When Should I Start Worrying About College?
Alright. Welcome back everyone for another deep dive. Today, we're tackling something that I know I think about a lot and I bet you do too. When exactly do we need to start worrying about college? Like, is it freshman year of high school?
Speaker 1:Middle school? Even earlier? I've been looking through a bunch of research and articles, and, honestly, some of it is kinda surprising, especially for those of us trying to balance work and life and, you know, the whole college thing.
Speaker 2:I think a lot of people can relate to that feeling for sure. And, honestly, one of the most interesting things I've seen in the research is this idea that you should start planning for college early, like, even as early as middle school.
Speaker 1:Oh, wait. Middle school. That seems a little early to be stressing about college applications, don't you think? Shouldn't middle schoolers be focused on, you know, being kids?
Speaker 2:I get it. But think of it this way. You know how financial experts always say to start saving for college early? This is kind of the same idea. It's not about adding more pressure.
Speaker 2:It's about building good habits, setting a good foundation that's gonna benefit them in the long run.
Speaker 1:Okay. So we're not talking about, like, intense studying in 6th grade, more like setting the stage.
Speaker 2:Right. It's about creating good habits, helping them make good decisions so that the transition to high school and then college is smoother. We don't wanna add more stress. We wanna equip them to handle everything strategically.
Speaker 1:So what does that actually look like if we're not pushing them to study 247 in middle school?
Speaker 2:Well, good grades are always important, of course. Colleges look at your grades throughout all of high school, not just junior year.
Speaker 1:That makes sense. Yeah. I bet there's research to back that up.
Speaker 2:There is. The National Association For College Admission Counseling
Speaker 1:Mhmm.
Speaker 2:Or NBAC as they call it. They point out that GPA is one of the most important factors in college admissions.
Speaker 1:So starting early isn't about pressure. It's about giving kids time to build a strong GPA and choose classes that challenge them.
Speaker 2:Exactly. And it's not just about academics. Planning early also gives them time to figure out what they're interested in, career wise, I mean, without the pressure of having to decide right away. They can look into internships or job shadowing or even just go to career fairs.
Speaker 1:That's so important. I remember being totally clueless about careers in middle school and high school. I just figured it would all work out somehow.
Speaker 2:A lot of us were like that.
Speaker 1:And you know what's interesting? The research shows that students who explore different careers early on are more likely to have a job after graduation. It's like they're getting a head start.
Speaker 2:That's exactly what it is. And colleges really value that. They're not just looking for straight a students. They weren't well rounded individuals.
Speaker 1:That makes a lot of sense. And our source talks about that a lot too. So how does that factor into this whole starting early idea? I'm guessing it's not about, like, signing your kid up for a 1000000 clubs.
Speaker 2:It's all about balance. Colleges wanna see students who are passionate, involved in their communities, and they wanna see more than just good grades. They wanna see students who are excited to learn and contribute. Building a well rounded profile with extracurriculars is a big part of that.
Speaker 1:So it's about finding that balance. Good academics, extracurriculars that your kid actually enjoys, and exploring different career options, all without making family life super stressful.
Speaker 2:Exactly. It's about making the most of those high school years, building a good foundation for their future, but also letting them enjoy the present. And there's a good framework for doing that. Our source breaks it down by year. Freshman year is about building that foundation.
Speaker 2:Sophomore year is expanding on it. Junior year, things start to get a little more serious. And senior year is the final push.
Speaker 1:Okay. So freshman year is about settling in, finding their footing. But how does that translate to concrete actions? What should students and parents be focusing on during that 1st year?
Speaker 2:Yeah. Freshman year, it's really all about adjusting to high school. You know, getting used to the workload, finding extracurriculars that they enjoy. It's about exploration, finding where they fit in.
Speaker 1:So it's not so much about building that college resume yet, more about, you know, building the student themselves.
Speaker 2:Exactly. It's about setting them up for success. And then sophomore year, things start to shift a little bit.
