Making Adjustments to Postsecondary Planning
Reports continue to show that many students’ postsecondary planning was disrupted by the pandemic, with uncertainty and skepticism slowing college attendance. Many colleges have implemented measures to overcome certain barriers.
Why Now Is the Right Time
- There is still time to make adjustments.
Whether or not your sophomore has solidified his or her future plans, there is still time to review those plans and alter them, if necessary. - There will always be challenges to overcome.
Life deals its fair share of bad hands. An early lesson in fortitude and resiliency builds self-awareness and confidence, fostering good character and strong resolve. None of us has control over various catastrophes that occur, but we do have control of our reactions to them.
What Your Student Can Do Now
- Evaluate past and current learning environments.
The online learning environment that was necessary during the pandemic was not ideal for many students. If your student’s grades suffered in key classes related to a future career choice, seek extra help from school, classmates or tutors. Otherwise, it could be time to review your student’s four-year plan and research some different career options. - Take a mental health check.
Iowa school counselors report that trauma-related behaviors are common among students of all ages. There are many factors that contribute to such behaviors, notwithstanding ongoing worldwide health concerns. School counselors are one of the best resources available to students and can meet their social-emotional needs with knowledge, compassion and training. Mental health is an important consideration of your student’s overall health and well-being, in addition to college preparation.
What Your Student Can Do Later
- Do the research.
If your student has developed a list of top colleges, time should be spent researching any recent changes made to admission or merit scholarship requirements. Many colleges have become test-optional, meaning applicants are no longer required to submit ACT or SAT scores. Have on-campus living arrangements been altered in response to health concerns college students have? Have tuition costs been adjusted? Your student might use this time to explore alternatives to attending a four-year college, such as starting at community college or taking online classes while living at home.
What You Can Do
- Create a supportive and positive environment.
Similar to adults, teenagers are impacted by social, environmental, political and health issues happening around the globe. While you are not able to replace professional services, the best option is to listen compassionately without disagreeing or offering solutions. Teenagers appreciate knowing someone is actually listening and acknowledging their feelings. Discuss their school complaints and encourage open discourse about other issues. Self-care, physical activity and socializing with peers are essential to a healthy mindset and hopeful attitude. Be sure to seek a mental health professional’s help if you feel your efforts are not having the desired impact. Be watchful for signs of extreme moodiness or uncharacteristic irritability in your teenager. Explore the option of using telemental health care services. - Discuss household finances with your student.
Be honest about how your current and future financial situation could impact your student’s desire to attend college. The amount of financial support you can provide can be the deciding factor as to which option your student explores — two- or four-year college or an apprenticeship or certificate program close to home. Support your student’s initial plan and encourage a “stay-the-course” attitude. Resiliency is born from adapting to changes in life circumstances and overcoming obstacles.
Registration is open now for a scholarship for Iowa high school students, not just seniors. The scholarship awards $1,000 College Savings Iowa deposits, which can be used when your student is ready to pay educational expenses. Register at www.IowaStudentLoan.org/ScholarshipSignUp.
Next Steps
Be sure to complete the survey questions at the end of this article to be entered into the 529 deposit giveaway!
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