Six Tips to Help Get Your Children Involved in College Planning

Is your family looking forward to a school vacation over the next few months? Consider getting a head start on college planning. There are many activities that you can undertake now to ease the college decision-making process later.

1. Encourage Thinking About Careers
Academic areas where your child excels, personal interests, and personality traits come into play in shaping career goals. Encourage younger children to draw a picture of their future career. Look for classes and activities that can help foster their talents and interests. Older children may be able to talk to an adult who has a job in a field that interests them.

2. Visit College Campuses
When your child is in high school, schedule visits to colleges of interest. For younger children, take them to a sporting event or a performance held at a college near your home. If your children have friends with older brothers or sisters in college, see if your child can join them for a campus visit.

3. Take a Broad View
College is more than classes and a dorm room. Pursuing high school sports, the arts, student government, or other interests may stimulate your child in ways that complement academics and enhance the chances of getting accepted at a top school. Encourage children to try a new activity during their next vacation.

4. Be Realistic About Costs
If your children understand how much it costs to attend college, they may better appreciate the financial sacrifices your family makes. Encourage children to open a college account and save money earned from an allowance, part-time jobs, and other endeavors. Help children in middle school or older to research college costs at www.collegeboard.com.

5. Reach Out to College Students
Speaking with college students may help your child better understand the realities of college life. If your younger child needs to write an essay for school, suggest that he or she interview a college student. High schoolers may want to contact college students who attended their high school to learn firsthand about the college experience.

6. Set a Personal Example
Young people become optimistic about their future if their parents are enthusiastic about their present lives. Without preaching, tell your children about the experiences that have made you the person that you are. For example, how did you decide on your career? If you attended college, how did you select your school? Discussing these points will help your child as he or she embarks on a personal journey.