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If you are gearing up to go to college, you are likely focused on maintaining a good GPA and prepping for the SAT or ACT. However, those aren’t the only factors that will get you into your dream school. Getting involved in extracurriculars in high school is often just as important as academics.

One type of extracurricular that you may want to consider is joining a club. High schools usually have a variety of clubs available for students to join. Joining a club comes with many benefits and can also make your high school experience more fun and memorable. Read on to learn more about why clubs are important and how to get involved.

Benefits of Joining a Club

The list of things-to-do while in high school can seem pretty overwhelming at times, especially when you add college preparation to the mix. There are classes to stay on top of, events and parties to attend, and soon enough college applications roll around. Balancing coursework and a social life can be a struggle, but one way to combine social life with college preparation is by joining a club.

There are a lot of benefits to joining a high school club. Many colleges like to see that applicants are well-rounded, so academic success isn’t the only way to stand out among other applicants. Clubs provide colleges with insight into what a student’s interests and passions are. In addition, they help students develop time management skills and responsibility.

Learning to balance work and fun while in high school can help make it easier to maintain that balance after entering college.

Joining a club in high school can also provide an opportunity for students to relax and have some fun. Having fun is a vital piece of creating a memorable high school experience and it can help students perform better in class.

Not only is the social time enjoyable for some students, but participation in clubs can also help students develop their “soft” skills, such as effective communication and learning to work with others.

In addition to making friends, being in a club gives students the opportunity to bond with their faculty advisor, who is usually a teacher. Building a relationship with teachers during high school is important for getting quality letters of recommendation to add to those college applications.

💡 Quick Tip: Fund your education with a low-rate, no-fee SoFi private student loan that covers all school-certified costs.

Common High School Clubs

The list of high school clubs that are available at each school will differ. Generally, a school will have a variety of clubs available. These can range from clubs that are academic, like a foreign language club, to clubs that are artistic, like a creative writing club, or something that’s related to a student’s hobbies, like a video games club.

Usually, high schools will also have clubs that participate in some kind of volunteer work or community service. These can be clubs that do work in the community hospitals, in meal programs for the homeless or elderly, and much more.

Some clubs are high tech, like the robotics club, and some are more old-school, like the chess club. Schools will usually have a lot of variety in the types of clubs that exist, and there may be some clubs that are unique to just your school. Since students can often start their own clubs, there isn’t one set list of clubs that will exist at every school.

Recommended: How to Get Involved on Campus in College

Starting a Club

If students don’t like the selection of clubs available at their school (why doesn’t every school have a waffle club?) then they are generally able to start their own. Starting a new club has a lot of benefits for the students who choose to put in the work to get one up and running.

There is no list of “correct” clubs to start in high school, most colleges value students who show commitment to something they care about. It’s about the quality of the activities they spend time in, not the quantity.

Seeing that a student has started a new club will show college admissions that the student has developed leadership and organizational abilities. Starting a club shows initiative, and sometimes, students who start clubs will end up in one of the leadership positions, like President, Vice President, Secretary, or Treasurer.

Each school will have its own process for starting a club, but there are a few steps that will be the same everywhere. The first step is, of course, figuring out what the club is about. Is it going to focus on community service, something academic? Will it be focused more on fun and entertainment?

After a topic for the club is chosen, students should figure out what the purpose and goals of the club are. If the club is about chess, will students be learning how to play? Will club members be entering tournaments together? Figuring out the purpose of the club and what its goals are before members join will help limit confusion and manage everyone’s expectations.

At most schools, the club will have to get registered after its name and purpose are defined by founding members. Registering the club makes it official and once this step is complete students can actually begin enjoying their club.

What’s next? Gaining new members and planning the first club meeting. Once the club is official and ready to start, it’s time to focus on recruitment and preparing for the first meeting.

Students should choose a date, time, and location for the first meeting before recruiting, that way they have information to give interested students on when activities will be beginning.

Before the meeting, club members should know what they plan on discussing with the new recruits and how long they want the meeting to last. Usually, the first meeting is a good time to go over the club’s purpose and goals and to get contact information from the new members.

Sometime in the first few meetings, it may be a good idea to assign leadership roles for the club. These usually include President, Vice President, Secretary, and Treasurer. The way these roles function can differ from club to club, but their usual responsibilities are as follows:

•   The President will lead the club and supervise meetings and activities.
•   The Vice President assists the President and takes over their roles whenever the Present isn’t available.
•   The Secretary takes notes during meetings and helps keep all members up to date on the club’s plans.
•   The Treasurer will manage the club’s budget and keep track of expenses.

Assigning leadership roles will help keep the club running smoothly and make it easier for the club to meet its goals.

💡 Quick Tip: It’s a good idea to understand the pros and cons of private student loans and federal student loans before committing to them.

Planning Ahead for College

It’s really never too soon to start planning, as well as saving, for college. The process of researching schools and then applying can be time-consuming, so the earlier students begin their research, the less last-minute cramming they’ll have to do.

A vital piece of planning for college is figuring out how to finance college. Most schools come with a pretty large price tag, but there are a variety of ways that students can help fund their college tuition.

To apply for federal financial aid, students will need to fill out the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA). This will allow you to find out if you are eligible for different forms of financial aid, including grants, scholarship, federal student loans, and work-study. Grants and scholarships usually do not need to be repaid, whereas loans do need to be repaid.

It’s recommended that students exhaust their federal aid options before looking into private student loans. Federal loans come with certain benefits that private loans do not.

If students are not eligible for federal aid, or the financial aid they receive is not enough to meet their needs, there are other options, such as private scholarships and private student loans.

Scholarships are widely available and the eligibility criteria varies for each one. Some scholarships are need-based, while others are merit-based. Scholarships are available through schools, local communities, and corporations.

Taking out private student loans is another option for helping to fund a college education. These loans are available through private lenders, including banks, credit unions, and online lenders. Rates and terms vary, depending on the lender. Generally, borrowers (or cosigners) who have strong credit qualify for the lowest rates.

If you’ve exhausted all federal student aid options, no-fee private student loans from SoFi can help you pay for school. The online application process is easy, and you can see rates and terms in just minutes. Repayment plans are flexible, so you can find an option that works for your financial plan and budget.

Cover up to 100% of school-certified costs including tuition, books, supplies, room and board, and transportation with a private student loan from SoFi.


SoFi Loan Products
SoFi loans are originated by SoFi Bank, N.A., NMLS #696891 (Member FDIC). For additional product-specific legal and licensing information, see SoFi.com/legal. Equal Housing Lender.

SoFi Private Student Loans
Please borrow responsibly. SoFi Private Student Loans are not a substitute for federal loans, grants, and work-study programs. You should exhaust all your federal student aid options before you consider any private loans, including ours. Read our FAQs.
SoFi Private Student Loans are subject to program terms and restrictions, and applicants must meet SoFi’s eligibility and underwriting requirements. See SoFi.com/eligibility-criteria for more information. To view payment examples, click here. SoFi reserves the right to modify eligibility criteria at any time. This information is subject to change.

Financial Tips & Strategies: The tips provided on this website are of a general nature and do not take into account your specific objectives, financial situation, and needs. You should always consider their appropriateness given your own circumstances.

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Source: sofi.com

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Preparing to go to college starts long before your senior year in high school. In fact, soon after starting your freshman year in high school, you may want to begin thinking about what you can do to put your best foot forward on your college applications.

With the right college preparedness plan, choosing where to apply, filling out your applications, and (yes) getting in to your top choices can be significantly easier. Here’s a smart 10-step plan that can help ensure you are ready for college when the time comes.

Ways to Get Prepared for College

1. Take the Required Courses

It’s a good idea to consult with your high school guidance counselor about what classes you should take for college preparation. Generally, high school students will take courses like English (American and English literature), Math (Algebra I and II, Geometry, Trigonometry, and Calculus), Science (Biology, Chemistry, Physics, and Earth Science), Social Studies (U.S. History, U.S. Government, World History, and Geography), a Foreign Language, and the Arts.
💡 Quick Tip: You’ll make no payments on some private student loans for six months after graduation.

