Find a College for Your Child

3 Parts:

Steps

How to Make Sure it is the Right College for Your Child

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College comes after grade school and high school. Grade school prepares the student for high school and high school is the platform which prepares the kid for college. Selecting a suitable college for your child is a critical decision which should be discussed by the child with his parents or trusted guardians. College is the launching pad by which the child's future career will largely be based on. His financial and emotional success which largely be impacted by his choice of school and course.

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   By the time the kid will be in his last year in high school, the natural thing to expect is he already knows what course he will take for college

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   The sad thing nowadays is that most graduating high school still do not have an inkling what they want to do with their life and the direction it will take. That is why it is very important that the parents and the school authorities should work hand in hand in giving the best possible solutions for the kid to prepare for the training that he needs in college for the course and the college that is most suitable for them.

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   There are exams conducted in high school which determines the strengths and weaknesses of each student

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   These exams usually recommend suitable courses that the child will excel in. The parents and school authorities have an influential hold on the child in helping him determine the course of his fate. There should be a balance between the strengths of the child and what are the in-demand courses and careers of the day. It is like saying, OK you take this course, but when you graduate, there are no jobs available that is connected to your course. This will make the child a statistic in the ranks of the unemployed. Not wanting this to happen, the child should be realistic with the course and college campus of his choice.

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   Watch for scholarships and educational grants and loans being offered that can greatly ease the financial burden on your parents/guardians

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   If the child has high grades academically, he could apply for an academic scholarship. If he is strong in a particular sport and a college/university of his choice has a team for this sport, he could be an athletic scholar. There are also grants ford children of employees of some companies. And there are educational loans wherein the payment starts months after the kid graduates from his course. Choose the best offer and the best combination of school facilities, academic reputation, board exam record in terms of passing percentage. Ask if the scholarship comes with an allowance and free dormitory and free tutorials. Best after college support for the graduate after he graduates is also an added plus.

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   There are over 9,000 colleges and universities

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   So, the choices could be overwhelming for the child. Parental guidance and school counseling is very important here. Your child might say that he wants to be independent in choosing his course, but step back and give him some breathing room. Somehow, along the way, he will ask you questions, and this will be your chance to positively influence him.

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   Make your child get all the entrance examinations of all the colleges and universities he is choosing from

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   As many possible. In this way, when enrollment time comes, his choices will be narrowed down to a few chosen but quality schools.

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   Do some college trekking with your child

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   Sometimes, the child will underestimate the value of a university based on what he sees on paper, but when he visits the campus, and he likes the atmosphere and the school culture, it might alter his decision.

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Is there such this as a good and a bad college? Truth is there is no such thing. We all have our own standards which make a college seem good or not. Any parent would only want a 'good' or the 'best' school for their children but what really makes a good college? If you are a parent looking for that good college , here are some hints that you can check on:

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   Set the Name Aside

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   While the reputation of the college is important, this would not have so much bearing when the major your child wants is not offered or that it is not the school's specialty. Being in a known college does not mean that they are in the right school. Look not into the name but the quality of education it offers.

   

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   Check the College's Specialty

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   The training our children get from college would be very important in preparing them for their future careers. It is then very important that you send them to a college where the major they want is being specialized in there.

   

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   Accessibility

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   Going to college may be tough for the first few months for your child; More homework, new people and new environment. This will slash several hours for their personal activities like sports or academic groups. It is then important that they go to a college near the home. If you cannot find a good college accessible from home, then you may want to consider your child staying in a dorm.

   

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   Search for a Good Dormitory

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   It will be very convenient for your child to stay in a dormitory but should you both decide this is the best setup, you have to check the place yourself. Have a research and personally talk to the administrators to ensure safety of your child all throughout his stay in there. Never compromise your child's safety over dorm cost.

   

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5. 5
   The Cost of Education

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   Inquire about the school fees. Can you afford to it? Would you be able to support your child until he finishes college? If you think that your finances might not be enough, you can go look for scholarships that your child can avail of.

   

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An important tip for parents: Never force your child to go to a college of your choice and not his/hers. You can only help them find a good one but they should still decide where they want to so they could enjoy studying. It is only when your child asks for your sole decision that you can send them to the college of your preference.

If you have problems with any of the steps in this article, please ask a question for more help, or post in the comments section below.

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