Speaker 1:So sophomore year is where we start nudging them toward college prep.
Speaker 2:Kind of. Sophomore year is about taking what they learned freshman year and building on it.
Speaker 1:So what does that actually look like?
Speaker 2:It might mean taking some more challenging classes like honors or AP classes, maybe taking on more leadership roles in their extracurriculars, and maybe even starting to think about the SAT or ACT.
Speaker 1:Okay.
Speaker 2:And sophomore year is also a great time to start exploring those career options we talked about, like job shadowing or internships.
Speaker 1:So sophomore year is all about getting a little taste of what's to come.
Speaker 2:Exactly.
Speaker 1:But I'm guessing junior year is when things get real.
Speaker 2:Yeah. Junior year is when college prep really ramps up.
Speaker 1:Yes. Junior year. Yeah. When the c word becomes impossible to avoid.
Speaker 2:Pretty much.
Speaker 1:So what does getting serious about college prep actually look like?
Speaker 2:Junior year is all about gathering information, figuring out what your student is looking for in a college. They should start making a list of colleges they're interested in, get serious about studying for the SAT or ACT, and maybe even visit a few campuses.
Speaker 1:So junior year can be pretty intense.
Speaker 2:It can be a lot, but this is where all that early planning really pays off.
Speaker 1:Because they've already got that academic foundation, and they've had time to explore their interests outside of school. Right.
Speaker 2:They're not starting from scratch.
Speaker 1:Okay. So we've talked about academics and extracurriculars
Speaker 2:Mhmm.
Speaker 1:And starting to narrow down college choices. But there's another big piece of the puzzle that we can't ignore, the financial side of things. And luckily, our source has some advice on that too.
Speaker 2:Definitely. And this is another area where planning ahead is so important.
Speaker 1:I can imagine those conversations aren't always easy.
Speaker 2:They can be tough.
Speaker 1:Where do you even begin?
Speaker 2:I think a good place to start is researching how much different colleges cost, you know, public versus private, in state versus out of state Okay. And then start looking into financial aid options, grants, loans, scholarships. A lot of families don't even know what's out there.
Speaker 1:So it's not just about saving every penny. It's about being proactive.
Speaker 2:Exactly. And it's okay to ask for help. There are financial advisors and college planning experts who can help you figure it all out.
Speaker 1:So we've got the academic prep, the extracurricular piece, and the financial discussions. It sounds like a lot to manage, especially for parents who are already juggling a million things. So how do we help our kids through this process without overwhelming them or ourselves?
Speaker 2:Our source talks a lot about finding a balance between being supportive and giving your kid independence.
Speaker 1:And because we wanna be involved.
Speaker 2:But we also don't wanna take over.
Speaker 1:Right. One of the most important things is to keep those lines of communication open.
Speaker 2:So it's not about telling our kids what they should do.
Speaker 1:It's more about working together, exploring different options, understanding their goals, and coming up with a plan that feels good for everyone.
Speaker 2:So less you have to be a doctor and more what are you interested in and how can we explore those options together.
Speaker 1:Exactly. And remember, you don't have to have all the answers.
Speaker 2:Sometimes it's okay to admit you don't know everything.
Speaker 1:It's true. You can even learn alongside your kid that can actually make them feel more comfortable coming to you with questions.
Speaker 2:Because I see you as a partner in this process. Exactly. Not someone who's dictating what they have to do.
Speaker 1:I like that. A partner, not a dictator.
Speaker 2:And another tip. Try to focus on the process rather than the outcome.
Speaker 1:What does that mean?
Speaker 2:It means instead of fixating on getting into a specific college, focus on helping your kid develop skills, explore their interests, and enjoy the learning process.
Speaker 1:So less you have to get into x college and more. Let's figure out what you're passionate about and find the best path for you.
Speaker 2:Exactly. That takes some of the pressure off, and it makes the whole experience more enjoyable.
Speaker 1:And speaking of making things less stressful, our source has some great tips on organization and deadlines, which, let's be honest, is something I struggle with myself.
