Trip to College

Timeline

1
Help your student develop good study habits. This is the year that many students move to the middle school level. The study habits that develop in the middle school years will set the stage for later years, so build a solid foundation.
2
Explore extracurricular interests. Middle school offers a time for students to get involved in sports teams, band, choir, theater and more. Encourage your student to try as many of these activities as s/he has time for and interest in, but be sure the activities do not interfere with schoolwork.
3
Start saving money for college, if you have not already. Put away as much as you can for college so that this “nest egg” grows over time and is available when you need it. Even just a few dollars from every paycheck helps. Click here for more information on savings. Click here for more information on how savings can affect financial aid.
4
Continue to talk with your student about careers and his/her interests. Deciding on a career takes a long time and a lot of exploration. Middle school students can begin to understand the concepts of college, careers and the future. Use this time to explore these issues with them on a regular basis.

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Links to Important Information & Resources

Study Habits: http://www.learnmoreindiana.org/needtoknow/
Pages/StudySkills.aspx

College Savings Information: http://www.triptocollege.org/paying_colleges/caught_
middle/common_savings_vehicle.cfm