Key takeaways:
- Parents can help their students prepare for college by visiting campuses, reviewing potential majors, and completing the FAFSA with them.
- As graduation approaches, help them compare their financial aid offers, review college options, and plan their graduation party.
- During the summer before college, spend quality time together, consider attending parent orientation, and assist them with a packing list.
Flickr user Moody College of Communications
The last year of high school is a hectic one, but parents can help their student be prepared for graduation and beyond. From going to college fairs together to hosting a graduation party to discussing finances, there are plenty of ways to set them up for success. These three college prep and graduation checklists for parents are exactly what you need to keep this hectic year under control.
College prep checklist for parents
As your child heads into the final years of high school and planning ahead for college, there are some things you can do to help them get ready, especially during the first semester of their senior year, including:
- Go to college fairs and campus visits with them and ask questions
- Review potential majors, careers, and goals, but let them take the lead on the conversation
- Work with them to shortlist colleges that are a good match
- Have the conversation about paying for college if you haven’t already
- Open a savings account with them (minor accounts may need a parent’s signature)
- Encourage them to look for scholarships online, in the local newspaper, on community boards, and on their school notice board
- Go over budgeting basics
- Teach them life skills, such as how to do the laundry, shop for groceries, and cook
- Complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) with them on or shortly after October 1
- Check in on their college applications and SAT/ACT prep progress
During the second half of their senior year, you’ll want to:
- Celebrate their acceptance letters
- Help them compare their financial aid offer letters and understand what each one means for their financial future
- Discuss private student loans, if needed
- Talk about their college decision before May 1
- Pay the required deposits, if you’re helping them pay for college
High school graduation party checklist for parents
Hosting a high school graduation party for your student and their friends? Here are some things you should add to your to-do list:
- Find a date and time that works for your child, your family, and a majority of their closest friends
- Get your child’s input
- Set a budget
- Decide whether you’d like to host at home or book a venue
- Send invitation cards
- Make a shopping list for the party – you might need decor, silverware, plates, and food, for example
- Create a graduation slideshow with photographs and videos
- Consider hiring a photographer or ordering a photo booth
- Hire a photographer or request a friend to get photographs throughout the evening so your child has a keepsake
- Order thank you cards to be sent after the party
Summer before college checklist for parents
With high school in their rearview mirror and college straight ahead, there are a few other ways parents can help their student prepare for the next four years:
- Consider attending parent orientation at their college
- Make sure they have their vaccines and required health insurance (have them practice making their own appointment)
- Continue teaching life skills
- Make travel plans for moving to college
- Work with them to create realistic packing lists – many first year students bring too much
- Sign required documents and pay any remaining balances if you’re helping pay for college
- Discuss potential classes and clubs
- Take a trip together or schedule some family time
- Create a game plan for keeping in contact while they’re at college
- Help them pack
- Rent a car or buy flights as necessary
They’ll be heading to college before you know it, so make sure to slow down and spend time with them! Check in with them regularly about their thoughts on school and the future, and provide advice as needed. It’s an exciting time and the perfect opportunity to celebrate their successes.
Want to help your child explore colleges that fit their goals and interests? College Match shows acceptance chances, potential financial aid packages, and more. It’s completely free!
