Today’s teens not only face the pressures that we all faced but now they must make decisions about their future upon walking into high school. Students are encouraged to take honors classes and then advanced placement classes as soon as they are available to them. Extra curricular activities are encouraged. Clubs, becoming an officer in the club, community service and top grades are necessary if you want to get into the college of your choosing. What happened to the high school experience that included fun times with friends, dances, football games and dating?
Students are encouraged to take as many high level classes as they can handle. However, they should consider what grades they think they are capable of earning before overwhelming their schedule with advanced classes. Not everyone is able to get A’s in all classes. A’s are an indication of excellence in mastering what is taught. It’s okay to take average level classes in order to get better grades. If your teen has a competitive university at the top of their wish list, encourage them to shoot for the stars. Have them take every AP class, but they will also have to commit all of their time to homework, studying, and SAT prep classes. It is fine to support them when this is their true goal and they can handle the stress. However, if your student does not have that level of commitment, don’t think you can force it upon them. Let them find their way. They can take some advanced classes if they are up to it. If they have not identified a major to study, encourage them to take some classes of interest to help them to decide. Some highly capable students are not prepared to handle the pressure. Help them to find balance in their life. This will go a long way to teaching them to maintain a healthy lifestyle and keeping stress to a manageable level.
There are many paths to a successful career and many colleges available to help your student to get there. Community college is one option that is available to all students to complete general education and major prep classes, and at a substantial financial savings. With careful planning, your student can transfer to the college of their choosing and with the financial savings, can open the opportunity to afford a private university that otherwise would have been inaccessible to your budget.
Laurie Adachi is an Educational Psychologist with an office in Santa Clarita. She can be reached by phone at 661-255-2688.