Undecided doesn't mean clueless

Now that your teen is heading off to college, your worries have shifted. There are all the standard parental concerns, which usually come down to making the right decisions. This includes choosing a major.

While many students start career planning in middle and high school, some just can't make up their minds. Many schools, with exceptions for programs that require an application process, don't require students to name their major until the end of their sophomore year or early in their junior year. This gives students time to explore and find the best channel for their passions and interests.

For parents and mentors of students with an undecided career path, provide support and let the student direct the conversation. Oftentimes, these students have so many interests that they have difficulty narrowing their choices.

Even with an undecided major, students must carefully choose a school. Keep in mind:

• Major and program diversity. Though your child may not be entirely sure of a major and career path, he or she has interests that should guide college choice. Make sure potential colleges have solid programs in those areas and that they grant appropriate degrees.
• Ability to transfer credits easily. Many students change their major at least once. Sometimes, that means transferring to a different school. Help your teen ensure that credits will easily transfer to other institutions if necessary.
• Financial aid availability. Most financial aid isn't tied to a particular major or career path. However, some scholarships and grants are. Do your homework to see if any aid will need to be repaid as a result of changing schools or majors. And don't forget to look for new scholarship sources based on the newly declared major.

Your student will find the path that fits best. Understand that the route to a particular career may be different for each person. As a parent and mentor, give your student all the support and understanding he or she will need to get through college successfully.

Be involved without hovering

The term "helicopter parenting," referring to parents who swoop in to take care of their children's problems, has earned a negative reputation. Though a major part of parenting involves being your child's advocate, we must seek balance. Finding the right level of involvement as your teen transitions to adulthood can be challenging.

Here are some tips for giving your young adult some space:

• Don't take on projects or assignments for your student. College admissions counselors trade legendary stories about parents who wrote their teen's application essay. Your teen will learn how to manage his or her own way to success, though it won't be without trial and error.
• Do set ground rules. Before your student heads off to college, work together to set rules about the ways and how often you'll communicate and visit.
• Don't just assume your student needs your help. When he or she tells you about a difficult or challenging situation, ask if your help is needed. Sometimes, just telling the story helps reveal an answer.
• Do lead by example. Demonstrate responsibility in your everyday actions, like keeping appointments, being mindful of others' time, and refraining from making negative comments about others. Remember, parents and other close adults are major influences in a young person's life.

A different back-to-school list

Most of the back-to-school lists you'll see in the media in coming weeks highlight all of the supplies to purchase for the school year. What's missing is the list of skills your child needs to get ready for college and succeed once there. Here's how you can help:

• Encourage rigorous course selection. ACT recommends that students take a core curriculum of at least: four years of English; three years of mathematics (including rigorous courses in algebra I, geometry and algebra II); three years of science (including rigorous courses in biology, chemistry and physics); and three years of social studies.
• Promote taking the ACT early. By taking the test early, your student has the opportunity to build knowledge and to re-test if he or she is not satisfied with the score. Be supportive of your child taking the test. If your family needs test fee assistance, please contact your school counselor for a fee waiver. See more information about ACT's fee waivers.
• Help track deadlines. The college application process is filled with deadlines, so work with your teen to create a system to help manage his or her time.
• Work together to complete the FAFSA. The Free Application for Financial Student Aid (FAFSA) will be available on January 1. To get a head start and begin compiling the appropriate paperwork, visit www.fafsa.ed.gov as soon as possible. Even if you don't think you will be eligible for aid, it is important to complete the form, as aid availability varies yearly and it may help your eligibility for other aid opportunities, such as scholarships and grants.
• Help explore careers. Though your student may not have a specific idea about a career, a guiding direction will help select colleges and courses.
• Apply to college. It sounds elementary, but ensure that your student does apply to college. Help your child look for colleges that fit his or her interests and abilities. Look at the test scores and grade point averages each school requires of applicants. Students should apply to a few different schools, including one that might be a reach and one that he or she is likely to be admitted to. Students can request application fee waivers directly from each school, if needed. Many schools now offer free online applications.

A college education opens career possibilities and helps your child to earn more throughout his or her lifetime. Become familiar with the steps for getting to college and succeeding, and then help your student reach his or her goals.

Checklists for college planning

Keeping track of all the elements in the college planning process isn't easy. ACT has a resource to help you and your student stay on course. Check out ACT's college planning checklists to see what you and your teen should do each year in high school to prepare for college.

Financial aid deadlines can be found on the FAFSA website. You can also check state financial aid deadlines at this site. Definitely check with potential colleges about their application deadlines.

Remember, paperwork will continue after students are accepted: they must make a deposit to the school of choice, apply for housing and possibly attend an on-campus orientation. Find a way to track all of the deadlines so no opportunity is missed.

ACT test date reminder

On September 13, 2008, the ACT test will be administered in 19 states: Arizona, California, Florida, Georgia, Illinois, Indiana, Maryland, Michigan, Missouri, Nevada, New York, North Carolina, Oregon, Pennsylvania, South Carolina, Tennessee, Texas, Washington, and West Virginia. The registration deadline is August 12, 2008. Late registration, with an additional fee, is available August 13 through 22, 2008. Register online today at actstudent.org.

The next 2008 2009 ACT national test date is October, 25, 2008. The registration deadline is September 19, 2008. Late registration, with an additional fee, is September 20 through October 3, 2008.

An optional Writing Test is available in addition to the multiple-choice achievement test. Find out about the Writing Test on the ACT student website, including the colleges that require it.

On the ACT student website, check out the test prep aids. Free sample questions are available along with test-day tips, a list of what to bring, and approved calculators for use on the Math Test.

Preparing for the ACT, a booklet with a complete practice test, scoring key, writing prompt, and sample essays, is available to download on the Test Prep section of actstudent.org. The ACT registration packet, available from the counseling office, also contains the booklet. Sign up for ACT Online Prep™, the only test prep program developed exclusively by ACT test development professionals. It is a very inexpensive tool your student can use for a full year.

For all your questions about the ACT test, visit ACT's student website.

See also:

ACT's Information for Parents

The ACT

PLAN

EXPLORE

Financial Aid

College Search

Careers