Are you worried about your child’s college readiness? With so many demands and challenges, it’s understandable to feel overwhelmed. However, by taking some simple steps today, you can help prepare your child for a successful and fulfilling college experience tomorrow. In this post, we’ll be sharing ten proven strategies that can boost your child’s confidence, skills, and mindset for higher education. So whether you’re a proud parent or an eager student yourself, read on to discover the keys to achieving academic excellence and personal growth in college!
Start Early
If you want your child to be prepared for college, one of the best things you can do is start early. By beginning to talk about college early on, you can help your child develop a realistic expectation for what college will be like. You can also start to introduce them to the idea of taking on more responsibility and becoming more independent. Additionally, starting early gives you more time to save for college expenses.
One way to start early is to begin talking about college as soon as your child expresses an interest in attending. This allows you to gauge their level of interest and excitement, and also gives you an opportunity to share your own experiences with college (if you have any). If your child seems hesitant or uninterested in the idea of college, try not to force the issue – they may just need more time to think about it.
Another way to start early is to get your child involved in extracurricular activities that will help them develop skills that will be useful in college. For example, if they are interested in playing a sport, sign them up for a team or club. Or, if they enjoy art or music, encourage them to get involved in those activities outside of school. These experiences will not only help them develop important skills, but will also give them a taste of what it’s like to be part of a community – something that is essential in the college experience.
Finally, starting early gives you plenty of time to plan and save
Get Organized
As your child starts their college journey, it’s important to help them get organized. This can mean creating a system for tracking deadlines, helping them declutter their space, and teaching them how to budget their time and resources.
One way to help your child get organized is to create a system for tracking deadlines. This can involve setting up a calendar or using a planner to track due dates for assignments and exams. Helping your child learn how to use these tools can make a big difference in their ability to stay on top of their workload.
Another way to help your child get organized is by helping them declutter their space. This can mean getting rid of unused clothes, donating old books, or simply cleaning up their desk. Having a tidy space can help your child focus on their studies and feel more in control of their environment.
Finally, you can help your child get organized by teaching them how to budget their time and resources. This can involve showing them how to create a schedule for studying, managing their time during class, and making the most of their free time. Helping your child develop these skills now can set them up for success in college and beyond.
Choose the Right School
It’s never too early to start thinking about college. In fact, the sooner you start planning, the better prepared your child will be. Here are a few things to keep in mind when choosing a school:
-Consider your child’s interests and strengths. What kind of career do they want to pursue? Are they looking for a small school or a large university?
-Think about location. Do you want your child to stay close to home or venture out into the world?
-Look at the cost of tuition and room and board. Can you afford the school you’re considering?
-Research the school’s reputation. What do other students and parents say about it?
Take your time when choosing a school. This is an important decision that will have a big impact on your child’s future.
Find a Mentor
As your child nears the end of high school, you may be feeling a mix of emotions. You may be excited for your child to begin this new chapter, but also feeling a bit anxious about what lies ahead. One way you can help prepare your child for college is by finding them a mentor.
A mentor can be someone who is already in college or someone who has recently graduated. They can offer advice and guidance on everything from choosing the right school to how to study effectively. Having a mentor can help ease the transition into college and make it more enjoyable.
If you don’t know anyone who would be a good mentor for your child, there are plenty of resources available. You can contact your child’s guidance counselor or look online for programs that match students with mentors. There are also many college alumni associations that can connect you with recent graduates who would be happy to help out.
Taking the time to find a mentor for your child can make a big difference in their college experience. It’s one more way you can help them prepare for success in this next phase of their life.
Visit Colleges
It’s never too early to start thinking about college! If you have a high schooler, now is the time to start visiting colleges. This will give you and your child a chance to see what different colleges have to offer and find the right fit for your child.
There are a few things to keep in mind when visiting colleges:
-Schedule visits during the week so you can see how classes operate and meet with professors.
-Take a campus tour led by a student. This will give you an idea of what daily life is like at the college.
-Talk to current students about their experience. They can tell you what they love and don’t love about the school.
-If possible, visit when there are events happening on campus so you can get a feel for the social scene.
– Pay attention to your gut feeling. After all, you want your child to be happy at college!
Take College Prep Classes
If you want your child to be prepared for college, one of the best things you can do is encourage them to take college prep classes. These classes can help students learn about different majors and careers, and they can also teach them important academic skills like time management and study habits.
There are a few different ways to find college prep classes for your child. Many high schools offer these types of classes, or you can look for programs at community colleges or online. If you’re not sure where to start, talk to your child’s guidance counselor or search for college prep resources online.
Encouraging your child to take college prep classes is a great way to help them get ready for the rigors of college academics. By taking these classes, they’ll be better prepared to choose a major and career path that’s right for them, and they’ll have the skills they need to succeed in their studies.
AP/Honors Classes
If your child is hoping to go to college, they’ll need to start preparing early. One way to do this is by taking AP or Honors classes in high school. These classes will help them develop the critical thinking and study skills they’ll need in college. They’ll also give your child a chance to get a feel for the rigor of college-level coursework.
Volunteer and Internships
Volunteering and internships are great ways to prepare your child for college. They can help your child learn responsibility, time management, and teamwork skills. It is also a great way for your child to explore their interests and get real-world experience in their desired field.
There are a few things you should keep in mind when helping your child find a volunteering or internship opportunity. First, make sure the opportunity is something your child is interested in. Second, make sure the opportunity is age-appropriate. Third, make sure the opportunity is safe and supervised. Lastly, talk to your child about their expectations and goals for the experience.
If you’re not sure where to start, check with your local community center or library. They may have opportunities available that fit your child’s interests. You can also search online for national organizations that offer volunteer or internship opportunities.
Standardized Testing
Standardized testing is one of the most important factors in college admissions. Here are a few ways you can help your child prepare:
1. Understand the test. There are different types of standardized tests, so it’s important to know which ones your child will be taking. The SAT and ACT are the most common, but there are also subject tests and AP exams. Once you know which tests your child will be taking, you can help them understand what to expect.
2. Develop a study plan. Standardized tests require specific skills and knowledge, so your child will need to study accordingly. They should start by taking practice tests to identify areas where they need improvement. Then, they can create a study plan that targets those areas.
3. Stay calm on test day. It’s normal for students to feel some nervousness on test day, but it’s important not to let it get the best of them. Encourage your child to take deep breaths and relax their muscles before they start the exam.
The College Application Process
The college application process can be a daunting task for both students and parents. There are a few things that you can do to help your child prepare for this process.
One of the most important things that you can do is to help your child stay organized. There are a lot of forms and deadlines involved in the college application process, so it is important to keep track of everything. You can help your child by creating a spreadsheet or calendar with all of the important dates and deadlines.
Another thing that you can do to help your child is to encourage them to start working on their personal statement. The personal statement is an important part of the college application, and it gives students a chance to show who they are beyond their grades and test scores. Help your child brainstorm ideas for their personal statement and proofread it before they submit it.
Finally, you should also encourage your child to visit colleges that they are interested in. A campus visit is a great way to get a feel for a school and see if it is the right fit for your child. Many colleges also offer interviews during campus visits, so this is a great opportunity for your child to make a good impression on admissions officers.
