Tools for exploring college majors, careers

Planning for college requires students to look into the future. Determining a potential career leads to choosing a major, which will guide college applications and admissions. All of it can be overwhelming for a teenager.

As a parent, you can help your teen explore major and career options early, and ACT has two easy-to-use tools to help. Students can explore hundreds of majors and careers on the ACT student website. Each major description includes the kinds of classes students should take and what kinds of jobs are available after graduation. Career descriptions include work tasks, growth potential and entry-level requirements.

Even though your teen may not know his or her exact career, having a direction will help guide the college application process. For example, if your student cannot decide between majoring in chemical engineering or creative writing, consider schools with strong programs in both areas.

So many exciting career paths are available to college graduates. And while chemical engineering and creative writing might seem like an unlikely pairing of interests, it is possible to make a career out of melding the two. It just takes a little research. Take some time to help your teen explore his or her interests and lay the foundation for a successful future.

Top in-demand college majors

Despite a tough economy, 2008 college graduates saw some bright spots according to the National Association of Colleges and Employers (NACE). The organization's spring 2008 Salary Survey shows that overall, salary offers to this year's college graduates increased 5.3 percent over the average salary reported in the spring 2007 report.

Science-, math- and engineering-based majors saw the biggest gains. Computer science graduates benefited from a 14.7 percent increase to $59,873, while management information systems graduates garnered an 8.2 percent rise over last year to $50,800. Three engineering majors round out the top five: civil engineering offers grew 6.7 percent to $50,940; new chemical engineers boosted their offers 6.5 percent to $63,616; and mechanical engineering graduates earned a 5.7 percent increase to $57,821.

Overall, salary offers to liberal arts graduates increased 12.9 percent to $35,379 over last year. However, data for individual majors within the liberal arts classification are not available.

For more information about in-demand majors and careers, visit the NACE website.

Homework 101

Though most teens loathe it, homework actually helps them develop self-discipline and self-confidence. Students have to take responsibility to explore concepts discussed in the classroom, apply them and present work demonstrating their mastery of those skills. These are valuable steps to a successful college experience and career.

Parents and adult mentors can help teens establish solid study skills, paving the way for good habits later in life. Work with your student before the start of the school year to:

• Set a regular homework schedule and post it. Together, look at your child's schedule and think about the amount of homework each night. Set a reasonable time frame for completing that work. Keep after-school and other extracurricular activities in mind when setting a schedule. However, if those activities begin to interfere with homework, your teen might have to consider dropping one or two.
• Pick a study place without distractions. Just as adults have many different work styles, so do kids. Designated homework spots don't have to be elaborate, they just need to be a place where your student can concentrate and work comfortably.
• Determine reliable resources. Check with your public library or school library about the availability of homework help. Many libraries and organizations offer this service, whether in person, online or over the phone. Find out hours and how to use this service before you need it. Also, identify any reference materials, whether in print or online, that can be used on homework. However, make it clear that only approved Internet resources are to be used during homework time.

Be available and interested in what your teen is learning. Ask about homework assignments and in-class activities. Showing that you're interested in school will help your student understand the importance of schoolwork. Parents and mentors also can be good role models. Do you have a skill you want to enhance? Or have you being meaning to learn more about a particular subject? Now is the time to learn something new, and in the process, demonstrate the value of education to your teen.

The U.S. Department of Education features a wide array of useful information for parents. You also can visit ACT's Information for Parents for college preparation checklists and test preparation help.

Partnering with teachers and counselors

Think about the last time you were able to complete a major project without at least one partner. Whether that assignment was for work or was a home-improvement project, you likely were able to do it better and more efficiently with help. The same applies to helping your teen achieve educational success.

Let's face it, most of our teenage children spend much of their time with teachers, counselors and coaches. You can enlist the help of these influential adults in your child's academic success.

The National Education Association recommends that parents become involved in their children's education to whatever extent that they can. Volunteer opportunities abound and many require very little time. Be sure to ask your child's school how you can help, or suggest how you can contribute to the school's success. If you're a parent already active at school, ask another parent to join you. Often, the parents who don't volunteer simply need to be asked.

College admissions counselors recommend, in addition to being involved in education, that parents encourage their children to take rigorous courses, help them remain focused on their educational goals, learn about financial aid early, and believe in their student's abilities. Help create a college-going atmosphere by encouraging your student at every step, even if you chose a different path.

By talking with your child's teachers and school counselor, you can enlist them in keeping your student motivated and focused on educational success. Resources include:

• National Association for College Admissions Counselors (NACAC)
• National Education Association
• National Parent Teacher Association

Checklists for college planning

Keeping track of elements in the college planning process isn't easy. ACT has a resource to help you and your student stay on course. Visit ACT's college planning checklist for lists of what you and your teen should do each year in high school to prepare for college.

Here are some highlights for each year of high school:

• Freshmen should learn which courses to take throughout high school and they should take the EXPLORE^® test if offered by their school.
• Sophomores should continue exploring careers and take the PLAN^® test, which is also known as the pre-ACT; and begin thinking about colleges.
• Juniors should register for and take the ACT^® test, and list, compare and visit colleges.
• Seniors should take the ACT by fall if they haven't already, begin the financial aid process before the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) becomes available on January 1, and work hard right through graduation.

ACT test date reminder

On September 13, 2008, the ACT test will be administered in 19 states: Arizona, California, Florida, Georgia, Illinois, Indiana, Maryland, Michigan, Missouri, Nevada, New York, North Carolina, Oregon, Pennsylvania, South Carolina, Tennessee, Texas, Washington, and West Virginia. The registration deadline is August 12, 2008. Late registration, with an additional fee, is available August 13 through 22, 2008. Register online today at actstudent.org.

The next 2008 – 2009 ACT national test date is October, 25, 2008. The registration deadline is September 19, 2008. Late registration, with an additional fee, is September 20 through October 3, 2008.

An optional Writing Test is available in addition to the multiple-choice achievement test. Find out about the Writing Test on the ACT student website, including the colleges that require it.

On the ACT student website, check out the test prep aids. Free sample questions are available along with test-day tips, a list of what to bring, and approved calculators for use on the Math Test.

Preparing for the ACT, a booklet with a complete practice test, scoring key, writing prompt, and sample essays, is available to download on the Test Prep section of actstudent.org. The ACT registration packet, available from the counseling office, also contains the booklet. Sign up for ACT Online Prep™, the only test prep program developed exclusively by ACT test development professionals. It is a very inexpensive tool your student can use for a full year.

For all your questions about the ACT test, visit ACT's student website.

See also:

ACT's Information for Parents

The ACT

PLAN

EXPLORE

Financial Aid

College Search

Careers