students who can communicate well. Encourage your child to work with his or her teachers and mentors to develop thoughtful essays that meet all of the requirements. Encourage your child to give examples instead of simply stating “I am...”. Lastly, offer to proofread your child’s college admissions essays to catch any errors.
C. Paying for College
There is no question that the costs of college are rising each year. It is vital to have a discussion as soon as possible with your child about how much you can afford to contribute to his or her college education. Also, help your child to determine the total cost of college at each of the colleges of interest by using cost calculators (on the financial aid section of college websites). Lastly, keep the following tips in mind when helping your child to pay for college.
1. File the FAFSA as soon as possible after January 1st of senior year of high school year.
Even if you are not sure if you and your child will qualify for financial aid, file the FAFSA. Filing for the FAFSA opens the door to other grants and scholarships to your child.
2. Apply for scholarships.
Your child should be applying for scholarships all year long. Encourage your child to set aside a few hours a week (during the school year) to search and apply for scholarships. Start with your child’s school counselor, local organizations (places of worship, community organizations, businesses, etc) ,and ask for scholarship opportunities. After conducting a local search for scholarships, encourage your child to search online for scholarship opportunities. Lastly, ask your HR for scholarship opportunities for dependents of employees.
In conclusion, you are a vital to your child’s success throughout the college preparation process. By educating yourself on the college preparation process, you will be better prepared to assist your child through each stage, in college, and beyond.
65 iParent Magazine August 2015 www.iparentmagazine.com