Education: College Preparation
College Preparation
Parent Prep
How To Prepare Mom & Dad For College
By Paige Heckathorn
Your last year of high school is one of the most exciting of times. Becoming a senior means being at the top of the social ladder and much more freedom. However, amidst all the excitement, you’re also faced with one of the most significant decisions of your life: where to go to college.
Most parents, whether you want them to or not, have their own opinion on the subject. Maybe they want you to stay close to home and attend a local college. Maybe they’d prefer that you leave the nest and explore the world. Perhaps they haven’t given it much thought and are leaving it all up to you! Despite the situation, there are ways to “talk college” and ensure that both you and your parents are ready.
1. Start the conversations early. It may be tempting to wait until the beginning of senior year to talk to your parents, but by then they may have already formed their own ideas about what they want you to do or where they want you to go. So start your research as early as your freshman year. This will give you a better idea about college options and will allow enough time to formulate a plan to share with your parents. Starting early will show your parents that you’re serious. It will also help them become more comfortable with your ideas and help you reach your goals.
2.Thoroughly hash out every possible option.If you want to go away to a four-year college, but your parents can’t afford it, then strike a deal. Attend a community college for the first two years and then transfer to a four-year institution.
Another affordable option may be military schools (i.e. U.S. Military Academy, Air Force Academy, Naval Academy, Coast Guard Academy, etc.). Although it’s not for everyone, a free education with the military can add another level of adventure and challenge to your college experience. Some friends of mine even received stipends during their time away, which relieved their parents of some of the financial burdens.
If you start early, you can also look for scholarships and grants. Do your research, and it will pay off richly in the end.
3. Keep your parents in the loop. There are some really easy ways to do this; let them read your college essays and give input, or let them help you pick out an outfit for an interview. Little things can mean a lot. Your parents have been involved in your education for 12 years, so it’s vital to continue to include them.
4. Be flexible and willing to compromise. If you want to go away to school but finances are an issue, agree to get a job at the college of your choice. Committing to pay your own airfare and/or the cost of seasonal clothes may also help. Making sacrifices and compromises will show that you are sincere, and that’s really what parents want to see.
Every senior has a different set of dreams, and every family has different values and circumstances. However, keeping a strong and open conversation with your parents will ensure that the end result will be one that all parties can be at peace with.