Seniors

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Seniors

Continue to talk to your child about college plans as if he or she will definitely go to college.
Keep an eye on your child’s study habits and grades – stay involved.
Encourage your child to take Advanced Placement or other challenging classes.
Add to your child’s college savings account regularly.
Work with your child on filling out the FAFSA.
Juniors

Juniors

Continue to talk to your child about college plans as if he or she will definitely go to college.
Keep an eye on your child’s study habits and grades – stay involved.
Encourage your child to take Advanced Placement or other challenging classes.
Add to your child’s college savings account regularly.
Take another look at your financial situation, and be sure you’re on the right track to pay for college.
Talk to your child about the schools he or she is considering. Ask why those schools appeal to your child, and help him or her clarify goals and priorities.
Attend college fairs with your child, but don’t take over the conversation with the college representatives. Just listen, and let your child do the talking.
Take your child to visit college campuses, preferably when classes are in session.
Review your financial situation and make sure your child is looking into or already has applied for scholarships.
Ask your employer whether scholarships are available for employee’s children.
Find out whether your child has added any schools to his or her college wish list since the last time your visited colleges, and visit additional campuses if possible.
Sophomores

Sophomores

Continue to talk to your child about college plans as if he or she will definitely go to college.
Keep an eye on your child’s study habits and grades – stay involved.
Encourage your child to take Advanced Placement or other challenging classes.
Add to your child’s college savings account regularly.
Freshmen

Freshmen

Continue to talk to your child about college plans as if he or she will definitely go to college.
Keep an eye on your child’s study habits and grades – stay involved.
Encourage your child to take Advanced Placement or other challenging classes.
Add to your child’s college savings account regularly.
Middle School

Middle School

Use FAFSA4caster at www.fafsa4caster.ed.gov to find out how much federal student aid your child might receive. This information will help you plan ahead.
Continue saving for your child’s college education. If you have not opened a savings account, you can find information about tax advantages and links to state plans at www.collegesavings.org.
Talk to your child about his or her interests and help match those interests with a college major and career.
Help your child develop good study habits, such as studying at the same time and place every day and having the necessary materials to complete assignments.
Stay in contact with your child’s teachers and counselor so they can let you know about any changes in your child’s behavior or schoolwork.
Keep an eye on your child’s grades on his or her tests and report cards, and help him or her find tutoring assistance, if necessary.
Elementary School

Elementary School

Help your kindergartner develop an interest in reading by reading aloud to him or her.
Check your child’s homework and follow his or her progress in school by looking at a report cards and attending teacher conferences.
Start saving for your child’s college education. Learn about the tax advantages of state college savings plans and prepaid tuition plans at www.collegesavings.org.