Moving out is a big step in anyone’s life, not just for college-aged kids. As moms and dads with children who are now or will soon be on their own, it’s important to know that there are significant changes in the world of higher education that you should be aware of. Here are some key things listed out by https://rantdriven.com/ to think about as you prepare your little one for college, or before sending them off into the world.
College-bound students
1) The majority of colleges now accept applications through a Common Application form found on the organization’s website. While the Common Application is not the only application service used by colleges and universities, it is fast becoming the most widely-used application service for undergraduate programs.
2) The number of college-bound students utilizing early decision programs has decreased in recent years, due to increased competition for top-tier students. Early decision programs are only available at a select number of highly competitive institutions.
3) The Common Application will now allow applicants to indicate whether or not they intend to seek financial aid from any college they apply to.
Financial aid
4) If you are sending your kids off to college, it will be helpful to know that most colleges do not tell their incoming freshman students about financial aid. Many families find that after receiving letters of acceptance, they discover too late that the student they are sending is ineligible for financial aid. This is because each college has its own policies on what constitutes “need.” Your kid may be eligible for financial aid, but if the school does not tell you, it is up to you to make sure you fully understand what your kids are getting into before agreeing to let them go.
Quality of the education
5) Colleges realize now that the average college student receives credit cards within three years of matriculation. Credit cards are like a license to charge an unlimited amount of money, and there is no such thing as overdraft protection on college credit cards. Once your kid gets a credit card, they will be entering the “real world.” You must make sure that your child understands what they can and cannot charge on their credit card and keep tabs on how much they’re charging.
6) Financial Aid for college has become competitive. The ability to pay for college has become just as important as the quality of the education your kid is receiving, and students who receive financial aid often do not receive enough financial aid to cover the full cost of attendance at their selected school.
Influence the decision
7) Legally, parents can’t control what school your kids attend. However, that doesn’t mean you can’t influence the decision. There are a number of ways parents can help ensure their kids end up at the right school. One way is to make sure they understand the differences between public and private schools as well as part-time and full-time enrollment. Answering tough questions like these will help your kids make informed decisions about what school is best for them.
8 ) Parents must understand that their kids’ first year of college is full of organizing, planning, scheduling and attending orientation activities that may be completely overwhelming to your child. You need to know that there are times when your child will need your assistance in planning out their day or week.
School supplies
9) Your kids will be responsible for buying all of their school supplies and other personal items during the first year after college, not to mention worrying about finding a job. You can help them get started by having them keep a cash register in their dorm room and purchase classes from the time they get to school. They may find themselves shopping from home on a more consistent basis as they get used to spending money on their own.
10) “Senioritis,” or the tendency of students who have completed their first year of college to become bored, lose focus and begin falling behind in classes, is a real concern for many parents. This is why many schools require that first-year students live on campus and participate in programs that help transfer their newly-discovered independence into productive work habits.
Disadvantaged backgrounds
11) Students who come from disadvantaged backgrounds may feel their background puts them at a disadvantage when they first enter college. However, many colleges now require freshmen to take “First Year Experience” courses. These courses are designed to encourage students from less affluent backgrounds to enter the college environment with a sense of confidence and belonging. The transition from high school to college is often more difficult for kids from disadvantaged backgrounds because their parents have not been able to steer them toward a college-bound path early in life.
Victims of crime
12) Parents need to know that kids who leave home for college are at higher risk of being victims of crime. The average student will have three lockdowns, so it is important to make sure your kids are aware of their surroundings at all times, and know how they will react if there is a threat of violence on campus.
13) While most college freshmen are eligible for financial aid, the fact is that most college students have no trouble paying for school with the money they earn by working part time during breaks or summers, or with money they receive from an outside source like a scholarship.
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Parents are the most important supporters of their child’s education, so it’s vital that they know what to expect before they arrive on campus.
