Early Awareness Committee
The Connecticut Association of Professional Financial Aid Administrators (CAPFAA) has developed this page to advocate early college preparation. Please use this site as your road map on "THE JOURNEY TO HIGHER EDUCATION".
START SAVING
It is never too early to plan for college and the cost of higher education. The cost of a college education will continue to rise on average of 4-5% a year and grants and scholarships are not keeping pace with the increases in tuition.
It is never too late to start saving for college, especially after a child's birth. Below is a list of financial planning tools to use when planning your child's journey to higher education.
Helpful Links and suggestions:
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Upcoming Early Awareness Events (Events) |
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Connecticut Higher Education Trust Savings Accounts (CHET) |
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Education IRA's (ED IRA) |
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U.S. Savings Bonds (US BONDS) |
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USA Group's College Infosource (USA GROUP) |
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Consulting a Financial Planner or Analyst |
DEVELOPING YOUR MAP FOR YOUR JOURNEY
Middle school is an important time to help students challenge themselves academically and set their goals towards higher education. Students who earn college degrees make an average of 80% more then individuals with only a high school diploma (Getting ready for College Early, United States Department of Education).
Encouraging students to be successful in school and in the community is important. Students should explore their career interest and decide which courses will be necessary to help them achieve their goals.
Helpful suggestions:
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Attend a Career Fair at their Middle School |
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Speak with adults in their fields of interest |
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Search on the Internet |
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Get involved in extracurricular activities in school and/or community |
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Visit a college campus |
WHERE DO YOU WANT TO GO?
Freshmen and Sophomore Year of High School - This time should be used to start looking at what you want in a college education and environment. Students should make sure that they are on the right path academically.
Helpful suggestions:
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Meet with your Guidance Counselor to plan your course load |
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Academic requirements for college include: |
English (4 yrs.)
Science (2 yrs.)
Social Science (2 yrs.)
Foreign Language (2 yrs.)
Algebra I & II
Geometry
Arts & Humanities
Computer Science
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Arrange to take the PLAN, PSAT, NMSQT test (check with your Guidance Counselor or the College Board (COLLEGE BOARD) for the dates of these test) |
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Talk with your parents about paying for college |
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Develop a savings strategy |
ROAD MAPS AND ASSISTANCE
The following links will guide you to helpful resources in Connecticut:
http://www.ctdhe.org
http://www.cslf.com
http://www.chesla.org
http://www.youbelonginct.com
ctcolleges.htm
http://www.theccic.org