Researchers at the University of Pittsburgh looked at what parents did that seemed to make a difference in encouraging their teen to attend college. Here are the things that seem to make the greatest difference:

• Talking with teens about attending college especially during their junior and senior years of high school. (The sooner parents start talking about college with their teens, the better.)

• Helping teens learn about financial aid that may be available for paying for college tuition.

• Attending school events in which your teen is participating.

• Encouraging teens to participate in extracurricular activities.

• Stressing the importance of grades for college admission.

• Talking about the importance of college in getting a good job.

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