Step One
Many high school students choose to take the Preliminary SAT (PSAT) and other practice exams to help them prepare for future standardized tests. Practice test scores can help your student determine how much they need to study for the SAT or ACT.
A Stressed Mom Speaks Out (A version of this story was first published anonymously by a mom in our Paying
SAT and ACT prep doesn’t have to be expensive; in fact, many of the best resources are free. Below, I’ve
The benefits of preparing academically for the SAT are obvious, but many families underestimate the importance of preparing emotionally and
As the parent or guardian of a college-bound student, you have probably done at least a little worrying about the
The PSAT, or Preliminary SAT, is an important standardized test used to measure college readiness and provide valuable feedback to
What Are Holistic Admissions? Applying to college can be one of the most stressful times of your child’s life, and
Step Two
Now’s the time for your student to participate in extracurricular activities, such as sports, the arts, hobbies, projects, etc. These can all be added to their brag sheet later.
A Stressed Mom Speaks Out (A version of this story was first published anonymously by a mom in our Paying
Not every student is an A-team athlete or the star of the school play, nor do they have to be
Whether your child is thinking about taking a few classes before college, in between semesters, or even jumping right in
Summer programs for high school students offer opportunities ranging from local college classes to programs around the world. As college
What Are Holistic Admissions? Applying to college can be one of the most stressful times of your child’s life, and
National honor societies are very popular within the academic world. In particular, high school students see admission to an honor
Step Three
It’s true that one school doesn’t fit all. Learn as much as you can about school types—from private to state, small to large, community to 4-year, liberal arts to special interest.
This story about legacy admissions was written by Jill Barshay and produced by The Hechinger Report, a nonprofit, independent news organization focused
Your student isn’t the only one worried about college acceptances. Schools are as well–they want to know the rate at
With thousands of US colleges and universities to choose from, it’s no wonder students and parents alike find the application
The price of attending a college found in Google searches and on college and university websites can often be deceiving.
As the name implies, need blind colleges and universities promise to ignore a family’s ability to pay tuition when making
A trade school, sometimes referred to as a vocational school, is an educational institution students attended in order to learn
Step Four
Tools and resources like guide books and school websites can be tremendously helpful. Use them often.
This story was first published in our Paying for College 101 Facebook community. It’s been edited for clarity and flow.
This story was originally published in R2C’s Paying for College 101 (PFC 101) Facebook group. It has been edited for
With thousands of US colleges and universities to choose from, it’s no wonder students and parents alike find the application
Choosing a college and budgeting to attend can be a daunting experience. Luckily, most colleges provide a convenient, standardized way
The price of attending a college found in Google searches and on college and university websites can often be deceiving.
What Are Holistic Admissions? Applying to college can be one of the most stressful times of your child’s life, and
Step Five
Searching for merit scholarships and understanding financial aid application requirements shouldn’t be taken lightly. This stage requires you to roll up your sleeves.
For many families, saving up enough money to cover the entire cost of their children’s higher education just isn’t possible.
This story was written by Elizabeth, a member of R2C’s Paying for College 101 (PFC 101) Facebook group, where it
Choosing a college and budgeting to attend can be a daunting experience. Luckily, most colleges provide a convenient, standardized way
This article is adapted from “The Price You Pay for College: An Entirely New Road Map for the Biggest Financial
On top of homework, extracurriculars, internships, or jobs, and the stress of deadlines, chores, and fitting in social activities, it’s
Whether you’re the type to complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) in a weekend or take it
Step Six
Merit aid is lovely, but sometimes, it doesn’t come through. There are other options to fill some of the cost gaps, like private scholarships. Although researching these takes perseverance, the effort can pay off.
This story was originally published in our Paying for College 101 (PFC 101) group. It has been edited for clarity
For many families, saving up enough money to cover the entire cost of their children’s higher education just isn’t possible.
This story was written by Elizabeth, a member of R2C’s Paying for College 101 (PFC 101) Facebook group, where it
Everyone wants to know how to find college scholarships. The first step is to understand what type of scholarships you’re
On top of homework, extracurriculars, internships, or jobs, and the stress of deadlines, chores, and fitting in social activities, it’s
A scholarship is money awarded to a student to help pay for college. Unlike a loan, it doesn’t have to
There may come a time when you realize you can’t do it all alone. Use any of the many tools in our toolbox to assist you on the road to college.
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