2. Enroll in AP, IB, and College Courses

Your high school may offer you the opportunity to take Advanced Placement (AP) or International Baccalaureate (IB) classes, which are college-level and will allow you to earn college credit. Then, you can skip these courses when you get to college and ensure you have a head start. Both require that you take exams, and you can send your scores into colleges. Keep in mind that IB classes would be more useful if you plan on going to college outside the U.S., since only U.S.-based schools recognize AP coursework.

3. Do Test Prep

A key step in preparing for college is studying for the SAT or ACT. Taking one of these tests is required for many college applications in the U.S. You can study by forming study groups with friends, taking the PSATs/pre-ACTs and practice tests, getting an SAT/ACT tutor, and enrolling in SAT/ACT practice classes. You may want to look at the average SAT/ACT score of students who have been admitted to your top choice schools and aim to get those scores — or higher — to ensure your application impresses the admissions officers.

If standardized tests aren’t your strong suit, there are some colleges that do not require them as a part of the application process.

Recommended: ACT vs. SAT: Which Do Colleges Prefer?

4. Hone Your Study Skills

In college, you’re going to take a rigorous set of courses. Your academics are likely to be a lot more challenging than they were in high school. This means you should hone your study skills now to prepare for college. Find a quiet place to study, turn off all distractions, organize your lecture notes, join study groups, and take breaks when you need them in order to effectively study.

5. Go to College Fairs

Whenever there is a local college fair happening, try to attend it. That way, you can learn about different colleges you may want to apply to. Typically, a college fair will consist of college representatives who set up booths, give presentations, talk to prospective students, and hand out pamphlets about their schools. College fairs can be a great opportunity to learn about a number of colleges in a short time period.

They also offer the opportunity for you to connect with representatives at the colleges. As an attendee, you’ll have the opportunity to ask the representatives specific questions and take the handouts so you can continue your research at home.

6. Take College Tours

Before applying to a school, try to go on a campus tour to see what it’s all about. A college that has a great website or looks good on paper may not end up being the right fit once you actually visit it. While on the tour, ask your student tour guide and other students around about the pros and cons of the school to get a real feel for whether or not you’d like it there.

Some colleges may do interviews as a part of the application process. If you’re heading to campus for a college interview, make time for a tour too.

7. Meet With Your High School Guidance Counselor

Your high school guidance counselor can help you with preparing for college in a number of different ways. They can advise you on what classes to take and extracurricular activities you can enroll in to ensure you have a competitive college application when the time comes.

Your counselor can also help you determine what you want to major in and the kind of career you might enjoy by steering you towards career fairs and giving you a test that will show your strengths and reveal your talents. If you’re worried about paying for college, they can let you know your options and ensure you fill out all the right forms in time.

8. Fill Out a FAFSA Form

The Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA®) is the form you need to fill out to apply for federal financial aid. This includes federal grants, scholarships, work-study, and federal student loans. Some schools also use the information provided on the FAFSA to determine scholarship awards.

If you anticipate needing support to cover the cost of attendance in college, this is usually the place to start. The Department of Education is rolling out a new simplified FAFSA for the 2024-2025 academic year. It will be available in December 2023, a delay from the usual October 1.

9. Look Into Student Loans

Filling out the FAFSA isn’t the only thing on your financial to-do list when you’re prepping for college. You could also weigh your student loan options. As mentioned, the FAFSA puts you in contention for federal student loans — among other tuition subsidies like work-study or grants. Federal student loans have fixed interest rates, which means the rate will not change for the duration of the loan.

Each year, Congress determines what the fixed interest rate on federal loans will be — and interest rates vary across federal undergraduate loans, including PLUS loans for parents and grad students. While these loans can be an important resource when it comes to funding your education, there are limits to the amount you can take out each year. For example, first-year undergraduates currently have a federal loan limit of $5,500.

If federal aid and other sources of funding aren’t enough to cover the cost of tuition, you may consider looking into private student loans to fund the rest of your education. Private student loans don’t always offer the same benefits as federal student loans — like the option to pursue Public Service Loan Forgiveness — so they are generally considered only after all other options have been reviewed and exhausted.
💡 Quick Tip: Parents and sponsors with strong credit and income may find much lower rates on no-fee private parent student loans than federal parent PLUS loans. Federal PLUS loans also come with an origination fee.

10. Apply for Scholarships

Once you start applying to colleges, you may also want to search out and apply for private scholarships. Your school may offer specific scholarships you can apply to that will help you pay for your education. Online databases are another resource to check out. One option, Fastweb , a free national scholarship database that has a scholarship algorithm; it will match you to scholarships, internships, and grants you could potentially qualify for.

The Takeaway

There are many things you can do to prepare for college. Above all else, you’ll want to focus on your academics and make your college application as competitive as possible so that you can get into the school of your dreams. You’ll also want to think about what your education will potentially cost and work with your parents to come up with a plan for how you will pay for college. Your options include savings, grants, scholarships, work-study, and federal or private student loans.

If you’ve exhausted all federal student aid options, no-fee private student loans from SoFi can help you pay for school. The online application process is easy, and you can see rates and terms in just minutes. Repayment plans are flexible, so you can find an option that works for your financial plan and budget.

Cover up to 100% of school-certified costs including tuition, books, supplies, room and board, and transportation with a private student loan from SoFi.

SoFi Loan Products
SoFi loans are originated by SoFi Bank, N.A., NMLS #696891 (Member FDIC). For additional product-specific legal and licensing information, see SoFi.com/legal. Equal Housing Lender.

SoFi Private Student Loans
Please borrow responsibly. SoFi Private Student Loans are not a substitute for federal loans, grants, and work-study programs. You should exhaust all your federal student aid options before you consider any private loans, including ours. Read our FAQs.
SoFi Private Student Loans are subject to program terms and restrictions, and applicants must meet SoFi’s eligibility and underwriting requirements. See SoFi.com/eligibility-criteria for more information. To view payment examples, click here. SoFi reserves the right to modify eligibility criteria at any time. This information is subject to change.

External Websites: The information and analysis provided through hyperlinks to third-party websites, while believed to be accurate, cannot be guaranteed by SoFi. Links are provided for informational purposes and should not be viewed as an endorsement.

Financial Tips & Strategies: The tips provided on this website are of a general nature and do not take into account your specific objectives, financial situation, and needs. You should always consider their appropriateness given your own circumstances.

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Source: sofi.com

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An internshipship is an opportunity to work in a field that interests you, gain valuable work experience, enhance your college resume, and possibly even earn some extra money.

While internships are more commonly available to college students, it may be possible to get an internship when you’re still in high school.

Read on to learn more about high school internships, including how they work, their pros and cons, and how to find one.

What Is the Purpose of an Internship?

An internship is a temporary position that’s often related to a student’s academic field of study or career interests. It offers students a chance to apply lessons learned in the classroom in a professional setting, while also developing additional skills. Internships also give students an opportunity to make connections in their field of interest and determine if they want to pursue further study and a career in that area. Internships also give employers the opportunity to discover and develop future talent.

💡 Quick Tip: Some lenders help you pay down your student loans sooner with reward points you earn along the way.

The Duties of an Intern

The duties of an intern vary from job to job. For example, those interning at a doctor’s office might shadow medical professionals and take notes on patient visits. Those interning at a marketing firm might sit in on marketing meetings and assist in any communication needs.

An internship experience can be somewhat similar to an entry-level employee position. However, there is typically an educational component. The point is to learn more about the career path, not just get coffee or file the office mail (though you may be asked to do this, too).

Recommended: Is Getting A Degree In Marketing Worth It?

