6 Tips for an Organized College Search

Before you do anything, take time to understand what you can really afford when it comes to your child’s college education. This one step will ensure that you don’t waste time with schools that exceed your resources.

College searching is a great time to partner with your child. This is a big decision with long-lasting impact, and it doesn’t help anyone if your child isn’t engaged and leading the process (with your help from the sidelines).

Student-focused tools like the KapMap College Planning Guide are critical tools in educating both you and your child about what lies ahead. These kinds of tools include a roadmap for when to apply, why SAT®/PSAT/ACT® prep matters, how to pay for school, what to consider when choosing a college, and much more.

The average student applies to at least five colleges. That means you’ve got five different sets of information that you’ll need to understand and compare. The binder can hold information from college fairs, media kits and other sources, making it easy to refer to this information during the application process.

When it comes to an organized college search, there are some key dates that can’t be missed, including: SAT/ACT tests, college tour dates, scholarship deadlines, FAFSA application deadlines and college application deadlines. Many parents find creating an Excel spreadsheet helpful but if you prefer something readymade, check out the The GO MOM! College Bundle.

College tours have a huge impact on your child’s decision-making process. While it can be a challenge to fit them into an already-busy schedule, tours are often the only way to find the campus that truly feels like home.