Deciding whether or not you will attend college and what you want for your future is a big decision for children. However, the earlier that a child can begin making these decisions the better.
As an eighth grade student in my county, children take a career scope test to determine their strengths and weaknesses. The test matches the students’ skills with careers for the future.
The students also talk with a high school counselor and are asked to choose a path of study for high school. The path may be college bound or technical school bound.
Parents and teachers alike need to help students make wise decisions about their future.
Encourage students to plan early. While the future seems a long way off to a thirteen year old, planning ahead is a good idea. Talk with guidance counselors and determine which courses need to be taken.
Encourage your child to challenge him/herself. Many students opt to take easy courses for an easy A. Stress the importance of taking as hard of an academic load as that can be handled. Colleges are not easily fooled by a high GPA in easy courses.
Make sure that your child is covering all the minimums. Students without guidance can find themselves a credit short of graduating. Also make sure that all college basic entrance courses are covered. Most colleges require four years of English, two years of history, science, and a foreign language, three years of math, and one year of fine arts. Tougher universities may require even more.
Keep in mind that your child has many choices. Your job is to help your child find the right path that fits his/her lifestyle and capabilities. Your university of choice may no be the right choice for your child. Always let your child know that they can excel if they put in the effort.