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Life After High School Planning Tips

Don't let graduation find you unprepared for college. If your goals include continuing your education after high school, use these tips to help you stay on track for college every year of high school.

In addition to these great tips, visit the ICAN YouTube Channel and check out our video Tip of the Week. Each week ICAN release a video tip for students preparing for life after high school. To receive the video tip each week, subscribe to the ICAN E-Alerts.

Freshmen

August Tips

  • Schedule a FREE planning session with an ICAN Student Success Advisor.
  • Start off on the right foot with your grades. Your freshman grades really do matter. Colleges look at your overall grade point average (GPA) through all four years of high school. It's difficult to improve a GPA that starts off low.
  • Find extracurricular activities that interest you and get involved. It's a great way to meet new people! There are also scholarship opportunities for being involved in high school and community activities.
  • Keep track of your assignments, test dates, activities and important events by using a planner or electronic organizer. Use it to set up a study schedule.
  • Get to know your teachers, counselors and administrators so you know what resources are available in your school. 

September Tips

  • Ask your parents and other adults what they like and dislike about their careers.  Find out what type of training or education is required for each job.
    Work with your school counselor and select courses that are recommended for optimum college preparation. Optimum preparation includes four years of English, math, science, social studies, and foreign language; and two years of electives.  
  • Discover different college options and learn about academics, admissions, major rankings, and more. Visit CollegeRaptor.com to explore four-year options.
  • Stay organized with a planner or planning app. 
  • Did you know some colleges recommend you complete four years of English; three to four years of math, science and social studies; two years of electives; and two to four years of foreign language in high school? Work with your school counselor to make sure you're on the right track.

October Tips

  • Develop an activities resume to keep track of your participation in extracurricular activities.  This will be a great resource when it’s time to fill out scholarship and college admission applications. 
  • Saving money is the best way to prepare for the cost of a college education.  Check out ICANsucceed.org/payforcollege.
  • Think about what you like to do, what you’re good at and what you value most.  Talk to your counselor about assessments to help you identify a potential career. Visit ICANsucceed.org/interests.
  • Prepare for college with the ICAN Tip of the Week; sign up at ICANsucceed.org/signup.
    Talk to your parents about a college savings plan to help cover college costs.

November Tips

  • Compare college costs throughout the country by visiting Chegg.com.
  • Talk to your parents about your plans for the future.  Discuss your personal and academic strengths and your plan to reach your goals.
  • Take an assessment test to determine which career paths best suit you. Visit MyACT.org. 
  • Get into the habit of reading in your free time. Reading will help you develop a strong vocabulary, which is important on college entrance exams like the ACT® and SAT

December Tips

  • Volunteer in your community.  Some scholarships are awarded based on community service.  
  • How are your computer skills?  Become proficient in common computer applications such as Word, Excel® and PowerPoint® and learn how to use the Internet as a research tool. 
  • Is there a college you’ve always dreamed of attending?  Research colleges online and create a list of what you like most and least about each school. Visit ICANsucceed.org/colleges.
  • Consider volunteering in your community. It can be a rewarding experience, and it could help you earn a scholarship. Many scholarships are awarded based on community service.
  • How are your computer skills? Work to become adept in common computer applications such as Word, Excel® and PowerPoint® and learn to use the Internet to do research.
  • If you have a checking account, balance your checkbook and keep track of all your debits and deposits.
  • Do you have a favorite college sports team? Is there a college you've always dreamed of attending? Start searching for colleges today.

January Tips

  • Happy New Year! Now's the perfect time to learn about financial aid. It's made up of four types of assistance: grants, scholarships, loans and work-study. Grants and scholarships are free sources of money that don't have to be paid back. A loan is money given to you to help pay for expenses (i.e., semester/year of college) and it must be repaid. Work-study allows you to earn money by working part time at a campus-approved job. Visit ICANsucceed.org/payforcollege to learn more
  • What subjects do you like in school? MyACT.org is an online program that can help you search for careers related to those subjects. 

