comparing offers.
Deciding which college to attend can be one of the most significant decisions in a young person’s life. With multiple offers on the table, the choice can feel overwhelming. However, with careful consideration and a structured approach, you can navigate this maze and choose the college that aligns best with your goals, preferences, and aspiration.
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When your student is touring a college for the first time, they will have many opportunities to ask questions. They must not squander the opportunity and take advantage of the chance to get more acquainted with the college and campus life during the college tour.
Before you visit, your student should brainstorm and prepare. Don’t ask questions like “what’s the student/faculty ratio” or “how many people apply every year.” The answers to basic questions like these are usually readily available in the school’s online and offline publications.
Continue reading Questions to Ask on a College Tour