Pros and Cons of High School Internships

There are plenty of pros when it comes to getting internship experiences in high school. For one, an internship allows you to learn about a particular career path without having to commit to a lifelong job.

Learning about a path early on could help you determine whether you want to go to college (rather than directly enter the working world) and help you decide what you’d like to study in school.

Another pro of completing an internship in high school is gaining new experiences and skills. An internship allows you to learn from professionals and add relevant skills to your resume. This can give you a leg up in applying for jobs in the future.

And, of course, all this experience and new learning make for excellent items to add to any potential college applications.
A potential downside to seeking an internship in high school is that they can be hard to find. In addition, the position may not be paid, and might be time-consuming, taking time away from other obligations like homework, studying for SATs, and applying to college.)

Recommended: What is the Hardest Year of High School?

Finding the Right Internship

Finding the perfect internship is a wholly personal experience. A good first step is to consider your interests in both the near and far term. By thinking about career paths you might be interested in, you might identify internship opportunities around you.

However, not every young person knows, or believes they know, exactly what they want to do in the future. But you may have a general interest. For example, if your favorite class is English, an internship at a local newspaper may make sense. If you’re interested in nature, an internship with a local parks and recreation group may make a good fit.

If you’re a high schooler, make a shortlist of interests and sit down with a parent or guardian to identify careers that may fit within these bounds.

Next, it’s time to identify a few companies you might be interested in interning with. Search around for companies near you that may be taking interns. From there, check out career pages on the individual companies to see if they have internship listings. If they don’t, try emailing the company to get in touch with the human resource (HR) department to see what may be available.

One quick tip: While researching and reaching out about internships, make sure to stay realistic about the time commitment. If an internship takes place during the school year, you may only be available in afternoons. Ensure the hiring manager knows the hours you’re available before committing to any long-term work.

Recommended: 10 Ways to Prepare for College

Resources to Find Internships in High School

While there isn’t any centralized listing location for internships for high school students, there are still plenty of places to find information on opportunities.

Schools: You can reach out to school resources like guidance counselors, principals, and individual teachers who may know of companies worth looking into.

Individual companies: Again, seek out information from company websites and reach out to human resource departments to see what may be available.

Job search websites: Check out job search websites, such as Linkedin and Indeed, and search for “Internships in [specific field here].” Make sure to search by location to ensure the internship is nearby.

Friends and family: This is the simplest tip — just ask around. Friends and family members are the ultimate social and work network. Make it known you’re looking for an internship and ask people for their advice on just where to look.

Recommended: College Planning Guide for High School Students

Questions to Ask Before Accepting an Internship

After figuring out your interests, asking your network, and finding an internship opportunity, you may think the work is done. However, there are still a few more questions to ask.

Before accepting an internship offer, make sure to ask about the full details. What are the hours? What can you expect to learn while on the job? What are the specific job duties and how will you be evaluated along the way? Will there be opportunities for mentorship? And finally, one of the most important questions: Is the internship paid?

💡 Quick Tip: It’s a good idea to understand the pros and cons of private student loans and federal student loans before committing to them.

Paid vs. Unpaid Internships

Scoring a paid internship isn’t a guarantee, but it’s not a completely far-fetched idea either. If a paid internship isn’t available, you can always ask about an exchange for class credit. Unpaid internships are a hotly contested issue so just make sure to do whatever feels right and comfortable for your situation.

Also keep in mind that even a paid internship likely won’t pay enough to make a major dent in your college expenses (though it can help).

If you’re concerned about how you and your family will pay for the cost of tuition, a good first step is to fill out the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) with your family. This will let you know if you are eligible for financial aid, including grants, scholarships, work-study, and federal student loans. If those do not cover your costs, you may also consider private student loans.

Private student loans are available through private lenders, including banks, credit unions, and online lenders. Rates and terms vary, depending on the lender. Generally, borrowers (or cosigners) who have strong credit qualify for the lowest rates.

Keep in mind, though, that private loans may not offer the borrower protections — like income-based repayment plans and deferment or forbearance — that automatically come with federal student loans.

If you’ve exhausted all federal student aid options, no-fee private student loans from SoFi can help you pay for school. The online application process is easy, and you can see rates and terms in just minutes. Repayment plans are flexible, so you can find an option that works for your financial plan and budget.

Cover up to 100% of school-certified costs including tuition, books, supplies, room and board, and transportation with a private student loan from SoFi.


External Websites: The information and analysis provided through hyperlinks to third-party websites, while believed to be accurate, cannot be guaranteed by SoFi. Links are provided for informational purposes and should not be viewed as an endorsement.

SoFi Loan Products
SoFi loans are originated by SoFi Bank, N.A., NMLS #696891 (Member FDIC). For additional product-specific legal and licensing information, see SoFi.com/legal. Equal Housing Lender.

SoFi Private Student Loans
Please borrow responsibly. SoFi Private Student Loans are not a substitute for federal loans, grants, and work-study programs. You should exhaust all your federal student aid options before you consider any private loans, including ours. Read our FAQs.
SoFi Private Student Loans are subject to program terms and restrictions, and applicants must meet SoFi’s eligibility and underwriting requirements. See SoFi.com/eligibility-criteria for more information. To view payment examples, click here. SoFi reserves the right to modify eligibility criteria at any time. This information is subject to change.

Third-Party Brand Mentions: No brands, products, or companies mentioned are affiliated with SoFi, nor do they endorse or sponsor this article. Third-party trademarks referenced herein are property of their respective owners.

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Source: sofi.com

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The Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA), an online form that helps determine the amount of federal student aid given to current and prospective college students, has historically launched every year on October 1.

However, the FAFSA for the 2024-2025 school year won’t be available until December 2023. Ironically, the delay is due to an initiative to simplify the lengthy form, eliminating two-thirds of the questions.

The new deadline may affect other aspects of financial aid. Take a look at a few ways to ensure the delay doesn’t impact your state and college aid, and tips for how to approach the new FAFSA application.

When Will the 2024-2025 FAFSA Be Available?

On March 21, the Department of Education (DOE) announced that the release date of the new FAFSA is delayed until December 2023. An exact release date has not been announced. The DOE’s FAFSA Roadmap allows families to prepare for the upcoming changes.

The typical FAFSA deadlines are still in effect for the 2023-2024 school year.

How Might the FAFSA Delay Affect Students?

While the federal deadline to complete the FAFSA is June 30, students are encouraged to submit their application much earlier. One reason is that state and college-based financial aid, which use the FAFSA application and disburse aid on a first-come first-served basis, have earlier deadlines.

For example, Texas students must file the FAFSA by January 15, and Connecticut’s deadline is February 15 for priority consideration. Filing by your state’s deadline ensures that students receive maximum consideration for limited financial aid resources. You can check the deadline for your state on the FAFSA website .

The FAFSA delay may also affect a student’s college search. After all, if you don’t hear about financial aid from a school early in the year, you may have difficulty deciding the right fit.

In addition to the FAFSA delay, the new version will include the following changes:

•   Fewer questions. The new FAFSA will feature fewer questions, decreasing application completion times.

•   Automated tax data retrieval. The new IRS Direct Data Exchange (DDX) will pull in parents’ and students’ tax information — no manual completion needed.

•   More colleges. Students can list up to 20 colleges on the FAFSA, a change from the previous maximum of 10 colleges.

•   No benefit from overlap. Previously, families with more than one child in college received additional benefits. The new FAFSA will decrease aid eligibility for middle- and high-income families with multiple children in college.

•   Types of income. The FAFSA will no longer ask about some types of untaxed income, such as cash support (from grandparents, for example) or money from a grandparent’s 529 plan.

•   Increase in Pell Grant eligibility. Pell Grants typically go to undergraduate students with exceptional financial need. More than 174,000 students will now be eligible for the grant. Students could be eligible for an additional $1.6 billion.

•   Divorced or separated parents. Currently, students who have divorced or separated parents list the parent they live with the majority of the time on the FAFSA. However, the FAFSA changes indicate that a student should list the parent that provides the most financial support.

