How Do I Set Up A Long-Range Plan?

Step by step, you can help your child make informed decisions about his or her education, do well academically, learn about colleges, and find the best possible opportunities for a college education.

Following are two checklists that are designed to help you and your child, year by year, progress toward preparing for college -- both academically and financially. The first list speaks directly to your child, although he or she may need your help. The second list speaks directly to you.



College Preparation Checklist for Students

* Take challenging classes in English, mathematics, science, history, geography, and a foreign language.

* Develop strong study skills.

* Start thinking about which school classes will best prepare you for college.

* If you have an opportunity to choose among schools, or among different programs within one high school, investigate the options and determine which ones will help you:

Further your academic and career interests and open doors to many future options.

* Investigate different ways to save money -- entering a savings program or opening a savings account in a bank, etc.

* Start saving for college if you haven't already.

* Get to know your career counselor and other college resources available in your school. Discuss with them appropriate colleges and their requirements.

* Talk to adults in a variety of professions to determine what they like and dislike about their jobs and what kind of education is needed for each kind of job.

* Become involved in school- or community-based extracurricular activities that interest you and/or enable you to explore career interests.

* Take advantage of opportunities to visit colleges and talk to students.

* Decide which colleges most interest you. Write these schools to request information and an application for admission. Be sure to ask about special admissions requirements, financial aid, and deadlines.

* Talk to college representatives at college fairs.

* Consider people to ask for recommendations -- teachers, careers counselors, employers, etc.

* Investigate the availability of financial aid. Talk to your teacher or careers counselor for more information.

* Investigate the availability of scholarships.

* If applicable, go to the library and look for directories of scholarships for minorities and disabled students.

* Prepare your college application carefully. Follow the instructions, and PAY CLOSE ATTENTION TO DEADLINES! Be sure to ask your careers counselor and teachers at least two weeks before your application deadlines to submit the necessary documents to colleges.

* Investigate different ways to save money.

* Start saving money for your child's college education.

* Help your child investigate the availability of financial aid.

* Help your child investigate the availability of scholarships.

* If applicable, go to the library with your son or daughter and look for directories on scholarships for minorities and disabled students.

* Make sure your child completes all necessary college application and financial aid forms.