I have a daughter who will be in the 9th grade next year is it to early to start looking towards colleges?

Answer 1

As the others have said, it's really never too early to start planning for college. But besides planning academically (knowing that grades count, thinking of majors, etc) and financially, there are other ways parents and children could start getting ready for college.

One thing to do is to start visiting colleges in the same spirit as other touristy things you do as a family. Whether near-by day trips or included as part of your more-distant travel, college campuses have a lot to offer to visiting families: museums, performances, etc. Also, many colleges offer outreach programs to high school students, such as summer "day camps" or residential "intensives" that focus on a particular field. This is a great way for high school kids to get an introduction to the college experience and know what they're working towards.

But another area where it's good to start preparing now is SOCIALLY. As the mother of a college grad and college junior, I've seen so many other kids and their families who weren't prepared for the realities of sex and alcohol on today's campuses. And I mean ALL of them - large or small, "party" school or not. From my experience, too many kids who were raised with the "Just Say No" mentality behave as though Week One of their freshman year is the time to finally say "Yes, yes, yes."

Families and their kids can't go into the college experience with blinders on. Instead, use these years to prepare your daughter to handle more and more responsibility with making her own decisions. (That's where those summer programs on college campuses do wonders, by the way.) From my experience, you're actually better off letting your daughter attend parties or such where there might be risky behavior and have her TALK TO YOU about it, than be the family where kids lie about that stuff.

Good luck!

Answer 2

High school is alot of pressure. Just make sure she knows that her freshman year grades are still important, but don't push her into college yet.

Let her take things one step at a time. Next year start worring about the SATs or ACTs, there is no point in getting excited about a certin college too early and then when she is a junior or senior find out that she wants to do something the school doesn't offer well.

Answer 3

No. Starting now will enable you to prepare for the financial pressures associated with attending college. Believe me, too many people wait until the sophomore or junior year of high school before they begin searching and that will create more tension when you see the costs involved.

Look at junior or community colleges in your area. Many provide a good education at a minimal cost and your daughter will be better prepared to finish her education at a larger college or university (and save substantial money to boot). Plus you will have the opportunity to see her work ethic in post secondary education studies and if, for some reason, she chooses not to rise to the challenge you will not be out that much money.

My son has spent just over two years at our community college and has paid cash for everything (he lives at home). No loans of any kind. Well worth the time to check them out.

Keep in mind too that many colleges while not "Ivy League" or major universities offer excellent educations without the BIG NAME (some of the "BIG NAMES" are just places where people network and don't get much of an education). Many times it is by their own failures that they fail to achieve the level of education available to them.

Also, be aware of the testing (SAT or ACT) that is required to apply to the school(s) of her choice. I have a daughter who will be entering the 10th grade in the fall of this year. She will be taking the PSAT in the fall. Her performance on it will give us a better idea how she might place when taking the SAT's later on in her high school years. The better she scores the more financial opportunities that can open up.

I hope that this helps. Good luck to you and your daughter.

Answer 4

No, you should be talking about college from the time they are 4 before kindergarten. She should be expecting it. Start talking about dorm life, different majors available, different schools, how to get scholarships, etc. Just start casually mentioning things like "when you are in college you will need your own computer" or "when you go to college you have to buy your books" and stuff like that.

Answer 5

start early. its better to condition your daughter's mind. it would give her an idea to pursue a steady career path. parents should play a vital role on the lives of their kids. being her parent, it is your responsibility to ensure a bright future for her. she may or may not appreciate your meddling, but then i'm pretty sure she'd thank you for it once she realizes that she's on top of the world.

Answer 6

Of course not. The earlier you plan the better so she knows what she is working towards, but it really depends on the person.

Answer 7

close up! rondo is extra constructive then cp3.... Cp3 basically Is a extra constructive scorer he does not bypass Like him or rebound like him ... and how is rondo comfortable he gets thrown to the floor while he drives and gets back up... Rondo is likewise a extra constructive defender.. Get off Cp3's sack!!!

Answer 8

its never too early to plan your future.... especially college