Not all teens are alike hence, they have different attitudes and they make different decisions. When it comes to their college education, some teens are able to make a firm decision right away on the course they want to pursue and the school they want to enroll in while the others take some time.
When your teenager feels undecided on his college course and school, parents need to provide the proper guidance. Many male teens, for instance, face this problem and sometimes after a year in college, they can still change their minds. Some of them simply want to enroll in the nearest college or the others may want to enroll in the school where their friends are planning to attend.
Various factors need to be taken into account when finding a college for your teen son or daughter. Primarily, though, you need to look for a college or university that meets the academic, social and career goals of its students.
Academic Reputation
The academic reputation of the school should be on top of your priority. But keep in mind that not every school with a good academic reputation is right for your child. What matters is the quality education it provides more than its national ranking.
When it comes to academics, a college needs to have a strong program in your teen’s chosen major. You can check this through the school’s website or by personally visiting the campus to get first hand information including requirements from the admin office. Find out as well about their job placement services for students.
Availability of Financial Aid
As college is expensive these days, it is a must to ask about the cost of your child’s chosen major. It is also a good idea to find out the financial assistance being offered by the college or university your teen prefers.
Most colleges offer scholarships, loans, work-study programs and other types of aid to help students not able to afford a college education. You will have to ask about this from the financial aid office.
School Size
The size of the school should also be considered. Take note that some teens who come from a community school may feel out of place in a large university and may have difficulty adjusting with his or her classmates and other students. This may lead to culture shock which could eventually discourage the teen student to continue with his studies.
Be sure to inquire about the instructor-student ratio in the school your teen is considering. But remember that class size may vary in colleges. Also, ask if the instructors are accessible to their students and take an active interest in them. You can research online as well and check out websites such as F3Y.com that offers useful tips to help parents provide the proper guidance to their teens.
Location
The location of the school is as important. Depending on your teen’s preference, your child can choose a college which is just hours away from your home or he can choose to attend a school in another state.
Many college students today opt to go to a school far away from their homes to lead a more independent life. For them, college is a major adventure in their lives which presents an opportunity to live in a new place and meet new people while their pursuing their course.
Originally posted on October 2, 2015 @ 12:18 pm
