This week's mail brought a fascinating new book by Professor Bill Coplin, director and professor of public affairs at Syracuse University. His book, 25 Ways to Make College Pay Off
, falls into the realm of books about what your student can gain from his/her college experience with a little help from the parent. But, the perspective is unique in that this isn't advice from a guidance counselor, adivsor, consultant, administrator, parent or student who's been there, but instead it's sage advise from a professor who's been teaching in higher education for more than 30 years. Now, you have to figure, someone who's been working with students that long must have gleaned some good advice during his tenure. Most of what he has to share isn't targeted to students, however, but to parents. In fact, he has a LOT to share with parents about preparing the student for college and successfully getting the student out and keeping the student out of the nest.
I think the most important tips Coplin has to share with parents have to do with exploring career and academic options prior to entry into college. From my perspecitve, too many parents leap to the conclusion that the only path for their soon-to-be high school graduate is a four-year university. While that's a good path, it's one that may neither suite the needs or desires of the student nor his/her long term goals. Its important to find this out before the student enters college--not after.
Coplin also has some very practical, down-to-earth strategies that parents can use to influence their off-spring's decisions. In fact, each and every chapter has a section devoted specifically to "What Parents Can Do" as well as a short list of "Helpful Resources" for both the parent and the student. I think this is a great way to help parents enable their students with productive habbits; but also provides some guidance for letting them go.
Unfortunately, Coplin's chapters on post-college experiences are sadly lacking. Graduate school should not be a default option? Depending on the student's undergraduate degree field, graduate school may be the only option for the student. As for parents helping out with the job search process, I don't have enough space in this article to even address that nightmare adequately. Personally, I think Coplin glossed over the post-college experience intentionally. This is very likely because the book is centered on topics and advice to help parents and students make the most of the college experience--not the post-college experience. Hopefully there's another book in the works to address this topic with more care and depth.
All told, however, I think Coplin does a good job with 25 Ways to Make College Pay Off
. Its a great starter guide to help parents find ways to optimize their student's educational experience. At least it can be, as long as the parents keep in mind that any "return on investment" isn't something they'll see personally. The gains, if any, will really belong to the student.Until next time!
Lynn Byrne
Preparing for college admissions? Trying to find direction? Need a little help with the planning? Check out my college planning series:
- College Planning Made Easy--the planning and preparation workbook for the take charge, college-bound student,
- Paying for College Made Easy--a college financing guide designed to assist students and families in preparing and planning for higher education expenses; and
- The Great Scholarship Search--my guide for students and parents researching and applying for scholarship funding.
