Question
I know he’s young, but I want my eighth grader to start thinking about college. Is eighth grade too early? How should I approach the subject? What should we consider once he starts planning?
– Lowell, Michigan
Answer
Eighth graders tend to be more interested in the latest fashion trend than in higher education. You're right, though — now’s the time to start thinking about his transition to college. He should begin asking, "Is college right for me?" Teacher Sherry Bowen, recently reviewed a government publication that makes a convincing case for starting early to plan for college with smart goal setting.
According to Bowen, Think College? Me? Now? A Handbook for Students in Middle School and Junior High School starts with the following tips:
- Keep your options open. College can mean any path to higher learning: four-year, two-year, technical, business or community college.
- Think about money. By starting now, you can explore many options.
- Raise hope. The book offers many examples that show how attending college affects future earning.
This booklet, available free from the U.S. Department of Education, also explains why people need a college education, what kinds of jobs college graduates can get, how to get ready for college and what courses to take.
Readers will learn the importance of putting together a college support team. This team can include parents, teachers, counselors, librarians and other students who plan to attend college.
With easy-to-read pie graphs and lists of ways to start looking for state financial aid, grants, scholarships, loans, work-study programs and federal aid information, this booklet covers all areas of college preparation.
So, go with your instincts. And next time you take your eighth grader to scope out the latest trends, make a point to bring up planning for her future.
Lynda Wacyk is a former EduGuide editor from Grand Ledge, Michigan.