February Tips

  • A majority of the fastest-growing jobs require some type of postsecondary education or training.  Research careers to learn more about your options.  Which jobs are in demand?  What type of education or training is required? Find out about careers that may interest you.
  • If you’re an athlete hoping to play sports in college, plan ahead. Learn about the eligibility requirements and recruitment process here.
  • Looking for ways to raise your grades? Talk to your teachers to find out how you can become a better student. Find out if you can earn extra credit and whether teachers can work with you occasionally after class. Remember, your grades are important, but most colleges prefer students who challenge themselves with tougher courses over students who take easier courses to boost GPAs.

March Tips

  • Update or create your plan for life after high school with ICAN. Visit ICANsucceed.org/apt to schedule an appointment.
    Meet with your school counselor to select your classes for 10th grade.  Choose your courses wisely to stay on track for your career pathway and to meet college admission requirements.
  • Continue to research jobs related to your interests.  Learn more at ICANsucceed.org/interests.
  • Make the most of your summer.  Search for summer camps in your area of interest (e.g., sports, band, drama, or academics).  Check with teachers, counselors, and coaches for recommendations. 

April Tips

  • Explore the colleges you’re interested in attending. Do your classes align with the school’s admission requirements and academic profile? If not, what GPA do you need to achieve? Which classes should you take to prepare for college?
  • Do you have friends or family who are high school seniors?  Talk to them about their plans for next year.  Ask them how they made their decisions and what was involved in the process.
  • Attend a game, play, concert or other cultural experience on a local college campus to get exposure to the campus environment.
  • Keep working hard on your grades – your final exams will be coming up soon. Remember, freshman grades are important for college admission.

May Tips

  • Make the most of your summer. Look for summer camps that focus on your interests (such as sports, band, drama or academics). Check with teachers, school counselors and coaches for recommendations.
  • Learn about the world of work through job shadowing, or interning this summer.
  • Build relationships with teachers, counselors, coaches, and community members.  Some could write letters of recommendation when it’s time to submit scholarship and/or college applications.
  • Get involved in your community by volunteering. Volunteering provides leadership and good citizenship skills, and you might find your future career. Check out the Iowa Commission on Volunteer Service for a list of options at www.volunteeriowa.org.

June Tips

  • Start a summer reading list.  
  • Will you be attending summer camp on a college campus?  If so, while you’re there, think about whether you’d like to attend the school.
  • Talk to your family members, friends, teachers, school counselors, and coaches about their college experiences. 
  • Looking for ways to earn money and get a glimpse into the world of work? Babysitting, lawn mowing, car washing, tutoring, painting or dog-walking are all great ways to get started.

July Tips

  • Review your career assessment results and make a list of colleges you’re interested in researching based on your results. Visit ICANsucceed.org/colleges to begin exploring Iowa schools.
  • During your summer break, take part in hobbies and activities that tie to your career interests. Don't forget to update your activities portfolio.
  • Don’t be afraid to alter your career goals as you learn more about yourself and the world of work, but remember to keep your goals attainable.
  • Read more! Reading is one of the best ways to improve your grades, and you can do it practically anywhere. Ask your local librarian for ideas on books to read this summer or read reviews online.

Sophomores

August Tips

  • Visit an ICAN Center and work on your career and college plan with a Student Success Advisor. Call (877) 272-4692 or visit ICANsucceed.org/apt
  • Prepare for college and career with the ICAN Tip of the Week; sign up at ICANsucceed.org/signup.
  • Find a mentor that can assist you through high school and the college process, such as a teacher, parent, family member, or family friend. 

September Tips

  • Attend the Golden Circle College & Career Fair — Iowa’s largest — at the Center for Higher Education in Des Moines the last Sunday in September.  Talk with Iowa employers, colleges & universities from across the country, and attend breakout sessions. Visit ICANsucceed.org/goldencircle for details.
  • Consider taking the PLAN® (a pre-ACT® test) or the PSAT/NMSQT® (Preliminary SAT/National Merit Scholarship Qualifying Test) as practice for the actual college entrance exams.  

