Tips for students and their parents

Seniors:

* Don't slack off! Take challenging courses and keep studying hard this semester, as these classes will better prepare you to succeed in college.

* Keep track of important scholarship and financial aid opportunities and deadlines.

* Begin working on the Free Application for Student Financial Aid. Pick up a copy at your guidance counselor's office or apply online in January at www.fafsa.ed.gov.

Juniors:

* Begin scheduling visits to colleges you are considering attending.

* Plan to take the ACT.

* Begin investigating college scholarship and financial aid opportunities.

Sophomores and Freshmen:

* Begin gathering information about colleges that you might consider attending.

* Meet with your high school counselor to discuss your career/future interests.

* Plan to take the most challenging high school courses you can.

Parents:

* Emphasize to your child the importance of taking challenging courses in high school.

* Talk to high school staff to make sure you understand college preparation needs.

* Learn about financial aid and college funding. A good resource is http://

studentaid.ed.gov.

Source: ACT