Do you want your kids to go to college? Do they need your help? How old are they? Do you realize that you may already be running late? Many parents and young people do not start preparing for college until they are in the 11th grade. I am writing this article to give parents some tips that will be helpful in preparing their children for college.

Eighth Grade

When your child begins eighth grade you will already need to be preparing for future success in college. Hopefully they are a strong math student. In eighth grade they may opt to take Algebra or regular math. Now do not be mistaken about the importance of being ready for algebra. If your son or daughter is not ready for algebra then by all means they should take a math class in eighth grade that includes pre-algebra.

But, we must realize that in order to get all the math they need before entering college it would be helpful if they can get algebra 1 out of the way while in the eighth grade. This will pave they way for your child to take the other four prepratory math classes in four years of college without having to double up.

You are not going to believe this but a few students actually take a Pre ACT or Pre Sat test while they are in eighth grade. This gives them an edge on other students because it shows them exactly what areas they will need to improve in. Keep in mind that the all important ACT or Sat Test evaluates students performance in Math, English, Science, and Reading.

As soon as your child enters into High School they will have a record that is evaluated by potential colleges. It is important that the counselor works with your child to ensure that they take the proper classes for college bound students. A foreign language, four english classes, advanced science and math classes are foundamental for preparing studens for collelge.

Even if your child does not take the ACT or SAT test early on, I highly recommend that they take them no later than their sophomore year. Yes, it is costly. But the scores on these tests are the most important aspect to being successful in college and determining how much money your child will get in the form of Scholarships. By taking these test in their sophomore year this will leave them with the opportunity to test again as a junior and then a couple of times in their senior year, if it is necessary.

I am sure you are wondering why I have put so much emphasis on these test. It's because it is almost the only variable that is looked at when your child applies for acceptance into a college. Many of the areas such as Engineering require a 27 on the ACT test to even be accepted into the engineering program.

Many parents and students think that their G.P.A. is the most important determination for scholarships but believe me when I tell you that if the potential student does not do well on SAT or ACT test then they will not recieve any money for scholarships. A 4.0 average in highschool with a score of 18-20 will get you into a state college where mom and dad better get ready to pay for all of juniors education.

Some of you parents are probably wondering if I am going to talk about financial aid. Yes, money is awarded on an as needed basis for studens whose parents are financially unable to send them to college. And those grants are certainly worth applying for. They are based solely on the sallaries of parents and not based on weather you have saved any money for your child's college. If you have a decent salary I suggest you start a savings account right now! The years will fly by and the cost of going to college is not going to get any cheaper.

The Hardest Part

The most difficult decision that you will want to assist your child with is the area of study that they choose. At this point I strongly encourage you to listen to your child. If your child's heart is not in it I promise you it will not work. Many students go to college undecided and declare their major after they get the basic classes behind them. If you have no idea what so ever what you want to do then this will at least let you proceed. Remember, ultimately it is the student who must be happy with their studies. Do not try to encourage your child to be a pharmicist or doctor if their heart is not in it. This will cost you in the long run because they will end up changing their major any number of times.

Choosing an area of study that will ultimately prepare them for a job really needs to be their decision and their commitment. Our job as parents is to support their decisions and encourage them to be the best, no matter what they choose.

In closing I wish you the best of luck! And I leave you with this advice: If making lots of money doing something that you hate is what you want for your child, then pressure them into the major of your choice. If happiness and contentment in life are your true goals then, advise your child to choose for themselves. Be sure to start early in preparation, both academically and financially, for you child's college education.