This post brought to you by BMO Harris Bank N.A. Member FDIC. All opinions are 100% mine.
Well, we have about 10 weeks left and my oldest will be a High School graduate and will start his College life. I honestly did not prepare and still am not prepared for this next step in his life. I’m kind of freaking out a bit. Being from a different country, the schooling in the US is a learning process for me as well as my Teen. I learn through him and totally have to follow his lead in every step and hope we go into the right direction. So far so good. I totally believe that we did not prepare as much as we could have for college, but non the less he will be starting College in the Fall, ready or not.
Since I have two more that will follow into my oldest son’s footstep down the road, I decided to do a little research and share a few simple tips with you on how to get prepared for college (as much as you can ever be prepared.).
Get ready for College….
1. Start a College Plan or savings account as early as possible. I know in Florida we have a few savings options and the earlier you start the cheaper it will be for you in the long run. You will be able to lock in rates now for when your little one will head to college 5, 10 or even 18 years from now. I wish I would have known more about that back in the day and actually would have listened to people who mentioned it. Trust me… 18 years will go by in the blink of an eye! Don’t ever say.. it’s a long time out.. because I did and now we have 10 weeks and we will be graduating high school… WHAAAAA!
2. Start comparing out of state and in state tuition plans. I know a lot of teens can’t wait to grab their bags and pack the car and head out of State, as far away as possible from Mom and Dad. Have you ever looked at out of State tuition? Get your plans and colleges set way before your little one graduates High School, start a plan and see what direction your teen may lean to and see how beneficial it will be for both you and your Teen and of course your Wallet.
3. Look for Scholarships. There are many scholarships out there you just have to look and apply. Some are as easy as saying “Hello.. I’m here” others need a bit more work, but in the end it is all worth it. Many online websites are available for scholarships nowadays and even in places you would have never thought to look, like you bank for example, I had no idea that a Bank would offer a scholarship.
4. Don’t be afraid to look at community Colleges for the first 2 years and then move up to a University if your teen has the desire for a 4 year degree. There really is nothing wrong with that. The first two years they learn all the basic classes that they have to take no matter where they go anyways, so get those done through your Community College, save some money and then move on up.
5. Be there for your Teen! I know this is a stressful time for both, parents and kids looking for college options and making that transition from High School to a College Student, but be there for your teen, they are the ones going through all this, support them and gently guide them in the right direction, support their degree decision and help them achieve their goals. Again, trust me.. in the blink of an eye the 4 years are up and then your Teen is on his own.
These are just a few of my very own tips that I’ve heard and try to turn into reality one step at a time with my teen and the kids following in his foot steps down the road. In no way am I telling you you HAVE to do this or that or that I’m 100% right. I’m just a Mom and learn step by step one thing may work great for me, may not work for others or wise versa. So give it a try… and hopefully you will be able to make that transition from High School to College a little easier. Of course, I would LOVE to hear any of your College tips as well.
BMO Harris Bank knows that these life events can sometimes be shocking, unplanned and unforgettable. With the new five-week long BMO Harris Bank Scavenger Hunt Sweepstakes they take us through an interactive game experience geared around such life events. This week we are on week 4 and you will get lots of tips and idea revolving around your College Student (or soon to be) and your finances, to get you through a smooth transition for you and your family.
Be sure to enter for your chance to win the
BMO Harris Bank Scavenger Hunt Sweepstakes!! Don’t forget to follow BMO Harris on Facebook to keep up with all the savings tips and ideas they share. Each week opens a new environment that focuses on a life stage moment, where you can discover relevant financial information and collect tokens for a chance to win anywhere from $500-$2,000.
What tips can you give about College and being prepared? Would love to hear it.
Dominique says
Such an exciting time! Thankfully I have YEARS before my little ones head off to college, but we are starting their college savings already!!
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Tammi says
Congrats to him! I agree with the scholarships, the 3 I got helped a ton. College isn’t cheap!
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Nicole B says
Wow, congrats to your soon-to-be graduate! I think staying at home and going to community college for the first year or two may not be the coolest thing to do but it saves so much money. BUT I will say to make sure that the classes you take have credits that will transfer to the next college you plan to go to. I switched colleges twice and lost nearly a year’s worth of credits! Wasted money.
