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Survival Guide : Episode FLSUR-111

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Student marking important dates on calendar, N.Y.

  • Think college as early as 9th or 10th grade. Pay attention to course selection, commitments to clubs and activities.
  • Parents are probably way ahead of their kids as far as thinking about the college process, so keep your conversations casual to avoid overwhelming them.
  • Once junior year rolls around, it's time to get serious. Being organized will save plenty of headaches, so start with the basic: a calendar.
  • Place the calendar where the student can see it and note when the SAT or the ACT tests are being held, and any other relevant deadlines.
  • By January of senior year, you should apply for financial aid. Applications should be in college admission offices by the end of February.
  • Remember that you'll be dealing with piles of paper over the next year — brochures, financial aid forms, etc. A filing system will keep everything organized.
  • Set aside a certain time every week to meet with your child and go over materials from schools.
  • Encourage your child to start a college journal, to help keep track of details — and to see how his thoughts on college change over time.
  • Designate a "college-free" zone in the house. Once you start the search, a lot of families find themselves overloaded with information.


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