Helping your kid navigate the college admissions process

[MAmom111]

Also, not a pleassant thought, but deaths in the family can also neccessitate unexpected travel costs. My kids had an aunt and a grandfather die within a month of each other. And a grandmother the year prior. Both kids were a plane ride away and had to come home for all 3 services.

[natty1988]

True. We would’ve paid for stuff like having to come home for funerals or a major family emergency, but luckily nothing like that happened/has happened while my kids were in college or so far while my S is in college (knock on wood). But this was treated as a yes we’ll pay for it if it happens, but we won’t spend too much time looking at “what ifs” and it’s a deal with it when it happens.

[natty1988]

@thealternative

Travel expense to and from said school is important. Sometimes students have the need to return home for familiar surroundings as they negotiate the transition to living elsewhere. As they settle, the travel can become less frequent.

Some students head to college easily. Others don’t. (And that doesn’t include students that have challenges foisted upon them by adverse circumstances/experiences at school.)

Being within affordable commuting distance can become very important if your student experiences a health crisis.

Very true! That’s why it’s always good to consider travel expenses BEFORE your kid goes away to school and make it clear what you can and can’t afford to pay for in terms of plane tickets home, etc.

[Bailey-Blue]

Supporting a child through the college admissions process involves balancing guidance with independence. Encourage exploration of their interests and provide access to resources like college fairs or campus visits.