ERIC ED483845: Get Ready for Your Child's Higher Education: Get Ready at Home, Get Ready at School, Get Ready Financially.

2004·1.3 MB·English

by  ERIC

Minnesota Higher Education Services Office 2004-2005 Edition
For Your Child’s Higher Education
Get Ready at
Home...
Get Ready
School...
at
Get Ready
Financially...
CONTENTS
From the Publisher
Why Get Ready?
Get Ready for Your Child’s Higher Educationis published
How to Use This Publication. . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3
by the Minnesota Higher Education Services Office
Benefits of Higher Education . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4 (MHESO). The Services Office is a state agency that
administers the state’s financial aid and interstate
Common Myths . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5
tuition reciprocity pro-
grams and informs fami-
Get Ready at Home lies about academic and
financial preparation for
How to Raise a College Student . . . . . . . . . . . 6 post-high school educa-
tion. Oversight of the
College Countdown . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8 Minnesota
agency is provided by
the Higher Education Higher Education
Get Ready at School Services Council, which
Services Office
consists of eight citizens
Get Ready for Life. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10 and a student appointed
by the Governor.
Recommended Courses. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 11
The Services Office does not discriminate on the
Exploring Higher Education Options. . . . . . . . 12 basis of disability in the admission or access to, or treat-
ment or employment in, its programs or activities.
Don’t Let Your Child Take the Easy Road . . . . . 14
An Educated Decision. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 15
Get Ready Financially
Building a Savings & Investment Strategy. . . . . 16
Savings & Investment Guide. . . . . . . . . . . . . . 18
Understanding the Price of Higher Education . . 21
Understanding Financial Aid . . . . . . . . . . . . . 22
Beware of Scholarship Scams. . . . . . . . . . . . . 25
Apply Early & Compare . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 26
Sponsors
Student Financial Aid Worksheet . . . . . . . . . . 27
This publication is funded by the state of Minnesota with
Get Ready to Let Go
generous support from the following organizations:
Your Child Is About to Begin College. . . . . . . . 28
Staying Connected . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 29
Preparing Your College Student . . . . . . . . . . . 30
Keeping Your Child Safe . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 31
2
TEN
WHYGETREADY?
Points to Keep in Mind
How to Use This Publication
ONEHigher education will continue to
Most families know that education after high school opens
be available and affordable for
the door to a successful career. It helps your child become
all Minnesotans.
a lifelong learner by providing the skills necessary to
TWOParents and their children need to get succeed both professionally and
ready academically and financially. personally. But success doesn’t
just happen. It requires
THREEEducation pays off. People with a post-
careful academic and
secondary education have higher incomes
financial preparation
and are less likely to be underemployed
long before your
or unemployed.
child graduates
FOURAll students, regardless of specific from high
plans for higher education, should take school. It’s never
challenging high school courses that too early to get
prepare them for life as well as a career. started.
Review and
FIVEThe variety of higher education options
discuss Get Ready for
means any student can find the right school.
Your Child’s Higher
SIXThe amount of student financial aid Educationwith your
available from the state and federal child to help him
governments, post-secondary institutions, or her prepare for higher
and private sources continues to grow. This education, a career, and for
will help you and your child keep pace with life. Additional resources on
present and future price increases. college and career planning are
available from your child’s school counselor, on the
SEVENMost families are expected to
Internet, and in libraries and bookstores. A summary
contribute to the price of their child’s
brochure of this publication is available in English,
higher education.
Spanish, Hmong, and Somali. More information can be
EIGHTThe earlier you start saving, the more found at Services Office web site (www.mheso.state.mn.us).
your money will grow. Any amount of
money you can save, no matter how small
it may seem, will help.
NINEYou don’t have to save for the entire
price of a two-year or four-year college
education. Most families that need help
FAST
Facts
paying for higher education receive some
type of financial aid. Post-secondary is
any education after
TENAlthough the price of education will
high school. It is
increase, so will your income.
often referred to as
higher education
or college.
3
WHYGETREADY?
BENEFITS
of Higher Education
Knowledge
A college education teaches your child to think critically and
abstractly, to express his or her thoughts and opinions both
orally and in writing, and to weigh options and make
informed decisions.
Potential
College brings a world of information to your child as he or
she explores various interests and helps your child to
understand the issues that connect communities, the nation,
and the world.
Opportunity
Critical thinking and new technology skills are vital for
success and advancement in today’s workforce and provide
your child with more career and job options.
Income
A person with a college degree typically has a
higher income and is less likely to be unemployed
or underemployed than someone with only a high
school education.
4
WHYGETREADY?
Myths
Common about Paying for College
MYTH: MYTH:
“College costs too much. There’s no way we “Our savings will reduce our chance to get
can pay $15,000 in tuition each year.” financial aid so why bother.”
FACT: FACT:
Few schools charge $15,000 in tuition The maximum amount you can lose under
per year. In fact, most Minnesota public colleges and current law is $5.65 for every $100 of savings. Plus,
state universities charge tuition and fees under $5,500. your savings are assessed in a substantially lower
And financial aid is available for families that bracket than your child’s in determining financial
need assistance. need, and some types of retirement assets are excluded
in financial aid evaluations.