Speaker 2:I think we all do. How do
Speaker 1:we help our kids stay organized?
Speaker 2:One simple tip is to encourage them to use a planner, whether it's a physical planner or an app on their phone.
Speaker 1:Okay.
Speaker 2:Help them break down big tasks into smaller, more manageable steps, and create a system for keeping track of important deadlines, like application dates and financial aid forms.
Speaker 1:So it's about setting them up for success, not just nagging them to do things.
Speaker 2:Alright.
Speaker 1:And let's be honest. Nagging never works anyway.
Speaker 2:It usually just makes things worse.
Speaker 1:Here's a little trick I've used with my own kids. Make it visual, like create a whiteboard or a big calendar where you can see all the important dates and deadlines.
Speaker 2:That's a great idea.
Speaker 1:It helps everyone stay on top of things.
Speaker 2:And it can help you avoid those last minute scrambles.
Speaker 1:You know, it might even help me stay organized too.
Speaker 2:There you go.
Speaker 1:And there are also a lot of online tools and resources that can help with organization and planning. Some of them even send automatic reminders so you don't have to be the bad guy all the time. Exactly. So we've covered communication, organization, and that all important emotional support. But even with the best planning and communication, this whole college search process can be really overwhelming.
Speaker 1:How do we even begin to help our kids navigate that?
Speaker 2:That's a great question. And, honestly, it's a topic we could probably do a whole other deep dive on.
Speaker 1:Maybe we should.
Speaker 2:But to give you a quick overview, the first step is to create a balanced college list.
Speaker 1:What do you mean by balanced?
Speaker 2:A balanced college list should include reach schools, target schools, and safety schools.
Speaker 1:Okay. So reach schools are like those dream schools.
Speaker 2:Right. The ones that might be a long shot.
Speaker 1:And target schools are schools where your kid has a good chance of getting in.
Speaker 2:Exactly. Their grades and test scores are in line with the average student they admit.
Speaker 1:And safety schools are schools where your kid is almost guaranteed to get in. Right. So having a mix of all 3 helps manage expectations.
Speaker 2:Exactly. And it increases the chances of getting into at least one school that's a good fit.
Speaker 1:So once you have that list, what's next?
Speaker 2:Then it's time to start doing some research. Look into academic programs, campus culture, extracurricular activities Yeah. Location, size. There are so many factors to consider.
Speaker 1:It can definitely feel overwhelming.
Speaker 2:It can.
Speaker 1:What are some good resources for getting information?
Speaker 2:College websites are always a good place to start. They usually have tons of information.
Speaker 1:What about those virtual college tours?
Speaker 2:Those are great. They can give you a really good feel for the campus without having to travel. And a lot of colleges also offer online info sessions where you can learn more about specific programs and ask questions.
Speaker 1:So there's a lot of information available online.
Speaker 2:There really is. And don't forget about college fairs.
Speaker 1:Those are still a thing.
Speaker 2:They are, and they can be a great way to meet representatives from multiple colleges at once.
Speaker 1:So it's about using a mix of online and in person resources.
Speaker 2:Exactly.
Speaker 1:And as you're doing all this research, it's important to encourage your kid to really think about what's important to them.
Speaker 2:That's so important.
Speaker 1:Like, what kind of learning environment do they thrive in? What are their academic interests? What kind of campus culture are they looking for?
Speaker 2:It's all about finding a place where they can be themselves and pursue their passions.
Speaker 1:But this whole college prep process isn't just about logistics. It's a pretty emotional time for everyone.
Speaker 2:It really is.
Speaker 1:It's a huge transition for teenagers.
Speaker 2:And for parents too.
Speaker 1:We've seen our kids grow up, become more independent.
Speaker 2:It's natural to feel all sorts of emotions, excitement, pride, sadness, maybe even a little bit of fear.
Speaker 1:So how do we navigate those emotions, both for our kids and for ourselves?
