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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Navigating the college prep journey with your teen is a transformative and sometimes challenging experience. As your teenager embarks on the journey towards higher education, parents need to provide guidance, support, and a nurturing environment. This article aims to offer practical tips and insights on how to navigate this crucial period in your teenager’s life.
Open communication is essential.
Establishing open and honest communication is the foundation for successful parenting during college prep. Encourage your teenager to share their thoughts, concerns, and aspirations. Actively listen and provide a non-judgmental space for them to express themselves. This will foster a strong parent-teenager relationship built on trust.
Choosing a college is a significant decision that can shape your student’s future, so it’s crucial to approach it with careful consideration. Here are some key factors to keep in mind when making this important choice:
1. Financial Considerations
This is #1 because it comes before your student even starts their college list. It’s essential to have a clear understanding of your budget and how to manage your finances during college. Evaluate the cost of attending each college, including tuition, fees, and living expenses. Research scholarship opportunities, financial aid options, and work-study programs.
Almost half of a school year is behind you. Whether your teen is waiting to hear back from their college choices, or continuing the decision process as they approach senior year, it is helpful to understand and evaluate college size and student population.
Does size really matter?
The answer to this question is complicated. Size really doesn’t matter as far as the quality of education your child will receive. Some of the best institutions of higher learning have large campuses with enormous student bodies, and some have fewer than 3000 students. What does matter, and always matters, is whether or not the school is a “perfect fit”, after examining a few factors:
