GEAR UP Des Moines Parents
GEAR UP has partnered with the Iowa College Access Network® (ICAN) to provide parents with valuable tips and information to help you guide your child through high school and the college planning process. Below are some tips to help you keep your child on track for college. Click on the links in the text to receive more information about each topic.
The tips are organized by grade, but keep in mind that the college planning process is ongoing, so you and your child will need to revisit many of the steps throughout each school year.
Freshman Year
- Reading about careers is far different than actually working in a particular field. Encourage your child to experience different careers through job shadowing and volunteering.
- Colleges look at the complete picture when considering which students to admit. Talk to your child about getting involved in extracurricular activities and volunteering.
- College is an expensive but wise investment in your child’s future. You may be saving money for college, but be sure your child knows the importance of doing the same.
- Tests are inevitable in high school and college. Encourage your child to adopt effective test studying and test-taking skills.
Sophomore Year
- Students gain valuable knowledge in high school but they also need to begin acquiring important skills for the workplace. Talk to your child about ways to gain skills that are both helpful in school and valued by employers.
- College is still a few years away but your child will need to start shopping around soon. Sit down with your child and help them compile a college wish list.
- You and your child may experience "sticker shock" when you review the cost of college tuition. Look into other options besides borrowing student loans.
- Time management is an important skill in high school and college. Help your child manage their time effectively.
Junior Year
- College fairs are a great way for your child to begin compiling their college research. Encourage your child to attend several college fairs in your area.
- The ACT® and/or SAT® is required for admission by many postsecondary institutions. DMPS offers to ACT test to all juniors in April. Talk to your child about when to take the test and how best to prepare.
- Scholarships are the best way to pay for college. Encourage your child to start looking for scholarships now and continue throughout college.
- College visits are the best way for your child to decide if a campus could be their new home-away-from-home. Talk to your child about which colleges they want to visit and create a checklist of questions to ask while on campus.
Senior Year
- The job market isn’t too far away in your child’s future. Now is the best time for your child to get prepped for the job market.
- All of your child’s preparations have led to this – applying to college. Encourage your child to apply to more than one school and to do their very best when filling out applications.
- Your child may be ready to go to college by now, but are you and your child prepared to pay for it? Go over each financial aid step with your child and help them fill out forms in a timely manner.
The end of high school is the beginning of an entirely new chapter in your child’s life. Talk to them about tips for college success.
The mission of ICAN is to help Iowans attain their educational and career goals.
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