If you are a parent of a middle school or high school student, this article is for you. We have all said at some point in our parenting journey, “Things were so much easier and better when I was your age.” Guess what?! When it comes to college planning, you are right! To be successful in the college planning process, the earlier you and your child carve out a plan, the more success you will achieve. Here is a quick outline to start this journey:
Your child’s grades and portfolio
The application process
The financial commitment
As a parent who wants your child to achieve their best self, you need to start now! Grades have always been a driver to the most competitive colleges. If your child is struggling, evaluate the issues early. Oftentimes, the struggle has to do with time management and how committed your child is to achieving competitive grades. Have a conversation with your child to better understand your child’s struggles. Don’t hesitate to meet with the school counselor/teachers to better understand the requirements and what they are observing to guide your child. There are also many other resources that schools and outside programs provide. But what is most important, don’t blame the school or the teachers. Understand how you can be a team to help your child achieve.
Along with grades, your child’s portfolio has become essential to college entry. This portfolio is about how deeply your child has invested into his/her passion. The portfolio may include sports, music, volunteer service, leadership, or other activities and successes. The colleges want to hear about your child’s achievements. Portfolios are not about a “little bit of this and a little bit of that”. The universities want to hear about their commitment and challenges to success. What motivates your child in these activities? What has your child learned and how has your child grown and given back through their involvement?
Finally – the most difficult question is financial commitment. If your child is a high achiever and is planning to attend one of the most competitive universities, the price range can be anywhere from $35,000-$90,000 a year depending if your child is hoping for one of the powerhouse public programs in California or one of the many elite private campuses throughout the United States. EYHLifeCoach has partnered with some of the best institutions in Danville that can help guide a plan where you will not have to mortgage your home. Our partners can direct you to put your children through college while still being debt free. If possible, you want to avoid any types of loans to get your child through. To navigate the cost, each college has a Net Price Calculator. Go on their websites to obtain a strong, ballpark idea of the expenses you will be facing. Once you have some goals in place, or if you are still searching, reach out to EYHLifeCoach. We are highly trained in college planning, the application process, and, with our partners, have the best team to guide your financial commitment. Whether your child is 12 or 17, we can guide you in navigating your best choices.
By Christina Dalton, MS, PPS, PCC, EYH Life Coach
Christina Dalton is the Principal of EYH Life Coach. She applies her own personal and career transitions along with several degrees and credentials to provide insight and knowledge into the coaching experience. Christina handpicks her staff, all of whom are ICF credentialed and have unique experiences to create invaluable coaching sessions.