October Tips

  • Talk with your parents about your college and career goals and how to attain them, including a plan to cover college costs. Start analyzing your Return on College Investment, a tool that helps compare careers and costs.
  • Have you attended a college fair yet? Visit ICANsucceed.org/collegefairs to learn more about these events.
  • Visit myACT.org and take or update your career assessment. Use the results to help plan your high school courses and activities.
  • Get involved!  Find an activity at your school or in your community that you enjoy.  

November Tips

  • Are you preparing to pay for college? Start talking to your parents now. Read about tuition and other college costs at colleges and universities in Iowa. 
  • Talk to family members, friends, teachers, counselors, and coaches about their college experiences. 
  • Keep a record of your extracurricular involvement in an activities resume — a concise summary of your achievements, talents and interests.
  • What subjects do you like in school?  To search for careers related to those subjects, visit myACT.org.
  • Take advantage and meet with college representatives visiting your high school. 
  • It's not too early to start thinking about how to impress potential employers. Learn about developing the skills employers want today

December Tips

  • College can be affordable!  Don’t let the “sticker price” scare you. With financial aid and planning you can help ensure your out-of-pocket costs are manageable. Visit with an ICAN advisor and evaluate your college list to see what fits your goals and is affordable for you.  Use a budget calculator or download the in-school budget worksheet.
  • Talk to your school counselor about college admission requirements and make sure you take the right classes. 
  • Education after high school doesn’t have to include a four-year degree.  Find out more about apprenticeships, certificate programs, two-year degrees, and other programs here.
  • Think about volunteering during your holiday break. Check out the Iowa Commission on Volunteer Service for a list of options at www.volunteeriowa.org. Be sure to log your volunteer work in your activities resume.

January Tips

  • Happy New Year! Get off to a great start by looking at your study habits. What's working for you? What isn't? Make a study schedule and stick to it.
  • Schedule an advising session at your local ICAN Center by visiting ICANsucceed.org/apt. Talk with a Student Success Advisor about your future and develop a plan for success.
  • Become familiar with the types of financial aid available for college.  Financial aid includes grants, scholarships, work-study and loans.  Grants and scholarships don’t have to be paid back.  Work-study enables students to earn money by working.  Loans must be repaid.
  • Review your financial plan for college and make sure it aligns with your career assessment and salary options. 

February Tips

  • Begin thinking about college majors.  Which majors match your skills and interests?  Spend 15 minutes on a career assessment at MyACT.org,  an online tool that can help you find the career pathway that is right for you.
  • Saving money is the best way to prepare for the cost of a college education. Check out ICANsucceed.org/payforcollege for information on paying for college.
    Attend an ICAN career and college planning night this spring. Visit ICANsucceed.org/calendar for events at your school or near you. 
  • If you're an athlete hoping to play sports in college, it's important to begin planning. Learn about the requirements for competing in college athletics here.

March Tips

  • Visit ICANsucceed.org/collegefairs for information on Iowa college fairs.
  • Do you know people who work in a job related to your career interest?  Interview them about the educational requirements and what they like most about their work. 
  • Check the status of your College Savings Plans and keep putting money away for college.
  • If your family is planning a summer vacation, try to visit a few college campuses along the way.

April Tips

  • Meet with your school counselor to ensure your junior classes meet college admission requirements. 
  • Get a taste of a future career through job shadowing, volunteer work, or an internship. Your school counselor can help connect you to a career-exploration opportunity.
  • If you have specific majors in mind, talk with an ICAN advisor to explore which schools offer those programs. Schedule an appointment with ICAN.

May Tips

  • Check with your school counselor to see if AP® (Advanced Placement) classes will fit into your schedule.  Challenging courses in high school can better prepare you for college.
  • Ask your school counselor if there are any summer camp programs you could attend to help get you ahead.
    Look for a summer job that’s related to your interests.  Be sure to save some of your summer earnings for college. 

