Preparing your child for college starts long before he reaches his 18th birthday. In fact, for many parents, preparing for the post-high school years starts with setting up a savings account shortly after their child is born. Parents and students need to spend the four years of high school thinking about and planning for college. Then, the summer before the freshman year actually starts is often a flurry of activity that includes shopping, scheduling and conducting serious parent-child conversations.
Step 1
Save early, and save often. College is expensive, and costs keep rising. A 529 Plan is a savings plan designed to help families set aside funds for future college cost. Each state has at least one plan, and you can start setting aside money for your child at any time. Also have your child research financial aid and scholarship opportunities to help defray some of the cost.
Step 2
Build an academic resume. According to the USAA Educational Foundation, colleges will review everything your child does in high school. Help your child to select a college preparatory program. Encourage him to talk to his guidance counselor about advanced placement classes or enrichment programs. He should also participate in extra-curricular activities, and it is also beneficial for colleges to see that he worked summer or part-time jobs. Make sure your child takes any necessary college entrance exams.
Step 3
Schedule wisely. The summer before classes start, your child should set up a meeting with an adviser who will help her create a freshman year schedule that will get her started in meeting her goals for a degree. The adviser will make sure she completes not only her general education requirements, but major requirements as well. Encourage your child to create a schedule that allows her not only time for studies, but also for extracurricular activities and other interests.
Step 4
Go shopping. According to an ABC "Good Morning America" story published on Aug. 17, 2009, boys and girls shop differently for college. However, some essentials no student should be without. All students should arrive at their dorm room with a mini-refrigerator, and, if allowed, microwave; a power strip; laundry detergent and quarters; bedding with extra-long sheets; storage bins; a shower caddy; a first aid kit; a nightlight; and something to remind them of home, such as a framed picture.
Step 5
Discuss expectations. If you child is living away from home, it may be the first time she is on her own with no house rules or curfew. Let her know if you expect her to keep a certain grade point average, and any consequences if she does not. Talk about fiscal responsibility, and making wise choices when it comes to such college pressures that include drinking and sex.
Things You'll Need
- Savings plan
- High school schedule
- College schedule
- Refrigerator
- Microwave
- power strip
- bedding
- laundry detergent
- quarters
- storage bins
- shower caddy
- night light
- photographs
