Fact: Parents have begun financing their children’s college education before their child is born.
Therefore, college planning should begin as early as Middle School, RIGHT?
The journey to higher education is a long and exciting one, but it can also be overwhelming and stressful. The college application process can seem like a daunting task, but it's never too early to start preparing. In fact, starting the process in middle school is a smart choice that can make all the difference in achieving your child’s college goals.
Setting Goals
Middle school is a great time to start thinking about what your child would want to study in college and what kind of career your child would hope to have in the future. This is a crucial step in the college application process as it will guide the rest of your child’s preparation. Setting goals can help your child stay motivated and focused on what they want to achieve. It also gives them the opportunity to research colleges and majors that align with their interests and career aspirations.
Taking Appropriate Courses
Knowing what your child would want to study in college can also help them choose the right courses in middle and high school. For example, if they are interested in pursuing a degree in engineering, taking math and science courses in middle school will help lay a strong foundation for their future studies. Colleges want your child to participate and succeed in challenging courses. It’s good for them to start early.
If they are interested in pursuing Advanced Placement courses in high school, there are prerequisite courses that can be taken in Middle School. For example, for a student to get into Pre-Calculus, your child may have the opportunity to take Algebra 1, Geometry, and Algebra 2 in Middle School. By the time they get to high school, they will have the background knowledge to qualify and succeed in Pre-Calculus.
Your child even has the opportunity to take high school level courses during Middle School. They even have the opportunity to earn college credits as early as the the Summer going into 7th grade. (Reach out to me to understand how this opportunity can happen for your child)
Getting Involved in Extracurricular Activities
In addition to taking the right courses, it's also important to get involved in extracurricular activities in middle school. These activities can demonstrate your child’s interests, leadership skills, and involvement in the community. They can also help them stand out on their college applications and show admissions officers what sets them apart from other applicants.
Exploring Colleges and Majors
Starting the college application process in middle school also gives you and your child plenty of time to research colleges and majors. This is your family’s opportunity to learn about the different programs, admission requirements, and campus cultures of colleges that may bring interested to your child. Keep in mind that the major may change over time as they experience life… and that is okay!
Financial Aid
College can be expensive, so it's important to start researching financial aid options as early as possible. By starting in middle school, you can learn about scholarships, grants, and loans that your child may be eligible for and take steps to qualify for them.
Conclusion
In conclusion, starting the college application process in middle school can provide a strong foundation for the future. By understanding the requirements for admission and helping your child find their niche; you give your children and yourselves the time to prepare and make informed decisions. The goal is to help your child crush every step of the college application process. So, don't wait! Start the college journey as early as possible.
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