Well, that 's a good question . What you need to do at this time is totally dependent on where you or your child is in school , what kind of college you want and what you have done so far.
I know - it seems a bit vague, but here is some information on what should be done and what should work.
first year
These are the three G. Notes , notes, notes. Keep your GPA up is one of the most important things to consider now . It also helps to start to get involved in volunteer opportunities , hobbies and extra -curricular activities . All these things will help you find scholarships and apply to colleges.
It is also recommended to start taking the ACT tests and , if applicable , SAT tests .
College project that will help build a solid foundation for the transition to college.
sophomore year
This is the year where you should start the transition to college. Unfortunately, there are not many resources to help sophomores prepare .
Start checking proactively to secondary school transition between college dividends later. The reason is that the opportunities for scholarships are now available in large quantities. This does not mean that it applies to everything you can find - to focus your efforts on scholarships that are attainable and give their all .
Do not forget to start taking courses to prepare for the act and , where appropriate , the SAT test. In addition , students can take the PSAT , which opens the possibility for the National Merit Scholarship.
Not sure where to start ? The College of projects can provide a way .
third year
Junior year is undoubtedly the most important in the transition from school to college year . From this point , you or your son will be overloaded with information in schools. Every admissions counselor (aka recruiters ) want to send you information, talk about your school, try to schedule a visit. It seems that everything your child or your school wants, but try to fill the inlet pipe with a large number of applications.
Avoid the temptation to choose a school without all the information. Your advisor may ask you to choose three schools - a range , and safety meetings . But you know what these schools will cost? I 'm not talking about the price tag - I mean the bottom line , net more likely. What is the school 's main (s) you want? Do they fit your needs socially and culturally ?
If you want to understand more about how to choose the right school , we 'll help you find a way - social, cultural, academic and financial .
Also, do not forget to continue to make efforts in the ACT and SAT, if any. Need help with preparation classes ? The College of projects can help you find the right way for the right price .
Prom
If you are considering enrolling in a school in 4 years, should have been applied and accepted by this point. You should receive their letters of the institution to which they had been admitted in the near future allocation . Once you receive these, you need to finalize your plans on how you will pay the remaining after grants and scholarships pay. The " net price " at the bottom of the letter of award is the amount you have to cover the loan and / or pay out of pocket . Be careful though - the " net price " sometimes factors of loans you or your child can take.
If you attend a technical school or two school years , you've probably until June or July for your application, but it does not hurt to have all presented now .
One of the most important things you should have done at this point is to file the FAFSA . If you have not done this, it is very important that you do as soon as possible. College projects will help you file your FAFSA to help you save time and reduce errors that probably cost more time or increase their college costs .
He feels he has lost something ? College projects can ensure that you dot all the i's and cross the t years.
Currently in college
Just because you have registered and paid for your first year does not mean that all scholarship opportunities are behind you . In many cases , are not state and private institutional grants, which may be available to you because you 're in college .
In addition, you will need to check or request any assistance for next year . And if you do not renew the FAFSA for the academic year 2013 /2014 , you must do so immediately.
Students approaching graduation may need to think about making the transition into a career , enter a graduate school , and / or what to do with student loans.
When you or your child is trying to find a way to get or pay for college and you do not know what you should do, it can be overwhelming . The project of the School is dedicated to making the transition to college easier and more affordable to improve access to university and higher education. If you have questions, are looking for more information or to speak to a counselor on a college plan individualized for you or your child , visit thecollegeproject.com
