Is Early College Prep Needed?

In my own opinion, I feel like I should have started thinking about college earlier. I’d say that I have started early looking for and touring around colleges since my sophomore year of high school. I already knew what I wanted to major in and I wanted to be prepared for my future.

When kids and students start the college process early, they are more likely to be more prepared for college. Students have the time to explore their interests and identify who they are as a person. Starting early allows students to find their own career paths and understand their own interests in the colleges they choose to apply to in their future. Not only does starting early give an advantage to the students, but also to their parents. Since there is a lot of time, this gives the family time to create future plans and goals so they don’t feel rushed. When it comes to planning college, it can be very strategic from colleges looking at your high school academics and history when it comes to understanding the financial aid options, having the opportunities for scholarships, and applying to the colleges that you think are fit for you. Not only to your liking, but also financially fit for you.

However, some students and parents may argue about this decision of starting college prep early. Planning early might make the student feel more pressured or make them feel like they are forced to be doing this. They might feel like they can not make their own decisions and have to follow what others say. Let’s make this clear. Starting early doesn’t mean that you have to grow up and move on. It’s doing research and finding your own interests. By doing college research and visiting the campus gives students more potential for their future instead of making them feel overwhelmed with all this research and work coming up they already feel prepared.

While it is possible to figure this out at a later time, this leads to no preparation at all and can be very disorganized by not being strategic and planned carefully. By figuring it out later most likely leads to admissions deadlines, limited choices of colleges, and definitely leads to more stress to the students and families. As for the students who started college prep and searched for their senior year. Many felt rushed, they had to make their decisions within the next couple months. Not only did they feel rushed but also overwhelmed by all this research and last minute planning. By research, students who are more prepared and planned ahead have more potential and confidence. When the time comes to apply they are informed and prepared better than others.

With all the essays, applications, campus visits, financial aid, and academic history, this process might feel overwhelming but it’s all worth it. It’s all about gaining control early and being prepared for the process. Early prep and process gives students control over their future. It makes them ready for what is and has to come for them. If you wait, you will have less time with essays to be revised and checked, deadlines are either missed or coming up, your access to colleges are limited, and the fear of regret of not starting early is on you.

As college is a huge step for most people, this is not about forcing students to start early, it’s about helping and guiding the students through the process for them to be prepared for when the time comes up. Let’s not rush the college planning process. College is a next step. It’s a milestone so lets treat this process as another journey throughout your life.

Image link: “College of DuPage 2014 Commencement Ceremony 65” by COD Newsroom is licensed under CC BY 2.0.