Preparing Parents for College

Preparing Parents for College
by La Toya Sykes

As a financial aid administrator, you know how important it is that students are prepared for college. Parents are often the best resource for preparing students. If you are preparing Financial Aid Nights for local high schools this fall, consider a presentation on preparing parents for college.

The following tips can help you give parents the information they need to help their children make their higher education dreams a reality.

• Setting Expectations. Have parents start voicing their expectations now, no matter what grade their child is in. Have them use phrases such as, "When you go to college ..." or "You could study that in college."
• Knowing What Classes to Take. High school students need to develop good study habits to succeed in college. Have parents monitor their child's academic progress and enroll their children in challenging courses. Parents should also have their students seek help from tutors or study buddies if needed. Another important step for students is developing a rigorous academic plan, which includes four years of English, four years of math, three to four years of science, three years of social studies, three to four years of a foreign language, and at least one Advanced Placement or honors class.
• Creating an Academic Portfolio. Academic portfolios help high school students keep all of the information they need right at their fingertips so it is ready when application time comes around. Parents can help students gather transcripts and report cards, immunization records, standardized test results, records of honors and awards received, and any documents relating to extracurricular activities.
• Aiming Toward a Career. By the end of ninth grade and the beginning of tenth grade, parents should help pinpoint talents and interests that may help their children choose a career. Students can think about their favorite subject in school and careers that are related to that subject. Online career assessment tests such as careerinfonet.org or mapping-your-future.org/features/careership are also useful tools.
• Preparing for Standardized Tests. During sophomore year, students should begin preparing for standardized tests. Students should consider taking the PSAT, ACT, SAT, and Advanced Placement tests. Students can take pretests, as well as enroll in preparation classes or follow self-study programs. Parents can help by making sure students register for the appropriate tests and prepare well in advance.
• Researching Colleges. During sophomore year, students should decide what type of college they want to attend and begin researching colleges. Parents can attend college fairs with students and facilitate in person or online college visits.
• Applying for Colleges. Summer before senior year is the time to apply to colleges. Students should draft essays, ask mentors and teachers to complete references, and request their transcripts. Students should be sure to check college application deadlines to make sure they send their information in on time.
• Applying for Financial Aid. Parents and their children can begin thinking about financial aid during junior year in high school and continue through college. During junior year, they can apply for scholarships and get an early estimate of their financial aid eligibility using the FAFSA4caster. The following year and throughout college, they can fill out the FAFSA. Parents can also help their children research scholarships using the Internet and school counselor's office. They can also check with their state government and specific college for additional grants and scholarships. When considering financial aid, students and their parents should consider the federal student loan programs, the Federal Work-Study Program, PLUS loans, and private loans.
• Adjusting to College Life. Once their child gets to college, parents can help the adjustment period by encouraging him or her to join clubs and take a variety of classes. They can also provide support if their child decides to change his or her career path, as well as ensure that their child's financial aid continues through college.