Tips for parents
They say it's never too early to start planning for college. But whether you have a young child or a college senior, we’ve listed a few things that you can do right now to plan for a successful college experience and, ultimately, career.
- Sign up for a college savings fund. The Mississippi Affordable College Savings program (MACS) and the Mississippi Prepaid Affordable College Tuition (MPACT) program make it a lot easier to save up money for college. There are tax advantages, too.
- College preparation can begin early in your child’s life. Begin talking with your child about different careers during their pre-school years (or now, if she is already in high school).
- Make sure your child understands, from an early age, that you expect him to pursue a college education because you want him to realize his dreams of a good, successful life.
- Help your child appreciate the value of learning. Take a personal interest in your child’s studies, and help her understand the relationship between academics and a successful career.
- Help your child understand the importance of math and science and how it relates to his interests and the technology he uses.
- Be active in your children's school. Join the PTA, attend open houses, and volunteer to help make your school better.
- Limit television viewing. Kids who do better in school tend to watch less television than their peers.
- Encourage your child to take challenging courses, especially in math, reading, science, and foreign language.
- When you give your children gifts, be sure to include educational games, books, and hobby supplies.
- If your child begins falling behind at school, help him get back on track. Work with your child’s teachers to get to the root of the problem and find appropriate solutions.
- If your child attends a high school where most students choose not to attend college, help her understand that she deserve better. Your child may find that her interest in college will encourage other students to go, too.
- Don’t let anyone tell your child that he isn’t cut out for college. It’s not uncommon for average students to find their focus in college. And, even poor students, if motivated, can succeed in vocational programs after high school.
Helping your Child With College Search and Admission.
- Don’t wait for your child to take the initiative in hunting for colleges. Many students are uneasy about leaving home so they may be tempted to procrastinate. And there are many things like homework, sports, and tests competing for her attention.
- Break college planning into several small “sessions” so that your child doesn’t feel overwhelmed. Be sure you know the process, yourself, and look for opportunities to talk about career planning and potential colleges.
- Encourage your child to talk to his school’s guidance counselor. His counselor will have a thorough understanding of the application process and may even have special insight into your child’s interests, abilities, and prospects.
- Let your child know any financial limitations upfront. But don’t exclude colleges solely on price. Remember that the majority of Mississippi college students receive some form of financial aid.
- Take advantage of the Internet. All colleges in Mississippi have a website, and most offer lots of valuable information about their school and the admission process.
- Recognize the importance of campus visits. Brochures and websites can be helpful, but they can’t take the place of a personal visit. Plan to go at a time when classes are in session and students are likely to be on campus.
- If you plan to visit several colleges, encourage your child to bring a notebook, camera, or both. Having a record of your visit can help tremendously when decision time finally arrives.
- Help your child make decisions about her college, major, or future career. But resist the temptation to steer her in the direction you think is best.
- Allow your child to make mistakes in his decisions. What you consider to be a mistake may actually end up being the right choice for your child. And remember that no college or career decision is irreversible.
- Assist your child with the application process, and help her stay on top of deadlines.
- Be patient. The college application process can be stressful for both parent and child. Your child may change his or her mind several times throughout the process. Be supportive, and offer guidance. But allow your child to “own” the process.