A few years ago, I wrote a post, 5 Steps for a Successful College Visit. In that post, I shared a peek into an informal college visit to the University of Illinois that I took my boys on.
The reason that I took them to the University was simply for them to get a feel for what “college” was and looked like. I also wanted them to be able to envision themselves on a college campus in the future.
In addition to envisioning themselves on a college campus, it’s important to me that they not rack up student loan debt. If they happen to accumulate some minimal debt, that is understandable.
However, I would encourage them to refinance any student loans that they do receive at a company such as SoFi. You can check out their site at https://www.sofi.com/refinance-student-loan/.
In addition to this, in my role, as an Academic Advisor, one of our duties is to take students on various college campus visits to expose them to life at the university level.
And, as a mother, I’m not going to take other children to visit college campuses and not take my own.
What sense would that make?
So, believe me when I say, “It’s not too early to start the “college and/or future conversation” with your children”. Honestly, I wish I was introduced earlier to the college experience. I honestly feel that I could have worked with someone who could have helped put me on the right track to becoming that Nutritionist (Dietitian) that I really wanted to be instead of the Academic Advisor that I am.
Don’t get me wrong. I enjoy what I do, however, it wasn’t my first career choice. And, if I could go back and start all over again, I would.
I wish someone would have taken me to various college campuses to see what they were like. I wish someone would have sat me down early and said, this is what will be required of you if you choose to be a Dietician. I wish someone would have walked me through the duties and responsibilities in that position, along with explaining to me what the salary would be like and if I would be able to live a comfortable life working that career.
None of that happened, so thankfully, in my position as an Academic Advisor, I am able to be that person that I needed as a child to students I come in contact with and my own children.
The truth is – if your child is not a part of a college-prep program or at a high school that offers college visits, they are less likely to have those college experiences (if you don’t take them).
Would you agree?
Final Thoughts
From personal experience, I believe talking to your children early about college is important. And, if you don’t feel equipped to have a conversation with them, get the conversation started and schedule a visit at college or university. Admission counselors and advisors are generally happy to meet with potential students.
Check out the list below for how to have a successful college visit.
Step 1
Decide on the location and choose a college to visit. If you don’t know where to start simply choose an area and do an online search.
Step 2
Once you decide on a college or university. Call and ask the college when is their next “Prospective Student Campus Visit” or check their website.
Step 3
Schedule your visit.
Step 4
Arrive prepared with questions to ask during the visit and a general idea of the major you want to pursue. This is so important and a great way to make the most of your visit.
For example, if you are considering working with plastic polymers, you may want to be a Chemical Engineer. Not all colleges and universities offer Chemical Engineering. So, it would be a wise decision to ask if the college you are visiting has your major.
Learn more about what some Chemical Engineers do at http://www.poundsofplastic.com.
Other sample questions could include the following…
- Does this college offer my major?
- What courses should my child take in high school to better prepare them?
- What is the cost of books, fees, tuition, room, and board?
- What financial aid is available for my child?
- Is there tutoring on campus if my child needs extra help?
- What is a typical day like on campus for a full-time student?
- What scholarships are available?
- When should we apply?
- What happens if I change my major?
I actually saved one of my favorite questions for last. “What happens if I change my major?” I work with so many students who change their majors. So, let’s say that you change your major from Chemical Engineering to Biological Sciences or Sustainability.
The student needs to know that while the majors have some similarities, different coursework may be required. Because of this, the student may have spent time taking courses that he or she didn’t need; which also results in money spent unnecessarily.
Learn more about possible careers in Sustainability at https://scicorp.net.
Step 5
Lastly, have a family debriefing. Ask questions such as the following:
- Do you see yourself at that college?
- Can we afford it?
- What will be your major?
- What is your career goal?
- Will that career be in demand in 10 years?
- Will you make enough to support yourself and your family?
- What if we need to get loans?
- Are there scholarships available? ?
