When it comes to planning for college, starting early is always the best policy. If you’re just getting started in your college planning, don’t worry—plenty of resources are available to help you get started.
For Parents:
Debt can be a huge roadblock when it comes to college planning. But with a little effort, you can get out of debt before your child goes to college. And that can make a world of difference when it comes to affording a college education.
If you’re struggling to get out of debt, you can get help from a debt relief service like Citizens Debt Relief. These companies can help you get your debt under control and start paying it off. They can also help you create a budget and find ways to reduce your expenses.
If you can get out of debt before your child goes to college, you’ll be in a much better position to afford a college education. You’ll also be less likely to take out loans to pay for college, which can help you avoid accruing more debt.
There is no question that arranging for college application counseling can be incredibly helpful when preparing your child for college, too. However, it is important to understand that not all counselors are created equal. When selecting a counselor, it is important to find one who is experienced and knowledgeable in the admissions process. Additionally, the counselor should be able to provide personal guidance and support to your child throughout the college application process.
One of the biggest benefits of hiring a college counselor is that they can help your child develop a strong college list. Counselors have extensive knowledge of the admissions process and can help your child identify schools that are a good fit for them. They can also help your child negotiate for scholarships and financial aid.
In addition to helping with the application process, a college counselor can also provide guidance on topics such as choosing a major, preparing for exams, and networking. They can also help your child stay on track with their academic goals and provide support during the stressful college admissions process.
If you are considering hiring a college counselor, be sure to do your research and ask around for recommendations. The best counselors will have a lot of experience and a proven track record of helping students achieve their academic goals. It’s never too early to start planning for college.
For Students:
The first step is to take a look at your high school coursework and make sure you’re on track to complete the minimum requirements for your chosen college or university. However, if college isn’t for you, you can look into dual enrollment programs such as Running Start which provides courses for students to take that will give them both high school and college credits. Programs like these help save money in the long run as they don’t charge for tuition, only what you’ll need and use like laboratory fees and textbooks.
Once you have a general idea of the courses you’ll need to take, it’s time to start looking at schools. Do you want to stay close to home or venture far from your current zip code? Do you want a small school or a large university? These are all important questions to consider when narrowing down your college search.
Once you’ve selected a few schools that interest you, it’s time to start digging a little deeper. Each school will have its own specific admission requirements, so be sure to check and see what’s required of you. Many schools require SAT or ACT scores, letters of recommendation, and essays.
The College Board offers a variety of resources, including a College Planning Calendar and a College Search Tool. The U.S. Department of Education also has a website full of college planning resources, and Fastweb is a great resource for scholarships and financial aid information.
Starting early is the best way to ensure that you’re on track for the college of your dreams. With the right resources, you can make the process a little less daunting and a whole lot more exciting.