By Arthur Vidro
ON CONSUMERISM
What is the most valuable attribute a college student could have?
The answer matters, because college is expensive. It’s very easy to waste a ton of money on college in situations where the student fails to benefit.
Some parents have enough money for their kids’ education. But many have to borrow, which creates debt. In some cases, borrowing is worthwhile. Depends on the student and the field of study.
Going to college is a blessing to many, but a total waste of money for some others. For instance, for those going to college just because it keeps them out of the work force for now. Or just because it’s expected of them.
Parents need to make it clear that college is an opportunity not given to everyone and shouldn’t be taken for granted.
There are a few ways to keep costs from getting out of hand. Tuition is much cheaper at state schools than private schools. When I attended a state university, I was startled to learn my room and board cost more than my tuition.
Even if that’s not the case today, room and board is still mighty expensive. If the student can commute from home, parents will save a lot of money.
Consider enrollment in a community college. If a student gets through community college successfully, then the student has a good chance to excel upon transferring to a four-year school.
Let your teen enroll in a summer course or two at a college. If they do well in a summer session, that bodes well for future success.
Taking an AP (advanced placement) course in high school can earn the student college credit in advance.
The worst-case scenario is borrowing money to go to college – especially to a private school – and attending year after year but no degree is earned. I know a chap who borrowed for six years and never graduated. Just couldn’t be bothered showing up for class or completing his assignments.
So, what is the most important trait for doing well in college? It’s not intelligence. Rather, it’s responsible diligence.
A teenager who waits until the night before a paper is due before even beginning to work on it is not going to do well in college.
Irresponsible teens don’t do well in college. Make sure they are responsible before you open the family wallet to facilitate their attending.
How do you know if your teenager is responsible? Simple. Make them do things on their own.
For instance, when they begin 12th grade, let them know they’re on their own for getting to school – and getting there on time. And on their own for getting home. If there’s a school bus, great, use it. Otherwise, they’ll have to walk or bicycle or make other arrangements.
Even responsible me missed the school bus a couple times. No big deal. Just walked from the bus stop to the high school – about a mile or two. Would arrive late, but it would make me determined not to repeat my mistake.
Parents, if you’re waking your teenager, stop doing it. Give the kid an alarm clock, and let them set it. (Better to place it where they have to get out of bed to turn it off.) If they can’t wake up for high school on their own, they won’t do any better in college, where you won’t be there to help. College is for men and women, not children dependent on a parent to rouse them.
But what if the student can’t reliably get out of bed on his or her own but still wants to go to college?
Well, there’s always night school.
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