Is 11 a good age to start looking at colleges?

Eleven is quite young to seriously *look at* colleges in the way an older student would (researching programs, comparing application requirements, etc.). However, it's a perfectly fine age to begin *thinking* about the future and what college might entail.

At 11, the focus should be on:

* Exploring interests: What subjects does the child enjoy? What career paths might those lead to? This is a great time for exploration, not commitment.

* Developing good study habits: Strong academic performance is crucial for college applications later on.

* Building skills: Extracurricular activities, volunteer work, and hobbies all contribute to a well-rounded application profile.

* General awareness of higher education: Casual conversations about college life, different types of colleges (community colleges, universities), and potential career paths can spark interest and motivation.

In short, 11 is too early for deep dives into college applications, but it's the perfect time to plant seeds of interest and begin developing the skills and experience that will make college application a less daunting task later on.