June Tips

  • Compare several careers.  Consider the required education or training, tasks that have to be performed, starting salary, and the characteristics that appeal to you most.  Visit 
    ICANsucceed.org/careers for links to career research tools
    .
  • Start a summer reading list.  Try reading books that will help increase your vocabulary. 
  • Participate in hobbies and activities that enable you to explore your career interests. 

July Tips

  • Are you attending summer camp on a college campus?  If so, take a look around to see if you could imagine attending the school.
  • Talk to your parents about college expenses and make a plan to cover them.
  • Stay in touch with teachers, school counselors, coaches, and community members.  Later you may ask them to write letters of recommendation for scholarship and/or college admission applications.

Juniors

August Tips

  • Learn about college fairs and events in your area.  Visit ICANsucceed.org/events and ICANsucceed.org/collegefairs 
  • Keep your grades up.  Colleges look at your overall GPA through all four years of high school. 
  • Review your college savings plan; start saving money if you haven’t already done so. 
  • Learn about careers that interest you with an assessment at ACTprofile.org.
  • Talk to your parents and your school counselor about careers and colleges that interest you. 
  • Prepare for college and career with the ICAN Tip of the Week; sign up at ICANsucceed.org/signup

September Tips

  • Attend the Golden Circle College & Career Fair — Iowa’s largest — at the Center for Higher Education in Des Moines the last Sunday in September.  Talk with Iowa employers, colleges & universities from across the country, and attend breakout sessions. Visit ICANsucceed.org/goldencircle for details.
  • Register for the PSAT/NMSQT,® a two-part exam similar to the SAT. ®  Scores are used to determine National Merit Scholars. 
  • Determine what factors are important to you in a college. Go to ICANsucceed.org/explore for information on choosing a college. 
  • If you’re planning to play college sports, learn about the eligibility requirements here.

October Tips

  • Schedule a planning session at your local ICAN Student Success Center. Visit ICANsucceed.org/apt or call (877) 272-4692 to set up an appointment for career, college, or financial aid advising. 
  • Attend a college fair and talk with college representatives to start researching potential colleges.  Visit ICANsucceed.org/collegefairs.
  • Find information about Iowa colleges at ICANsucceed.org/explore. Request information from colleges that interest you.
  • Visit with your school counselor to discuss ways to increase your chances of being admitted to the college of your dreams. 
  • If interested, research military education benefits.

November Tips

  • Review brochures and catalogs from colleges that interest you.  Make a list of 10 to 15 colleges that fit your requirements, including careers.
  • Download the College Checklist to stay organized.
  • Start planning to take the SAT ® or ACT® exams, if required.  Familiarize yourself with registration deadlines and test dates.  Check colleges’ entrance requirements to see which test(s) you need to take.  Take advantage of online test preparation resources such as practice exams and study guides.

December Tips

  • Research scholarships.  Keep an ongoing file of scholarship and financial aid information (such as criteria, amounts, contact persons and deadlines). Check out ICANsucceed.org/scholarships for free scholarship searches. Avoid scholarship searches that charge fees. 
  • Meet with college representatives at your school and keep looking at colleges online.
  • Register now if you’re planning to take the January SAT® or February ACT®.  
  • Visit Chegg.com for test prep tools and resources. Begin to research scholarships. Learn about selection criteria and what's required to apply. Find a list of scholarship searches.
  • Consider volunteering during your holiday break. Check out the Iowa Commission on Volunteer Service for a list of options at www.volunteeriowa.org. Be sure to log your volunteer work in your activities resume.

