I just wanted to add to the conversation about community colleges. Some states have [CC to State U] transfer agreements, so that, if planned out correctly, all CC credits transfer to State U, and there might be a just a small requirement to take additional courses depending on the major. (In MA, it‘s just two classes, max.) Something worth looking into if your student is considering the community college option. I do think it’s a good one for some students.
Ex:
https://www.mass.edu/masstransfer/ (Check your state!)
It’s unfortunate that some high schools don’t encourage cc’s more, which was the case in my kids’ school. There’s some sort of stigma there, and that’s too bad, because for many, it’s a realistic option. (My state is talking about making education free there in the coming years, which will be great; even now, though, they’re pretty affordable.)
One thing one of my kid’s HS senior teachers told parents was something important to look at: Not just where freshmen college students went, but where, or if, they were enrolled their sophomore year. That tells more of the story, she said. Some families get caught up in the excitement of it all, but some of their choices may not be the best, or realistic. We used to visit college campuses all through HS and have lunch there. Mine knew right away whether they liked the feel of the school or not. They wound up going to the school they felt most comfortable at, which was also my school, and a really great place to study.
DD was sure of her major, and what school she wanted. For years. She also had a good GPA, but tanked her SATs. She did have strong volunteerism and work history, with just one AP class. She got into her school of choice, but not the program she wanted, which presented a problem that lasted about a year and a half, until she managed to fight her way in by getting excellent grades the first year, volunteering in the program, and reapplying. It was interesting because many who got in from the beginning either dropped out or back, as it was very rigorous. (Nursing.) She went straight through to finish the program. Only about 80 of their class of 150 graduated on time. Just last week she graduated from a Master’s in Nursing program (which wasn’t planned initially; she decided to do it once she started working, seeing how hard it is to work in hospitals today and wanting other job options). She was highly motivated, obviously, and worked her butt off these past six years.
DS had a couple of options on the table. He also had a strong volunteerism and work and sports history, though took no AP or Honors classes. (That was a conscious decision on our part, not wanting that type of pressure in HS - everyone is different in this, but saying it so others see they can still get into college without them.) He went with the school where he could play his sport, though he was less sure about his major there, and changed it after freshman year. Thankfully it didn’t slow him down too, too much (though it did cost him an extra semester). He did play his sport for four years and I think that was what really motivated him to get through - tough coach and positive pressure being part of a great team. He’s been working hard in his field, but is now considering the option he didn’t choose initially, and that’s causing him to have to make some tough decisions, but he’s seeing it through and it’s all good. He has a very strong resume already and solid job and leadership experience.
I think in some ways, for some kids, it’s tough asking them to plan what they want to do for their entire lives when they’re 17 or 18 years old and their decisions have such a lasting impact both financially and emotionally.
I also think it’s ok to slow down. Think about things. Get some experience. I know there’s a danger they might choose the wrong path, do nothing, or not ever make it to school, but that has to be weighed against making decisions that aren’t right and coming out owing a lot of money (frightful in this day and age, IMO) and having to do something they don’t really like or aren’t passionate about. I do think that it’s good if passions develop early on, and are encouraged by families. Nothing beats having the support of people who love you, around you and pulling for you.
I know this is getting long but I just want to also post this, which someone here posted when my kids were in HS. It really helped me to put things in perspective as far as cost went. You don’t have to have a goal of being “debt free” to read it, but it will help you analyze costs and help figure out how to pay for school if money is tight. So check it out.
Good luck, everyone!
There really isn’t just one way to see the college experience. Find your own way!