Speaker 2:One of the most important things we can do as parents is to just acknowledge those emotions. Let your kid know that it's okay to feel whatever they're feeling.
Speaker 1:So instead of telling them not to worry Yeah. We need to listen to them.
Speaker 2:Exactly. Validate their feelings. Let them know that it's normal to feel excited and nervous and maybe even a little scared.
Speaker 1:Because it is a big change.
Speaker 2:It is.
Speaker 1:And what about us as parents? How do we deal with our own emotions?
Speaker 2:That's a great question, and it's something we don't talk about enough. It's important to remember that this transition can be just as emotional for us as it is for our kids.
Speaker 1:So it's okay for us to feel things too.
Speaker 2:Absolutely. It's okay to feel nostalgic or anxious about the future future or even a little sad to see your kid growing up.
Speaker 1:It's all part of the process.
Speaker 2:It is. And it's important to find healthy ways to process those emotions. Talk to your partner or a friend or even a therapist, and remember to take care of yourself.
Speaker 1:Good advice.
Speaker 2:And remember, you're not alone in this. Millions of parents go through this every year.
Speaker 1:That's a good point.
Speaker 2:At the end of the day, the most important thing is to approach this process with love and support and a healthy dose of perspective. College is just one chapter in a much bigger story.
Speaker 1:That's a beautiful way to put it.
Speaker 2:And our job as parents is to help our kids write their own stories in a way that feels authentic and fulfilling to them.
Speaker 1:I love that.
Speaker 2:And remember, there's no right way to do this. Every family's journey is gonna be different.
Speaker 1:So it's about finding what works best for you and your child
Speaker 2:Exactly.
Speaker 1:And approaching the whole process with an open mind and an open heart.
Speaker 2:I couldn't have said it better myself.
Speaker 1:And speaking of support, you know what I found to be incredibly helpful for families going through this? Sometimes it feels like this whole college thing is just a giant puzzle, and you just need someone to help you figure out where all the pieces go.
Speaker 2:I think that's a really good analogy.
Speaker 1:It can be really overwhelming.
Speaker 2:Especially if you're doing it for the first time.
Speaker 1:So as we wrap up our deep dive, let's give our listeners some advice. For those who are just starting to think about this whole process.
Speaker 2:It's easy to get caught up in all the things you have to do, but it's important to remember that you don't have to do everything at once.
Speaker 1:It's so true. It's a marathon, not a sprint.
Speaker 2:Exactly. And every family is gonna have a different journey. There's no one right way to do this. The key is to find what works for you and your child and to remember that this is a process. It takes time.
Speaker 1:So if you could give our listeners one piece of advice, what would it be?
Speaker 2:Start with a conversation. Talk to your child about what they're hoping for, what they're dreaming about, and what they're worried about.
Speaker 1:Open communication is so important.
Speaker 2:It really is. And remember, you don't have to have all the answers. Just be there for your child. Be supportive and navigate this journey together.
Speaker 1:That's great advice. And if you're feeling lost or overwhelmed, don't be afraid to ask for help. There are so many resources out there for families going through this. Like, have you heard of College Journey?
Speaker 2:Oh, yeah. College Journey is an amazing platform. It's designed to make college prep easier and less stressful.
Speaker 1:It really is. And the best part is it's powered by Alice?
Speaker 2:Alice is an AI powered college counselor. She can help with everything from choosing the right classes, to building a college list, to figuring out financial aid.
Speaker 1:It's like having a personal college adviser right in your pocket.
Speaker 2:Exactly.
Speaker 1:So if you're feeling overwhelmed, definitely check out College Journey and see how Alice can help you. We hope this deep dive is giving you some helpful information and maybe even some peace of mind. As you start thinking about college, remember, it's all about finding the right fit for your child and helping them create a future they're excited about.
Speaker 2:And don't forget to enjoy the process. These high school years are so important, and the college journey is a big part of that.
Speaker 1:That's a great point. Thanks for joining us on the deep dive. Until next time, keep exploring, keep learning, and keep diving deeper.
