Higher Education
The idea of sending your child to college can be a daunting one
The idea of sending your child to college can be a daunting one. We all know that college has many benefits, like a higher earning potential that can lead to a higher quality of life. We also know that there are many thoughts that can go through a parents mind when thinking about college. How much does it cost? How do you apply? Can my child even attend with the grades that they have? Here we will explore some top questions parents have about this topic, answered by Mariela Dabbah, Latino education advocate, author, speaker and consultant.
1. Do you need to have a 4.0 GPA to receive college scholarships?
No. Each scholarship has a specific GPA requirement. Some call for higher averages tan others. (HACER, for example, requires a 3.0 GPA) The important thing to remember is that with a higher GPA your children will have access to a greater number of scholarships. You can find out about various available scholarships at: www.scholarshipsforhispanics.com, www.fasteb.com, or www.hsf.net.
2. My son/daughter is not interested in school. How can I motivate him/her?
Often, young people do not see the connection between school and reality. The best way to motivate your child is by paying attention to what interests them and putting them in touch with people that can help them find a career connected to said interests. It would be ideal for them to work summers in an activity related to that passion. That way, studying will make more sense because it will help achieve a specific goal.
For example, if your son/daughter loves sports, talk to the coach about careers in this area, such as producers of a sports tv show, sports commentator or journalist, athlete, sports doctor, etc. Does he/she spend hours playing video games? Talk to the computer science professor about opportunities in video game design, graphic design or animation. Are they fascinated by TV programs like CSI? Why not contact the police department to find out what courses detectives and forensic scientists should take. If you discover your child’s interests it will be easier to find a way to motivate him/her.
3. What limitations do undocumented students face when going to college?
In California, undocumented students who have completed high school in this state are elegible to pay in-state tuition when attending state universities. These tuitions are much lower than for non-residents. These students may not get federal financial assistance, but there are some scholarships that they may apply for. You can find a list at www.maldef.org
They may also try to enter private universities, since they have their own criteria for who is elegible for financial aid. It’s important to remember that if your child is not legal and cannot afford to pay for college, they should still take as many credits as possible in a community college. The more preparation they have the better they will fare in the future, and may even decide to start their own business.
4. What can I do if my child’s counselor does not respond to my calls?
Each counselor is responsible for hundreds of students. Each student, in turn, has one or two parents. It’s not easy to respond to every single one immediately. My suggestion is to approach the school and find out what is the best way to communicate with him/her.
These questions and answers first appeared in HOY On December 7, 2007.
What questions do you have about education? Ask us! readers.lectores@mariposamagazine.com
In Mariposa Magazine we will be exploring all aspects of education, from day care to college. Please check out our website for educational resources. www.mariposamagazine.com
Mariela Dabbah’s new book, Poder de Mujer: Descubre Quién Eres Para Crear el Éxito a Tu Medida will be available on March 6, 2012. More info at: www.marieladabbah.com
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