Recommended: What Percentage of Parents Pay for College?

5 Steps to Hit All Your Financial Aid Deadlines

Meeting all financial aid deadlines ensures that you take advantage of all opportunities.

1. Stay on Top of Release Dates

Keep checking back for news about financial aid deadlines. Remember that you should still file the FAFSA even if you miss your state’s deadline. You may still qualify for federal aid.

School counselors and college access professionals will have information about the official FAFSA release dates. Check the FAFSA website or ask college advisors, career advisors, and other specialists.

2. Pay Attention to Communications from Financial Aid Administrators

Colleges and universities will be informed of the precise FAFSA release date. Current students may receive communications from their college or university. University and college portals will likely notify recent applicants when the FAFSA has been posted.

For example, DePaul University’s financial aid website states that the 2024-2025 FAFSA has been delayed. The website asks students to submit the FAFSA as soon as it is available and promises to post updates as they become available. The financial aid website encourages students to check BlueM@il for a notice about the FAFSA’s availability.

If you have any questions about the FAFSA, ask your preferred college’s financial aid administrators for direction, whether you’re a prospective or current student.

3. Create an FSA ID

Even if you cannot yet file the FAFSA, you can get ready to submit the application by getting separate Federal Student Aid IDs for both parent and student. It takes about 10 minutes to create an FSA ID.

An FSA ID is an account username and password that allows students and parents to “sign” the FAFSA form online. Parents of dependent students must also create their own, separate FSA IDs.

Recommended: 31 Facts About FAFSA for Parents

4. Submit the FAFSA as Soon as Possible

How do you prepare for filing the FAFSA? It’s tough to completely prepare for the newly revealed FAFSA besides creating an FSA ID. However, you can look at our FAFSA 101: How to Complete the FAFSA to learn how to complete the current FAFSA. Also consider looking into college financial aid terms for parents.

Submit the FAFSA as soon as you can. Current students need to submit the FAFSA every year, and so will current high school students who plan to apply for federal, state, and institutional aid using the FAFSA.

Keep an eye on your state and college/university deadlines in the context of the final college decision.

5. Learn About Financial Aid Options

Use the cost of college tuition to consider how you’ll pay for college. Financial aid options include scholarships, grants, federal student loans, and private student loans. Parents should have the college money talk with their student to explain what you can and can’t afford.

You can use a student loan calculator to decide how much you want to borrow.

The Takeaway

There’s not much that current and prospective students can do until the federal government unveils the new FAFSA application, currently scheduled to launch in December. However, there are a few steps you can take to get ready for the new FAFSA as you wait: Stay in contact with colleges and universities about deadlines, research your state deadline, and get FSA IDs for both students and parents.

If you’ve exhausted all federal student aid options, no-fee private student loans from SoFi can help you pay for school. The online application process is easy, and you can see rates and terms in just minutes. Repayment plans are flexible, so you can find an option that works for your financial plan and budget.

Cover up to 100% of school-certified costs including tuition, books, supplies, room and board, and transportation with a private student loan from SoFi.

Photo credit: iStock/hobo_018

SoFi Private Student Loans
Please borrow responsibly. SoFi Private Student Loans are not a substitute for federal loans, grants, and work-study programs. You should exhaust all your federal student aid options before you consider any private loans, including ours. Read our FAQs.
SoFi Private Student Loans are subject to program terms and restrictions, and applicants must meet SoFi’s eligibility and underwriting requirements. See SoFi.com/eligibility-criteria for more information. To view payment examples, click here. SoFi reserves the right to modify eligibility criteria at any time. This information is subject to change.

SoFi Loan Products
SoFi loans are originated by SoFi Bank, N.A., NMLS #696891 (Member FDIC). For additional product-specific legal and licensing information, see SoFi.com/legal. Equal Housing Lender.

Non affiliation: SoFi isn’t affiliated with any of the companies highlighted in this article.

External Websites: The information and analysis provided through hyperlinks to third-party websites, while believed to be accurate, cannot be guaranteed by SoFi. Links are provided for informational purposes and should not be viewed as an endorsement.

SOIS0723002

Source: sofi.com

Apache is functioning normally

After three-and-a-half years of an interest-free payment pause, you’re thinking about your federal student loans again. Or maybe you’re a recent grad thinking about your student debt for the first time. There are important steps to take and decisions to make. But where do you begin?

Time is running out to delay dealing with your student loans. For all borrowers, at least some action is required before student loan payments resume in October.

Set aside an hour or two, and use NerdWallet’s timeline, step-by-step checklist and reading list to help you get organized before your first bill arrives.

Key 2023 action dates

  • Aug. 22. New income-driven repayment plan SAVE officially launches. Applications take about four weeks to process; move quickly if you want to be enrolled before billing starts. 

  • Aug. 31. Last day to request a student loan refund for payments made during the pandemic (that you’ll have to pay back). 

  • Sept. 1. Interest starts accruing again. If you plan to make a lump-sum payment, prioritize doing so before September to minimize interest costs. 

  • October. First round of bills due (exact date varies by person). 

  • Dec. 31. Last day to consolidate your commercially held FFELP, Health Education Assistance Loan (HEAL) Program or Perkins loans to qualify for the income-driven repayment (IDR) account adjustment. This adjustment is automatic for all other borrowers.

Step-by-step checklist

  • Log into your FSA account. On StudentAid.gov, you can check your Federal Student Aid (FSA) ID and reset your password if you’ve forgotten it. After signing in, you can check how much you owe and who your student loan servicer is. Nearly half of borrowers had their servicer changed during the pandemic — and they may not even know it. 

  • Use the Federal Student Aid office’s online loan simulator. The loan simulator can help you estimate your monthly payments, total amount paid and more. Keep in mind that not all benefits of the new IDR plan (more on that below) are built into the simulator yet.

  • Log into your student loan servicer account. If you’ve forgotten your username or password, you can reset it. Check that your loan information matches what’s on your FSA account.

  • Update your contact information. Have you moved at any point since March 2020? If so, you’ll need to update your contact information on both your FSA and servicer account. Even if you didn’t move, double-check that your contact info is accurate. This is essential to receive bills, reminders and other communications. 

  • Sign up for autopay again. If you had autopay set up before the payment pause, you’ll need to set it up again. This may involve reentering your banking information. 

  • Check the due date of your first bill. If the due date on your servicer account doesn’t match what’s on your FSA account, reach out to your servicer to confirm when exactly you need to make a payment in October. 

  • Choose a repayment plan. If you don’t choose a plan, you’ll be automatically placed into the standard 10-year repayment plan, but other options like the new income-driven SAVE plan could save you money. 

  • Call your servicer with any questions. Your student loan servicer can guide you through different repayment options and help you with any questions or concerns. Brace for long call waiting times, which tend to be lengthiest at the start of the week and in the mornings.

  • If you have Perkins, HEAL or certain FFELP loans, consolidate them. You won’t qualify for the IDR account adjustment otherwise, which could help you get loan forgiveness much faster. Avoid scrambling: Start the consolidation process well ahead of the Dec. 31 deadline. 

Essential reading list

The new IDR plan SAVE could cut payments in half for most borrowers, forgive remaining debt faster and much more. It’s being touted as the most generous repayment plan yet. You can sign up now, but some key SAVE benefits won’t be available until July 2024.

Borrowers who had their federal student loans in default before the pandemic should sign up for the Fresh Start program. Among other benefits, it will put their loans back into good standing.

A one-time IDR account adjustment will move most borrowers closer to IDR student loan forgiveness or forgive the debt of some longtime borrowers altogether. Certain borrowers must consolidate their federal loan to benefit, but it’s automatic for most.

If you requested a refund for payments made since mid-March 2020, the refund amount has been added back to your balance. Here’s how to manage paying back your student loan refund.

