STORM2K

What a nightmare!!! Especially for parents new at this. FYI, we have a High School Junior preparing for college in less than two years. She's taken several practice tests (SAT, PSAT, ACT) thru school but now it's time to schedule the actual test date. And we decided she needed a prep class to pull the scores up. The whole entire process took hours! Yes hours. I gave up my morning to register her. We had to rearrange some things in her schedule and an optional school club conference had to go, but after a lot of talking tonight, we convinced Nina she needed to see the big picture - getting into the college of her choice is very important.

I know we have many HS students as members so maybe this topic would be useful. If you think I need to know something, post it. If I had to advise any parents of younger students, I'd say prepare early and ask a lot of questions. If not for relative who has a child a year older than Nina, we would have probably put these classes off. She said it's best to complete the ACT/SAT testing before Junior year is over. Otherwise any college application is held up, pending test scores. I think I need to do something nice for her!

We haven't thought of college applications yet. We need to do campus tours next. One step at a time.

I have been prewarned by a neighbor with grown children - the grant/scholarship forms are very time consuming to complete. And you don't want to miss any section, otherwise they don't get processed. And then you're starting all over again. I'll think of that another day....right now I need to relax.

Whew, what a day!!! Thanks for letting me vent everyone. I fully embrace the stage my girls are at - 8th and 11th grades - but I have to say I missed their Elem School days today. Heck, even their pre-school days while I'm at it. I thought it was hectic back then, what did I know? LOL

Mary

Start helping Nina apply for scholarships ASAP. Take both the ACT and the SAT; most colleges accept both. I would start applying for colleges this summer, since you will most likely have received the scores by then. Heck, it wouldn't hurt to get a head start on the applications, like doing the essay and filling out the personal info, that way all you have left is to fill in the test scores.

Indeed Mary it is best to start preparations early and investigate as many aspects of college life as you can. The test scores are surely important. Applications, when you decide to apply, take considerable time to fill out and also require a $$$ check...nonrefundable in most cases.

If Nina has her eye on a particular career, then specific colleges offer some very specific opportunities. On the other hand, most colleges, even state schools, have a core curriculum that can transfer elsewhere after the first couple of years. You will want to check on the transferability if you go this route.

As for pure financial aid, it is hard to come by. Loans are easier to get...but then they are harder to pay back. Jarrod will be paying his back well into his 30's!

In the end, how right you are about the importance of college, though.

I am fortunate enough to have had both my sons graduate from college. My oldest from Eastern Illinois University, and my youngest from just down the road at Arizona State University.

When each came up to me after receiving their degree I reminded them that what they had accomplished was something that could never, ever be taken away from them...in the worst of times and best of times, it was now part of who they were.

A degree doesn't have any promises attached to it...but it does have a way of opening doors if you grab the handle.

Good luck with both of your girls. I wish Nina the very best as she takes her talent, her wonderful personality, and her life to that wonderful opportunity that college presents.