| What can a college degree do for your child? | | | | Extracurricular activities are a great way to develop |
| Well for starters, it can earn them an average of $2.1 | | | | talents and interests. Colleges like to see that |
| million over their lifetime which is nearly twice as much | | | | applicants have interests beyond their school work. |
| as a high school graduate can expect to earn. Â | | | | Students should maintain a list of these activities, so |
| As students prepare for summer break, they | | | | they can include them in their college applications in 12th |
| should take the time between mall visits and | | | | grade. |
| pool parties to do some college research, it will | | | | 3. Discuss colleges with other people. |
| great benefit them later on. This used to be a subject | | | | Students should try to always talk with their family, |
| that came up only during the senior year but that has | | | | teachers, and other adults about their desires to go to |
| changed. | | | | college and about which careers they are interested in. |
| These days, students are starting much earlier at the | | | | The more people students talk to, the more support |
| advice of parents who see the advantages of | | | | they will have in reaching their goals. |
| planning early and avoiding procrastination. | | | | 4. Visit, Visit, Visit! |
|  This process keeps the student on track and | | | | There are over 3,000 colleges and universities |
| focused as well. Having a bachelor's degree is | | | | in the country. Students should take advantage of this |
| becoming a requirement for most well-paying jobs in | | | | by visiting schools to get a feel for each one before |
| today's world. With more and more students applying | | | | they apply if at all possible. I compare this |
| to college (3.2 million+ in 2008!!) it is imperative to begin | | | | frequently to car shopping. You wouldn't |
| this process early to avoid any heartache. | | | | purchase a car without test driving it would |
| Here are 5 tips for 10th and 11th grade students over | | | | you? You definitely look under the hood first |
| the next few weeks before summer | | | | right?  The same goes for college |
| break arrives to consider: | | | | selection for your student, especially with the price-tag |
| 1. Meet with a guidance counselor, and sign up | | | | these days. Those who are ambitious should call the |
| for college preparatory courses, but don't bite off more | | | | admission office in advance to schedule an |
| than you can chew! | | | | appointment and/or college tour. |
| Colleges favor students who take more difficult | | | | 5. Request College Catalogues. |
| courses. By not taking these, students may limit not | | | | After students have visited a few local colleges, they |
| only the colleges to which they are accepted, but also | | | | may be interested in what's outside of Virginia. They |
| their ability to succeed in college. Â They are | | | | should request catalogues from those institutions, over |
| labeled "college prep courses" for that reason. It | | | | the phone, in writing or online. These catalogues explain |
| is important to do this starting in the 9th and 10th grade | | | | what admissions departments look for, and help with |
| year. | | | | early planning. Don't let the price tag of colleges |
| 2. Start getting involved in extracurricular | | | | intimidate you. That's where financial aid and student |
| activities in your local community. | | | | positioning come into play. |