November to December
Families of high school seniors bound for college in September 2027 have been filing applications and are now 90% complete… a relief, but now we wait. Although the heavy lifting feels over, all eyes should shift to: will I get in and, equally important, how will we pay?
Choosing a college and and managing the “how to get” process is critical, but deciding how to select your choice after high school is vital. One of the 5 Criteria to Say Yes is affordablity. Don’t overlook completing and filing financial aid and external private scholarship applications.
Completing and filing the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) uncovers a student and families eligibility for need-based financial aid. Resources provided to eligible students and families from all public and private colleges, universities, approved career institutions, federal and state programs, and some private external scholarship providers. Take the 30 minutes to complete and file the FAFSA. Need help – call.
Another vital activity while waiting to learn about acceptances is applying for scholarships. Yes, it is reported to be time-consuming and sometimes frustrating, but uncovering a scholarship and receiving an award can mean the difference between going and not. Please email me at tom@getcollegegoing.com, and I’ll send you a PDF copy of my Scholarship Workbook. It contains tips and ideas on how to find $$$$.
Community College – Career School
Heading in a different direction after high school requires planning, too. Don’t leave learning the rules and guidelines for attending and paying until the last minute. Many programs fill up fast, and applying for financial aid and scholarships follows the same timelines as at a four-year college.
T-day Break
Thanksgiving is the first significant break in the action for college and career students, especially first-year students who left in September. It was their first brief but extended break. As the father of four, I always found the break interesting, with new dynamics and my desire to learn everything about their academics and campus life.
As parents, we’re anxious to learn everything, while students are interested in the three R’s: refueling, reconnecting, and recharging their batteries. They can be talkative or quiet. Don’t despair; just be patient.
The moment will come to ask questions and dig into how campus life is going—and whether there are potential bumps in the road. As parents, we must listen for signs and be patient. Please send them to the T-Day football game and feed them. Then, inquire about the first semester. If they’re struggling, let them know it’s normal, but encourage them to consult academic support and resident life and explore options for joining a club or organization to get involved. Thanksgiving is a bit past the midpoint of the semester. Your student has three weeks to “crush it” before the end of the semester and Christmas break. Address things now.
My colleague, Mya Anderson from Student Empowered, shares other important tips and ideas to support your 1st-year student at home this holiday season.
Finally, families of 11th-grade students, your journey begins now. PSATs are over; this marks the official start of your student’s and family’s college planning. November and the Fall provided a great time to get an early jump on building study and time-management skills that impact GPA and SAT scores, and to begin the discussion on funding, finding, and setting realistic expectations for life after high school. Please take a second to review my Fall activities for 11th graders. https://getcollegegoing.com/fall-planning/
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