Wondering whether student loan refinancing is right for you? If you have some private student loans, there’s minimal downside if you can qualify for a lower interest rate. If you have federal loans, only refinance if you’re sure you won’t qualify for government forgiveness programs or need borrower protections such as IDR plans.

Source: nerdwallet.com

Apache is functioning normally

When considering where to go to college, a young adult has a dizzying array of choices, including public vs. private schools and colleges vs. universities. There are also liberal arts colleges, which can be appealing to creative types and those seeking a broad education resulting in exemplary problem solving and communication skills.

But what exactly is a liberal arts college? And how are liberal arts colleges different from other colleges and universities?

Liberal arts colleges tend to put more focus on broad academics and personal growth than on professional training programs. An education from a liberal arts college is still valuable in helping students start their careers, but the emphasis is more on producing well-rounded individuals than putting graduates on a specific career track like engineering.

Students can major in a wide range of subjects at a liberal arts college, including the arts, literature, philosophy, social sciences, natural sciences, and even math or engineering. However, these colleges are meant to be a place that values learning, without strictly limiting what students are learning.

Read on to learn more about liberal arts colleges, including what they offer, how they compare to larger schools and public universities, and how you can cover the cost of a liberal arts education.

A More Personal Vibe

Though both universities and liberal arts colleges will help prepare students for entering the working world, there are some differences in what the experience will be like:

1. Liberal arts colleges are smaller. Most classes will have far fewer students than is the case at a university lecture hall, which can have hundreds attending at the same time.
2. Because of the smaller size, it may be easier for students to bond with their professors. The faculty members often have more time to spend with their students.
3. The focus of a liberal arts school is undergraduate education. At universities, there will likely be graduate programs and major research efforts.

A liberal arts college may be the best college fit for students who prefer a more personal experience where they can get to know faculty members and other students.

Those trying to decide which college is right for them can take this eight-question college personality quiz.
💡 Quick Tip: Fund your education with a low-rate, no-fee SoFi private student loan that covers all school-certified costs.

The Admissions Process

The application process for getting into a liberal arts college is similar to other schools. Students will have to submit the usual components: an application with transcripts, test scores, essays, and letters of recommendation.

Liberal arts colleges may have a different focus when it comes to reviewing applications, though, so it’s essential to keep the following information in mind when applying to a liberal arts college.

When it comes to test scores and grades, liberal arts colleges don’t always have specific requirements. Admissions can still be very competitive at these schools, but they’re often more interested in whether or not students challenged themselves in high school. Generally, they want to see that applicants are well-rounded but also have an area of interest they specialize in.

Extracurriculars are important when applying to any college, but liberal arts colleges often value a wide range of activities, not just those that involve leadership.

A liberal arts college may be more likely to value extracurricular activities that are outside the box, so students applying to these schools have more options for what they can get involved in.

The Common Application, which can be used to apply to more than 900 schools, only requires one essay. However, many liberal arts colleges will require at least two supplemental essays. The reason is that these schools tend to put a high value on writing and critical thinking. This can be beneficial for students who have strong writing skills but may be weaker in other areas.

Many liberal arts colleges are also interested in a student’s character and how they’ll contribute to the school, so they may put more weight on letters of recommendation and interviews than other schools.

Top Ranked Liberal Arts Colleges

According to U.S. News’s National Liberal Arts Colleges Rankings for 2022-2023, the top ten liberal arts colleges are:

1. Williams College
2. Amherst College
3. Pomona College
4. Swarthmore College
5. Wellesley College
6. Bowdoin College
7. Carleton College
8. United States Naval Academy
9. Claremont McKenna College
10. United States Military Academy at West Point
11. Middlebury College

Financial Value of a Liberal Arts Education

There’s a stereotype about people who pursue a liberal arts education: that they won’t find financial success and their degree could be useless. This claim isn’t backed by evidence, though, so students who feel like a liberal arts college is the right choice for them shouldn’t be scared away by this false narrative.

The gap in income between those who attend a liberal arts college and those who attend other schools isn’t necessarily linked to the institution.

Instead, it’s determined more by a student’s career path and the market forces at the time, according to two economists who analyzed the payoff of a liberal arts college education.

Another reason for this misconception is that people are unaware of the diverse selection of topics that are studied at liberal arts colleges. If people don’t actually know what is being studied at these colleges, they’ll have a more difficult time conceptualizing what a student’s future could entail.

Though graduates of liberal arts colleges may not earn as much as those from STEM-oriented institutions right away, the economists’ study found that 60% of students ended up in the top 40% of U.S. income after graduation, even if they started out in the bottom 60%.

Choosing where to attend college and whether or not it will have a “payoff” is personal to each student.

Attending a liberal arts college can lead to upward mobility, but students also have to take into account the cost of the education and the availability of financial aid when choosing which school will have the most value for them.

Paying for College

Along with the painstaking process of choosing where to apply for college and making a final decision, there is another difficult process: figuring out the cost of tuition and how to pay for it all.

Luckily, students usually have access to a few options that may help fund the yearly cost of attendance, which goes beyond tuition and fees to usually include room and board, books, supplies, transportation, loan fees, costs related to a disability, and reasonable costs for eligible study-abroad programs.

To figure out financing, a good place to start is by filling out the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA). This will let you know if you are eligible for federal financial aid, which includes grants, scholarships, work-study, and federal student loans (which may be subsidized or unsubsidized).

Some private colleges use a supplemental form called the College Scholarship Service (CSS) Profile, to determine how to give out their own financial aid. The form is more detailed than the FAFSA. Almost every college that meets financial need for all enrolled students without federal student loans uses the CSS Profile.

Most liberal arts colleges are private and carry a relatively high “sticker price,” which includes tuition, fees, room and board. But students will typically pay less, and sometimes far less, when grants, scholarships, and other benefits are factored in.

If students will require loans to cover the cost of college, it’s recommended they take out federal loans before private loans, because the former come with benefits that the latter usually do not, like lower fixed interest rates and income-based repayment plans.

Private scholarships are also widely available. Some are need based; others are merit based. They’re offered by schools, companies, community organizations, religious groups, and more.

Private student loans are an option as well. Eligibility usually depends on a student’s income and credit score or those of a cosigner. These loans are available through banks, credit unions, and online lenders and rates and terms vary, depending on the lender.
💡 Quick Tip: Would-be borrowers will want to understand the different types of student loans that are available: private student loans, federal Direct Subsidized and Unsubsidized loans, Direct PLUS loans, and more.

The Takeaway

Whether you choose to go to a state university or a private liberal arts college, the experience will be enriching and can set you up for long-term career success.

Though a liberal arts school isn’t solely focused on teaching students a profession, a Bachelor of Arts from a reputable liberal arts school can lead to a rewarding career. The skills students learn at a liberal arts college — which include communication skills, analytic skills, the ability to work in a team, and a strong work ethic — are ones that often highly valued by today’s employers

While liberal arts colleges are known for their high cost, keep in mind that your actual cost of attendance will likely be much lower than the “sticker price,” once you take grants, scholarships, and other types of financial aid into consideration.

If you’ve exhausted all federal student aid options, no-fee private student loans from SoFi can help you pay for school. The online application process is easy, and you can see rates and terms in just minutes. Repayment plans are flexible, so you can find an option that works for your financial plan and budget.

Cover up to 100% of school-certified costs including tuition, books, supplies, room and board, and transportation with a private student loan from SoFi.


SoFi Loan Products
SoFi loans are originated by SoFi Bank, N.A., NMLS #696891 (Member FDIC). For additional product-specific legal and licensing information, see SoFi.com/legal. Equal Housing Lender.

SoFi Private Student Loans
Please borrow responsibly. SoFi Private Student Loans are not a substitute for federal loans, grants, and work-study programs. You should exhaust all your federal student aid options before you consider any private loans, including ours. Read our FAQs.
SoFi Private Student Loans are subject to program terms and restrictions, and applicants must meet SoFi’s eligibility and underwriting requirements. See SoFi.com/eligibility-criteria for more information. To view payment examples, click here. SoFi reserves the right to modify eligibility criteria at any time. This information is subject to change.

