Helping Gifted Children and Their Families Prepare for College: A Handbook Designed to Assist Economically Disadvantaged and First Generation College Attendees

Avis L. Wright
Paula Olszewski-Kubilius

This resource guide offers the gifted student a framework for the college search process. It leads the student and her/his family through the many aspects of choosing, applying, and attending the college or university of their choice. There are tips for parents, resource guides, and student checklists at each phase of the process. The authors stress the importance of evaluating the student’s own personal resources and matching that to the most appropriate college program. Helpful time lines and clearly written definitions help diffuse the anxiety sometimes felt at this important time in the gifted student’s career.

Reference:

Wright, A. L., & Olszewski-Kubilius, P. (1993). Helping gifted children and their families prepare for college: A handbook designed to assist economically disadvantaged and first generation college attendees (RM93201). Storrs: University of Connecticut, The National Research Center on the Gifted and Talented.

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Helping Gifted Children and Their Families Prepare for College: A Handbook Designed to Assist Economically Disadvantaged and First Generation College Attendees
Avis L. Wright
Paula Olszewski-Kubilius
 

Recommendations

  1. Take time to examine your own strengths and weaknesses. Take time to find out who you are now and what your career goals are. You want to match your needs with what a school has to offer.
  2. Colleges look at your whole high school transcript. Take challenging courses at all levels. Remember that class rank and grade point average are cumulative across all four years. Schedule standardized tests well in advance. Extracurricular activities are an important ingredient in the formula for acceptance.
  3. There are many sources to get information about colleges and financial aid. Look in directories, write to schools, go to college fairs, talk to friends, family, teachers, and counselors.
  4. Follow all directions on the applications; watch deadlines. Keep track of all supporting materials; give guidance counselors and other recommenders plenty of time to make deadlines.
  5. Essays and interviews are important ways you can let the admissions committee see you as a person. Practice and preparation are keys to success in these two areas.
  6. Weigh college acceptances carefully. Cost factors to consider include financial aid offered, tuition, room and board, fees, books, and cost of transportation. (Even if you are living on campus, how much will it be to go home for vacation?)
  7. Look for support personnel on campus. There are offices to help with all sorts of problems, including whom to turn to for tutoring, finding a job, roommate problems, registering for the right classes, and general adjustment.