College Planning: Why Starting Too Early Is Like Picking Out a Retirement Home at 40

Ah, the college planning process. It's an exciting journey, but sometimes parents and guardians can be a little too eager to get a head start. Imagine asking a 40-year-old (or most under 65) which retirement home they're eyeing—it's amusing, isn't it? The reality is, just like a retiree who hasn't drawn from their retirement funds, high school students are still developing their "currency"—their GPA, interests, and extracurricular experiences. Let’s explore why starting the college process too early might be more amusing than advantageous.

The Early Bird Gets... Overwhelmed?

Parents often believe that starting the college process early will give their children a leg up. While planning is important, there’s a balance to be struck. Here's why:

1. Evolving Interests:

   • High School Growth: Much like a 40-year-old might change their retirement plans, a student’s interests and strengths evolve throughout high school. Pushing them into college decisions too early can overlook the natural development of their passions.

   • Exploration Time: High school offers a rich tapestry of experiences—sports, arts, sciences—that help shape a student’s future ambitions. It’s these very experiences that inform a student’s college choices.

2. The GPA Piggy Bank:

   • Incomplete Currency: Just as retirees accumulate savings over time, students build their GPAs throughout high school. Starting the college conversation too early focuses on an incomplete academic record.

   • Academic Pressure: Early pressure to achieve specific goals can lead to unnecessary stress. It’s essential to allow students the space to grow academically at a natural pace.

3. Let Kids Be Kids:

   • Balanced Childhood: High school is a time for learning, growing, and having fun. Constant focus on college can rob students of their childhood experiences.

   • Developmental Readiness: Students are still developing critical thinking and decision-making skills. Rushing into college planning can lead to choices that don't reflect their true selves.

Meeting in the Middle

While it’s crucial to start thinking about college, there’s no need to rush into it. Here’s how to strike a balance:

• Freshman Year: Focus on academic success and exploring interests. Encourage involvement in extracurricular activities to help students discover their passions.

• Sophomore Year: Begin gentle discussions about college preferences, but keep it light and exploratory. It's a good time to start thinking about potential career interests.

• Junior Year: This is the prime time to dive deeper into college research. By now, students have a clearer sense of their academic and extracurricular strengths.

• Senior Year: Finalize college lists, work on applications, and prepare for the next exciting chapter.

My Commitment to Families

At Catapult College Counseling, I’m always happy to meet with families to discuss college planning. However, my commitment is also to ensure that students can enjoy their high school years without undue pressure. Let’s allow them to be kids before they launch into adulthood through the college admissions process.

Remember, just like choosing a retirement home at 40, starting the college process too early can be more comical than beneficial. Let’s focus on supporting our students as they grow, learn, and discover who they are—because that’s what truly prepares them for their future.

Happy planning, and let's keep it fun!