College is a thrilling and challenging adventure for students, especially those planning to live away from home. To maximize their success, it’s best to begin preparing them while they’re still in high school. Your student will have plenty of time to make mistakes while you’re around to help and gain confidence for when it’s time to be on their own for the first time.

How to Get Your High School Student Ready for College

1. Teach Them Financial Skills

If your high school student has never paid a bill or made a budget, they need to learn before they’re on their own. Send them to the grocery store with a set amount of money and ask them to shop for the week, and avoid helping them with extra cash when they go over their personal budget. They should also set up checking and savings accounts.

2. Encourage Them to Get a Part-Time Job

A part-time job not only gives your high school student extra spending money, but also allows them to develop work-related skills that will make it easier to find a job later. They’ll learn how to behave appropriately in the workplace as well. Additionally, the process of interviewing for jobs will increase their confidence in preparation for when the stakes are higher after college graduation.

3. Increase Their Household Responsibilities

In college, your high schooler will need to take care of themselves. Make sure they know how by asking them to make dinner for the family once a week, do their laundry, and pitch in with cleaning. They’ll thank you the first time they’re standing in front of the washing machine in their dorm room or apartment basement.

4. Allow Them to Manage Their Own Time

Time management, from planning a study schedule to balancing work, school, and fun, is necessary for your high school student to succeed in college and beyond. If you have been plotting their study schedule and managing their calendar, it’s time to hand over the reins, so they can learn to create and stick to a schedule without your help.

Hawaii Baptist Academy is a private college preparatory school in Honolulu, HI, that offers outstanding academics from kindergarten through high school alongside a faith-based education. Since 1949, families have turned to the experienced teachers at Hawaii Baptist Academy to equip students for college and life through challenging coursework and enriching electives like art, design, and music. Call (808) 595-7585 or submit a request online to schedule a tour today.