Financial Tips & Strategies: The tips provided on this website are of a general nature and do not take into account your specific objectives, financial situation, and needs. You should always consider their appropriateness given your own circumstances.

Third-Party Brand Mentions: No brands, products, or companies mentioned are affiliated with SoFi, nor do they endorse or sponsor this article. Third-party trademarks referenced herein are property of their respective owners.

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Source: sofi.com

Apache is functioning normally

Some parents want their children to follow in their footsteps, and even choose the same career. Others, however, want their kids to aim higher, and achieve more. This can be especially true for parents that were not able to go to college.

Being a first-generation college student is something to be proud of, but it can also be nerve-racking. There might be high expectations that come with being the first in the family to attend school that add to the normal stress of attending college. On top of that, there’s the fact that, if nobody else in the family has done it yet, there are no family members to give advice or provide guidance.

Fortunately, there are a number of things you can do to not only survive but thrive as a first-generation college student. Below are some strategies that can help you prepare for college and manage the pressure of being the first in your family to have this opportunity.

Challenges of Being a First-Generation Student

What exactly is a first-generation college student? Being a first-generation college student means the student’s parents either did not earn a college degree or did not go to college at all. Since their parents may not understand much of the college experience, these students are embarking on a somewhat unknown path, which can lead to challenges that other students don’t face.

Lacking this direct source of advice can affect the student’s ability to complete school. It may be more difficult for a first-generation student to adequately prepare for college, both financially and socially. College can be stressful, and without a support system that understands these experiences, the student may find it difficult to continue with school.

Some first-generation students may have other demographic characteristics, such as low economic status or being enrolled in a less-than-full-time course load, that also increase their risk of not finishing college. The usual stressors of college are enough to make it a challenging experience for anybody, but first-gen students may find these factors make it even more difficult.

Another factor that makes being a first-gen student difficult is not understanding the financial aid system. Students whose parents have gone to college may be more familiar with the process of applying for aid and looking for scholarships and grants. If first-generation students are already from a lower socioeconomic background, as well as being the first person in their family to go to college, the financial strain could be more difficult to manage than it is for others.

There are other reasons that first-gen students may have difficulty completing their four-year degrees: They may be less prepared for the rigorous academics at the college level, they could be working full-time jobs, or they could be attending college later in life, after having children.

First-generation college students can still be successful despite these additional difficulties. With the proper preparation and support, they can not only achieve their four-year degrees, but thrive in college.
💡 Quick Tip: You can fund your education with a low-rate, no-fee private student loan that covers all school-certified costs.

Thriving in College

The saying “C’s get degrees!” describes students who get by in college by simply passing their classes, not looking to achieve anything other than that piece of paper at the end of it all. But if you’re a first-generation student looking to make the most of your college years, here are some tips to keep in mind.

Study Tips

If you want to crush your academics, instead of being crushed by them, you’ll need to develop proper study techniques. The lessons will be more difficult in college, and students have to depend more on their own self-discipline than they did in high school. If it’s been a while since you have been in school, implementing good techniques and habits can help you adjust to the work again.

Here are some study tips that may help first-generation students adapt to college-level learning:

•   Pick a consistent study location, one that is comfortable and free of distractions. Once you’ve found the perfect spot, you might consider studying there consistently.
•   Write down deadlines and important dates in a planner — this may help prevent you from feeling overwhelmed and being caught by surprise when deadlines are approaching.
•   Schedule consistent study times instead of cramming the night before an exam. This has been proven to be a better method of remembering subjects for the long term.
•   Find a study group — this can make it easier to learn more difficult material.
•   Review notes each day. This repetition can help you remember them.
•   If you’re struggling with a certain class, ask professors for help during their office hours or seek out available tutoring services on campus.

Recommended: 5 Ways to Start Preparing For College

Building Relationships

The connections you make while in college can become invaluable after graduation. Getting to know professors and classmates can not only provide a source of social support during the stressful college years but may also provide opportunities for future networking.

Most professors will have regular office hours when they’re available to meet with students. These office hours can be used to talk about class material, get to know your professor better, or get their advice on your future. Usually, professors are happy to help students excel in class or discover the next steps in their journey.

Taking the time to get to know your classmates is also beneficial. When students make connections in class this helps give them support. Classmates can take notes for each other when someone needs to miss class, they can study together, and assist each other in the post-graduation job hunt.

Befriending classmates will not only provide academic support, but emotional support, too. Nobody understands what a college student is going through as well as another college student.

Avoiding Avoidance

Students who are juggling work, family, and school may feel overwhelmed by their college workload. Planning ahead and staying organized can help you stay successful in school despite these extra responsibilities.

Like all students, first-gen students might benefit from keeping a planner and scheduling study sessions ahead of time so they don’t fall into the trap of ineffective, last-minute cram sessions.

Staying ahead of schedule can also help in case other problems arise. Students who are parents might have child-related reasons for missing a class, but if they have assignments started ahead of time and are already on top of their study schedule, the absence will be less likely to negatively impact their grades.
💡 Quick Tip: Need a private student loan to cover your school bills? Because approval for a private student loan is based on creditworthiness, a cosigner may help a student get loan approval and a lower rate.

Paying for College

College costs are an important piece of attending college, and it’s good to start planning as soon as possible. First-generation students may not have any immediate family members who have been through the process, possibly making information on how to pay for college more difficult to come by. There are a variety of ways students can finance college, including grants, loans, and scholarships.

The first step to financing your college education is filling out the FAFSA® (Free Application for Federal Student Aid). This application will determine your eligibility to receive federal aid for college, which includes scholarships, grants, work-study, and federal student loans. Federal grants usually don’t need to be repaid, but federal loans generally do.

Students must be able to demonstrate financial need to receive most federal aid, along with meeting other eligibility requirements .

If you aren’t eligible for federal aid, or if the federal aid you receive isn’t enough to cover all of your costs, you might also consider applying for private scholarships, which are available through a variety of sources, including schools, community organizations, and corporations. Eligibility varies for each one. Some scholarships are need-based, whereas some are merit-based. There are also scholarships available specifically for first-generation college students.

Another option available for financing college is private student loans. These are available through private lenders, including banks, credit unions, and online lenders. Rates and terms vary, depending on the lender. Generally, borrowers (or cosigners) who have strong credit qualify for the lowest rates.

Keep in mind, though, that private loans may not offer the borrower protections — like income-based repayment plans and deferment or forbearance — that automatically come with federal student loans

If you’ve exhausted all federal student aid options, no-fee private student loans from SoFi can help you pay for school. The online application process is easy, and you can see rates and terms in just minutes. Repayment plans are flexible, so you can find an option that works for your financial plan and budget.

Cover up to 100% of school-certified costs including tuition, books, supplies, room and board, and transportation with a private student loan from SoFi.


SoFi Loan Products
SoFi loans are originated by SoFi Bank, N.A., NMLS #696891 (Member FDIC). For additional product-specific legal and licensing information, see SoFi.com/legal. Equal Housing Lender.

SoFi Private Student Loans
Please borrow responsibly. SoFi Private Student Loans are not a substitute for federal loans, grants, and work-study programs. You should exhaust all your federal student aid options before you consider any private loans, including ours. Read our FAQs.
SoFi Private Student Loans are subject to program terms and restrictions, and applicants must meet SoFi’s eligibility and underwriting requirements. See SoFi.com/eligibility-criteria for more information. To view payment examples, click here. SoFi reserves the right to modify eligibility criteria at any time. This information is subject to change.

External Websites: The information and analysis provided through hyperlinks to third-party websites, while believed to be accurate, cannot be guaranteed by SoFi. Links are provided for informational purposes and should not be viewed as an endorsement.

