The college application process can be stressful for both parents and their teens. The good news is that there are ways you can properly support your teen as they navigate this journey. Read on to find out what they are.
Let them know that it’s ultimately their decision
So many parents make the mistake of piling pressure on their teens when it comes to going to college. However, your child must understand that, whether going to college or not, choosing a school is ultimately their decision.
Explaining this to your child can really help them manage the pressure. It can also help them have a much clearer idea of the types of responsibility they will be taking on by going to college. This is because for many it means taking out loans that will impact their finances further down the line, and this is an important discussion to have with them, as it means they will be able to make an educated decision on what is the right choice.
Lastly, when it comes to letting them know it’s their own decision, picking a major can be something of a sticking point. This is because the young often have a far more idealistic view of what they would like to spend the rest of their life doing than those of us who have been around the block a time or two. However, it is always important to carefully listen to what your teen is expressing interest in, because it’s this passion that will get them through when their course becomes challenging. If compromises need to be made, make sure that you, as a parent, are compromising too. For example, you may suggest art and design with business, instead of just a strictly business course.
Help them prepare for standardized testing
Another way in which you can support your team and help them apply for college is to make sure that you help them prepare for the standardized tests that are involved. This is because the SAT or ACT can have a huge impact on what colleges your child will be eligible for.
What it means is aiming for the highest possible standardized testing score with the goal. To help with this, you can provide extra test and learning materials in the form of interactive online resources and books. It may even be prudent to engage your tutor for any topics in which your team is struggling and that you know they will need to get into the College of their dreams.
Visit as many campuses as you can
Well, it’s true that visiting campuses, especially those right across the other side of the country, can be a huge expense; actually, allowing your teen to see a campus for themselves is hugely helpful. It will not only help them make the proper decision of where to go, but it will also help them feel more at home when they do arrive.
If travelling across the country to see potential colleges is too expensive, then be sure to take the virtual tours online with your team, as this can also provide essential information and give them a good idea of what to expect. Where possible, it’s always worth visiting your state college, even if this is not your child’s first choice, as it will still provide them with information they can use to inform their decision.
Work with a college admission consultant
Another way in which you can help your teen when they are applying for college is to work with a college admissions consultant during the process. There are so many benefits that a college admissions consultant can provide, including advising on which colleges to choose, setting timelines for applications to ensure they are punctual, and helping your child to write and improve their college application essays.
Prepare them to manage their own money
Last of all, when supporting your teen as they apply to college, it makes sense to prepare them to begin managing their own money. This is because they will be living away from home for the first time, and be responsible for paying some or all of their own bills for the first time, too.
It’s well worth noting that this is something that many teens can struggle with, especially in the first term. That is why you’ll need to show them how to properly budget their money and what kind of expenses they can expect. Just be sure to make this realistic and include money for fun, entertainment and eating out too, as it’s all part of the college experience.