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CrazyMom a/k/a Melanie says
WOW..Great tips Nicole.. I had no idea… will check into that and make sure his credits transfer…
Nicole B says
I’m glad I can help – if there is any way losing my credits can be a benefit, I’m going to find it! LOL
But yes, even within the same states, credits may not transfer to colleges. Or at least that is how it was a LOOOONG time ago when I was in college. Maybe they have streamlined stuff better now.
I would definitely check if the college you transfer to is in a different state from the one you attend. That is when I lost the most credit.
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Jenn says
I am not really looking forward to my daughter going away to college, it’s happening in just two years! EEK! I think she will end up going to college here at the community college, as her grades aren’t that fantastic.
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Erika says
Congratulations to your son! And you! 🙂
Those are some great tips you shared. Thankfully I don’t have to think about that for awhile yet, but I know how quickly time flies – my son will be heading in that direction before I know it.
Good luck to him!
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Kelsey Apley says
I know when I was looking into going to college it was so overwhelming! I didn’t know where to start and how I would pay for it as well!
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Mama to 5 Blessings says
sounds like a fun way to win money! Time flies doesn’t it?
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Kristin says
Wow that is very exciting. Congrats to your son, looks like you already have some useful tools!
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brett says
wow, high school graduation! I would be a hot hot mess!! although that’s a nice prize to win. I could use it for spa time to calm myself.
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jenny at dapperhouse says
We are beginning to plan for our little guy who is in 5th grade so I am here for the tips!!
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Jennifer Soltys says
I can only imagine all the stress and excitement! These are great tips you have given and, oh, what a dream prize this would be!!
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Amber Edwards says
Ok, seriously; how did I miss that you were from Germany!!! It’s my home away from home! We lived there for 3 years while the husband was in the US Army. I have been so homesick for Germany ever since we moved back to the US.
I agree, the difference in schooling between US and Germany is VERY different. It took me a bit to understand it when we were over there. But I actually really liked how it was set up over there. No wonder it is a bit of a learning curve for you here in the USA.
I do not envy you with a kid almost to college here. I do not look forward to letting my kids grow up that much. Forget all the other preparation needed (which, amazing tips by the way. They will be so helpful when I get to that stage) but I am so not ready EMOTIONALLY. lol.
Amber Edwards recently posted..Parenting and Obedience: Troubles with the ‘posed to child, why you don’t want the most obedient child.
Melanie Roberts says
Hahah Amber… soo glad to hear you liked Germany, too. Where were you stationed? And Schooling is SOOOOO different, that’s for sure… thanks for the visit.. come back anytime
Amber Edwards says
We were stationed in Baumholder. Most people complained about it. But I fell in love instantly. Sweet, quiet little town RICH with history! And really close to shopping in Kaiserslautern, Ramstein, and my favorite– Idar-Oberstein! I really miss the Christmas Markets there. They were the best. And the FOOD! oh my goodness, the food!!! /sigh.
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Melanie Roberts says
I totally know where Baumholder is.. I’m from Kitzingen, big US Army post, close to Wuerzburg… and YES.. the food, i totally miss, too
Melissa says
Oh man, I am so not ready for college!
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Pauline Cabrera says
Education can be very expensive, but I believe it is one of the most important investments you can ever make in your entire life. What you learned will never be taken away from you. Of course, it is undeniable that college can be very expensive. I was a scholar in college so my parents did not have much trouble sending me to college. I think the student plays a very big role in his own education.
susan says
Oh my they grow so fast don’t they? It is an exciting time, but I am sure I would not be ready for my daughter when it comes that time!
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Tammilee says
Congrats! What an amazing time! What a fantastic prize to win
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Ashley - Embracing Grace says
Oh, wow! The thought of that is terrifying! I’m glad my little oare still teeny tiny.
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Autumn says
I’ve made lots of plans to create accounts for both of my kids, but keep letting things get in the way! Thanks for the reminder of why it is so important and CONGRATS:)
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