Financial Tips & Strategies: The tips provided on this website are of a general nature and do not take into account your specific objectives, financial situation, and needs. You should always consider their appropriateness given your own circumstances.

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Source: sofi.com

Apache is functioning normally

Students want to see one word when they get letters from their prospective colleges: accepted. Unfortunately, that likely isn’t going to be the result every time. Some students will end up on the college waitlist, but that doesn’t mean they won’t be accepted eventually.

Being waitlisted is not the same as being rejected. There’s still a possibility of getting accepted and attending that dream school.

So what does it mean to be on a college waitlist? It means you’re still up for consideration based on how many spaces are left after decision day. Getting accepted from the waitlist depends on how many accepted students choose to attend the school.

Decision day is May 1, when incoming freshmen are required to notify schools whether they will be attending or not. If not enough students accept their invites for schools to meet enrollment numbers, then students on the waitlist will be reevaluated and potentially accepted.

There’s no guarantee that accepting a spot on the waitlist will lead to being admitted, but that doesn’t mean you should give up. There are still things you can do to boost your chances.

Waitlisted or Deferred?

In some cases, a student may receive a letter saying they’ve been deferred rather than being put on the waitlist. So what’s the difference? A deferral usually involves students who applied for early action or early decision. These applications are generally turned in during November of senior year.

If a student applies via early action or decision and they receive a deferral, that means they have not yet been accepted but their application has been changed to regular decision. The application will be reviewed again during the regular decision time frame.

A deferral is different from a waitlist, but students who have been deferred generally want to take the same actions as those who have been waitlisted to better their chances of admission.
💡 Quick Tip: You’ll make no payments on some private student loans for six months after graduation.

What to Do When You Get Waitlisted

Students who have been waitlisted but still want to attend the school must first do one thing: Accept their position on the waitlist.

If you neglect to contact the school and accept your position, you’ll be removed from the list and won’t be considered for admission if there are spots left after decision day.

Once you’ve accepted your spot on the waitlist, there are a few steps you can take that may better your chances of being accepted. Here’s a close look.

Contact Admissions

When you receive a letter informing you that you’ve been waitlisted, there might be some instructions included. First and foremost, it’s a good idea to follow them.

Next, it’s often recommended that students contact admissions with a letter to further stress their commitment to attending the school. The letter should detail why you want to attend that school and why you believe that school is the best fit for you. You might also want to ask that the letter be kept in your file along with your other application materials.

Request an Interview

Asking for an interview can be helpful in getting off the waitlist. Meeting with someone in person may make you more memorable when it comes time to accept applicants from the waitlist.

If you already did an interview, it’s okay to request another one after receiving a waitlist decision. A second interview provides the chance to reinforce your commitment to the school and add any recent accomplishments to the conversation. This can be a great time to bring up anything special you have achieved during the spring semester.

Reserve a Spot at Your Second Choice

Even though it can be discouraging, it’s highly recommended that students who’ve been waitlisted for their first-choice school put a deposit down for their next-best option. Putting a deposit down on another school isn’t giving up on your dream school; it’s just an important safety net to ensure you have somewhere to attend.

Some students may opt to take a “gap year” if they don’t make it into their school of choice. This choice is highly personal, though, and there isn’t a clear recommendation on how beneficial or harmful it is. Some students may find a gap year useful and productive, while others may find that it deters them from going back to school on time.

Anyone committed to attending college in the fall will likely find it a smart move to put a deposit down on their second- or even third-place school, and then continue working on getting accepted off the waitlist for their first choice.

Retake Tests

Students who did not score well on the SAT or ACT may want to consider retaking those tests if they’ve been waitlisted. Before you do that, however, it’s a good idea to contact the college to make sure it’s willing to accept additional application information. If the school will accept it, and you think you can get better scores, it could be helpful to go ahead and retake the tests.

Most colleges will accept scores from either test, but it’s best to check with each school to be sure. Both tests have a similar goal, testing for college readiness, but they vary slightly in timing and types of questions asked.

If you need to improve your test scores but have limited time or money, it may help to research the difference between the two tests and take the one you feel you can perform better on. Taking practice tests can also help you determine which test suits you better. Many students do take both tests, so that is an option as well.

Recommended: Do Your SAT Scores Really Matter for College?

Don’t Give Up

Make the end of senior year impressive. Don’t let that waitlist cause discouragement. If you truly want to make it off the waitlist, you’ll want to work even harder at the end of your senior year. Senior grades can still affect admissions, so keeping them high may help those who are on the waitlist.

If you still don’t get accepted to your dream school, it doesn’t mean you have to give up. Even if you’re not accepted from the waitlist, there are still a couple of options. You can accept admission from a different school and aim to transfer to your dream school after one to two years. This allows time to earn good grades, get the necessary credits, then transfer.

If your plan is to transfer schools, however, you’ll want to work closely with your counselor to make sure you’re taking the correct courses and carefully consider your choice of major, since not all credits will transfer to all schools.
💡 Quick Tip: Would-be borrowers will want to understand the different types of student loans that are available: private student loans, federal Direct Subsidized and Unsubsidized loans, Direct PLUS loans, and more.

Ready to Start. What’s Next?

Whether you make it off the waitlist and get into your dream school or choose to accept admission at your second choice, you’ll be faced with tuition. So how to cover the cost? Tuition, fees, books, food, plus all the other costs of living… it adds up quickly.

Luckily, there are resources available to help students finance their college education. The first step for most should be filling out the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA). The application will determine eligibility to receive federal aid. The eligibility for undergraduates to receive aid is most often based on their parents’ income. This process will inform students of how much federal aid they can receive, and what kind.

Federal aid can come in the form of grants, loans, and work-study. Grants don’t need to be repaid (unless you withdraw from school and owe a refund), but loans do. Federal loans come with some benefits that students won’t get with private student loans, including income-driven repayment plans and potentially lower interest rates.

Another option for funding the college experience is a private scholarship. There are a wide variety of scholarships available, with different eligibility requirements for each one. Some scholarships are need-based; some are merit-based.

If you can’t finance college completely with federal aid and scholarships, private student loans are also available. The eligibility for private student loans is usually based on the student’s (or cosigner’s) income and credit history. Rates and terms vary by lender, so it’s important for students to research their options before making a choice.

If you’ve exhausted all federal student aid options, no-fee private student loans from SoFi can help you pay for school. The online application process is easy, and you can see rates and terms in just minutes. Repayment plans are flexible, so you can find an option that works for your financial plan and budget.

Cover up to 100% of school-certified costs including tuition, books, supplies, room and board, and transportation with a private student loan from SoFi.


SoFi Loan Products
SoFi loans are originated by SoFi Bank, N.A., NMLS #696891 (Member FDIC). For additional product-specific legal and licensing information, see SoFi.com/legal. Equal Housing Lender.

SoFi Private Student Loans
Please borrow responsibly. SoFi Private Student Loans are not a substitute for federal loans, grants, and work-study programs. You should exhaust all your federal student aid options before you consider any private loans, including ours. Read our FAQs.
SoFi Private Student Loans are subject to program terms and restrictions, and applicants must meet SoFi’s eligibility and underwriting requirements. See SoFi.com/eligibility-criteria for more information. To view payment examples, click here. SoFi reserves the right to modify eligibility criteria at any time. This information is subject to change.

Financial Tips & Strategies: The tips provided on this website are of a general nature and do not take into account your specific objectives, financial situation, and needs. You should always consider their appropriateness given your own circumstances.

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Source: sofi.com

Apache is functioning normally

Graduating high school and attending college are milestone achievements for students and their families. Getting to this stage requires hard work, financial planning, and communication between parents and their children.

If you’re hoping that your child will go to college after high school, talking about college well before they get to senior year can better prepare them for success.

There is no one-size-fits-all approach to getting ready for college, and the same goes for college conversation starters. Here are some tips and strategies to consider as you prepare to have the college talk with your child.

