Welcome to the College Planning section of MyLiaison, your guide college planning guide for navigating the entire higher education experience. Our comprehensive resources are designed to empower students, parents, and educators with the knowledge and tools needed for successful college planning. Whether you're just starting your college search, preparing for entrance exams, or figuring out how to finance your education, you’ll find the information you need here, including a checklist on how to plan for college .

Get ready to discover a wealth of information on selecting the right college, understanding application processes, and maximizing your chances of acceptance. Explore detailed guides on standardized tests, including the SAT and ACT, and explore insightful articles on crafting compelling personal statements, assembling a standout application package, and much more.

Financial planning is another critical component of college planning, so we also demystify the process of securing scholarships, grants, and loans, offering practical advice on budgeting for college expenses and managing student debt. MyLiaison’s Career Explorer resources will help you plan your academic future with your long-term professional goals in mind.

While planning for college may seem overwhelming at times, following time-tested strategies for researching, applying to, and choosing the right school will make the process more efficient and less stressful.

How to Plan for College in 8 Easy Steps

Here’s a step-by-step guide to help you get started:

#1. Self-Assessment: Begin by evaluating your interests, strengths, and career goals. Understanding what you enjoy and where you excel can help you choose a college and a major that complements your passions and skills.

#2. Research Colleges: Start researching colleges early. Look for institutions that offer programs and environments that suit your needs. Consider factors such as location, size, campus culture, and available resources. Use online tools and college fairs to gather information and narrow down your choices.

#3. Prepare for Standardized Tests: Many colleges require standardized test scores for admission. Familiarize yourself with the SAT or ACT and create a study plan. Utilize prep books, online courses, and practice tests to improve your scores.

#4. Visit Campuses: Whenever possible, visit the campuses of your top-choice schools as you plan for college. Campus visits provide a firsthand look at the college environment, facilities, and student life. Take campus tours, attend information sessions, and meet with admissions representatives.

#5. Understand Financial Aid: Explore various options for financing your education, including scholarships, grants, and loans. Fill out the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) to determine your eligibility for federal financial aid. Research scholarship opportunities and apply for as many as you qualify for.

#6. Stay Organized: Keep track of application deadlines, test dates, and financial aid requirements. Use a checklist, planner, or a digital calendar to manage your tasks and deadlines. Staying organized ensures you don't miss any critical steps in the application process.

#7. Seek Support: Don’t hesitate to seek help from counselors, teachers, and family members. They can provide valuable guidance and support throughout your college planning journey.

#8. Apply Early: Consider applying for early action or early decision programs. These options can improve your odds of admission and allow you to receive acceptance letters sooner, giving you more time to plan.

When Should I Start Planning for College?

Starting your college planning early can make a significant difference in your preparedness and success. Here’s a timeline to help you understand when to begin each critical step in the college planning process.

While it might seem early, middle school is a great time to start to plan for college. Focus on building a strong academic foundation by taking challenging courses and developing good study habits. Explore your interests through extracurricular activities, which can help you identify potential career paths and hobbies.

Planning for College in High School

Freshman Year (9th Grade): It’s best to begin high school with college in mind. Take challenging courses that will prepare you for advanced classes in later years. Join clubs and organizations to develop leadership skills and build a well-rounded resume. Start talking to your school counselor about your college plans and what you can do to stay on track.

Sophomore Year (10th Grade): Continue taking rigorous courses and participating in extracurricular activities. Start researching potential colleges and careers that interest you. Consider taking the PSAT to practice for the SAT and to identify areas where you can improve. Attend college fairs and information sessions to gather more information.

Junior Year (11th Grade): This is a crucial year for college planning. Take the SAT or ACT and consider retaking it if necessary to improve your scores. Visit colleges to get a feel for different campuses and environments. Begin narrowing down your list of potential colleges and start preparing for the application process. Work on your personal statement and gather letters of recommendation.

Senior Year (12th Grade): By now, you should have a list of colleges to which you plan to apply. Complete your applications, paying close attention to deadlines. Fill out the FAFSA and apply for scholarships and other financial aid. Continue to maintain strong grades and stay involved in extracurricular activities.

Summer Before College: Use this time to finalize any remaining details, such as housing and orientation. Attend any pre-college programs offered by your chosen institution to ease your transition.

