High school is four of the fastest years of your child’s education. It’s full of classes, sports, friends, fun….and prepping for college. While this can be a very stressful time for students and parents, there are several ways to relieve the anxiety and prepare your child for college.
Here are 6 ways Cincinnati students can prepare for college:
Seek College Essay Assistance
It’s so important for your child to be able to express themselves and their thoughts on paper. Write Now is a great support system and resource that will help your child showcase their unique qualities when presenting themselves to colleges. They are able to offer students an original and fresh perspective of themselves; and how to navigate the college application process – with more support and less stress. Write Now’s College Essay Goals: assist high school juniors in writing the best college essay, help students stand out amongst the thousands of other college applicants and help students market themselves and find their individual voice.
Attend College Fairs in the Cincinnati Area
There are lots of college fairs in – mostly in the fall – and you’ll get lots of information at these free events. Here are some upcoming events you should mark on your calendar:
- 10/2/17:  Cincinnati Performing & Visual Arts College Fair, Xavier University, (6:30 – 8:30 pm)
- 10/16/17: Forest Hills College Fair, Nagel Middle School (5-8 pm)
- 10/17/17: Mason High School College Fair (6-8 pm) MASON & KINGS HS ONLY
- 10/18/17: Cincinnati Suburban College Fair, Cincinnati Country Day School (6:30 – 8 pm)
- 10/22/17: NACAC College Fair, Duke Energy Center (1-4 pm)
- 10/23/17: Warren County College Fair, Lebanon High School (5:30 – 7 pm)
- 10/24/17: Southwest Ohio Regional College Fair, Miami University Hamilton (6:30 – 8 pm)
- 10/26/17: Clinton County College Fair, Wilmington High School (9 – 11 am)
- 10/26/17: Clermont County College Fair, Eastgate Mall, (6-8 pm)
- 4/24/18: Cincinnati Area Spring College Fair, Xavier University (6:30 – 8 pm)
Take advantage of local college info sessions/review admission processes:
- Cincinnati State – Admissions & Info Sessions:  9/5 (9 – 11am)
- University of Cincinnati – Admissions
- Xavier University – Admissions Â
- Miami University – Admissions
- Northern Kentucky University – Admissions
- University of Kentucky – Admissions
Investigate outside of school learning opportunities:
Post Secondary Opportunities:  Several local universities offer a chance for high school students to take a college level course for both high school and college credit. Check out opportunities at the University of Cincinnati and Xavier University.
Encourage students to try CO-OPs and Internships and job shadowing:
Your high school probably has some sort of co-op or job shadowing program. Check with your school’s guidance counselor. Lakota School District and Mason City Schools have excellent programs for high school students!
Research (Local) scholarships:
There are so many scholarships available; you just need to look! Again, check with your school’s guidance counselor on where to start. Here are some you may not know about:
- American Legion Post 194 (Mason) offers scholarships and an Oratorical Contest that feeds to a National contest (both are scholarship opportunities).
- Kiwanis and The Rotary Clubs in most towns/cities offer scholarships
- Cincinnati Scholarship Foundation
Attend sessions on applying for the FAFSA
Your child’s future is bright; and beginning the college journey should be exciting and (hopefully) with the tools above….stress-free. Also, for more information, always contact your child’s high school counselor for advice.
About Ainslie:
Ainslie Gordon is a St. Louis, Missouri native and graduate of the University of Missouri’s Journalism School. Her career has focused on advertising, public relations and event planning. In 2011, Ainslie and her family moved to Cincinnati; and she became a stay-at-mom and founder of the blog, Modhousewife.
Additionally, she was a fashion/trends contributor on Fox 19 and Fox 2. Currently, Ainslie is the Marketing Director for Game On! Fitness. She is also a Girl Scout leader and enjoys volunteering throughout the community.
She lives with her husband and daughter in West Chester and loves all things Disney. You can find Ainslie on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram and Pinterest.