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Help! My Child Has No Plan for Post Secondary Education
Find out what to do when you're teen isn't showing interest in post secondary planning.
Your teen is in the home stretch at high school and while most of his/her friends are busy planning for college, your child hasn't even begun to start the post secondary process. No matter which grade-level your child is in, there is still time for him/her to get bit by the post-secondary-planning bug. By the time senior year rolls around, your child will begin to realize that high school will not last forever. Starting to plan for post secondary education during their senior year is a very stressful, but not impossible.
The Case for Post Secondary Planning
As a parent, you are probably getting a little anxious. Most jobs today require some sort of higher education, and the government predicts that in the next decade 18.7 of the 18.9 million new jobs will be in service industries. While obtaining a postsecondary education is important, you have to make sure your child is ready to make the leap. The truth is only two out of five students who attend a four-year college earn a degree in five years. For two-year colleges, the three-year graduation rate is a staggering 27.5%.
How to Approach the Topic with your child
Students today need to understand that an education is an investment, and the price continues to rise as family incomes remain stagnant, or decline, in today's economy. Considering the dreadful graduation rates and cost of tuition at most higher education institutions, it might be a good thing for your child to wait until he/she is ready before you find yourself $20,000 and your child (or more) in the hole. Let go of your own expectations for your child. Talk to your child and figure out why he/she hasn't began to plan for college. Is it lack of interest, or is your child just not ready? Although they might not have post secondary plans, he/she might have thought of post secondary alternatives.
Post-High School Options
Once you have determined your child's reasons for delaying a four-year college, it's time to discuss his/her options. Has your child considered attending a community college or technical college; to get an associate's degree or certificate? If grades are an issue, make sure that your child is aware that most two-year colleges have an open enrollment policy, which means that applicants only need a high school diploma to apply.
Your child might need a break from school entirely. Taking a year off isn't necessarily a bad idea, but it's important to know that your child needs to be productive during his/her time off. There are many options for students who need to take a gap year, including getting a job, volunteer work, traveling or a combination. While you may want your child to head directly to college, late preparation might mean now is not the time. Whatever your child chooses, it is important that you remain supportive of his, or her, decision.
My Child Has No Plan for Post Secondary Education: Tips and Tactics
- Don't rush. Remember that college is usually a big investment, which makes the decision difficult for both student and parent. A late, good decision is always better than an early, bad one.
- Remain positive. A guilt-trip probably isn't going to do anyone any good and we always want to keep the idea of college a positive one.
- Try to stay supportive. In some situations it will be difficult to support your child's decisions, but he will always need support from family to succeed. If you think he's making a bad decision, set up a meeting with a counselor, teacher, or outside family member who might be able to give him a new perspective on the big decision.
More post secondary options:
- Some of the most widely available post-secondary options are:
- Four Year College Degree- Generally known as a bachelor's degree; designed to be achieved in four years.
- Two Year College Degree- Commonly known as an associate degree; most designed to be achieved in two years.
- Technical or Vocational Programs- Certificates or sometimes associate degrees in specific, often specialized, fields; many are designed to be completed in 12 and 24 months.
- Military - Training in many different jobs and careers is available in exchange for military service; students can join immediately after high school graduation or at a later point in time; commitment period varies; subject to enlistment requirements.
- Apprenticeship - An apprentice serves a period of "on-the-job" training and education in a specific field, such as a plumber or electrician. The training takes place under the direction and supervision of an experienced professional (Master) of that field. This prepares a person to work in that industry.
- Direct to the Workforce - Getting a job right after high school without further education or training. Some jobs will require only a high school diploma or equivalent (GED). Finding jobs that don't require post-secondary training, that also pay a living wage are difficult to find in today's high tech, fast moving world. These positions are also quite often low skill and thus low -paying jobs; some will offer additional "on-the-job" training with the potential for higher pay.
For additional planning information for post secondary education options and guidance please visit pathwayspse.com or contact a counselor at 814-403-6891. |
