Parents of high school age children with plans to attend college must prepare in advance. Students who do well at the next level are the ones who began to think about taking that step years before it is time. Most often, the only way that will happen is if the parents press the issue.
Three ways you can help to ensure your student's success at college are:
1 - Choose Challenging High School Courses
Try to push them to take the more difficult classes, like the honors level high school courses. Research has shown kids who take the more difficult courses such as honors math, English, and science do better at college.
The reason why so many students don't make it through the first year of college is they have not learned to work hard enough at their studies. The study skills your child will need at the college level should already be developed before they attend.
2 - Keep a Positive Attitude
Taking harder courses may mean grades lower than those your child would make in easier level classes, but that should be expected. You must be encouraging and helpful instead of judgmental and negative. Try to focus on things you can do to assist, such as helping them find a tutor or suggesting they join a study group.
A positive attitude must be maintained all the way through the college application and selection process and beyond. As you know, even good students may not be accepted by their first college choice. A rejection should not be viewed as a bad situation, just an opportunity to excel at another school.
3 - Visit Colleges That Make Offers
If there is any possibility that your child will attend a particular college, it is highly suggested that both of you visit the campus before making a final decision. Arrange a campus tour in advance and allow sufficient time to cover the campus thoroughly. Discuss your findings at length frankly and honestly and make the decision together.
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