Blog Post

Is My Teen Ready for College?

August 18, 2019

For many teenagers, the next step after high school is college. College is a different environment than high school, as it offers your teen more independence and responsibility. Even if your teen is living at home instead of a dorm, they are still going to be in charge of their own school schedule.

You may be asking yourself “Is my teen ready for college?” The following guide can help you and your teen determine if they are ready for this big step.

They Have Shown Independence

Your teen may be ready for college if they have already shown their independence. This includes getting themselves up in the morning, making their own lunch and doing their homework without being told. They may even take on extra responsibilities around the house, such as the dishes and laundry.

If your teen is not as independent, or they are anxious about moving into a dorm, they may not be ready for college just yet. You can help them to prepare by giving them more responsibility, as this can help them to feel more independent.

They Were Able To Fill Out The Applications

The college process includes filling out an application for schools and FAFSA. Your teen should be able to fill these out with very little help from you. In fact, it is best to step back and let your teen take this step on their own. You should only help with the applications if they come to you for assistance.

If they are stressed out and looking for constant assistance with the applications, they may have a tough time in college. Now, this does not mean your teen should not attend college at all. It just means they need more time to learn how to do certain tasks on their own.

They Received Good Grades In High School

If your teen received good grades in high school, they may not have a difficult time in college. In fact, those grades may encourage them to work hard to maintain their average in college. Teenagers with excellent grades may also be eligible for scholarships.

A teen who struggles in high school may have a tough time in college, where the school work becomes more difficult. However, practicing and tutoring can help them prepare for this experience, and many colleges offer remedial classes to sharpen their skills.

Talk To Your Teenager

A teen who approaches you about applying for college is more than likely ready for this step. Their teachers may have already talked to them about college, or they looked it up on their own. You can also ask your teen if they are ready for college. Remember, after four years of high school, they may not be ready to sit in another classroom this soon.

Teenagers who are not ready for college can still be productive. You can encourage community service, an educational program, more responsibilities around the house or a part-time job to keep them from slacking off.

College is a big step, so it is important to ensure your teen is ready before they make the leap into the college life.

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