Help your teenager prepare for a fulfilling life after high school.
It's never too early to get your teenager thinking about and planning for college: the next pivotal stage in their transition to adulthood. Most likely, your child is looking to you for guidance and support in navigating this exciting, yet daunting time in their lives. Research shows that a college degree can open the door to a world of opportunity for your child —helping to increase chances of landing a great job and elevating earning potential over a lifetime.
Facilitate the discussion about the transition to college.
If your teenager is still uncertain about the prospect of attending college, now is not the time to lay down the law and demand that they go. This may be the most important decision they make, as it can chart the course for the rest of their lives. Dictating your will on your teenage child may turn out to be a recipe for disaster. Here's a positive way to approach the discussion:
- Engage in an open dialogue with your child.
- Discuss the benefits of college, including why DeVry University may be the right fit, and address any possible concerns he or she may have in a positive and supportive format.
- Help them identify his or her interests and passions and plant seeds to spark excitement about possible career paths—and the education needed to get there.
- Dig into our career discovery resources to help your teenager discover hot careers where they can find an exciting future.
Giving your child ownership over the decision makes it more likely that he or she will embrace the idea of college with energy and enthusiasm.
Encourage your child to get involved in high school.
Although academics are important, colleges look for students who are active and involved. Encourage your child to participate in extracurricular activities to supplement their academic performance. By joining clubs, playing sports, volunteering and even working part-time, your child will demonstrate that he or she is a well-rounded individual with unique talents and interests to complement a diverse student body. If your child is interested in getting even more out of high school, point them to DeVry University's high school college credit programs where they can earn credit on us and get a jump on completing their education and landing a great career.
Be there for support during the college transition.
Getting ready for college is a stressful time for most students. Generally, the college crunch begins junior year as the flurry of deadlines, transcripts, class rankings and ACT/SAT prep classes sets in. By the time senior year rolls around, test-taking, application submissions, interviewing and college decision-making are in full swing — and all of this is coupled with the fact that many don't relish the thought of saying goodbye to old friends and starting over in a whole new place with a new set of people. Be aware of what your child is going through and help them manage the flurry of activity and change that occurs during this transitional period.
Of course, don't forget about yourself. Check out our Parent Survival Kit for helpful advice on how you as a parent can manage this exciting time of change and growth as well.