The countdown to college is officially on! As the parent of a high school senior, you're likely feeling a mix of excitement and overwhelm. Don't worry – you're not alone. With careful planning and a little guidance, you can help your child navigate this crucial year with confidence.

Time is of the Essence

The senior year is a whirlwind of activity, and time seems to fly by. While there's still plenty to accomplish, it's essential to remember that opportunities start to dwindle as the year progresses. By December, options for financial aid and scholarships significantly decrease. So, let's get started.

This is a list of the items that we will dive into in more detail.

1. It's Application Time!—How many? When? Where should I apply?
2. Pay Attention to Deadlines—Follow these school deadlines, but don't wait until the last minute.
3. Filling out the FAFSA—An area that families often overlook or do in error.
4. Standardized Testing—Should you still worry about these?
5. Preparing for the Transition to College—Things you can do now to help with your college career.
6. You're Accepted!—Congratulations...now what?

Let's dig in.

1. It's Application Time!

The college application process can be daunting. A common mistake is applying to too many schools. Encourage your student to apply to no more than 12-15 schools. Applying to too many schools can dilute the quality of each application and essay. Focus on quality over quantity to make each application stand out.

When researching colleges, remember to ask these three critical questions:

• What percentage of "need" does the school meet?
• What percentage of that number is gift aid?
• How long, on average, does it take to graduate?

2. Pay Attention to Deadlines

Senior year can be a stressful and busy time for your student. The pace and depth of the workload, combined with the many distractions of the senior experience, can be overwhelming. Procrastinating on college essays can force your student to pull all-nighters, negatively impacting the quality of their work.

Statistics show that the college essay is critical to the application process. According to a survey by the National Association for College Admission Counseling, 77% of colleges consider the application essay to be of considerable or moderate importance in the admissions decision. This means a well-crafted essay can significantly impact your student's acceptance chances.

Encourage your student to start early and avoid last-minute stress. Early planning and steady progress on essays will not only reduce anxiety but also improve the overall quality of their applications.

3. Filling Out the FAFSA

Complete the FAFSA (Free Application for Federal Student Aid) even if you believe you won't qualify for financial aid. It acts as a safety net in case your financial situation changes. According to NASFAA (National Association of Student Financial Aid Administrators), "1/3 of college students face a significant change in financial circumstances that negatively impacts their ability to pay for college." We never think it will happen to us, but with over 3,000,000 students entering college each year, that is an eye-opening statistic. If you have a FAFSA on file, your chances of getting the school to accommodate your new situation are much better.

What is the number one mistake parents make on the FAFSA? Failing to file one.

The FAFSA is crucial for accessing programs like the California Promise, Cal Grant, and Pell Grant. Many state programs rely on the FAFSA, so it is essential to fill it out accurately and on time.

Statistically, 80% of families make mistakes on the FAFSA that can cost them significant money. Don't hesitate to seek guidance to avoid these errors.

We recommend not filing the FAFSA on the day it opens (usually October 1) due to potential system issues. Apply soon after, but don't miss your college's deadlines.

You may also need to complete a CSS Profile (College Scholarship Service Profile) administered and maintained by the College Board. This profile is an additional financial aid form required by over 300 colleges, and it provides more detailed information about your family's finances.

4. Standardized Testing

While many colleges have moved to test-optional policies, standardized tests like the SAT and ACT are still crucial for many schools and scholarships.

• Preparation: Encourage your student to start preparing early. Resources like prep courses, tutoring, and practice tests can help improve their scores. (We have all of these available to our clients)
• Test Dates: Be aware of test registration deadlines and test dates. Make sure your student registers on time to avoid late fees.
• Score Reporting: Understand how to send test scores to colleges. Some schools require official score reports directly from the testing agencies.
• Superscoring: Some colleges allow superscoring, which means they take the highest scores from different test dates to create the best possible score. Check each college's policy on this.

5. Preparing for the Transition to College

Preparing for college isn't just about academics and finances. Help your student get ready for the changes ahead:

• Life Skills: Ensure they know basic life skills such as cooking simple meals, doing laundry, and managing their time effectively.
• Health and Wellness: Discuss the importance of maintaining physical and mental health. Encourage them to seek help if they feel overwhelmed or stressed. A survey by the American Psychological Association found that 61% of college students reported feeling overwhelming stress at some point during the academic year.
• Budgeting: Teach them basic budgeting skills to manage their expenses while at college. Colleges do not frequently teach these skills. A National Endowment for Financial Education survey found that 89% of college students say they lack the knowledge needed to manage their personal finances.
• Communication: Encourage open communication so they feel comfortable discussing any issues they might face once they are at college.

6. You're Accepted!

Congratulations! Acceptance doesn't mean the work is over. Review school offers to see if they match your research (remember the three questions?). Schools may negotiate financial aid offers but have a well-thought-out position. Simply asking them to match another school's offer might not be effective.

Once you've chosen a school, explore the student intranet for additional financial opportunities. This platform can provide valuable resources for scholarships and other financial aid.

Wrapping it Up

Navigating the final year of high school can be both exhilarating and overwhelming for students and parents alike. The pressure to finalize college plans, meet deadlines, and manage the demands of senior year requires careful planning and strategic action. By addressing these essential steps, you can help your student not only secure a place at a college that fits their academic and personal needs but also optimize their financial aid and scholarship opportunities.

From understanding the application process to filling out the FAFSA accurately, every step is crucial in ensuring your student's success. It's important to remember that each element contributes significantly to the overall application, from crafting compelling essays to preparing for standardized tests. Encouraging your student to start early, stay organized, and seek help when needed can make a world of difference.

Moreover, preparing for college isn't just about securing admission; it's about equipping your student with the skills and resources they need to thrive once they get there. Emphasize the importance of life skills, health and wellness, and effective communication to ensure a smooth transition into college life.

Your involvement and support during this critical time can alleviate stress and set your student on a path to success. Please encourage them to make the most of their senior year by balancing academic responsibilities with the excitement of impending college life. And remember, you don't have to navigate this journey alone. Our team is here to provide guidance, answer questions, and offer support every step of the way.

By taking proactive steps now, you can help your student achieve their college dreams while maintaining their well-being and financial stability. Together, we can make this pivotal year a successful and memorable experience, setting the stage for a bright and promising future.

If you need personalized assistance or have questions, don't hesitate to reach out. We're committed to helping families like yours navigate the complexities of college planning with confidence and ease. Let's work together to ensure your student's college journey is both rewarding and financially manageable.

At Auxilium, we have over 30 years of experience helping parents like you get their students into their dream schools while paying a fraction of the cost. Our one-on-one counseling programs have helped over 5,000 families save millions of dollars on their college bills. These programs guide you through every step of the college process, starting as early as middle school. Don't hesitate to reach out and let us help you navigate this journey with confidence.