Though you don’t want to think about the day your baby graduates and goes off to college, it’s important that you prepare for it. College prep for your teen should have actually started long before their senior year of high school as there is a lot to learn. As your teen learns to balance academics with a social life, he or she will need to learn how to make mature decisions in the next few years. As their parents, you can be a huge influence on getting them ready for the life that lies ahead.
Let’s look at a few things you could start doing today to get your teen ready for college:
College Life
Your teen won’t be able to get the full effect of college life until they’re actually living on campus. Be that as it may, you can do some things now to prepare them. Start by looking at college websites or contacting the administration office and see if they offer college tours. Taking a tour will give your teen an idea of what the college environment will be like.
Career/Degree Programs
High school is also the perfect time to talk about the various degree programs there are out there. You’ll need to explain to your teenager that their educational course will ultimately determine the type of career they can obtain. Discuss their interests and consider checking out websites like GmercyU.edu to check out the various degree programs they offer and the types of careers students can obtain once completing the degree.
Tests and Prep Courses
To be eligible to apply for certain universities, your teen may need to take standardized tests. This might include the ACT or SAT. Allowing them to practice for these tests or participate in courses to prepare is ideal for helping them pass. College prep courses, on the other hand, provide a “college-like” experience for teens. It allows them to see what the course load would be like for the typical college student so that they can prepare themselves.
Domestic Skills
Your teen is going to be living on their own. Whether they’re on campus or renting a nearby apartment, they need to know a few basic domestic skills. While you have probably already given them chores like taking out the trash and washing the dishes, it couldn’t hurt to up the ante a bit. Create simple recipes and have your child cook the meals or allow them to complete their own laundry so that they know how to survive on their own.
Money Matters
Whether your teen is planning on attending school on a scholarship or they’re going to get a part time job it is important that you teach them about managing their finances in college. Explain things like how much tuition costs, how student loans can impact their financial future, and options for earning money while away from home. You should also discuss the importance of being financially responsible by showing them how to budget their expenses.
The Facts of Life
While parents have probably already had the “birds and the bees” talk with their teenager, college is an entirely different ball game. You’ll want to talk with your teenager about the potential temptations they’ll encounter while on campus. Discuss the types of dangers that are out there and the consequences of making the wrong choices while they’re away. You can also start by giving them a bit more freedom in high school to prepare them. Maybe allow them to go to a friend’s house for the weekend or attend a party to see how they handle tempting situations when you’re not around.
You may not be too keen on the idea of your teenager becoming an adult, but the best thing you can do is help them prepare. As their parent, you are the first teacher and biggest influence over their lives. To give your kid the best headstart in life, be sure to start implementing these tips early in their high school years so that it doesn’t seem like a lot of information all at once.
Let’s look at a few things you could start doing today to get your teen ready for college:
College Life
Your teen won’t be able to get the full effect of college life until they’re actually living on campus. Be that as it may, you can do some things now to prepare them. Start by looking at college websites or contacting the administration office and see if they offer college tours. Taking a tour will give your teen an idea of what the college environment will be like.
Career/Degree Programs
High school is also the perfect time to talk about the various degree programs there are out there. You’ll need to explain to your teenager that their educational course will ultimately determine the type of career they can obtain. Discuss their interests and consider checking out websites like GmercyU.edu to check out the various degree programs they offer and the types of careers students can obtain once completing the degree.
Tests and Prep Courses
To be eligible to apply for certain universities, your teen may need to take standardized tests. This might include the ACT or SAT. Allowing them to practice for these tests or participate in courses to prepare is ideal for helping them pass. College prep courses, on the other hand, provide a “college-like” experience for teens. It allows them to see what the course load would be like for the typical college student so that they can prepare themselves.
Domestic Skills
Your teen is going to be living on their own. Whether they’re on campus or renting a nearby apartment, they need to know a few basic domestic skills. While you have probably already given them chores like taking out the trash and washing the dishes, it couldn’t hurt to up the ante a bit. Create simple recipes and have your child cook the meals or allow them to complete their own laundry so that they know how to survive on their own.
Money Matters
Whether your teen is planning on attending school on a scholarship or they’re going to get a part time job it is important that you teach them about managing their finances in college. Explain things like how much tuition costs, how student loans can impact their financial future, and options for earning money while away from home. You should also discuss the importance of being financially responsible by showing them how to budget their expenses.
The Facts of Life
While parents have probably already had the “birds and the bees” talk with their teenager, college is an entirely different ball game. You’ll want to talk with your teenager about the potential temptations they’ll encounter while on campus. Discuss the types of dangers that are out there and the consequences of making the wrong choices while they’re away. You can also start by giving them a bit more freedom in high school to prepare them. Maybe allow them to go to a friend’s house for the weekend or attend a party to see how they handle tempting situations when you’re not around.
You may not be too keen on the idea of your teenager becoming an adult, but the best thing you can do is help them prepare. As their parent, you are the first teacher and biggest influence over their lives. To give your kid the best headstart in life, be sure to start implementing these tips early in their high school years so that it doesn’t seem like a lot of information all at once.