Step One
Your high school guidance counselor can be a great resource, providing advice on higher education, scholarships, and more.
A Stressed Mom Speaks Out (A version of this story was first published anonymously by a mom in our Paying
With thousands of US colleges and universities to choose from, it’s no wonder students and parents alike find the application
Have you ever heard of the school profile? Did you know it should be included in your child’s college admission
Right now, there’s a bit of a debate surrounding college. As college costs rise and student loan debt weighs on
If you could change one thing about your high school experience, what would it be?” I get this question more
If you have a student planning for college, you’re probably aware of the current student loan crisis and the ramifications
Step Two
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.
A Stressed Mom Speaks Out (A version of this story was first published anonymously by a mom in our Paying
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
The movement for colleges toward being test-optional has gained momentum over the last ten years. With COVID-19 changing the high
A great GPA is a high-school student’s foremost means of showing their value to potential colleges. Unlike test scores, which
Step Three
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.
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
You’ve gone through all the work that was required of you, and you’re about to finish four years of high
Step Four
Keeping a record of academic awards/honors, community service, extra curricular activities, leadership roles, work experience, and other accomplishments can be helpful later.
A Stressed Mom Speaks Out (A version of this story was first published anonymously by a mom in our Paying
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
You’ve gone through all the work that was required of you, and you’re about to finish four years of high
I’m going to let you in on a little secret… This is insider information that I’ve never publicly shared before.
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.
This story was written by Elizabeth, a member of R2C’s Paying for College 101 (PFC 101) Facebook group, where it
As the name implies, need blind colleges and universities promise to ignore a family’s ability to pay tuition when making
This article is adapted from “The Price You Pay for College: An Entirely New Road Map for the Biggest Financial
Excerpted from WHO GETS IN AND WHY by Jeffrey Selingo. Copyright © 2020 by Jeffrey Selingo. Reprinted with permission of Scribner, a
Paying for college is a major stressor and investment for parents and students. Parents wonder: How much can I afford
Right now, there’s a bit of a debate surrounding college. As college costs rise and student loan debt weighs on
Step Six
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.
SAT and ACT prep doesn’t have to be expensive; in fact, many of the best resources are free. Below, I’ve
As the parent or guardian of a college-bound student, you have probably done at least a little worrying about the
For many students, the Preliminary SAT (PSAT) is taken at least once in high school to prepare for the SAT.
You’ve gone through all the work that was required of you, and you’re about to finish four years of high
Right now, there’s a bit of a debate surrounding college. As college costs rise and student loan debt weighs on
If you could change one thing about your high school experience, what would it be?” I get this question more
Step Seven
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.
This story was written by Elizabeth, a member of R2C’s Paying for College 101 (PFC 101) Facebook group, where it
Deciding where to go to college, and how to pay for it, are two of the most important decisions students
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.
As the name implies, need blind colleges and universities promise to ignore a family’s ability to pay tuition when making
On top of homework, extracurriculars, internships, or jobs, and the stress of deadlines, chores, and fitting in social activities, it’s
Step Eight
Once you know the costs, you can better assess your ability to pay. Research financial options, and be creative.
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
Paying for college can be daunting. That’s why more and more parents of college-bound students are looking for additional ways
Deciding where to go to college, and how to pay for it, are two of the most important decisions students
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
Step Nine
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.
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
Sometimes the best way to learn is to go through the process yourself and then share your learnings with others.
Step Ten
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.
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
Paying for college can be daunting. That’s why more and more parents of college-bound students are looking for additional ways
Deciding where to go to college, and how to pay for it, are two of the most important decisions students
As a mom, I’m learning that “the money talk” with teenagers is about more than money—it’s about family values and
With thousands of US colleges and universities to choose from, it’s no wonder students and parents alike find the application
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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