Tuesday, April 28, 2020

How to Support Your Child with Their College Decision

It may be time for your child to transition to college, and this venture is set to become one of the most important in their lifetime. As a parent, it’s in your nature to give your child the best chance of success. You have spent the past 18 years nurturing them into young adulthood, and now it’s time to send them off on their new journey. 
Having to make college plans and say goodbye to your child can be extremely difficult to process. However, you must keep in mind that this experience is the beginning of endless possibilities, which will hopefully allow them to have a bright and successful future.

Student Loan Options for Parents to Fill a College Tuition Gap ...
Here’s how you can support your child with their college decision.
Don’t take control
All parents have the ambition to see their child succeed, but you should never force your dreams onto your child as this can affect their mental well being. Many freshmen are studying courses they have been pushed into by their parents, but this will only increase their chances of failing or dropping out. It would be in your best interest to have discussions with your child to open their mind to new concepts and discover where their strengths and interests lie. Help them realize what they want to get out of life but try not to take control.
Search for colleges Knowing which colleges to apply to is a minefield as there are thousands dotted across the U.S.A. Your child may already have a few in mind; however, narrowing down the list can be confusing when they have never visited or know anyone who has been. Advise them to check out CampusReel to find out more about each college and get a brief glimpse of the student experience. Remind them that they will be living at college for several years, so it’s important to choose an establishment they have a good feeling about and is suited to their aspirations.
Find out about financial aid offers You may be worried about the responsibility of financially supporting your child’s education. However, there are often options for financial aid. Colleges will typically send out a letter informing parents and students of grants, loans, and scholarships and how you can apply. Compare the financial aid offers between different colleges to see which arrangement works in your favor. Be honest with your child about your personal finances and the cost of their education, should they be unable to study at their first-choice college for financial reasons.
Assess career paths Sit down with your child and evaluate which colleges are likely to navigate them onto their desired career path. Courses will vary between institutions in terms of subject areas and modules, so it’s best to read through course guides thoroughly to get an insight into the specialisms. Take the time to research the grad outcomes by analyzing annual data released by each college, to determine whether the institution can guarantee they will achieve their specific career goals.







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