PARENTING

WHAT’S NEXT FOR YOUR

HIGH SCHOOL STUDENT?

WRITTEN BY T.E. CUNNINGHAM

It’s a milestone moment for your child—high school. And it’s a milestone for you as well. While there is much to celebrate and enjoy in those four years, it’s also a pivotal time to talk to your child about what comes next. There are many paths to choose from, including: • College • Entering the workforce with a fulltime job • Trade school • Participating in an internship or apprenticeship • Joining a service organization like

AmeriCorps, Peace Corps, or Teach for America • Enlisting in a military branch • Starting a business

If your child is unsure of what they want to do, college is always a great option. Even if the career path takes a turn and goes away from the students’ degree, they always have that piece of paper. A college degree shows future employers more than experience in course study—it proves that the candidate can complete a long and challenging task. College also allows your child time to mature—emotionally and mentally—and become ready to enter the workforce.

If college is in the cards, there are many things they can do to prepare during high school, so it’s never too early to start.

Get good grades. You have been preaching this one since kindergarten, but encourage your kid to stay focused; academic excellence may be the difference between the college your child wishes to attend and the college that will accept them. Excellent grades may also open scholarship opportunities. Additionally, they will want to take a curriculum that can best prepare them for college. In some cases, your child may be able to take advanced placement classes or dual enrollment classes through a local community college that will allow the student to receive college credit for first-year courses such as English, algebra, and more.

Start preparing early. Use the first three years of high school to check out a variety of schools, in-state and out-of-state. You and yours will want to look at many things, from curriculum to support services to campus lifestyle. Seek advice from teachers, school counselors, and coaches. Older friends and family attending college can provide input as well. “There are many opportunities after high school, but college brings value in many ways,” advises Shelly Gehrke, PhD., vice president, Enrollment Management and Student Success at Em-

poria State University. “In college, you not only work towards a degree, but college is also a space for great growth and personal exploration through student organizations and activities, high impact learning, and more.”

Master your craft. If your child plays sports, is the regular lead in high school plays, or is a member of a band or the high school music group, encourage them to work on their craft. It could provide entry to a school of the first choice or allow for additional scholarship opportunities. Don’t forget to let your child have fun while mastering that talent!

Research colleges and majors. This can help you and your student make wiser decisions. For example, do you want your child to attend a local school or far away? Also, which schools have the best programs for the desired major? By starting as early as freshman year, you can target specific schools and determine what is needed to get accepted. Study for the SAT or ACT and take practice tests. Many colleges require some testing to be admitted or to receive certain scholarships. Once you have your school shortlist, make a note of the required testing and start helping your child bone up. Students should take plenty of practice tests. The final score may be the decider for being accepted to the school of choice.

Go see for yourself. An excellent way to decide which schools are on your family’s shortlist is to attend a college fair. These events feature a myriad of universities with teams to answer all types of questions. Then choose your preferred schools and hit the road. Visiting the actual campus and taking guided tours is a fantastic way to find the school of choice. “Universities love to host students and families on campus,” notes Dr. Gehrke. “This is the best way for the university to showcase what it has to offer and for the student and family to see and experience the university.” Apply for scholarships. College costs can be challenging, so apply for as many scholarships and grants as possible. Typically, spring of the junior year is the time to start. Many deadlines are January of senior year, so don’t miss out! This is also the time to research and determine what financial aid may be required. Remember, college advisors are there to help with these questions and provide assistance. Dr. Gehrke concludes, “Applying, getting into college, and paying for college can seem like a lot. However, there are many people and websites available to help students and families along the way. I always encourage people to contact me directly because I want this experience to be the start of an excellent college journey … and to their career.”

Shelly Gehrke - PhD., Vice President, Enrollment Management and Student Success at Emporia State University 620.341.5269 • emporia.edu

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