Do you have children?
Are they in preschool?
Do you want them to go to college?
It's never to early to BE PREPARED.
For an unpredictable earthquake, you have a flashlight, batteries, bottled water in your safety kit.
For parents of 2-year-olds, 3-year-olds, 4-year-olds, and 5-year-olds, college is an earthquake you know is coming in about 13 years. Prepare now so you don't have to worry later.
Most families start thinking about college near the end of high school. So, let's work backwards.
Here's Gabriella:
She's 4. And when she graduates from high school, Gabriella is Going to College!
To get into college, Gabriella will apply during her senior year of high school. However, Gabriella's application will reflect what she has accomplished during her first three years of high school. If she waits till junior or senior year to start thinking about it, she'll be too late.
But Gabriella's family is thinking about her college career today, so they're ahead of the game.
Now, let's look at the 5 things colleges and universities are looking for from your child, in order of importance:
1. Course work and GPA. Both your child's grades and what classes they got those grades in.
2. SAT and/or ACT scores.
3. Leadership in extracurricular activities.
4. Personal statement and essays.
5. Recommendations.
After those requirements are met, colleges will look at your Ability to Pay.
So many things to think about! And your child is only in preschool. But these are things to remember for the future, not today.
Let's move into what you can do in the present to give your child more options in the future. Here are 3 things you can do today to prepare your child for tomorrow.
1. Talk about college.
Have ongoing conversations with your preschooler about college readiness. Include your extended family and friends, and ask them to share their experiences in higher education. Take your children to visit local colleges and family alma maters.
2. Research elementary schools, middle schools, and high schools for your child.
Great Schools is a great place to start. You can compare public, charter, magnet, and private schools in your area. If you are deciding between two or more options for your child, VISIT THE SCHOOLS. Walking around the campus, seeing current students interacting with their teachers in the classroom, and meeting with faculty and staff members provide invaluable information about how your child and your family will fit in the different environments.
3. Look at your finances.
College is expensive now. It will likely cost more 13 years from now.
Consider a 529 plan to save for college. Compound interest will work in your favor.
Look for opportunities to get your child involved. Find out what they like so they can continue those activities and lead them in high school.
Guide your child toward success. The more a college wants your child, the more they will pay your child to go there.
In conclusion, START NOW to prepare your preschool child today for college tomorrow.
Are you a Smart Parent? Do you have a question about How to Get Your Preschooler into College? Please write us a comment down below!
If you need help with this overwhelming process, you can email me, Mahlena, at WereGoingToCollege@gmail.com for more advice. And, keep reading our website, right here, at WereGoingToCollege.com for additional insights into the college application process.
Thanks for reading!
