College planning is a process that should begin, at the latest, freshman year of high school. Preparing for the costs and academic challenges of college is one that must be carefully mapped and planned out. With the rise of college tuition and housing, it is also important that our youth apply the summer before their senior year to begin the process of early admissions and secure internal scholarships and financial aid grants. This also means that high school students who plan on going to college must also have taken their admission tests, draft their admission essays, gather letters of recommendations and more by then.

Not only should students be planning, but parents should also participate in college planning. Things that parents can do to plan include: create a savings account, review financial budgets, keep up with your children’s grades, address any behavioral problems, study problems, home problems and more. If college is in the future then it is best to start planning for college early.