How to Prepare Your Kids for College, by Dr. Brad Schwall, www.coolkidschannel.com

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It is never too early to prepare youth for college and career.  Students are developing skills now that will help them be successful in the future.

Decision-making

• Decision-making involves brainstorming solutions to problems and thinking of different ways to handle situations.
• Participating in a wide variety of experiences helps youth discover their interests and talents.
• Choosing extra-curricular activities prepares youth to evaluate their talents and interests to choose a college and career.

Goal-setting

• Goal-setting is needed to excel in activities and academics.

• Planning and setting goals are skills needed for obtaining funding for college, scholarships, financial aid, and loans as well as applying for colleges.
• Guide youth to set specific, achievable goals.
• Break goals down into smaller steps.
• Make a plan for accomplishing each step.
• Put the plan into action.

Time-management

• Guide youth to plan when tasks will be done to avoid procrastination.
• Allot the time needed for different tasks.
• Stay focused.
• Delay fun to get the task done.
• Take short breaks as needed to maintain concentration.

Self-efficacy

• Youth need to believe they can succeed and be persistent and determined to accomplish goals.
• Give youth opportunities to be successful.
• Help youth recognize and celebrate accomplishments.
• Talking about college, career, and the future motivates and encourages youth to learn and develop skills for life.

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