As a parent, it’s an excitedly sad time when your child is off to college. Most likely, they’re moving out of the house and living on their own for the first time. There are multiple things that you can do to help your new college student be prepared for this next great step in their life and to ease your own mind too.

Here are some things to do during your student’s upper-class years:

• Meet with a high school guidance counselor to make sure that your student is on track with his or her course schedule.
• Make a list of colleges that are of interest.
• Plan a visit.
• Narrow down the list of colleges to those that the student plans to apply to.
• Keep a calendar of application/scholarship deadlines.
• Begin applying.
• Contact teachers, counselors, etc., for recommendations.
• Request that transcripts and test scores be submitted to colleges where your student has applied.
• Complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA).
• Check application statuses online.
• Contact the Office of Admissions with questions.
• Wait for admission decisions to arrive by mail.
• Celebrate!
• Start packing; remember not to over pack, most dorms aren’t spacious, and if your child has or knows their roommate, have them coordinate what to bring.

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