MYTH:
“We can’t save anything on our income.
College is out of the question for our child.” College is within
FACT:
College is an investment. Even if you save
your child’s reach…
only a few dollars a month, you can reduce the cost of
sending your child to college—especially if you start
when your child is young. Get in the habit of saving a
few dollars a week and let that savings grow for you
MYTH:
over time. “Our income is too high to get aid, but we
can’t afford to pay the full cost of college.”
FACT:
MYTH: It’s true that some families aren’t eligible
“It doesn’t do any good to save since
for need-based state or federal grants and may not
college will cost so much when my child graduates from
be able to pay for college out of savings or current
high school.”
income. There is, however, assistance available, includ-
FACT:
College can be expensive, but every little ing tax credits, low-interest loans, and scholarships.
bit of savings helps—especially when it works for you
over many years. And saving now may prevent the
need to explore loan options later. Congress and the
Minnesota Legislature have passed incentives to FAST
Facts
reward saving.
According to the U.S.
Census Bureau, 27.2
MYTH: percent of the population
“We haven’t saved anything, and it’s too late
25 years or older in
to start saving now.”
2003 had a bachelor’s
FACT:
During the college years, most families pay degree or higher while
expenses out of their regular income. And, although 52.4 percent had some
loans are the least desirable option, they are available college (no degree) or
for both students and parents. Also available are federal an associate degree.
tax credits and deductions for higher education.
5
HOME
How to Raise a College Student:
Building a Foundation for Success
Raising a child to succeed should be every parent’s Partner with your child’s school.Attend school
long-term goal. Begin early and help your child conferences. Support learning activities at school and
develop six critical skills: continue them at home. Show a genuine interest in
your child’s school.
1.Readingto understand information
Encourage the act of learning.Make an effort to learn
2.Writingto express ideas
and experience new things. When your child sees that
3.Researchingto find answers to questions you enjoy learning, he or she will know that you value
it and will be more likely to enjoy it him- or herself.
4.Independenceto fulfill responsibilities
Acknowledge effort as well as success.Focus on what
5.Resilienceto persist through adversity
your child did right and recognize his or her achieve-
6.Persistenceto keep moving toward goals ment, especially when it involves new or challenging
tasks. Help your child understand his or her skills and
Teaching and encouraging your child to think critically
learn when to ask for help.
and creatively is no easy task. As a parent, you can
develop your child’s basic learning skills by involving Read and encourage your child to read.
your child in regular family activities: Keep a variety of reading material
available. Take your child to the
• Read a book or watch television together.
library regularly. Have read-
Use it as a starting point for a family
aloud sessions even after your
discussion. Ask your child how he or
child becomes an accom-
she thinks the story should end.
plished reader. Discuss what
• Encourage your child to explore you or your child have read.
the world around him or her.
Help your child find answers
and discover his or her interests
and talents.
• Help your child set goals and
explore different ways to achieve
those goals.
• Help your child learn from his or her
mistakes. Discuss what might have gone
wrong and ways to avoid making the same
mistake. Help your child learn to do things
for his- or herself.
6
GETREADY@HOME
RESOURCES
Career & Education Planning
Talk about career and education options after high
school and explore planning resources with your child.
Minnesota Careers
Helping Your Child Succeed in School www.mncareers.org
www.ed.gov/parents/academic/help/succeed/index.html [phone] or [phone]
Explores the basic skills that children need to learn and provides A comprehensive career exploration guide available from the
activities to help your child become an active learner. Published by Minnesota Department of Employment and Economic Development.
the U.S. Department of Education. (online only) Single print copies are available for $7.
Future Choices Minnesota Internet System for Education
www.mheso.state.mn.us and Employment Knowledge
[phone] or [phone] www.iseek.org
A free Minnesota Higher Education Services Office publication An online resource that provides information on careers, jobs, and
for junior high students to help them think about their futures. higher education options in Minnesota. (online only)
Going Right On (GrO) Focus on Financial Aid
www.collegeboard.com/article/0,3868,2-9-0-640,00.html www.mheso.state.mn.us
A free multimedia program for junior high students to help them [phone] or [phone]
think about and prepare for college. Available for both Macintosh A free Minnesota Higher Education Services Office publication for
and Windows. (download only) high school and college students and their parents to help them
learn about and understand federal and state financial aid.
Summer Education Tax Credits & Deductions for K-12
Consider summer classes and other educational Explore Minnesota’s education tax credits and deductions
opportunities to enrich your child’s education. for children in kindergarten through 12th grade.
Individual Income Tax Fact Sheet #8:
Summer Enrichment Guide
K-12 Education Subtraction and Credit
for Students of Color
www.taxes.state.mn.us
Minnesota Minority Education Partnership, Inc.
Minnesota Department of Revenue
www.mmep.net
Mail Station 5510
[phone]
St. Paul, MN 55146-5510
A free guide that connects minority students to
[phone]
summer education programs. Also available online.