January Tips

  • Happy New Year! Start it off right by scheduling campus visits to the top three to five colleges on your list.
  • Schedule a visit with ICAN at ICANsucceed.org/apt.
  • Build a list of colleges to consider. Use online college match tools such as Chegg.com or CollegeRaptor.com to find the best fit and compare financial aid estimates. Schedule visits to the colleges that fit your profile.
  • Register now to take the March SAT®.  Pick up a study guide or review online resources. 
  • Prepare for the financial aid process; attend an ICAN seminar this spring.  Visit ICANsucceed.org/events for dates and times.
  • Get involved. Colleges seek well-rounded students who not only get good grades, but who are also involved in school activities or community organizations.

February Tips

  • Determine a college budget based on salary expectations for your chosen career or industry. Visit myACT.org to learn about starting salaries and begin your budget planning with ICAN.
  • Make sure you enroll in senior classes that fulfill the credits you need for college or help you prepare skills for your future career. 
  • Put together a resume listing your activities, volunteer experiences, academic achievements and employment. 
  • Register now if you plan to take the April ACT®. Visit Chegg.com for test prep tools and resources.
  • Talk to your school counselor about AP® courses and CLEP® tests.  Consider taking honors or college-level classes.

March Tips

  • It’s time to schedule college visits.  Revisit your career assessment results and schedule visits with schools that meet your career and budget needs. During each college visit, meet with the admissions and  financial aid offices. Download a helpful checklist to plan your visit.
  • Find out about scholarships offered by your place of worship, civic, and business groups in career fields that interest you.  Continue your search.
  • If you plan to take the May SAT® register now. Visit Chegg.com for test prep tools and resources.
  • Check out your Return on College Investment using this free online tool.

April Tips

  • If you take AP courses, consider AP exams. 
  • When visiting colleges take notes to help you determine your likes and dislikes, and highlight what is most important to you. Download the Campus Visits worksheet for questions to ask and departments. 
  • Once you visit, compare your impressions of each college and rank them according to preference. 
  • Register now for the June ACT® or SAT®.
  • Take notes and compare your thoughts on each college after your visit. For help with this, use the College Checklist chart. (PDF)
  • Have questions? Schedule an appointment with ICAN - All of ICAN's services are offered at no cost to you! 

May Tips

  • Narrow your college choices to five or fewer and highlight the important features at each.  Make a second visit if necessary.
  • If applicable, try to take AP® (Advanced Placement) exams while information is fresh in your mind. Check with your counselor for more information.
  • Consider taking a summer course at a local college. 
  • Find a summer job related to your career interest or do community service. 
  • Polish your resume; if required, assemble writing samples, a portfolio, or audition DVD. 

June Tips

  • Schedule campus visits for colleges you haven’t seen yet.
  • Begin completing private scholarship applications. Find Iowa scholarship opportunities and links to searches, as well as tips for essay writing, on the ICAN website.
  • Save your summer earnings to pay for college. 
  • Serve your community — grades aren’t the only thing colleges evaluate. 
  • Prospective student athletes:  Ask your school counselor to send an official transcript to the NCAA Eligibility Center.

July Tips

  • Get ready for your senior year! Start thinking about how to manage your time. Remember that you should focus on keeping your grades up, filling out applications and selecting a college despite the distractions. 
  • Think about which teachers, employers or other adults you'll ask to write letters of recommendation. Ask for letters at least two weeks before you need them. Plan to ask at the very beginning of the school year.
  • Polish your resume, and if needed, get together writing samples, portfolios or audition tapes.
  • Obtain and review college admission applications.
    Create a spending plan.  It’s easy to get in over your head.  Talk with your parents to consider your options or learn more here. 

