How to Make a Custom College Plan for Your Kids without Needing Bribes
As a parent, you love your kids. Doing anything (read: nefarious, illegal activities) for them, though, may be the wrong move.
Rather than bribing anyone to help your children get into college, prepare your kids. Plan for it early, and work together to achieve your goals.
Here are some ideas for you. Read on for the best steps to creating your custom college plan.
Test Prep
Start preparing early–sign your child up for classes to prepare for tests like the ACT and the SAT. You can find both ACT and SAT prep classes in San Diego, Charlotte and most cities, though if you live in a smaller town and can’t find in-person classes you can always get an online tutor. Your child should still be studying on their own at home, and you can always offer to help them understand the material, if you still have a handle on your grammar rules and pre-calc.
When your child has time to get ready, you won’t need to bribe anyone to help your child get the score you want. Remember if they don’t get the score you both were hoping for, they can always retake the tests. Someone with test anxiety may do better the second time around because they know what to expect.
Practice Applying
Writing essays that get you into college doesn’t have to be a trial. Practice makes perfect, so encourage your child to take their homework assignments seriously and use them to practice their writing skills.
You can also check out books from the library with help for practicing college entrance essays.
Saving Money
Open a savings account and begin saving money for your child’s education now. One way to do this is a tax-deductible 529 plan, and the money works for any type of education if your child doesn’t need it for their undergrad. Use it for trade school, graduate school, and other educational expenses.
You can change the beneficiary, too. If one child earns a full scholarship, the other may need the funds that the first child doesn’t. Change the beneficiary and the second child can now access it.
However you decide to save, make sure it’s the right decision for your family. You may be marketing a new rehab center with www.drugrehab.agency and getting your business off the ground, or you may be a vested partner at an established firm. Whatever your career path, talk to your kids and let them see you managing your money as an example.
Help your small children save their birthday or Christmas money and put it in their savings account. Later on, older children will be used to saving some portion of their earnings toward their education.
Teens can do the same once they get regular jobs after school and on the weekends. Teach them how to stay motivated and track their savings goals and progress.
Open Communication
Being open in your communication with your kids helps them take you seriously. Don’t bribe your kids, but include them.
Share with them your own experiences, whether you went to college or didn’t. That way they understand your reasoning for wanting to help them achieve this huge goal.
Support your kids in their extracurriculars if you are asking them to participate for their college applications. Sacrifice your own schedule so that you can show up to their events. Speak encouraging words, even if you think your criticism is constructive.
Create Your Own Custom College Plan
Success only comes through a lot of hard work and preparation. Create a custom college plan so that you don’t feel pressure to bribe anyone.
Your child can get into college on their own when you prepare for tests, practice essays, save money, and communicate.
For more helpful parenting and family tips, check out Cleverdude’s toolkit to help you succeed.