Planning For College
Learn what matters, when to act, and how to support your student
Most families aren’t given a clear explanation of how college planning actually works, or when important decisions should be made. As a result, many parents feel rushed into choices that affect cost, options, and student debt. This guide is designed to help you understand key timelines, tradeoffs, and opportunities early.
Key takeaways for Parents:
Lower total tuition before college begins. Multiple strategies and programs your student can take advantage to lower cost and accelerate graduation.
Requirements vary widely. Understand when standardized tests matter, when they don’t, and how policies are changing.
Confidence comes from options, not certainty. Learn how to encourage exploration while keeping academic and financial paths flexible.
Sticker price isn’t the real price. Understand how aid works, what FAFSA unlocks, and how families actually pay for college.
Find quality scholarships matched to your student
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| Early High School | Mid High School | Late High School |
| Focus on habits and curiosity | Evaluate early credit opportunities | Understand aid and testing timelines |
| Learn baseline cost expectations | Introduce scholarship awareness | Compare colleges by value, not brand |
| Avoid premature specialization | Discuss interests, not outcomes | Support confident decision-making |
The strongest outcomes happen when parents:
For most families, the highest-impact areas are:
👉 Early college credit strategies and scholarship awareness
Both offer real financial upside with minimal downside when approached thoughtfully.
Next Steps: