For a student 5+ years from making a college application decision, you may wish to guide her toward extensive web research and
informal college visits, which typically take place at times when the college courses are in session and your child's middle school is not in session. The Davidson Database has several articles on college visits, including:
The College Visit, which touches on informal college visits.
Web research might include:
* college websites (including schedule of information sessions and campus tours),
* the US Department of Labor - Bureau of Labor Statistics - Occupational Outlook Handbook (
OOH),
* the College Board "big future"
College Majors & Career Search.
Because much can change in 5 years, you may wish to help her organize printed copies of her research and college information in a ring binder tabbed by year -or- careers/majors of interest -or- college. This may help you both see any trends over time... in her changing interests... in programs offered at colleges of interest... in lists of classes which comprise those programs.
