PREPARING FOR COLLEGE

Preparing for college is an extremely important task, and it can also be a confusing one. Senator Boxer has put together these links for Californians to get a sense of the different ways students and their parents or guardians can start the process. It is never too early to start preparing for college, so every minute of preparation helps!

For more information, please click any of the links at left or scroll down for brief explanations of each section.

Academic Tips
Starting in middle school, students and their parents can begin to plan for college. This means understanding all of the various requirements for getting into college, and what you need to do to prepare as a student. Students may be required to take certain classes, and others might be encouraged, even if they aren't necessary. Senator Boxer has suggestions for what you can do in the classroom to help you get into college.

Click here for more academic tips.

Financial Tips
One of the most difficult aspects of going to college is paying for it. In the United States, rising costs of both public and private colleges and universities make financial planning even more important. Senator Boxer has advice on the potential costs of college, and some ways you can pay for it.

Click here for more financial tips.

Picking a College
Choosing which college you would like to attend is a very personal choice. What might be a perfect fit for one student may not be as appealing for another. It is best to do as much research as possible to decide which school is right for you. Senator Boxer has some suggestions that you might want to consider when picking a college.

Click here to learn more about picking a college.

Applying to Schools
Applying to schools can be complicated and daunting, but these tips from Senator Boxer and the U.S. Department of Education can make every student feel more confident going through the process.

Click here to learn more about applying to schools.

While at School
Even while you are attending college there are steps you can take to make the most of your education and keep it as affordable as possible. If you are enrolled as a full-time or part-time student and need to find out more about your educational loans, this section will provide helpful tips and links..

Click here to learn more about what to do while you are at school.

Repaying Your Loans
After you graduate, leave school, or drop below half-time enrollment, you have a period of time before you have to begin repayment. After that, you must begin to repay your loans. This section helps provide information on what you need to do to fulfill your responsibilities.

Click here to learn more about repaying your student loans.

Info for Parents
Parents, you can help your child throughout the college preparation process. By knowing more about applying to schools and financial aid, you can help your child make a more informed decision.

Click here to learn more about helping your child prepare for college.

Links
Senator Boxer has compiled of other links that can be helpful to students and parents.

Click here for more links..