Supporting Your High School Student

Does your student know what steps to take to get to college?

Sometimes having a step-by-step plan for getting to college can squash some anxiety related to getting to college, both for parents and students. This plan should include deadlines, as well as goals for what the student would like to get done by certain dates. Goals should be specific (what exactly needs done?), measurable (how will we know when it has been completed?), attainable (be realistic!), and time-specific (set a specific date/time to have it completed!). If you are unsure where to start in the creation of this list, visit the T2C Studio for help determining what steps need to be completed.

Have they completed their free FAFSA application?

All students interested in attending college should complete their FAFSA application as soon as possible. The FAFSA application is a financial resource for students through the federal government that determines their eligibility for financial aid like work study and grants (which are FREE!) as well as types of student loans. Even if a student does not intend to utilize money awarded to them by the government through FAFSA, or if they think they will not receive any assistance at all, they should still complete the FAFSA application. Additionally, some scholarships require that you first complete your FAFSA application to receive their scholarship. If you and your student would like assistance navigating the FAFSA application, contact the T2C Studio or join us for one of our FAFSA Night events.

Have they thought about what they want to do, or where they would like to attend school?

Opening up the conversation about college can be scary both for yourself as a parent and for your student. Be sure to be open and supportive with them as they explore this process. Discuss with them what they’re good at, what they’re passionate about, and what kind of job they want. For help navigating this, stop into the T2C Studio and ask for help exploring jobs, or determining what schools have the best programs for certain career paths.

If they have schools in mind that they want to attend, have they applied? Do they know when different deadlines are for that school?

Applying for colleges can be nerve-wracking, especially if the application includes an essay portion. If your student seems to be dragging their feet on their applications, try having a conversation with them about what is preventing them from applying. Are they nervous about going to college? Do they feel they need more assistance in an essay? Are they intimidated by the application fee? Support your student as the process through their emotions. The T2C Studio sometimes can aid with finding fee waivers, and has staff who are able to workshop essays with students, so the Studio can help your student get through this portion of the college-going process. For assistance with any of these college-going processes and more, visit the T2C Studio!