How Future Scholar Can Help with the Transition from High School to College

You helped him tie his shoes before his first day of kindergarten. You showed her how to braid her hair before the winter formal. He almost slept through his alarm on the day of the SAT, and she left her cap and gown at home on her way to graduation. As parents, your responsibility is to guide your child through the obstacles of adolescence, in hopes that they will be fully prepared for their next great adventure of life: college. 

The shift from high school to higher education is dramatic and can take a toll on the unprepared. Classroom sizes are tripled, and free textbooks are now a luxury of the past. Freshmen can find themselves overwhelmed with the increased workload.

With that in mind, here are some tips to help alleviate common troubles during this time of change:

Start saving. It’s never too soon or too late to start saving in order to ensure your child’s transition to college is as smooth and worry-free as possible. From diapers to high school, it’s always a great time to start a Future Scholar 529 savings plan for your child’s higher education.

Ease into academics earlier. It’s no secret that courses in college are more rigorous than the classes your child took in high school. To help simplify the transition, enroll your child in a handful of college courses in high school. Dual enrollment allows students to get a taste of a more advanced curriculum while in a comfortable setting.

Select colleges strategically. College applications are time-consuming, and application fees can start to add up. Narrow down the list to a handful of schools that fulfill your child’s academic, financial and social needs. It’s always smart to include a backup school that is financially and academically achievable. Having a Future Scholar 529 savings plan reduces the chance of needing to fall back on a second- or third-choice school due to financial restrictions.

Apply effectively. Gather the appropriate documents to send the admissions office, and get them in as early as possible. This includes:

• Official High School Transcript;
• Application Fee;
• SAT/ACT scores;
• AP Exam Scores; and
• Letters of Recommendation.

Parents have a great deal of responsibility in this busy time, and economic stress can feel overwhelming. Luckily, a Future Scholar 529 savings plan can ease the pressure.

Visit Future Scholar’s FAQ page for any questions you have about saving for college with a 529 plan.