College Preparation Checklist

TO DO:

• Use FAFSA4caster at fafsa.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 that they can let you know about any changes in your child’s behavior or schoolwork.

• Keep an eye on your child’s grades, and help him or her find tutoring assistance, if necessary.

TO EXPLORE:

• • Get tips from the following documents at www.ed.gov/parents/academic/help/hyc.html.

  • Helping Your Child With Homework offers suggestions on how to empower your child to successfully complete assignments.

  • Helping Your Child Through Early Adolescence addresses issues that parents of 10- to 14-year-olds generally find most challenging.

  • Browse Parent Power at www.ed.gov/parents/academic /help/parentpower/booklet.pdf for ideas to help you support your child as he or she transitions into high school.