Tips for Getting Your Kids Ready for College

Not everyone will attend college, but many parents consider readying their children to do so as integral to parenting as helping them with earlier stages of their development. While parents should not pressure children unnecessarily, talking about college from the time they are young as part of the natural progression of their education and shift into a career can help ensure they are thinking about what major they might pursue from an early age.

What Does Your Kid Want?

First, make sure that going to college is actually what your child wants to do and not just what you want them to do. While it’s true that a college degree does generally lead to a higher income, heading off to college straight after high school is not necessarily the first choice for everyone. Some may want to spend a year working or traveling. Some may have their eyes on the military. Others may prefer to attend a trade school. While it may be difficult for you to accept that your child is deferring college for now when you genuinely believe it is the best path for them, keep in mind that it is an expensive endeavor that requires a serious commitment. Listen to your children if they are telling you they aren’t ready yet. You might be able to work out a compromise, such as agreeing to pay for a certain amount of their tuition if they agree to start their studies in a year or two.

What Will It Cost?

Some parents may already have a 529 account to save for their child’s education. Others may use money from a retirement account or other savings. There are a number of other ways to pay for a college education. Many students apply for loans. You can help them fill out the Free Application for Federal Student Aid to determine what federal loans and grants they are eligible for. Students may also be able to check out private financing options. You might need to cosign on some of these. Other options include scholarships and working part-time while going to school.

Helping with Applications

Choosing a school can be overwhelming for your child. You may want to talk to them about their choices and help them narrow them down. It’s okay to remind them to pay attention to cost. They do not have to attend the most expensive university in order to get a good education. On the other hand, if cost is an issue, some schools offer extensive scholarships to talented students. Other things to look at include the school’s ranking for your child’s intended major, the size of the school and where it is located. For example, if your child attended a tiny high school, a large campus may be appealing as a change of pace. Your child might also have a preference for a rural or urban setting. Help your child by making a plan for completing applications, and be sure to note deadlines. Applications may be costly in terms of money and time, so it’s best to settle on just a few than trying to apply to too many.