Why Should my Child go to College?
Every student may not be heading off to college after high school, but we love the idea of exposing them to the idea while they are here in elementary school.
• A college degree offers your child a wider variety of job options.
• Of all the job openings available now that pay more than $15 per hour, about 70 percent will require some college.
• Over a lifetime, a college graduate will earn on average $1 million more than a high school graduate.
• College graduates typically have better access to health care than those with only a high school diploma.
• A person who graduates from college is more likely to own a home than someone with a high school diploma.
Once you believe that college will offer your child countless opportunities in life, there are some simple things you can do to help your child prepare.
Start early. No matter how young your child is, it is never too early to begin planning for college and talking with your child about it.
Be clear. Communicate your expectations to your child about his or her behavior and performance in school.
Talk. Have frequent conversations with your child about schoolwork, goals and the importance of education.
Encourage. Motivate your child to try new activities, volunteer in the community and succeed in school. Studies have shown that students involved in school activities enjoy school more and do better academically. Extra activities at school help students make new friends, gain confidence and new skills and have fun!
Source: www.ohe.state.mn.us/pdf/ParentPreparingGuideEng.pdf
Every student may not be heading off to college after high school, but we love the idea of exposing them to the idea while they are here in elementary school.
• A college degree offers your child a wider variety of job options.
• Of all the job openings available now that pay more than $15 per hour, about 70 percent will require some college.
• Over a lifetime, a college graduate will earn on average $1 million more than a high school graduate.
• College graduates typically have better access to health care than those with only a high school diploma.
• A person who graduates from college is more likely to own a home than someone with a high school diploma.
Once you believe that college will offer your child countless opportunities in life, there are some simple things you can do to help your child prepare.
Start early. No matter how young your child is, it is never too early to begin planning for college and talking with your child about it.
Be clear. Communicate your expectations to your child about his or her behavior and performance in school.
Talk. Have frequent conversations with your child about schoolwork, goals and the importance of education.
Encourage. Motivate your child to try new activities, volunteer in the community and succeed in school. Studies have shown that students involved in school activities enjoy school more and do better academically. Extra activities at school help students make new friends, gain confidence and new skills and have fun!
Source: www.ohe.state.mn.us/pdf/ParentPreparingGuideEng.pdf
Additional Ways to Prepare Your Child for College
Determine What Type of Education Your Child Wants: Students attending college should first determine what type of education they want. The types of jobs that are available will determine which college your child chooses to attend. There are two basic types of colleges that are available: Community, Technical and Junior Colleges and Four-year Colleges and Universities.
If your child has a career in mind, be sure to research the exact course requirements they will need to prepare for within high school as well as early on in college. In addition, your child will also need to research the type of education that their chosen career will require so that they can select the appropriate type of college to attend.
Prepare for College Academically: While your child is still in junior high and high school, it's time to begin thinking about college and how they can prepare academically. There are numerous ways they can begin preparing early in their high school career and these include taking college-level courses and standardized tests as early as possible.
Selecting Colleges Successfully: The type of college your child chooses is a personal decision that is based on their individual needs and talents. When selecting colleges, it’s important that you and your child consider the following questions:
Prepare for College Financially: There are several costs that are combined to create the final cost of college for a semester. These include:
Setup A Long-Term Plan and College Checklist: By preparing for college as early as possible, you and your child should be able to set up some long-term milestones that they need to meet as they proceed through the college preparation process.
Apply For Colleges Effectively: Once you have narrowed down the college or colleges that you are going to apply to, you need to begin gathering information most schools will require. Applying for college is easy if you fill out your forms correctly, turn them in on time, and provide all the necessary documentation as requested. Here is a list of some of the documents you will most likely be asked to submit with your application for enrollment:
What Your Child Will Need For College: If your child is going to live on campus, which is something most four year colleges and universities require for the freshmen or first year, they will need to bring a list of important items along with them. Here's a list of commonly needed items for first time freshmen:
Financial Literacy: Teaching your child how to manage their money and set a budget early on is important. This is the perfect opportunity for you to get your child a checking account and teach them how to make smart financial decisions. Students should also be taught about credit card debt early. If your student must have a credit card, it is vitally important that you teach them to pay off the card each month and to only use it in emergency situations.
Register for College: Finally, the day has come! Your child will need to select which courses they want to take at their new college, with the help of a college or academic advisor. The advisor will be able to help your child select the courses they should begin with for their freshmen year. Your first semester may also be a mix of the basics that everyone has to take as well as certain courses required for your degree.
