How to Help Your Teen Choose the Right College

For many parents, our dream is to see our child go off to college, in hopes it will lead them to a great career….and a successful life….

For many teens, that's a lot of pressure.

photo courtesy of freedigitalphotos.net,

"Picture From A Young Graduation Woman"

by David Castillo Dominici

So, if you're wondering how to choose the right college for your teen, first know that it's not all your decision. If you think it is, beware. Kids can flunk out, a.k.a. 'sabotage college', from their first day.
College acceptance/attendance doesn't guarantee that you've succeeded in sending them off to college and they'll get a degree and live happily ever after; they actually have to like it, and want to go.

Dr. Wes Crenshaw is a Psychologist and family counselor in Kansas and has some advice (don't be turned off by his prefix- this doctor speaks simply and sensibly when it comes to parenting).

FOR PARENTS:

Watch this video where Wes lets us in on the 3 M's of choosing a college.

Looking for more help? Here are some more resources:

(While this this is a site where they're advertising their own school,

please read it, the advice is VERY GOOD)

What you need to know: Big Future, by the College board webinars & action plans Re: FAFSA and more, starting as early as 9th Grade

Are you both on the same page???

A questionnaire for your teen (read the questions, answer what you think your child would answer, then have your teen take the quiz- to see if they're actually ready)

And the DREADED question for many parents :

WHAT IF MY TEEN ISN'T READY FOR COLLEGE!?

FOR TEENS:

Should I go to college?

Finding the college for you: Other teens talk

ARE YOU READY FOR COLLEGE? TAKE THIS QUIZ.

WHAT IF I DON'T WANT TO GO TO COLLEGE?

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