If your child is attending high school, you will be thinking about what path they will follow when they leave, and how you can help them achieve what they want with their lives. You should be discussing what they would like to be, whether they want to pursue a specific career or if they are undecided and want to follow a subject they’re interested in and good at until they have a better idea of what they want to do. At this stage, you have the chance to fully investigate all the options open to you and address any difficulties you may have.
Post high school education
Your child has several types of institutions to consider – local community college, state or private university, military college, art or culinary school, trade or technical school. The choice will depend on where their interests lie, in academia or a vocational qualification. Even if they haven’t decided what career they wish to pursue, they and you should have a good idea whether their talents lie in higher education or a practical, hands-on career. Once this has been agreed, it’s time to look at which schools offer the kind of course your child is interested in.
What help is available?
Your high school careers counselor is the first person to approach for help and guidance. They will be able to provide information on suitable colleges and courses and the qualifications required for different career choices. There is a wealth of information available on the Internet, and you can find out details and view photos and videos on the institutions you are interested in. When browsing for information, make sure the website you are viewing is legitimate and trustworthy. If you’re looking at review sites, ensure they are genuine sources before trusting what they say. Colleges will be happy to discuss any queries with you and advise on the suitability of the school and course for your child.
Dealing with difficulties
If finance is likely to be an issue for you, find out what help you might be entitled to via government grants, scholarships, student loans, or work-study programs. Grants are usually based on student need, while scholarships offer students a place at college based on merit. There are many different scholarships on offer, which can be viewed at the USA Scholarships website. For disabled students there can be extra challenges to deal with, including access and facilities at the institution under consideration. The rights of disabled students are protected by law, but there will still be variations in how well a college caters for specific needs. The government does provide grants and living allowances for disabled students to cover the extra costs they may incur.
Preparing for the next step in your child’s education is an important consideration, and doing your research to find the best school and ensure the finances and facilities are in place to enable your child to study and enjoy their time will make a significant difference to their happiness and prospects.