Developing a Graduation Plan: It is also important for your child to prepare a 4 year graduation plan. This will ensure they remain on track to graduate within a 4 year time period. This graduation plan should include both their short and long term goals for college and beyond graduation.
Following these simple steps, you will be able to prepare your child for college and set them up for success, not only financially but also teach them the life skills they will need for college and life.
Source: www.education.com/reference/article/10-ways-successfully-prepare-your-child/
Additional Resources:
College Planning for Juniors: https://secure-media.collegeboard.org/CollegePlanning/media/pdf/BigFuture-College-Planning-Calendar-Juniors.pdf
College Planning for Seniors: https://secure-media.collegeboard.org/CollegePlanning/media/pdf/BigFuture-College-Planning-Calendar-Seniors.pdf
GA Futures: https://www.gafutures.org/
College Board: https://www.collegeboard.org/
Financial Aid: https://studentaid.gov/h/apply-for-aid/fafsa
Scholarship Information:
https://www.fastweb.com/
https://www.gafutures.org/hope-state-aid-programs/hope-zell-miller-grants
https://studentaid.gov/understand-aid/types/grants/pell
http://www.edsmart.org/students-with-disabilities-college-guide/#Scholarships
https://www.gafutures.org/scholarship-search/
https://gsfc.georgia.gov/news-and-events-0/media-kit/gsfc-fact-sheets/georgias-scholarship-grant-and-loan-programs
HBCU Common Application (Note: you pay only ONE $35 application fee and complete ONE application that will be shared with 55 different HBCUs around the country) https://commonblackcollegeapp.com/
Search for HBCUs by State: https://hbculifestyle.com/list-of-hbcu-schools/
Common College Application: https://www.commonapp.org/
Search for Colleges by State: https://www.theclassroom.com/college-search
Essay Writing for College: https://www.collegechoice.net/the-advisor/common-app-essay/
Essay Writing for College 2: https://blog.collegevine.com/how-to-write-the-common-application-essays-2019-2020/
ACT vs SAT - Which one should I take: https://www.princetonreview.com/college/sat-act
ACT Registration: http://www.act.org/content/act/en/products-and-services/the-act/registration.html
SAT Registration: https://collegereadiness.collegeboard.org/sat/register
Interested in the Military Instead - Learn about the ASVAB test?: https://www.military.com/join-armed-forces/asvab
FREE College Admissions Practice Tests: https://www.prepscholar.com/
FREE Military Admissions Practice Tests: https://www.4tests.com/asvab
Determine What Type of Education Your Child Wants: Students attending college should first determine what type of education they want. The types of jobs that are available will determine which college your child chooses to attend. There are two basic types of colleges that are available: Community, Technical and Junior Colleges and Four-year Colleges and Universities.
If your child has a career in mind, be sure to research the exact course requirements they will need to prepare for within high school as well as early on in college. In addition, your child will also need to research the type of education that their chosen career will require so that they can select the appropriate type of college to attend.
Prepare for College Academically: While your child is still in junior high and high school, it's time to begin thinking about college and how they can prepare academically. There are numerous ways they can begin preparing early in their high school career and these include taking college-level courses and standardized tests as early as possible.
Selecting Colleges Successfully: The type of college your child chooses is a personal decision that is based on their individual needs and talents. When selecting colleges, it’s important that you and your child consider the following questions:
- Why do you want to go to college?
- What do you hope to achieve by going to college?
- Do you have an idea of a career you would like to prepare for?
- Do you want to stay near home, in the same state or move to a different state?
- Do you have a preference of environment, such as urban, suburban or rural?
- Would you be happier in a small college or large university?
Prepare for College Financially: There are several costs that are combined to create the final cost of college for a semester. These include:
- Tuition
- Fees
- Other course expenses
Setup A Long-Term Plan and College Checklist: By preparing for college as early as possible, you and your child should be able to set up some long-term milestones that they need to meet as they proceed through the college preparation process.
