Checklist

• Work with one of your parents to estimate your financial aid using FAFSA4caster at www.fafsa4caster.ed.gov and continue to save for college.

• Take challenging classes in core academic subjects. Most colleges require four years of English, at least three years of social studies (history, civics, geography, economics, etc.), three years of mathematics, and three years of science, and many require two years of a foreign language. Round out your course load with classes in computer science and the arts.

• Stay involved in school- or community-based activities that interest you or let you explore career interests. Consider working or volunteering. Remember – it’s quality (not quantity) that counts.

• Talk to your school counselor and other mentors about education after high school. Your counselor can answer questions about what classes to take in high school, how to sign up for standardized tests, and where to get money for college.

Checklist

• Talk to your guidance counselor or teachers about Advanced Placement courses. Find out what courses are available, whether you are eligible, and how to enroll in them

• Use the U.S. Department of Labor’s career search tool at www.mynextmove.org to research your career options.

• Make a list of your awards, honors, paid and volunteer work, and extracurricular activities. Consider participating in academic enrichment programs, summer workshops, and camps with specialty focuses such as music, arts, and science.

Parent Checklist

Plan It Out :Help your child plan activities outside the classroom like athletics, and encourage them to stay involved.

What’s Required : Stay current on what’s required of your child to graduate high school — and also what’s required to qualify for college.

Never Too Early :Start getting informed about financial options for college now so you’ll have time to make necessary adjustments before it’s too soon to make a difference.

Ballpark It :You can get a rough estimate of your family’s expected financial contribution (EFC) so you’ll know about how much you’ll be expected to pay toward your child’s education apart from financial aid.