Parents' Common Questions and Misconceptions About College

But what about...

Parents of college students often wonder about questions like these:

Is my child smart enough?

Probably. The basic skills needed for college are not so different from those for high school. Students go to class, take notes, read books, study, and do assignments. If your child needs additional help, colleges offer tutoring and other support. Most students who have taken college prep classes in high school will do just fine.

Isn't college just for privileged kids?

No. Today, a college education is a necessity. And with such a variety of colleges and universities available, nearly any young person who works hard and has the right support can go to college and do well.

I'm worried my child will be a different person if she goes to college.

Many parents fear they will "lose" their children if they go to college. But you can be part of this new stage in your child's life by being involved as your child chooses a college and begins studying there. Encourage your child to choose one that welcomes families and makes him or her feel comfortable. Visit the campus with your child and ask a lot of questions.

How can we get along without our child?

Many young people work to help support their families. It may be a great sacrifice to do without that income. Some parents point out that full-time college students miss four years of paid work experience. This is true, but a college graduate's earnings can be much higher than someone's with just a high school diploma.