College 101
Whether your teen is a top student or struggling to keep a passing GPA, when it comes to college, one has to consider what's best on both the academic and financial fronts. Carl Trujillo, adjunct professor at Suffolk County Community College in Brentwood, N.Y., and former director of guidance and counseling at Half Hollow Hills Central School District in Dix Hills, N.Y., shares these practical tips for steering your college-bound teen in the right direction.
Less Is More
Don't apply to more than 10 schools. "One mistake students make is applying to 20 schools, but they're all the same type of school and the same level of difficulty in terms of getting in," Trujillo says. "The formula for a successful application process is this: Your teen should apply to one or two 'reach schools'; five or six that they're qualified to attend (meaning they have the basic credentials and meet the basic admissions criteria); and one or two 'safety schools,' where they stand an excellent chance of getting accepted."
Location, Location, Location
Where a potential college is based is another key factor to consider. "For most teens, this is the first time they've lived away from home and you want to make sure they are OK with the distance," Trujillo says. "Some students may yearn for a school in the big city, while others might be happier in a more suburban or rural setting. Things like climate and weather are also important to think about when helping your teen choose a school. It's all about what's best for them academically — and in terms of the environment."
Size Does Matter
"Size is one of the most important factors when helping your teen decide on a college," says Trujillo, who notes that some teens may not feel comfortable in a small school, just as some others might feel swallowed up or intimidated by a large school. "You need to help your teen figure out whether they want a school with 5,000 students or 25,000 students, or somewhere in-between."
Consider State Schools and Community Colleges
College degrees are not slam-dunk guarantees for well-paying jobs, and student loans can pile up debt. A state university or local community college — where tuition is often less — can keep your teen from future fiscal nightmare. "A lot of students think of state colleges as a glorified 13th grade," Trujillo says. "But if you get your associate degree at a two-year community school, you can save your money and then apply to a four-year college to finish off your degree. In many situations, it's an opportunity worth considering."
Trading Places
If your teen has a particular aptitude for a field like carpentry or computer technology, don't overlook trade or technical schools, where one can develop marketable skills that can translate into a well-paying vocation. "If a student has no interest in subjects like liberal arts, trade schools can be an excellent option," says Trujillo. "Honing your entrepreneurial skills in this economy is really important."
Live at Home
Aside from the domestic perks of having her mom or dad around to do her laundry, living at home while enrolled at a local college can save your teen thousands of dollars in room and board. "Many overachievers think you must go away to college because of the negative stigma attached to living at home," Trujillo says. "A lot of teens are nervous about what their friends will think. But living at home can be a prudent option, especially if your teen has financial concerns."
Write On
According to Trujillo, any teen applying to college — and regardless of where — should fine-tune his or her writing skills. "Encourage your teen to develop a strength in writing essays," he says. "So many colleges are heavily influenced by the personal essay included in their applications. Your writing skills will help you get into a good school and, upon graduating, land a good job."
Look for Scholarships
Help your teen research academic scholarships. "A lot of state universities and local private colleges provide scholarships for graduating high school seniors in the local area," says Trujillo. He recommends searching online databases and consulting local schools for information on such available scholarships. "There's financial aid out there," Trujillo says. "It's just a matter of finding it and being open to the opportunities provided."
Don't Spread Yourself Too Thin
While it's important for your teen to pursue outside interests and present as a well-rounded candidate, make sure it's not too much. "Too many kids decide to go out and join everything and they spread themselves too thin," says Trujillo. "Advise your teen to be selective when choosing their after-school activities. They should enjoy and be good at what they're doing and give an in-depth kind of involvement to each extracurricular activity."
Follow Your Passion
All financial concerns aside, if your teen expresses a burning desire to pursue a particular field, you should encourage them, Trujillo says. "If your child has that fire in the belly, so to speak, and is aching to become an actor, broadcast journalist, writer or what have you, then help them get there." Look for schools that are good matches for your teen's particular passion and have a good record of advancing students in that field.
