A Quick Guide for Parents of Children Pursuing Higher Education:
If your child has recently graduated from high school or is about to graduate, he or she may be considering furthering his or her education. This is probably something you're interested in, but as a parent, you might be unsure how to assist. These are a few helpful hints to help you prepare your child for college. Consider this an overview of the world of financial aid and Common Applications.
Consider taking a gap year.
Discuss the advantages of taking a gap year with your child. This can be a good way for students to take a break after graduating from high school and before beginning college. This is also a good way to encourage your child to become a responsible global citizen, as he or she can participate in a gap year programme that allows him or her to travel abroad.
Don't Pass Up Community College.
Before your child begins applying to universities, you should discuss the advantages of attending a community college with him or her. Some students may find that a two-year programme or even a certificate programme is sufficient for their course of study. Others may find that simply attending a community college for the first two years is a good way to earn credits while saving money on tuition and housing. Investigate some of the community college programmes in your area to see if this is a viable option for your son or daughter.
Assist Your Child in Using Applications.
If your child intends to attend university, it is critical that you assist him or her with the application process. Application deadlines are frequently set early in the year, so make sure your son or daughter meets any deadlines. You may also want to offer assistance with filling out these applications, which can be intimidating for many teenagers.
Visit a Wide Range of Campuses.
Before your teen chooses a college, make sure he or she is aware of all options. As a result, touring a few different college campuses to get a better sense of these options is a must. If you contact some of the colleges that your student is considering, you should be able to learn more about the types of tours they offer.
Investigate Financial Aid Options.
The truth is that college can be very costly. It's a good time to start thinking about financial aid and how you and your child will pay for your child's college education. If you have been saving for your child's college education, now is a good time to review your savings and determine what your family can afford.
Even though you probably don't want your child to choose a college based solely on price, it is a significant factor for many families. As a result, before making a decision, you should compare tuition rates and other expenses at various schools. Now is also a good time to encourage your son or daughter to begin applying for scholarships and researching financial aid options. You may also want to talk to your teen about the dangers of student loan debt and how to reduce it by cutting costs, working while in college, and other methods.
As a parent whose child is about to leave for college, you are probably feeling a range of emotions. However, if you follow these tips, you can help ensure that both you and your child are as prepared and ready to embrace this life change as possible.
Comments
Post a Comment