The college selection & preparation process

It’s only 5 days until my son moves into the dorms. I look back on the journey and realize all the hard work it took to pull this off. I’m blessed with a pretty good kid, grades were good, and he is goal oriented. Raised in the single-parent home, he graduated early a semester from high school, attended our local community college, and now is going off to school.

There were so many steps from deciding on a college, the admission process, selecting classes, and preparing to move into the dorms.

This blog is dedicated to all the parents that are looking at send their children to college in the next couple of years and find themselves overwhelmed with the process and financial out look.

The college selection & preparation process:

1) Take the ACT or SAT.

2) Narrow down 3-5 schools of interests (see my blog – How to chose the right college)

3) Visit the colleges- School are happy to give tours. Many schools have Open Houses.

4) Apply top 3-college choice- Fall of H.S. Senior yr. Application fees range from $25-50 each.

5) Complete the FAFSA form – completed this online at http://www.fafsa.ed.gov January of the H.S. Senior yr. There is no charge for this form. It is free. You will need your W-2s and completed tax return to complete this form. There will be a section on the form where you will be asked to enter your school choices. Within a few days, you and the schools of choice will receive the results on the form. This form has many purposes. It helps illustrate your family need, family contribution and is a springboard for administration of free monies from the Federal and State Pell Grant programs. Please don’t assume you don’t qualify. Fill it out anyway.

6) Wait for College acceptance letters & their Financial Aid Award letters. For my family, the financial aid award letter was key. We were looking for what college could give the most financial aid and less out of pocket cost for us. We were blessing to have most of tuition & dorm paid.

7) Pay Admission Deposit– once you’ve made your choice on the right college, the college will require an admission deposit. This normally around $ 200. It is non-refundable, but usually applied toward tuition. Schools deadline for the Admission deposit is normally in the spring your child’s H.S. Senior year.

8) Apply for Financial Aid- Also in the spring of H. S. Senior yr, college have there own deadline for you to completed the college’s own forms for financial aid. First to complete the forms and any requested documentation, receive the most financial assistance possible.

9) Apply for University Housing- during this same spring on H.S. Senior yr, a housing deposit is required. Normally, it about $500 and is refundable if met by a certain deadline. This deposits guarantees a housing spot in the dorms, which goes very quickly. Please note that you child will need a meal plan, which is a separate cost.

10) Confirm your placement in English and math courses. – New student must take a placement test for English & Math.

11) Meet with your Academic Advisor and Register for classes

12) Attend New Student Orientation.

13) Obtain a School ID Card. – This card can be used for ID, washing clothes, the library, Computer lab, meals, etc

14) Final School Transcripts. - Send final high transcripts to college.

15) Purchase items for the dorms (A separate blog coming soon)