- Your main task is to keep your teen rested, healthy, and sane during what can be the most stressful year of their young lives.
- Meet with your teen’s guidance counselor to coordinate college applications, etc.
- Help your teen schedule a retest for the SAT if needed.
- Determine with your teen if you will apply to any college as an Early Decision or Early Action candidate. (Remember that Early Decision is binding.)
- Help your teen keep track of application deadlines.
- Review the information at the Money for College [link to: Money for College page] station in the teen Virtual Aspirations Lab.
- Before December 1st, apply for a FAFSA pin number. (One parent must have one.)
- On New Year’s Day, January 1st, fill out the next school year’s FAFSA form using your previous year’s tax return. (Example: Use your 2008 tax return to complete the FAFSA. By the time your application is returned to you for verification, you can edit the information using your 2009 returns. DO NOT WAIT UNTIL YOU HAVE THIS YEAR’S TAXES DONE TO COMPLETE THE FAFSA. IT WILL PUT YOU AT THE END OF THE LINE!
- Review each college’s financial aid website to determine what they require in addition to the FAFSA.
- Many colleges require the CSS Profile
- Many require a copy of your previous year’s tax returns with your signature/s on it.
- Others may list scholarships for which you can apply.
- All will list deadlines which cannot be missed.
- Once your teen is accepted at a college, consider visiting it.
- Be sure to review your financial aid packages and to weigh the differences between loans and grants.
- Celebrate graduation and begin Letting Go!
