Help Parents' Guide to College Planning for Gifted Kids Sandra Berger, M.Ed. With more than 3,500 colleges and an infinite number of college majors, decision-making may seem overwhelming.
Most gifted kids are very sensitive to family expectations.
When children grow up hearing stories about a particular college, they may pick up the underlying message that they'll simply go to that same school and don't need to plan alternatives. Believing that there is lots of time while they're young, many gifted kids avoid the topic for as long as possible. Every student needs an optimal match between his needs and a college's offerings. Beyond the SAT and before the acceptance letter, college planning means learning about strengths, discovering talents and interests, exploring careers, understanding what colleges offer, and deciding how to match this unique mix with a college experience.