<p>I think this is a parent posing as an 8th grader in order to avoid getting the usual negative responses that parents of 8th graders get when they ask about how to get a head start on college.</p>
<p>^^^ my thoughts exactly. The writing is much too “mature” to be an 8th grader and from experience, none of my kids ever gave a moment’s pause about college when they were in middle school. That was too far away for them. </p>
<p>OP: fear not, college comes soon enough, although sharing your interests is always welcome.</p>
<p>I have no problem believing that the OP is in 8th grade–I could have written something similar when I was that age (back when dinosaurs roamed the earth…). :)</p>
<p>Yes, it is written in the style that was common in that era. Today’s 8th graders don’t generally write in that style. Doesn’t matter how accomplished they are as writers. </p>
<p>But this is not too important- whether it is parent or child, the advice can be the same.</p>
<p>Why would a parent pose as a kid to get ideas about motivating the parents?? If the parent wants to ask about motivating the child, there are more direct ways to do that.</p>
<p>I would wait until the summer between sophomore and junior year to start the more detailed financial discussions such as EFC with your parents. So much can change financially between now and starting college. Job loss, family health issues, promotions/better jobs. Just talk about it at a very high level now. Wondering how many siblings you have that your parents will need to help? Sounds like if there are others you are the oldest and this will be a first time experience for your parents. It can be daunting and scary for them. It makes a big difference if you have siblings.</p>
<p>As others have said, for now, just take the hardest courses you can handle well, work hard but enjoy yourself too, take the PSAT as a sophomore if not earlier, take what other standardized tests you can. You certainly write extremely well for your age or any age.</p>
<p>I’m taking the OP at his word that he’s in the 8th grade (apologies if you’re a girl).</p>
<p>A parent posing as a child would likely ask the questions a bit differently (I think).</p>
<p>While I agree with NSM that the parents may not know now what they can afford, generally parents have a “feeling” - such as “We’re determined to at least pay for the local instate school” or something like that - even if they have no idea of what their employment will be 5 years from now. :)</p>
<p>Parents may have a feeling, but when their oldest kid is in 8th grade, that feeling about what college they’re able/willing to fund may be very unrealistic. Also as someone else said, a lot can change over the next few years. This includes changes with the general economy as well as family changes – illnesses, job loss/gain, and even changes with the OP’s grades and motivation. That’s why I suggest having the colleges finances conversation spring of junior year.</p>
<p>*That’s why I suggest having the colleges finances conversation spring of junior year. *</p>
<p>Good advice…altho I would suggest having “the money talk” around fall of junior year…before lists start being made and campus visits start.</p>
<p>Ok, consider if you substituted something else for the phrase “looking at colleges is almost a hobby of mine.” What if your passion were . . . studying aphids. </p>
<p>So, you are 13/14/15. You adore aphids. You know more about them than anyone you know. You think about aphids day and night. Your parents are proud of you and your passion – but just one more lecture on aphids from you is going to send them both screaming into the night. </p>
<p>So, chill a bit. Go ahead and explore and learn. Read online as much as possible. Start your own group of like minded teens to discuss/learn/focus – but have a care with your passion so that you don’t drown your own family members with too many options and too much . . . verbiage. </p>
<p>As a mom, I only too well recall mothers of toddlers at the park who were obsessed with bowel movements and potty training. To them (at that point in their lives), nothing was more fascinating. For me, some of it was necessary information but also it all made for a very, very long summer. </p>
<p>Explore your passions – but try not to hammer your parents until your junior year in high school. Please!</p>
<p>Probably the best way to look at this college obsession of yours right now is as your hobby. Try not to project too much fantasy onto it though. You don’t want to experience let-down after years of anticipation!</p>
<p>Give your parents time to adjust to the growing up son. When you’re a junior or senior, I bet they’ll be more willing to think about you in college. It’s like when my oldest was a toddler. The thought of him being out on the streets alone gave me panic attacks. A kind friend told me that when he actually became old enough to be out on his own, he would no longer be a toddler! Seems obvious to you but we parents forget that our kids grow and change sometimes.</p>
<p>Sounds to me like the student (and/or mom) may be concerned about the need for the family to save a bit over the next few years if there is any thought of private, but is dealing with a parent/spouse with a very different mindset. If that is the case the recommendation to wait until junior year to discuss wouldn’t necessarily be what he/she wants to hear. Otherwise, the advice already given is right on target.</p>
<p>Take the toughest classes your high school offers. Get involved in at least to ECs that you love and work hard at them for four years. Get a part-time job and save money in a college account that you can point to when your parents talk about costs. You won’t be able to save enough for tuition, but you will be able to show your parents and the Adcoms that you are serious. (Also, don’t go full-nerd - make sure you go to the prom!)</p>