When is it too Early to Talk about College?

Putting off the college talk is generally a greater concern than starting too early. While kids are young, you can begin planting seeds in everyday conversation about college and careers. Consider taking a gradual approach. This can give your child time and space to come forward with their own thoughts to create a college conversation rather than a college lecture.
💡 Quick Tip: You can fund your education with a low-rate, no-fee private student loan that covers all school-certified costs.

When is it too Late to Talk about College?

There isn’t a definitive best time to start talking about college, but waiting too long could put your child at a disadvantage.

Many college admissions offices evaluate every year of high school to calculate a student’s grade point average (GPA) and academic performance. While junior year can be given greater weight, a bad grade in algebra as a freshman doesn’t disappear either. For this reason, the transition from middle school to high school can be an opportune time to begin talking about college.

While the academic side is important to emphasize, an overly direct approach could potentially stifle the college talk. Starting early can help you build a better foundation to discuss the more difficult and stressful parts of preparing for college.

Do Your Own Homework on the College Process

As a parent or guardian, doing some initial research can inform you on the nuts and bolts of the college process and show your child that you are supportive of their education. It’s no surprise that college is expensive, but there are options to make college more affordable.

First off, you may want to gauge how much financial aid your family could qualify for with the government’s Federal Student Aid Estimator . This tool provides a free estimate of federal aid eligibility, including work-study, grants, and federal student loans.

There has been a growing call for waiving standardized tests for college admission, but most schools still require SAT or ACT scores for admission. Not every family is in the position to pay for tutors and prep classes, but it is worth noting that students can take these tests multiple times to improve their scores.

Through a process called “superscoring,” some colleges accept a student’s best section-level scores for math and evidence-based reading, even if they are from different test dates.

Some other useful tidbits to be aware of as you start the college conversation include:

•  College application fees: The cost varies by institution. The average application fee runs around $45, though some schools charge as much as $100 to apply. However, applicants could qualify for a waiver if they meet certain criteria for financial need.
•  In-state vs. out-of-state tuition cost: Each state has its own public university system that is partially funded by taxpayer money. Therefore, the base tuition cost for in-state residents is less than out-of-state students, though this does not account for potential scholarships and financial aid. Students attending out-of-state public universities typically pay more for tuition than in-state residents, though the cost may still be less than attending a private college.
•  Local scholarship opportunities: Community organizations, nonprofits, and businesses may offer scholarships specifically to graduates of your child’s high school or within your community. Criteria varies, but common elements might include academic merit, leadership, and financial need.

Now let’s move on to some helpful college conversation starters.

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Asking About Their Goals, Dreams, and Worries

Adolescence is a journey in self-discovery, but also insecurity and social pressure. In addition to your child’s future aspirations, acknowledge that they may have doubts and worries about attending college or moving away from home. Simply listening and showing your support is a good start to moving forward with the college talk.

On a lighter note, your child doesn’t need to have it all figured out by the time they decide to enroll in college. Some students do not declare a major until a few semesters into college. This means they can take a variety of classes before making a final decision for their degree.

Still, there are hundreds of college majors to consider, and not all colleges have the same offerings, so narrowing it down a little beforehand can help your child find a college that fits their needs and graduate on time.

Attending a local college with friends may be really important to your child, or they may be dead set on a specialized subject only offered at a handful of colleges. Either way, there is still plenty to discuss for their future plans.

Recommended: College vs University: What’s the Difference?

Attending College and Career Events Together

Many high schools host career and college fairs throughout the academic year. Often, these events are marketed towards juniors and seniors who are approaching application deadlines and graduation. If your student is a freshman or sophomore in high school, these fairs can provide a convenient opportunity to start browsing their options without the pressure of applying yet.

Having the confidence to speak with college admissions recruiters at these events is not only great practice, but can gain application fee waivers and insight into scholarships and other opportunities.

Similarly, colleges organize open house events and tours for prospective students and their families throughout the year. Starting with an unofficial tour of a nearby college campus can be a low-stakes introduction.

Incorporating college visits and tours into a family vacation is another way to test the waters of living and studying away from home.

Recommended: College Planning Guide for Parents of High School Students

Sharing Your Own Experiences

Sharing personal experiences from college can be a natural way to broach the subject, as well as connect with your child on a more peer-to-peer level.

Your child may be surprised to learn which friends you made in college that they’ve known since birth. There are a lot of practical and logistical topics to cover during the college conversation, so this is a chance to bond over more personal stories.

If you didn’t have the opportunity to attend college, that’s okay too. Letting your child know that college is a possibility for them is what matters.

Asking friends who attended college or whose children are in college for advice could offer some insight.

Also, inviting a trusted family member or friend to join the college talk with you and your child is another way to continue the conversation in a caring environment. If your child will be a first-generation college student, keep in mind that they may be eligible for specific types of programs and scholarships.

Letting Them Know Your Financial Plan

Your child may be more intuitive than you think. If you haven’t brought up the matter of paying for college yet, they may assume their education options are more limited than the reality.

Talking about money with your children may feel awkward, but college isn’t cheap, and paying for it is a critical piece of the equation for selecting a school that is right for them.

You don’t have to get too deep in the weeds, but discussing payment options can help put your child at ease. Fortunately, there are several ways to pay for college, such as scholarships, grants, and student loans.

Grants and scholarships generally do not require repayment and are used for education and associated expenses. Both can be awarded through financial aid packages or nonprofit and community organizations.

Additionally, scholarships can be awarded by colleges directly or through a competitive application process. Learning about these opportunities early on could better prepare your child for receiving scholarships and grants.

When approaching student loans, an important piece to convey to your child is the impact of interest. With an unsubsidized federal student loan, interest starts to accrue when the loan is disbursed, and continues accruing until the loan is paid back.

With subsidized federal student loans, the interest is covered by the government while the student is in school at least half time and through a six-month grace period after the student leaves school. With either type of federal loan, you don’t need to begin repayment until six months after graduation.

Generally, interest will also start accruing immediately with private student loans. However, the terms on private student loans vary by lender, so confirm with the loan servicer to be sure. Some private lenders also allow students to defer making any payments until six months after graduation.

Paying off loans ahead of schedule could result in a lower total repayment amount, but consult with your loan provider to be sure. For more information, take a look at this primer on student loans.

This can also be the time to have a candid conversation about getting a summer job and pitching in to save for college.
💡 Quick Tip: Federal student loans carry an origination or processing fee (1.057% for Direct Subsididized and Unsubsidized loans first disbursed from Oct. 1, 2020, through Oct. 1, 2024). The fee is subtracted from your loan amount, which is why the amount disbursed is less than the amount you borrowed. That said, some private student loan lenders don’t charge an origination fee.

Paying for College

Federal student loans, scholarships, grants, and work-study programs may be sufficient to fund all or at least a portion of your child’s education.

However, some students take out private student loans to pay for their education and associated living expenses, when federal aid and savings aren’t enough to cover the costs.

Alternatively, college parents can borrow loans to support their child’s education expenses. The federal government’s PLUS loans program for parents is one option to consider. Private lenders also offer parent student loans with potentially lower interest rates.

If you’ve exhausted all federal student aid options, no-fee private student loans from SoFi can help you pay for school. The online application process is easy, and you can see rates and terms in just minutes. Repayment plans are flexible, so you can find an option that works for your financial plan and budget.

Cover up to 100% of school-certified costs including tuition, books, supplies, room and board, and transportation with a private student loan from SoFi.


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Please borrow responsibly. SoFi Private Student Loans are not a substitute for federal loans, grants, and work-study programs. You should exhaust all your federal student aid options before you consider any private loans, including ours. Read our FAQs.
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Financial Tips & Strategies: The tips provided on this website are of a general nature and do not take into account your specific objectives, financial situation, and needs. You should always consider their appropriateness given your own circumstances.

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