b'55CHECKLISTS Stay on track throughout high school with these checklists to help you prepare for college.FAMILY CHECKLISTParents and guardians: whether or not you are a college graduate, you are an essential member of your childs College Prep Team. Working together from ninth grade through the transition to college is important for your childs success. This checklist will guide you through each stage of the college admissions process. CHECKLISTSPreparing for College Paying for College Create an environment at home that is conduciveInvolve your child in discussions about financing to doing schoolwork (p. 10). their college education (pp. 39-43). Talk with school counselors and teachers about Attend financial aid workshops and do researchyour childs college plans and ask how you can online (pp. 39-50).support their path to college (p. 6).Open a Pennsylvania 529 College Savings Plan Learn about college prep programs for high account. Learn more at www.pa529.com.schoolers, like Advance at College, SummerHelp your child research scholarships (p. 50).Search, and Upward Bound (p. 60).Estimate your Expected Family Contribution (EFC)Enroll your child in an SAT or ACT preparation(p. 40).course and/or find online test prep tools (p. 30).Help your high school senior complete and submitTalk with your child about making good personalthe FAFSA as close to October 1 as possibledecisions, which will support their goal of (pp. 44-45).attending college (pp. 9-11).Remember: a college is not the right fit if it isFind out if you have access to NAVIANCE Familynot affordable for your family.Connection through your school and learn howit can help you through the college admissionsTransitioning to Collegeprocess (p. 6).Make sure your child keeps current with mail and Applying to College email the summer before college, for instructionsResearch colleges together to identify schools related to housing, billing, medical forms, etc. (p. 52).that fit your childs needs academically, socially,Talk with your child about managing expensesand financially (pp. 14-25). at college (p. 54). Attend college fairs and visit colleges with your Encourage your child to use on-campus resources, child (pp. 21-22). such as tutoring, the health center, and the Be aware of deadlines for college applications counseling center (p. 52).and financial aid forms. Put deadlines on aThe Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act family calendar. (FERPA) protects your childs privacy, but deniesHelp your child with applications by proofreadingyou access to financial, healthcare, or educationalthem and keeping paperwork organized (p. 38). information about your child from their college. Your child must sign a waiver to grant you access toMake copies of all documents sent by mail or college bills, transcripts, and/or health information.submitted online and place in a college file. Look for information about FERPA on thecolleges website.'