Apply For Colleges Effectively: Once you have narrowed down the college or colleges that you are going to apply to, you need to begin gathering information most schools will require. Applying for college is easy if you fill out your forms correctly, turn them in on time, and provide all the necessary documentation as requested. Here is a list of some of the documents you will most likely be asked to submit with your application for enrollment:
- Official High School Transcript
- Application Fee
- College Admissions Test Scores (e.g. SAT and ACT)
- AP Exam Scores and Dual Enrollment information
- Letters of Recommendation
- Certificate of Immunization
- Verification of Lawful Presence (e.g. Birth Certificate, Passport, Driver's License)
What Your Child Will Need For College: If your child is going to live on campus, which is something most four year colleges and universities require for the freshmen or first year, they will need to bring a list of important items along with them. Here's a list of commonly needed items for first time freshmen:
- Electronics: Laptop, Printer, TV/DVD/VCR with connectors, phone, alarm clock, cable cord, surge protectors, radio/CD player, flashlight & batteries
- Kitchen Appliances: Mini fridge, Microwave, reusable or recyclable utensils, plates, cups, food storage containers, dish cloths/towels
- Storage/Cleaning Supplies: Storage bins, trash cans, trash bags, Lysol, shower and bath cleaner, Pine Sol, Clorox, Vacuum, Broom, Mop
- Bedroom /Bathroom: sheets, pillows, curtains, curtain extension rods, towel sets, shower curtains, shower shoes, clothes hangers
- Desk lamp
- Laundry bag, basket, detergent, soap
- Umbrella, raincoat, jacket, shoes, etc.
- Toiletries and First aid kit with pain relievers
- Your health insurance information
- Iron and small ironing board
- Backpack
Financial Literacy: Teaching your child how to manage their money and set a budget early on is important. This is the perfect opportunity for you to get your child a checking account and teach them how to make smart financial decisions. Students should also be taught about credit card debt early. If your student must have a credit card, it is vitally important that you teach them to pay off the card each month and to only use it in emergency situations.
Register for College: Finally, the day has come! Your child will need to select which courses they want to take at their new college, with the help of a college or academic advisor. The advisor will be able to help your child select the courses they should begin with for their freshmen year. Your first semester may also be a mix of the basics that everyone has to take as well as certain courses required for your degree.
Developing a Graduation Plan: It is also important for your child to prepare a 4 year graduation plan. This will ensure they remain on track to graduate within a 4 year time period. This graduation plan should include both their short and long term goals for college and beyond graduation.
Following these simple steps, you will be able to prepare your child for college and set them up for success, not only financially but also teach them the life skills they will need for college and life.
Source: www.education.com/reference/article/10-ways-successfully-prepare-your-child/
Additional Resources:
College Planning for Juniors: https://secure-media.collegeboard.org/CollegePlanning/media/pdf/BigFuture-College-Planning-Calendar-Juniors.pdf
College Planning for Seniors: https://secure-media.collegeboard.org/CollegePlanning/media/pdf/BigFuture-College-Planning-Calendar-Seniors.pdf
GA Futures: https://www.gafutures.org/
College Board: https://www.collegeboard.org/
Financial Aid: https://studentaid.gov/h/apply-for-aid/fafsa
Scholarship Information:
https://www.fastweb.com/
https://www.gafutures.org/hope-state-aid-programs/hope-zell-miller-grants
https://studentaid.gov/understand-aid/types/grants/pell
http://www.edsmart.org/students-with-disabilities-college-guide/#Scholarships
https://www.gafutures.org/scholarship-search/
https://gsfc.georgia.gov/news-and-events-0/media-kit/gsfc-fact-sheets/georgias-scholarship-grant-and-loan-programs
HBCU Common Application (Note: you pay only ONE $35 application fee and complete ONE application that will be shared with 55 different HBCUs around the country) https://commonblackcollegeapp.com/
Search for HBCUs by State: https://hbculifestyle.com/list-of-hbcu-schools/
Common College Application: https://www.commonapp.org/
Search for Colleges by State: https://www.theclassroom.com/college-search
Essay Writing for College: https://www.collegechoice.net/the-advisor/common-app-essay/
Essay Writing for College 2: https://blog.collegevine.com/how-to-write-the-common-application-essays-2019-2020/
ACT vs SAT - Which one should I take: https://www.princetonreview.com/college/sat-act
ACT Registration: http://www.act.org/content/act/en/products-and-services/the-act/registration.html
SAT Registration: https://collegereadiness.collegeboard.org/sat/register
Interested in the Military Instead - Learn about the ASVAB test?: https://www.military.com/join-armed-forces/asvab
FREE College Admissions Practice Tests: https://www.prepscholar.com/
FREE Military Admissions Practice Tests: https://www.4tests.com/asvab