Parents can worry that their high school aged child will not be ready for college. Here are ten things your child might already be doing, and tips on how to foster these already great habits and actions to make them more meaningful.
- Is your child inquisitive and curious? Intellectual curiosity is a highly valued trait in college and in the workforce. If your child already has some natural curiosities, how can she grow and develop these? Regular dinnertime or carpool conversations about these musings may spark new ideas and make your child feel valued and heard.
- Does your child work hard in school? Teenagers who work hard in school will carry this with them to college. Celebrate those times when your son puts in the extra work to make sure his project is great, or when he plans out his schedule to study for an AP exam. A strong work ethic does not always correlate with grades, so be sure to acknowledge when you see your child working hard.
- Is your child taking rigorous classes? If so, do they have enough time to step up their rigor next year? Selective colleges like to see rigor, and they also like to see growth in the amount of rigor. However, keep in mind that your child still needs time for rest, fun, and other activities. You know how much your child can handle.
- Does your child like certain subjects in school? As they go through high school, encourage them to explore those subjects in greater depth. This could be through taking more advanced classes, but it can also be through investigations done outside of school.
- Does your child have a job? Having a typical teenage job can teach your child many things they won’t learn in school. It will prepare them for independence, interacting with adults, and dealing with conflicts and negotiations. If they are already working, how can they take on more responsibility within their job?
- Does your child participate in extracurricular activities? If your child is engaging in groups outside of school hours, whether it be drama, sports, music, or clubs, encourage them to keep track of what they’re contributing to the group. Is there a way for them to apply for a leadership position?
- Does your child have a hobby? Sometimes the best essays come from what students do purely for fun. Can your daughter talk for hours about that thing she loves to do on her own? What about her hobby makes it so enjoyable for her? How can she share her enthusiasm with others?
- Does your child have a favorite class or teacher? Talk with him about it. What does he like about his class or teacher? What can he do to connect more with the material or the teacher? Once he gets to college, he’ll need to interact with faculty, attend office hours, and seek out help when he needs it. High school is a great place to develop and practice these important skills.
- Does your child have a career in mind? How can she explore this interest more? Have her look for “day in the life” videos. Have her talk to professionals in the field that you may come in contact with. And consider your own network. Do you know anyone she could interview or job shadow?
- Is your child compassionate? How does your son show concern and compassion for others? It could be as simple as comforting his upset sibling or taking grandpa to the doctor, or in more involved ways within the community. Acknowledge these moments, and share compassion stories regularly in the family.
Here at Matrix, we regularly work with students and families to build upon these habits and traits, and to make the most of their time in high school. Our families love that their children are not only prepared for college, but that they are excited for the future! Please contact us to find out more.
