Should I Enroll My Child in College Prep?
Posted by Besrev on 02/24/09 in Education
As my son Jacob is finishing his junior year of high school, we’re starting to really think about college. Lately, we’ve been discussing the idea of putting Jacob in an extracurricular college prep course. His school doesn’t offer these services, and I really think he could benefit from it.
Did you know 1 in 4 college freshmen drop out before the semester is up? Even more college students drop out before receiving their degree. Why? I think it’s because they simply aren’t prepared for college. Notice I used the word “prepared.” I don’t think it has much to do with academic ability.
The bottom line is college uses different skills than high school. Students need to have study skills, critical thinking skills, and basic life skills. These are all things that aren’t usually taught in the classroom.
When it comes down to it, it doesn’t matter if Jacob is getting an educational leadership degree or a family therapy degree, the point is he needs to be ready for the challenges of college life. I remember when I first started college, I totally wasn’t prepared. It was a culture shock. It took me months to get into a groove.
Have any of you used college prep services? Do they work?
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Ben | Feb 24, 2009 | Reply
Do you want your kid to do well in college? If so, do the college prep. High schools suck at preparing kids for college. You may think they work but they don’t. And what you did for college 20 to 30 years ago will not work for your son now.
Jimmy Gross | Feb 24, 2009 | Reply
My first question to you would be, “What type of study habits does he have now?” Everyone assumed that high school students do not have the skills needed to study. Depending on how challenging your student’s course load is, he may already have sufficient skills.
Savannah | Feb 25, 2009 | Reply
My daughter took college prep courses in high school and they were of tremendous help to her when she got to college. The study skills that she learned in college prep were the greatest help.
Jack | Feb 25, 2009 | Reply
Some colleges offer a class that serves as a prep class during the first semester a student attends college. A few schools require new students to take them. You could also think about talking to a college tutor about maybe setting up some type of prep course.
Joe Gobe | Feb 25, 2009 | Reply
In a simple answer, yes. You definitely should enroll your child in college prep. The skills that they learn will not only help them in college but also in other aspects of life. College is not the last time you will likely need to learn something to help your career.