Seniors

August Tips

  • Finalize your list of colleges. Decide which colleges best suit you and your career interests. Review your campus visit notes and compare schools on academic, cultural, and financial fit. 
  • Find information on admission, scholarships, and financial aid for the top schools you’re considering. 
  • Register now to take the  September ACT® if you have not already taken them. You may also retake the test if you are unhappy with your previous score. Check with your high school counselor or college admissions office before you retake the test.
  • Stay on top of your senior year to-do’s with ICAN Senior Alerts. Visit ICANsucceed.org/signup to register for e-alerts and the ICAN Tip of the Week.
  • Visit ICANsucceed.org/fsaid to learn about the FSA ID username and password. You and a parent each need an FSA ID for your financial aid form.  Print a list of items you need to fill out the FAFSA at ICANsucceed.org/whattobring
  • Your senior grades really do matter. Colleges look at your overall grade point average (GPA) through all four years of high school. It's not too late to improve your GPA.
  • Finalize your list of colleges. Decide which colleges best suit you and your career interests. Review your campus visit notes and compare schools on academic, cultural, and financial fit.
  • Let ICAN assist you through the college planning and financial aid process at no cost. Visit ICANsucceed.org/apt to schedule an appointment online.

September Tips

  • Visit an ICAN Center and work on your college and career plan. Call (877) 272-4692 to schedule.
  • Register now to take the SAT® and/or ACT®. Pick up a study guide at a local bookstore or library, or review online resources. 
  • Begin writing essays for admission applications.
  • Ask adults to write letters of recommendation.
  • Be aware of deadlines. Research college scholarship days and deadlines at the schools you’ve applied to.  Fill out any additional scholarship forms before the deadlines.
  • Visit ICANsucceed.org/FAFSAreadyia to find a FAFSA Ready  Iowa event near you.  Volunteers will help you complete and file your FAFSA for free. 
  • Schedule your FAFSA appointment with ICAN for after Oct. 1 at ICANsucceed.org/apt

October Tips

  • Know the priority dates for filing the FAFSA at the colleges you’re applying to.  Submit your completed FAFSA after Oct. 1 but before the priority date. ICAN can help - (877) 272-4692.
  • Talk to admission counselors at the colleges you’re applying to and find out whether retaking the ACT® or SAT® would be advantageous.
  • Begin submitting your admission applications to the colleges you’re most interested in.  Be aware of deadlines! Try to have your applications submitted by Nov. 1.
  • Obtain financial aid forms from colleges that require forms other than the FAFSA.

November Tips

  • Avoid scholarship search and financial aid companies that charge a fee.  Begin your free search at ICANsucceed.org/scholarships
  • Remember to keep copies of all forms you submit to colleges and agencies. 
  • Need help filing a FAFSA?  ICAN can help.  Visit ICANsucceed.org/apt to schedule an appointment. 
  • Considering taking the ACT® one more time? Register now to take the  December test.  
    If interested, research military education benefits.
  • Send in college housing applications.

December Tips

  • Visit with your school counselor about application deadlines, local or state scholarships, and grants. 
  • Continue to apply for grants and scholarships.
  • Stay focused!  Grades in your senior year can affect college admittance.
  • Watch for your Student Aid Report (SAR) if you’ve filed your FAFSA.  Check that it lists all the colleges requiring receipt of your FAFSA. 
  • Work with ICAN to create a plan to finance college with tools like Student Loan Game Plan.

January Tips

  • Submit your FAFSA, if you haven’t already done so. Need help filing a FAFSA?  ICAN can help.  Click here to schedule an appointment or visit www.icansucceed.org/events to find a FAFSA Completion Event near you.  
  • Schedule a financial aid offer comparison appointment with ICAN for this spring. An advisor will review your award packages and help you determine your best options. Visit ICANsucceed.org/apt.
  • Ask your school counselor to send your first-semester transcripts to your top colleges. 
  • Watch the mail and your email accounts for letters of acceptance. 
  • Send in college housing applications if you haven't already.

February Tips

  • Confirm that the colleges you’ve applied to have received your first-semester transcripts. 
  • Find out whether you need to submit a transcript of your federal tax forms or additional financial aid verification forms to the college(s) of your choice. 
  • Keep your grades up — second semester grades are important and can affect scholarship eligibility and college admittance.
  • Review your budget and financial plan for college. Talk with your parents about cost responsibility.

March Tips

  • Visit an ICAN Center to review and compare financial aid packages from colleges. An advisor will analyze your packages using the College Funding Forecaster and help you determine the best financial option. You can also download the Compare College Costs worksheet from the ICAN Resource Zone. 
  • Ask your school counselor about local scholarships.

