College Prep & the Countdown to Freshman Year
By Jackie Burrell, About.com Guide
Countdown to College
The applications are done, the fat envelopes have arrived and the big decision has been made. Now all that’s left are the piles of paperwork, frantic dorm shopping and plenty of anxious excitement – in short, four months worth of prep work, from doctor's appointments to roommate questionnaires, promissory notes, and orientation. Here’s a countdown to get you through the process and keep everything on track.
- College Countdown: What to Do & When
- Sign up for Campus Housing
- Dorm Shopping 101
- Pediatricians & Paperwork
- College Orientation: What to Expect
- Transcripts & Test Scores
- Orientation & Off-the-Grid Tours
- Should My Child Take a Car to College?
Your 18-Year-Old
Turning 18 is a big deal, not just from a parent's emotional perspective, but legally too. Here's a quick rundown on everything you need to know when your child turns 18, from celebrations to legal implications
- Everything You Need to Know When Your Child Turns 18
- 18th Birthday Party Ideas
- Happy 18th Birthday: Teens & the Law
- Great Gifts for Older Teens
- Statutory Rape: Teens, Sex & the Law
- Selective Service, the Draft and Your 18-Year-Old
- How a Teen's 18th Birthday Affects Parents
- The Problem with Parties: Teens, Underage Drinking & Parental Liability
- Family Vacations After the Kids Grow Up
- Eagle Scout 101: A Parent Guide
College Prep
Life changes dramatically for high school juniors and seniors as they juggle advanced placement classes and extra-curriculars, study madly for college entrance exams and fret about what their futures might hold... in an insanely competitive college admissions environment. Stop looking at college bumper stickers on your neighbors' cars, and focus instead of finding a good fit, a university where your child will thrive.
- College Admissions 101: A Parent Guide to the Process
- Getting the Most Out of a College Tour
- Asking the Right College Tour Questions
- 5 Ways to Cut College Tour Costs
- 5 Reasons Not to Tour Colleges Over Summer Break
- 6 College Admissions Myths
- College Admissions Lingo
- DIY College Admissions Counseling: Crafting a Great College List
- College Fair 101
- The Unexpected Cost of College Apps
- College Admissions 101 for Music & Drama Majors
- College Admissions 101 for Art Majors
College Alternatives
Not every child is ready for college straight out of high school. If you're looking for alternatives, read on...
Finding Scholarships and Financial Aid
The Free Application for Federal Student Aid - the FAFSA - is your family's ticket to college scholarships and financial aid. Here are tips on finding those loans and grants, navigating the paperwork and avoiding the scams.
- A Parent Guide to Financial Aid & College Scholarships
- Tackling the FAFSA Application
- 8 Common Myths About College Scholarships
- 5 Tips for Filling Out the FAFSA
- What Documents Do You Need For the FAFSA?
- The FAFSA: What Happens Next?
- Other College Scholarship Resources
Graduation Celebrations
The end is in sight and it's time to celebrate your new high school graduate in style. Here's a roundup of ideas for feasts, fetes and gifts, plus tips on surviving the ceremony itself.