| Do you want your kids to go to college? Do | | | | even be accepted into the engineering |
| they need your help? How old are they? Do | | | | program.Many parents and students think that |
| you realize that you may already be running | | | | their G.P.A. is the most important |
| late? Many parents and young people do not | | | | determination for scholarships but believe me |
| start preparing for college until they are in | | | | when I tell you that if the potential student |
| the 11th grade. I am writing this article to | | | | does not do well on SAT or ACT test then they |
| give parents some tips that will be helpful | | | | will not recieve any money for scholarships. |
| in preparing their children for | | | | A 4.0 average in highschool with a score of |
| college.Eighth GradeWhen your child begins | | | | 18-20 will get you into a state college |
| eighth grade you will already need to be | | | | where mom and dad better get ready to pay for |
| preparing for future success in college. | | | | all of juniors education.Some of you parents |
| | | | are probably wondering if I am going to talk |
| Hopefully they are a strong math student. | | | | about financial aid. Yes, money is awarded |
| In eighth grade they may opt to take Algebra | | | | on an as needed basis for studens whose |
| or regular math. | | | | parents are financially unable to send them |
| | | | to college. |
| Now do not be mistaken about the importance | | | | |
| of being ready for algebra. If your son or | | | | And those grants are certainly worth |
| daughter is not ready for algebra then by all | | | | applying for. They are based solely on the |
| means they should take a math class in eighth | | | | sallaries of parents and not based on weather |
| grade that includes pre-algebra.But, we must | | | | you have saved any money for your child's |
| realize that in order to get all the math | | | | college. If you have a decent salary I |
| they need before entering college it would be | | | | suggest you start a savings account right |
| helpful if they can get algebra 1 out of the | | | | now! The years will fly by and the cost of |
| way while in the eighth grade. This will | | | | going to college is not going to get any |
| pave they way for your child to take the | | | | cheaper.The Hardest PartThe most difficult |
| other four prepratory math classes in four | | | | decision that you will want to assist your |
| years of college without having to double | | | | child with is the area of study that they |
| up.You are not going to believe this but a | | | | choose. |
| few students actually take a Pre ACT or Pre | | | | |
| Sat test while they are in eighth grade. | | | | At this point I strongly encourage you to |
| This gives them an edge on other students | | | | listen to your child. If your child's heart |
| because it shows them exactly what areas they | | | | is not in it I promise you it will not work. |
| will need to improve in. Keep in mind that | | | | Many students go to college undecided and |
| the all important ACT or Sat Test evaluates | | | | declare their major after they get the basic |
| students performance in Math, English, | | | | classes behind them. If you have no idea |
| Science, and Reading.As soon as your child | | | | what so ever what you want to do then this |
| enters into High School they will have a | | | | will at least let you proceed. Remember, |
| record that is evaluated by potential | | | | ultimately it is the student who must be |
| colleges. It is important that the counselor | | | | happy with their studies. Do not try to |
| works with your child to ensure that they | | | | encourage your child to be a pharmicist or |
| take the proper classes for college bound | | | | doctor if their heart is not in it. This |
| students. A foreign language, four english | | | | will cost you in the long run because they |
| classes, advanced science and math classes | | | | will end up changing their major any number |
| are foundamental for preparing studens for | | | | of times.Choosing an area of study that will |
| collelge.Even if your child does not take the | | | | ultimately prepare them for a job really |
| ACT or SAT test early on, I highly recommend | | | | needs to be their decision and their |
| that they take them no later than their | | | | commitment. Our job as parents is to support |
| sophomore year. Yes, it is costly. But the | | | | their decisions and encourage them to be the |
| scores on these tests are the most important | | | | best, no matter what they choose.In closing I |
| aspect to being successful in college and | | | | wish you the best of luck! And I leave you |
| determining how much money your child will | | | | with this advice: If making lots of money |
| get in the form of Scholarships. By taking | | | | doing something that you hate is what you |
| these test in their sophomore year this will | | | | want for your child, then pressure them into |
| leave them with the opportunity to test again | | | | the major of your choice. If happiness and |
| as a junior and then a couple of times in | | | | contentment in life are your true goals then, |
| their senior year, if it is necessary.I am | | | | advise your child to choose for themselves. |
| sure you are wondering why I have put so much | | | | Be sure to start early in preparation, both |
| emphasis on these test. It's because it is | | | | academically and financially, for you child's |
| almost the only variable that is looked at | | | | college education.Bob Roach Father of one and |
| when your child applies for acceptance into a | | | | middle school teacher of literally thousands |
| college. Many of the areas such as | | | | over the past thirty years. |
| Engineering require a 27 on the ACT test to | | | | |