April Tips

  • Decision Day is May 1. Decide which college you’ll attend.  Send the required deposit, and sign and return the financial aid award letter, if required.  Note other important deadlines. 
  • Tell other colleges you won’t be attending. 
  • If you’re securing a student loan, complete the required promissory note and entrance counseling.
  • Begin making plans for a summer job. 
  • Analyze your college financial aid offers using College Funding Forecaster. Walk through the process with an ICAN advisor -  visit icansucceed.org/apt to schedule an appointment.

May Tips

  • Take any AP®/CLEP® exams you can.
  • Finalize your summer job or volunteer plans. Jobs related to your future career and volunteer work will be great experiences you can add to your resume.
  • Ask your school counselor to send your final transcript to the college you’ll be attending.  
  • Return all necessary documents, including financial aid forms, to your college.     
  • Congratulations on your high school graduation!

June Tips

  • Notify the college about scholarships you received.
  • Save money to help with college expenses. 
  • Attend orientation sessions to meet people, get familiar with campus and register for classes.
  • Prepare a personal budget for college and review it with your parents.

July Tips

  • Check out our “College Packing List” to help make packing less of a chore. Contact your roommate and decide who’s bringing what so you don’t double up.
  • Thank your family and friends for their support.
  • Continue your success in college; follow ICAN on FacebookTwitter, and Instagram for continued tips and support.
  • Attend any orientation sessions that your college offers. They're a great opportunity to meet people and get to know the campus.
  • Turn in any loan applications and promissory notes if you haven't already done so.

Parents

August Tip

  • Encourage your child to use a planner or electronic organizer to help them manage their time, set goals and stay on a path to success. Check in with your child to make sure they use one throughout each school year to keep track of assignments, activities, important dates and deadlines.

September Tip

  • Play an active role. Keep the lines of communication open throughout your student's high school years. Talk to their teachers and counselor about their progress and any concerns that you have. Being involved can help them succeed.

October Tip

  • Work with your student to set clear goals before you visit colleges. Work together to create a list of targeted questions for your student to ask during the tour. Your child's college selection criteria may not be the same as yours, so talk about those differences before the tour. Let your student set up the visit and take the lead in asking questions. College admission staff agree that one of the biggest mistakes you can make as a parent is to take over the process.

November Tip

  • Don't let a poor economy derail your child's college plans. Make sure you're saving as much as you can, because most of the burden of college costs falls on you and your child. Sometimes paying for college means a change in lifestyle or finding alternative means of funding.

December Tip

  • Review the information you and your student gather on colleges and discuss the options. Work toward attainable goals and workable solutions. Before you know it, your child will be heading to college, and you will have played an important role.

January Tip

  • College is a worthwhile investment, but it can be an expensive one. Talk to your student about the costs involved. Keep in mind that being involved now in the financial aid process will help prepare your child to better manage money later in life.
  • Help your student fill out their FAFSA (Free Application for Federal Student Aid), but make sure they are playing a role in the process.

February Tip

  • Ask your employer if they offer scholarships or tuition reimbursement programs. Many employers offer scholarships specifically for employees' dependents.

March Tip

  • Ask your student about homework assignments and any upcoming tests or projects. Find out if whether all the preparation and work is done. Don't forget to ask how a test went and provide support afterward.

April Tip

  • Financial aid packages will vary. Colleges determine a student's financial aid eligibility based upon the college's funding levels and the student's merit and financial need. Learn more about financial aid packages here.

May Tip

  • Help your child choose a career. Deciding on an initial career goal can be daunting for a high school student, but research shows that parents have a large influence on their child's career choices. Take the time to guide your child through the process of discovering abilities, interests and values that will help them choose a suitable career path.

June Tip

  • Include a few college campuses in any summer travel, or plan to visit those nearby with your student. Allow them to get a feel for the different environments and options available.
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