Ok, I Need some College Info and Tips

– July 29, 2010Posted in: My Kids

My daugher, Brittney, is starting her senior year of high school soon. She has made it this far with all A’s and 1 B. She took the ACT earlier this summer and scored a 26. She has a 2nd test scheduled and since we’re in the south, I don’t think she needs to take the SAT. At least I didn’t have to when I was in her shoes. She is pretty set on staying in Alabama, and pretty sure she wants to go to the University of Alabama (which is right here in Tuscaloosa).

My question for anyone reading me is this, when should we buckle down on trying to get her a scholarship or whatever. Did we wait too late or is now the right time? I pushed her to talk to a counselor at school last year but she is shy and didn’t listen. Do I need to go down to her school and talk to them for her?

Help me!!! I don’t want to risk losing out on an opportunity for her. I went to the US Navy out of school, so I am out of the loop on these type things.

Thanks!

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I am the Aximsite/Mobilitysite/GotZune/iPaqHQ Guy! I am a former mobility writer & community leader. Father of 2 kids. Electronics Technician for AT&T, but I am not on the Mobility side and I don't officially represent AT&T in any way. I am a Smart Phone Addict. Definately a Geek.

http://www.notebooks.com/ Xavier

It's not too late at all. Scholarships, grants, loans, etc. are typically applied for after being accepted (and choosing) a university. You should start researching them now, so you're well prepared. Need based assistance are typically handled via the FAFSA (Free Application For Student Aid), which is then submitted to the programs of your choosing- they cover everything from state grants to work study programs. I'm not familiar with Alabama, but here in California we have Cal Grants, which are based on merit, not on need. A similar program and other merit-based scholarships may be your daughter's best bet. It's also worth researching scholarships designed to help specific interests/abilities. There are several out there for girls that are interested in majors where they're typically underrepresented (engineering, architecture, math, sciences, etc.).
Too many people are shy/lazy to apply for programs- get ahead of the game.
CleanGene17

One other thing I want to add to Xavier's comments is that you shouldn't restrict her search to only those schools that you think you afford. My oldest son goes to Williams College in MA which is a private school. We originally thought that cheaper schools were more affordable, but the cost of the school doesn't neccessarily indicate the final cost to the parents/student.

I also think that she should apply to a number of schools which vary in their acceptance difficulty. That way you can pick and choose the best combination of scholarships, school she wants to attend, closesness to home,majors offered, etc. And, always have a back-up school just in case you don't get into any of your preferred choices.

Also, she should DEFINITELY re-take the ACT. Both my oldest and youngest sons have taken the ACT 3 & 2 times respectively and each of them has always done better on their 2nd try. My wife and I will be insisting that all 3 of our kids take the ACTs a minimum of 3 times.

And finally, make sure that she is very careful and meticulous with any essays that the colleges require as part of their application process. Our experience is that both the references and essays that she submits are almost as important as her test scores.

Ok, I Need some College Info and Tips

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