Please some advice for not-so-smart high schooler

[Anonymous]

I don't know about Virginia, but in Maryland, if you complete a 2 year degree at a community college, you are automatically accepted into the University of Maryland. So the question of whether he can go to college is always "yes" if he wants to do the work. However, community college is not going to be any easier than high school and if he doesn't like it and doesn't want to do the work, then it's unlikely he'll complete the 2 year degree. He is going to have to do some soul searching to really find his direction.

[Anonymous]

OP in case this is an option for your son:

Falls Church HS Career and Technical Program: http://www.fcps.edu/FallsChurchHS/academics/cte/

Also I hear there's a current shortage of high skilled mechanics. I'm not talking about people who can change oil, do simple diagnostics at a dealership or work on the basics of a car, but people who can re-build engines or transmissions or do other complicated work.

[Anonymous]

Just a small piece of advice -- do have him tested for learning disabilities. They can often be hidden but they can really derail a teen, academically and emotionally.

Not saying that a dx of an LD will make him into a student, but it can help with some of the self-esteem issues, and also help you craft an experience that works best for him.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Thank you. OP here. Great advice. He is totally outdoorsy (offers always to rake, mow, build things) and likes cars - takes everything apart (very frustrating when he was younger). Not really sure where to turn from there. I guess looking at all the careers out there with him and exploring with him what direction he'd like to go.

Honestly, "what do you want to do when you grow up" never came up because he was always so busy struggling to keep up academically, we never explored options. We have to step back and see what he really enjoys and can excel at so he's happy and financially stable.

This actually sounds like engineering. Engineers love to take things apart, fix things and figure things out. They're very hands on. It's a hard major, but you can get through anything if you want to.

I would still encourage this kid to go to college, but maybe a local or smaller college?

No... not engineering. This sounds like tool and dye. It's a trade. The engineer draws the plans, the tool and dye journeyman makes the machine that the factory worker uses to make the part. I have two brothers who do this. There are HS academies that have some classes in this kind of thing -- drafting would be a good start.

[Anonymous]

11:28 here again -- also sounds like he might like to work at a camp that is outdoorsy (as a CIT). then he can see if he might want to get enough of a degree to run a nature center. Or maybe he can intern at a local nature center to see if that is a good fit.

[Anonymous]

I am curious why the OP labeled her son not smart. But then this is the DC area where people frown about work that requires you get your hands dirty.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Thank you. OP here. Great advice. He is totally outdoorsy (offers always to rake, mow, build things) and likes cars - takes everything apart (very frustrating when he was younger). Not really sure where to turn from there. I guess looking at all the careers out there with him and exploring with him what direction he'd like to go.

Honestly, "what do you want to do when you grow up" never came up because he was always so busy struggling to keep up academically, we never explored options. We have to step back and see what he really enjoys and can excel at so he's happy and financially stable.

I would sign him up for a machinist or auto repair class and see how he likes it. If anything it will save him a ton of money as an adult.

There is no shame in being an honest and talented machanic or tradesman, even in this area. I imagine his job prospects will be strong and he will be able to make a fine living.

[Anonymous]

Old saying " Cs get degrees"

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Thank you. OP here. Great advice. He is totally outdoorsy (offers always to rake, mow, build things) and likes cars - takes everything apart (very frustrating when he was younger). Not really sure where to turn from there. I guess looking at all the careers out there with him and exploring with him what direction he'd like to go.

Honestly, "what do you want to do when you grow up" never came up because he was always so busy struggling to keep up academically, we never explored options. We have to step back and see what he really enjoys and can excel at so he's happy and financially stable.

I would sign him up for a machinist or auto repair class and see how he likes it. If anything it will save him a ton of money as an adult.

There is no shame in being an honest and talented machanic or tradesman, even in this area. I imagine his job prospects will be strong and he will be able to make a fine living.

Probably what would serve him a lot better is to hang around with guys that know how to fix stuff and will teach him. Does he have a handy grandpa or uncle or neighbor he can spend time with? This is the best way to learn this, having a mentor and then working your tail off. Then you should get him some tools and let him mess with stuff in your garage.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Old saying " Cs get degrees"

That's a pretty stupid saying in this day and age. Most employers out of college will request transcripts. So what's the point of getting a degree that he's not interested in and may not lead to employment. It sounds like OPs kid may not want or need a degree.

[Anonymous]

What about if your not so smart HS'er is a girl? Do not want her to be a hair dresser. She is very sociable and sweet, but has never been academically inclined no matter what I have done.