Getting ready for college -- it's all about junior year SATs and senior year admissions essays, right? Wrong. Those are important landmarks on the path to college, but getting on course starts much earlier according to a new booklet from the U. S. Department of Education. If you are the parent of a middle-school or junior-high student, the time to help your child take some big steps toward a college education is now.
A college education is a big investment, in both time and money. But it's an investment that pays off—in expanded job opportunities, higher earnings, greater job security, lower unemployment, and personal satisfaction in the knowledge and skills acquired. The case for college is compelling. And that doesn't mean only a four-year college or university program. Your son or daughter can also benefit from a two-year community or technical college program focusing on specific career skills.
Sixth grade isn't too soon for a family to begin discussing college seriously. Your expectations play a big part in your child's future. You can start talking to your child about possible career interests, how to pay for college, and the most important part of getting ready for college—choosing the right courses in middle and high school.
Studies show that students who take algebra and geometry by the end of the eighth and ninth grades are much more likely to go to college than those who do not. These and other challenging courses such as a foreign language, computer science, art, and music should be part of your child's middle or junior high schedule if college is a goal.
Students who want to go to college should also take the basic academic classes—English, science, and history or geography—every year of middle and high school.
Choosing the right classes and working hard in them is critical for college-bound students. That's why parents need to play an active role in helping their children plan their school schedules. Help is available from guidance counselors, teachers, and mentoring programs.
Students who plan ahead in middle school may find room in their schedules for advanced placement or tech prep courses if these are offered at the high school. Both of these options may save time and money in college. Advanced placement (AP) classes are college-level classes that students can take in high school. If students score high enough on AP exams they can get college credit. Similarly, by taking career-focused tech prep classes a student headed for a two-year college can earn college credits when the institution has an agreement with the high school.
Recently articles and television programs have focused on the high and increasing cost of tuition at some colleges. Is college becoming financially unattainable for a family of average means? The U.S. Department of Education is reassuring on this point: "Most people believe that college is much more expensive than it really is. Although some colleges are expensive, many colleges are within reach. Even if a student wants to go to a more expensive school, financial aid can help."
Of course, it's also important to start saving early, whatever you can. The sooner you start, the less you will have to put aside each month.
To order a copy of Getting Ready for College Early: A Handbook for Parents of Students in the Middle and Junior High Years, call 1-800-USA-LEARN.
This column, written by Catherine Paglin, is provided as a public service by the Northwest Regional Educational Laboratory, a nonprofit institution working with schools and communities in Alaska, Idaho, Montana, Oregon, and Washington.
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Date of Last Update: 9/6/01 
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