From High School to College: How Parents Can Help Their Kids Find the Right School

From High School to College: How Parents Can Help Their Kids Find the Right School
  • Opening Intro -

    Deciding on a college or university is one of the biggest decisions that your teenager will make in his or her early adulthood.

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The right college will allow your kid to learn crucial career skills and work with dedicated professors in his or her chosen field. However, given the options in the field of higher education, helping your kids choose a school can feel overwhelming.

Decide on the Type of Program Your Child Needs

Is your child interested in a 2- or 4-year program? If he or she is eager to get to work, consider a 2-year degree at a local community college. It’s less expensive than a traditional university and the credits transfer to most 4-year colleges if your child decides to continue onto a more extensive degree.

A 4-year degree is best if your child wants to go into a specialized field such as digital media, engineering, or graphic design. A traditional 4-year college is also a good fit if your kid wants to go onto graduate school.

Weigh Housing Options

One of the major expenses during your child’s college experience will be room and board. If you live close to the campus your child would like to attend, you’ll have to decide if your child will continue to live at home during school or if they will get housing nearer to campus. If your child chooses to live on or near campus, you will want to get started on the roommate search early in the admissions process.

Consider How Your Child Can Balance Work and School

If your kid prefers to work while studying for a college degree, you’ll want to seek out colleges with a flexible schedule and online classes. Many brick-and-mortar schools offer a combination of online and in-person classes. This might be a good fit if your kid lives close to campus.

If your child doesn’t live near a campus that offers the type of degree that he or she wants to obtain, look into a fully online program. These programs are extremely flexible for students who work full time or would like to balance their college experience with family, military commitments, or volunteer work. Read Independence University reviews to see real life examples of how students have maximized the results of an online education.

Look for Schools that Provide Assistance for Military Veterans

If your child is a current or former member of the military, you will want to talk with the admissions department about the options available. Many schools are happy to help active military and veterans complete their college career. Some will even give credit for previous college work and military experience.

Talk to Your Child’s Potential Professors

While most prospective students and families speak with the admissions department at least once in their college search, fewer students seek out the people who will be teaching them. Finding the professors in your kid’s chosen major and having your kids speak with them during the application process will allow them to get a good feel of what will be expected in the classroom. An early meet-and-greet with professors is also an excellent way to learn more about the various niches in each field and find a future mentor who will guide your child through their college experience.

With the number of colleges available, you’re sure to be successful with some time and dedication. Consider all of the options, and your child will have a rewarding college experience.

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Categories: College Planning