Open Communication: How Parents Can Support Their 10th Grader in College Planning
SaveThis article offers some tips on how parents can support their tenth grader in their transition to college.
For parents, it's both exciting and overwhelming to see your tenth grader starting to think about their future and college plans. It might seem impossible to imagine. Like the transition from middle to high school, the transition from high school to college is a significant milestone in both you and your child's life. It's important for parents to provide the necessary support and guidance during this time, especially as your child begins to consider and build their college list.
One way to help your child navigate the college planning process is through open and consistent communication. This is a crucial aspect of parenting, especially when it comes to discussing your child's goals, aspirations, and concerns about their future. Creating a supportive and open dialogue with your tenth grader helps them explore their interests, set realistic goals, and make informed decisions about their academic and career path. This article offers some tips on how parents can support their tenth grader in their transition to college. Specifically, how to facilitate open communication with tenth grader throughout the college preparation process.
Start the Conversation Early
It's never too early to start talking to your child about their future and college plans. Tenth grade marks the halfway point in your child's college preparation process. Initiating an open dialogue early on helps your tenth grader start thinking about their goals. Through these conversations, they can begin to explore different options for their continuing education and what that might look like. Encourage your child to think about their interests, strengths, and values. Discuss how these factors can influence their choice of institution, major, and career path.
Listen and Be Supportive
One of the most important aspects of open communication is listening to your child. Again, don't be afraid to let them lead the way and figure out works best for them. Supporting your tenth graders agency and ability to make choices will reiterate your support of their goals and career plans. Your tenth grader may have a lot of thoughts and concerns about college planning. They might experience their upperclassman friends worries and anxieties about the college applications process. It's crucial for parents to provide a non-judgmental space for your child to discuss their thoughts and feelings as it pertains to themselves and their social circles. Show an interest in your child's hobbies and academic achievements, and offer encouragement and support as they navigate the college planning process. Doing so now will pave the way for an easier application process later.
Help Your Child Explore Their Options
As your tenth grader starts thinking about college, it's important to help them explore their options and consider different schools, majors, and career paths. Encourage your child to research different colleges and universities, and discuss factors that will make a difference in their search such as location, size, campus culture, and academic programs. Though these things may not seem very important, this place will be your child's home for the next four years, maybe more. If you know that they don't like being around lots of people and love nature, a city campus might not be for them. If you know they love community events and thrive in fast-paced, adventurous environments, a city campus could be a strong fit. Help your child understand the application process, standardized testing requirements, and deadlines, and offer guidance on how to create a balanced list of reach, target, and safety schools. For more information on building your college list, check out these Newsroom articles:
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- Getting the Most from a College Visit Pt. I
Discuss the Financial Aspect of College
College is a significant financial investment, often involving the whole family. It's important for you to discuss the financial aspect of college planning with your tenth grader. Encourage your child to explore different financial aid options, such as scholarships, grants, and loans, and discuss the importance of creating a budget and managing expenses while in college. Some scholarships will open for juniors in high school. Planning now and gathering these resources will increase your child's potential for funding and alleviate some of the financial burden. In addition to the tuition costs, help your child understand the cost of room and board, textbooks, and other living expenses. Discuss openly the price of everyday items like food, phone bills, and toiletries. Allow your child to create the grocery list and help them to stick to a budget. Developing these skills now helps instill healthy financial habits and savviness.
Encourage Goal Setting and Planning
Setting goals and creating a plan is essential for success in the college planning process. Encourage your child to set short-term and long-term goals for their academic and career goals, and work together to create a timeline for achieving these goals. SMART goals especially help your child stay on track and break down larger goals into more manageable ones. To help your child succeed, encourage them to develop a study schedule, create a list of extracurricular activities, and set aside time for test preparation and college research. Setting goals and planning helps your tenth grader can stay focused and motivated.
Provide Emotional Support
The college planning process can be stressful and overwhelming for many students. It's important for parents to provide emotional support and encouragement. As your child moves through high school, they will pick up different anxieties about college applications from their older peers. When your child enters their senior year, things may get competitive among social circles and friends if multiple students are applying to the same selective institution. Remind your tenth grader to be themselves and carve out their own journey and interests.
It's tempting to follow the crowd and do the things that people think admissions committees want to see. Talk to your tenth grader about their fears, anxieties, and uncertainties. Offer reassurance and guidance as they navigate the college planning process. Remind your child that it's okay to have doubts and concerns, and encourage them to seek help from counselors, teachers, and other trusted adults if needed.
Be Open to Exploring Non-Traditional Paths
Not every student follows the traditional path of going straight from high school to a four-year college. Some students may be interested in vocational programs, community college, or even gap years before pursuing their degree. Be open to exploring non-traditional paths and supporting your child's interests and goals. Encourage your child to consider all options for post-secondary education, and help them explore different pathways that align with their strengths, career paths, and interests.
Encourage Independence and Self-Reliance
College is a time for growth, independence, and self-discovery. It's important for you to encourage your tenth grader to take ownership of their college planning process. Encourage your child to take initiative, ask questions, get support or mentorship if needed, and seek out resources to support on their ambitions. Fostering independence and self-reliance helps your tenth develop important qualities that will serve them in college and beyond.
Open communication is a key component of supporting your tenth grader in their college planning process. Initiating conversations, listening and being supportive, helping them explore their options can help your child navigate the college planning process with clarity and ease. Understanding financial aid and being open to nontraditional pathways will also provide your tenth grader with the knowledge to make choices that best support their aspirations. Making informed decisions about their future will ultimately lay the foundation for a fulfilling college experience. The college planning journey is a collaborative effort between parents and students. Working together and communicating openly helps your child seamlessly move through the admissions process and transition to college.
Justina Thompson
Justina "Farmer J" Thompson is the Farm Education and Volunteer Manager at Urban Creators, Philadelphia, PA. Justina intentionally attended school in Philadelphia so she could “connect her passion and experience to the ongoing environmental justice work in the area.” As a speaker, educational curriculum designer, program leader, and community organizer, Justina possesses extensive knowledge on urban farming inspired to work in the field of environmental justice from a young age.Articles & Advice
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