College - A Family Perspective

by Milissa M. Pierce MA LPC

Q: What can our family do to increase our college knowledge?

A: As a high school counselor, one of my most important jobs is leading families through the maze of college admissions. Becoming engaged in the process of college should begin much earlier in a child's life.  It should not be something that families decide to embark upon the junior or senior year of high school; it should be a process that a family considers throughout their lifetime. Today, college education and future training is essential for economic and financial success.

Children should be exposed to the notion of college from an early age on.  Attend events or cultural activities on campuses.  Attend a game or sporting event at a local college or your alma mater.  Drive through local universities.  Wear your college t-shirts.  Make suggestions: "When you go to college someday..."  "It will be fun to visit you one day at college..."

When a student enters 9th grade, college fairs should be attended.  Continue with casual visits to colleges and universities.  Talk to your child about their interests.  Visit college websites online together.  Sophomore year, investigate your child's curriculum.  Does it support readiness for college and identify your child's strengths?  Has your child developed a special interest? Have you encouraged them to be a part of some organization or club?  These activities will help your child develop more awareness of their interests, strengths and potential. 

Early in junior year, families should start to spend time talking about college in a frank and direct fashion.  Meet with your high school counselor to discuss any concerns or questions about the process.  Begin to identify and visit colleges of interest.  Search engines are a great tool to find colleges that "fit" multiple criteria (size, cost, programs etc.).  Visits with admissions representatives or college visit days are wonderful opportunities to help a student and family narrow down choices and find schools that seem to be good matches.   Monthly "table talk" should occur throughout a student's junior year of high school.  By the end of junior year, students should have visited some college campuses and narrowed their list of desirable schools.

Summer prior to senior year STUDENTS (not their parents) should begin the application process in earnest.  They should be working closely with their high school counselor to monitor the process and stay on track.  A brief weekly meeting at home between parents and students should occur.  At second visits to schools, students should talk to current students, professors, visit classrooms, speak with admissions representatives, walk the campus and investigate the surrounding community to better determine "fit".

Start to share the expectation and excitement of College with your family today!  It's never too early to promote a love of education and a future of success.

Milissa M. Pierce, MA, LPC is beginning her 9th year as a counselor at Grosse Pointe North High School.  She is a licensed professional counselor and high school teacher.  Prior to working at North, she worked at Oxford Middle School.  She has successfully run a private counseling practice, taught at Macomb Community College and still teaches in the Counseling Program at Oakland University.  She has also worked in the community as a teacher, counselor, family life educator, childbirth educator, and fitness instructor for over 25 years.   Pierce can be reached at 313.432.3226. She will be a presenter for the following presentation.

SAVE the DATE
Thursday, November 3, 7pm
Today's Changing Landscape for College Admissions
A conversation for parents of students in grades 10th, 11th and 12th featuring an interactive discussion about navigating the college selection process in today's competitive culture.
Grosse Pointe South High School Auditorium
11 Grosse Pointe Blvd, Grosse Pointe Farms
No Fee.
Info 313.432.3832

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