College Savings Planning

Planning for college expenses early can alleviate financial stress and ensure that you or your child can focus on academics and personal growth without the burden of financial worries. Here are key strategies and tips to help you effectively save for college.

Start Early: The earlier you start saving, the more time your money has to grow. Even small, regular contributions can accumulate significantly over time due to the power of compound interest. Consider starting a college savings plan as soon as possible, even when your child is an infant.

Set Realistic Goals: Estimate the total cost of college education by considering tuition, fees, room and board, books, and other expenses. Use online calculators to project future costs and determine how much you need to save monthly or annually to reach your goal.

Automate Savings: Set up automatic transfers from your checking account to your a college savings account to ensure consistent contributions. This "pay yourself first" strategy can help you stay on track without the temptation to skip contributions.

Seek Scholarships and Grants: Applying for scholarships and grants can significantly reduce the amount you need to save. Many organizations offer merit-based and need-based scholarships that can help cover educational expenses.

Review and Adjust: Regularly review your savings plan and adjust your contributions as needed. As your financial situation changes, increase your contributions to stay on track with your savings goals.

Fine-tuning the College Planning Process

After addressing the fundamental steps in the college planning process, fine-tuning your approach can significantly enhance your readiness and confidence. Here are some strategies to refine your plan and ensure you're making the most of your opportunities.

Narrow Down Your College List: Revisit your list of potential colleges and conduct deeper research. Look into specific programs, faculty qualifications, internship opportunities, and student life. Narrow your list to a manageable number of schools that best match your academic, social, and financial criteria. Consider arranging second visits to your top choices to gain a more comprehensive understanding of what they offer.

Strengthen Your Application: Take a closer look at your personal statement and essays. Seek feedback from teachers, counselors, or mentors, and make revisions to highlight your unique strengths and experiences. Tailor each application to reflect why you are a good fit for that particular college. At the same time, make sure your letters of recommendation are strong by choosing recommenders who know you well and can speak to your achievements and character.

Enhance Your Academic Profile: If you have time before applications are due, consider taking additional AP or honors courses to bolster your academic record. Demonstrate your commitment to learning by maintaining high grades and taking on challenging coursework. Participate in academic competitions, join honor societies, or engage in independent study projects to further distinguish yourself.

Expand Extracurricular Involvement: Deepen your involvement in extracurricular activities by taking on leadership roles or initiating projects. This can demonstrate your ability to manage responsibilities and contribute to your community. Consider activities that reflect your career interests, such as internships, volunteer work, or job shadowing, to gain practical experience and show your dedication to your field of interest.

Prepare for Interviews: Many colleges offer or require interviews as part of the application process. Practice your interviewing skills by conducting mock interviews with teachers, counselors, or family members. As you think about how to plan for college, prepare thoughtful questions about the college to demonstrate your genuine interest and enthusiasm.

Stay Organized and On Track: Use a detailed planner or digital tool to keep track of application deadlines, interview dates, and financial aid requirements. Set reminders for important tasks and create a timeline to manage your workload effectively. Staying organized will help reduce stress and ensure you don’t miss any critical steps.

By fine-tuning these aspects of your college planning process, you can present a compelling and polished application, increasing your chances of admission.

College Planning Checklist

1. Self-Assessment: Identify interests and career goals.
2. Research Colleges: Create a list of potential colleges. Attend college fairs and visit campuses.
3. Prepare for Standardized Tests: Study for and take the SAT/ACT. Consider retakes for better scores.
4. Application Preparation: Gather transcripts, test scores, recommendation letters, and personal statements. Pay attention to application deadlines.
5. Financial Planning: Complete the FAFSA. Research scholarships, grants, and loans.
6. Apply and Follow Up: Submit applications and track confirmations. Follow up with colleges for additional requests.
7. Fine-Tuning: Refine your college list with detailed research. Strengthen applications with tailored essays and strong recommendations. Enhance your academic profile with additional coursework and extracurricular involvement. Prepare for interviews and stay organized with a detailed planner.

The time to start preparing for college is now. Be sure to bookmark MyLiaison for easy access to helpful application insights and opportunities each step of the way as you plan for college!