Preparing for College
• It begins at birth. Consider a 529 Plan or Roth IRA for college savings as soon as possible
• Foster your child’s educational journey promoting individual thought and personal responsibility
• Every parent should have the goal of making their child a “habitual reader.”
• Support the development of all skills which can include academic, music, athletic, or leadership. There are many opportunities for scholarships in these areas.
Selecting a College
• The opportunity to earn a college degree has never been greater. This is a buyer’s market.
• Decouple competitiveness for admission from quality programs offered by less competitive colleges. Seek out the “pockets of excellence” that many schools can offer.
• Nearly all families should file a FAFSA for their college bound senior…Do not assume you will be ineligible.
• Know the difference between scholarships (skill based) vs grants (need based).
• Keep emotions in check when selecting a college.
• Avoid excessive college loan debt, especially in earning a baccalaureate degree.