[email protected]
7
GETREADY@HOME
Countd
College
• Promote good study habits. Establish a quiet space
for studying and a regular daily schedule for home-
work. Buy your child a dictionary and thesaurus.
• Talk with a school counselor about classes that meet
school graduation requirements, prepare for the
state’s academic standards requirement, and lay the
groundwork for higher education.
• Encourage your child to be an active learner—to
take notes, ask questions, participate in class discus-
sions, and learn from mistakes.
• Help your child develop problem-solving skills by
asking for input on family decisions, assigning
responsibilities, and allowing him or her to make
certain decisions.
• Help your child set realistic goals that measure what
he or she has achieved. Recognize your child’s
efforts as well as successes.
In 9th or 10th Grade…
• Get involved in learning about post-secondary
options.
To succeed in college, your child must prepare
academically and mentally to meet the challenges • Encourage your child to analyze his or her abilities.
awaiting him or her. Use the lists on the following Help make the connection between education and
pages to help guide your child through middle and career options.
high school in preparation for college.
• Suggest extra-curricular activities to help your child
In 7th or 8th Grade… develop teamwork, leadership, and commitment.
• Monitor your child’s progress in the most important • Suggest a tutor or other special help if your child is
basic skills—reading, writing, and math. Identify any struggling with a certain subject.
learning problems early and discuss them with your
• Help your child to learn how to manage time and to
child’s teacher.
use library resources.
• Encourage your child to take advantage of courses in
• Review with your child his or her academic course
math, English, science, social studies, and foreign
plan and talk about different types of schools.
languages. Recommend the most challenging
courses that he or she can handle. • Continue saving and encourage your child to put
aside a portion of his or her earnings for college.
8
GETREADY@HOME
own
In 11th or 12th Grade… • Visit the post-secondary schools that appeal most to
your child and ask for a tour.
• Be sure that your child registers by the deadlines for
the college entrance exams (see side bar) required • Make sure admissions applications are sent on time
by the schools your child would like to attend. These to four to six schools.
tests typically are taken in the junior or senior year.
• Explore possible youth apprenticeships for
• Attend a job, college, or financial aid fair with your your child.
child. To learn about a college fair near you, visit
• Obtain financial aid forms, including the Free
www.mn-acac.org/collegefairs.html. Or visit
Application for Federal Student Aid, from the schools
www.nacac.com/fairs.htmlto learn more the fall
your child is considering. Complete the forms after
national college fair held in the Twin Cities.
January 1 of your child’s senior year.
• Help your child narrow his or her choice of schools.
• Make sure your child has taken the high school
courses required by colleges and other post-second- Admissions Tests
ary schools.
College entrance exams are one of many criteria used by most
• Obtain and review Focus on Financial Aid(also avail-
four-year colleges and universities to make admissions decisions.
able from the Higher Education Services Office).
Some schools accept both the ACT and SAT; others accept only
• Encourage your child to mentor younger students or one. Make sure your child knows which standardized test isS
volunteer in the community. required for admission. Your child’s high school counselor can
E
help determine which test to take, and when and how to register.
• Find a mentor or other enrichment program to
build on your child’s interests and aptitudes. ACT:[www.act.org] C
Tests English, reading, math, and science reasoning skills.
• Investigate the Post-Secondary Enrollment Options
program, which allows high school juniors and SAT I:[www.collegeboard.com] R
seniors to take college courses for credit at eligible Tests critical reading and math reasoning abilities.
post-secondary schools or, if available, in high
U
schools. There is no direct cost to students. For Beginning in spring 2005, a new essay writing section will be
more information, call [phone]. added to both tests. However, this section in optional on the ACT.
O
• Help your child explore College in the Schools, Other entrance exams that might be required:
Post-Secondary Enrollment Options, Advanced
SAT II:[www.collegeboard.com]
Placement, International Baccalaureate, and career-
S
Tests your child’s knowledge in a specific subject area,
focused programs like Tech-Prep, school-to-career,
often related to your child’s desired area of study.
and school-to-work. E
TOEFL:[www.toefl.org]
• Explore Minnesota’s open enrollment program
which allows students to attend schools in a different Tests the ability of nonnative speakers of English to R
understand and use North American English.
school district.
9
Get Ready for Life, not Just College
The academic choices your child makes by age 14 can Your child should take time to learn about workplace
influence the opportunities open to him or her long expectations. Skill requirements in business and indus-
after leaving high school. As your child develops try are much higher than many students realize. With
a high school academic plan in eighth or ninth grade, demands on employees increasing, it is more impor-
he or she will also begin to explore the relationship tant than ever that students work hard in all their
between the skills learned in school and those classes and be able to demonstrate what they know
required in the workplace. in many settings. Every field
No matter what your child plans to do after high expects employees who can
school, he or she will need certain skills to apply their learning by
succeed in today’s increasing competitive world, blending skills gained
including the ability to: across the curriculum.
• express him- or herself clearly when speaking
and writing
• understand what he or she reads
• solve problems with math or logic
• work with computers
10