College seems like the final frontier for some parents. We want our kids to be ready to face the world head-on, but the idea of college flings a lot of information and changes from every angle. Some kids get lost in this mess and end up losing sleep over it, while others procrastinate so much that they miss deadlines and lose out on getting financial aid.
Instead of having to watch your kid struggle with that, here are some things any parent can do to help to get ready for college be easier.
Help Them Budget
Despite the hundreds of courses a kid will take by the time they graduate high school, there’s a surprising lack of information taught about how to budget and plan carefully. Don’t just set up a budget for your child; work with them to find a budget that will be livable. Ask what’s vital in their lives, and then help them figure out the best option. This could mean they have to put off their dream college for a couple of years or help them figure in how getting a part-time job might help or hurt.
Show How To Apply For Student Aid
Applying for student aid can be confusing and frustrating when you start. There’s the chance of filling it out wrong that adds pressure onto a student’s shoulders, and the endless information and forms they ask for that wear kids down. Instead of having them face that alone, help them out and show them that if they get everything organized first, it’s not time-consuming.
Keep Track of Deadlines
Many seniors have trouble keeping track of deadlines. The last years of high school are already wild without having them stop to check “What are the colleges near me?” or “how can I afford school when they should be studying. Keep a reliable calendar that will help inform you when deadlines are coming up, and try to get everything submitted early. However, there’s nothing wrong with being precisely on time, giving your students the chance to avoid missing out.
Take Tours With Them
Go on yours with your kids. Even if it’s just a digital tour online with them, walk through the campuses and figure out if the school is the perfect one for them. Although you may feel the need to tell them no, or nip their aspirations in the bud, let them tour it if they want a school. Be realistic about distance, cost, and their grades, but there’s no harm in touring to figure out what they like and don’t like.
Inspire Them To Think Outside of The Box
Help them see their college experience doesn’t have to be the classic four years of college. People have been turning more and more towards junior colleges, and many turn towards purely vocational schools. Let your child know that any option is a good one; you just want to ensure that their educational path is one they’ll be proud of.
There’s a lot on their plate at this time, so don’t be afraid to help them how you can, and show them the best way to get to the school they want.