Step One

Get to Know the School Counselor

Your high school guidance counselor can be a great resource, providing advice on higher education, scholarships, and more.

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Best-Selling College Guides

With thousands of US colleges and universities to choose from, it’s no wonder students and parents alike find the application

The Importance of the School Profile

Have you ever heard of the school profile? Did you know it should be included in your child’s college admission

Is College Worth It?

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Passing On My Top Lessons To High School Freshmen

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How Much Student Loan Debt Is Too Much?

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Step Two

Create a High School Course Overview

What does your child’s blueprint of high school courses look like? Discuss it together—it will help as they begin to strategize their college plans.

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High School Is Stressful: A Mom Expresses Concern and Our Community Responds

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Certification Classes for Teens, High Schoolers

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

Summer programs for high school students offer opportunities ranging from local college classes to programs around the world. As college

Holistic Admissions: Your Child Is More Than Their Grades and Test Scores

What Are Holistic Admissions? Applying to college can be one of the most stressful times of your child’s life, and

How Colleges Calculate Your High School GPA

The movement for colleges toward being test-optional has gained momentum over the last ten years. With COVID-19 changing the high

What Makes a Good GPA?

A great GPA is a high-school student’s foremost means of showing their value to potential colleges. Unlike test scores, which

Step Three

Schedule Extracurriculars & Summer Activities

Once your student has their course overview out of the way, they can fill their extra time with sports, the arts, hobbies, and projects. It’s never too early to plan what the summer months will look like as well.

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High School Is Stressful: A Mom Expresses Concern and Our Community Responds

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Volunteering in High School Means Intrinsic and Extrinsic Rewards for Your Child

Not every student is an A-team athlete or the star of the school play, nor do they have to be

Certification Classes for Teens, High Schoolers

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

Summer programs for high school students offer opportunities ranging from local college classes to programs around the world. As college

Holistic Admissions: Your Child Is More Than Their Grades and Test Scores

What Are Holistic Admissions? Applying to college can be one of the most stressful times of your child’s life, and

What Are Your Chances of Getting Into College?

You’ve gone through all the work that was required of you, and you’re about to finish four years of high

Step Four

Keep Track of Accomplishments

Keeping a record of academic awards/honors, community service, extra curricular activities, leadership roles, work experience, and other accomplishments can be helpful later.

What You Need to Know

High School Is Stressful: A Mom Expresses Concern and Our Community Responds

A Stressed Mom Speaks Out (A version of this story was first published anonymously by a mom in our Paying

Certification Classes for Teens, High Schoolers

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

Summer programs for high school students offer opportunities ranging from local college classes to programs around the world. As college

Holistic Admissions: Your Child Is More Than Their Grades and Test Scores

What Are Holistic Admissions? Applying to college can be one of the most stressful times of your child’s life, and

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5 Strategies We Used to Prepare Our Kids to Succeed

I’m going to let you in on a little secret… This is insider information that I’ve never publicly shared before.

Step Five

Understand Financial Aid/Merit Scholarships

Searching for merit scholarships and understanding financial aid application requirements shouldn’t be taken lightly. This stage requires you to roll up your sleeves.

What You Need to Know

How to Make Affordable Colleges Even More Affordable

This story was written by Elizabeth, a member of R2C’s Paying for College 101 (PFC 101) Facebook group, where it

Colleges and Universities That Are Need Blind

As the name implies, need blind colleges and universities promise to ignore a family’s ability to pay tuition when making

The Price You Pay for College: Why It’s so Difficult to Predict Merit Scholarships

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How Family Finances Sway College Admissions Decisions

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Do You Know How Much You Can Afford for College?

Paying for college is a major stressor and investment for parents and students. Parents wonder: How much can I afford

Is College Worth It?

Right now, there’s a bit of a debate surrounding college. As college costs rise and student loan debt weighs on

Step Six

Research Test Prep

At this point in the process, your student will need to determine whether they will take the ACT or SAT, how far in advance they should start prepping, and if they will prep on their own, in group classes, or with 1:1 coaching.

What You Need to Know

SAT and ACT Prep: Your Guide to the Best Free Resources

SAT and ACT prep doesn’t have to be expensive; in fact, many of the best resources are free. Below, I’ve

Preparing for the SAT

As the parent or guardian of a college-bound student, you have probably done at least a little worrying about the

What Is a Good PSAT Score?

The PSAT, or Preliminary SAT, is an important standardized test used to measure college readiness and provide valuable feedback to

What Are Your Chances of Getting Into College?

You’ve gone through all the work that was required of you, and you’re about to finish four years of high

Is College Worth It?

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Step Seven

Understand College Costs

You may think you know the cost of college, but do you REALLY know everything you'll have to pay for? Familiarize yourself with the extras, like additional fees, so you won’t be surprised when the bill comes.

What You Need to Know

How to Make Affordable Colleges Even More Affordable

This story was written by Elizabeth, a member of R2C’s Paying for College 101 (PFC 101) Facebook group, where it

Start Here for Everything You Need to Know About Admissions and Financial Aid

Deciding where to go to college, and how to pay for it, are two of the most important decisions students

Understanding Cost of Attendance

Choosing a college and budgeting to attend can be a daunting experience. Luckily, most colleges provide a convenient, standardized way

Understanding College Tuition and Fees

 The price of attending a college found in Google searches and on college and university websites can often be deceiving.

Colleges and Universities That Are Need Blind

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Bribery and the Scholarship Application Process

On top of homework, extracurriculars, internships, or jobs, and the stress of deadlines, chores, and fitting in social activities, it’s

Step Eight

Assess Financial Readiness to Pay for College

Once you know the costs, you can better assess your ability to pay. Research financial options, and be creative.

What You Need to Know

Financial Aid and More: How to Pay for College With No Money

For many families, saving up enough money to cover the entire cost of their children’s higher education just isn’t possible.

College Choices Are Easier When Your Student Knows the Budget

This story was originally published in our Paying for College 101 (PFC 101) group. It has been edited for clarity

How to Make Affordable Colleges Even More Affordable

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Best Side Gigs for Parents to Pay for College

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Understanding College Tuition and Fees

 The price of attending a college found in Google searches and on college and university websites can often be deceiving.

Step Nine

Search & Apply for Private Scholarships

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.

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Financial Aid and More: How to Pay for College With No Money

For many families, saving up enough money to cover the entire cost of their children’s higher education just isn’t possible.

How to Make Affordable Colleges Even More Affordable

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How to Find Scholarships

Everyone wants to know how to find college scholarships. The first step is to understand what type of scholarships you’re

Bribery and the Scholarship Application Process

On top of homework, extracurriculars, internships, or jobs, and the stress of deadlines, chores, and fitting in social activities, it’s

Top Strategies for Finding College Scholarships

A scholarship is money awarded to a student to help pay for college. Unlike a loan, it doesn’t have to

How to Apply for Scholarships: Tips From a Mom in the Know

Sometimes the best way to learn is to go through the process yourself and then share your learnings with others.

Step Ten

Set Financial & Academic Expectations

Conversations with your teen will be much easier if you make them aware of the realities of your family’s finances. Set expectations about money and grades, so they know what their part of the bargain will be.

What You Need to Know

Financial Aid and More: How to Pay for College With No Money

For many families, saving up enough money to cover the entire cost of their children’s higher education just isn’t possible.

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This story was originally published in our Paying for College 101 (PFC 101) group. It has been edited for clarity

How to Make Affordable Colleges Even More Affordable

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Best Side Gigs for Parents to Pay for College

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Money Management for Teenagers

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Tools & Services Recommended for You

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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