Graduating from high school is an amazing part of a child’s life. However, high school is not the end of the road for most aspiring students. In most cases, the college application process will begin well before the end of their senior year in high school. This period in a child’s life can be filled with equal parts of frustration and joy. As a parent, it can be hard to cope with the process while also giving your child space to make momentous decisions for their future. If you are at a loss at how to deal with the college application process, we have some suggestions that can make this period easier for both you and your child.
Do Things At Your Childs’s Pace
College is overwhelming, and so is the idea of growing up and facing the future. One of the best ways to cope is by playing a supportive role in your child’s choices. As an adult, it is easy to see the path behind you and the choices you would have made. However, it is not always easy for young people to look ahead. Instead of being a harsh taskmaster, set gentle reminders and allow them to work on their applications at their own pace. Of course, it is important to keep an eye on deadlines, but as long as there is time to spare, give them the chance to move at their own pace accordingly.
Help With The Groundwork
There are a lot of different colleges to choose from, and each will have its own advantages. Some may be better for sports while others may offer a more comprehensive academics program. It can be difficult for your child to properly research each college they are interested in while still maintaining their regular school schedule. One way you can support their college application process is by doing the groundwork for each of their interested schools on their behalf. While you are at it, noting down the admissions process and requirements for each college can further ease the burden of their college application process.
Have A Serious Conversation About Finances
Depending on your child’s grades, scholarships may be an option when it comes to paying for college. For most students, a combination of financial aid and structured payments will be the way to go. There are a lot of options out there to finance your child’s education ranging from small local grants to partial scholarships. While the price should not be the only thing that determines which school to choose, it is important that you and your child have a clear understanding of which colleges you can afford before they apply. In terms of financial aid, with so many students getting stuck with loan debt for decades, it is a good idea that you consider other options while financing the least amount possible. School guidance counselors will be able to connect your child with programs for which they are eligible that will help pay for college.
Encourage Campus Visits
Visiting potential schools is a great way for your child to get a closer look at colleges they may want to attend. They can learn about student life, the professors, and even the general atmosphere of the student body. While you can make these visits with them, it may be a good idea to give them a checklist and let them explore on their own. It will give them a chance to see things from their own perspective without feeling pressured to make a decision about their life only to make you happy. Of course, if they want you along for the ride feel free to be their companion but avoid hovering. Allowing your child to steer the process will give them more control over their life and their academic decisions.
Concentrate on the Best Fit For Your Child
We all want what is best for our child, however, sometimes what we want is not the best fit. It can be hard to take a step back and choose a path that will help your child succeed if it is not one that you had preplanned. Students who fit in at a school and those who desire to attend that school are more likely to do well as opposed to those who force themselves into a mold. Make a point of being an active listener when discussing college with your child. Take the time to understand their wants, desires, and dreams, and then work with them to find the perfect fit. Even if that fit is not the one you may have envisioned.
Helping You Prepare Your Child For A Bright Future
The Narrative Matters is proud to showcase content, stories, news, new releases, entertainment, and other information from top authors of color all across the country. From the best HSBU’s to learning the in’s and outs of college financial aid, we make sure Black voices are heard. We also cover important topics and services ranging from education and finance to world events and technology. We work closely with content creators and publishers to seek out important ideas and topics that our readers want to see. In addition to working with creators, we also support content publishers in a way that will help you enrich your site with curated content that will boost your viewership and keep your audience engaged.
Image Sources:
–
https://www.usnews.com/education/best-colleges/articles/college-application-process
–
–
https://www.alamy.com/close-up-of-a-rejected-college-application-letter-image63677876.html
–
–