This week we are talking about planning for college.  Yesterday, we focused on the steps to prepare your child for entrance to college.  Today, we’ll congratulate your child on acceptance to the college of his/her choice and figure out where you’ll go from there.  Though the relief at getting an acceptance letter may be tempting you to slow down and relax, there is still much to do before you drive or fly your child off to college.

Members to ListPlanIt will find the lists they need for planning and preparing for your child’s education in Student Planning.  Not yet a member?  Join today for just $5 and get organized.  Another great resource for planning for college is Get It Together for College: A Planner to Help You Get Organized and Get In.

While there may not be points for getting things done first, the sooner preparations are made for college, the better you will feel.  Here are some steps that still need to be considered and done sooner rather than later.

• Finalize your finances.
  You’ve likely been researching your financial aid options:  scholarships, grants, loans, and work/study.  If you qualify for any of those, be sure to pay close attention to details and deadlines.  If you are from the U.S., be sure to check out the FAFSA website for more information.
• Decide on a major.
  While it is not necessary to start college with a major declared, the more thought and research that goes into the type of study in which he/she wants to concentrate, the better.  Consider your interests, strengths, the job market, college programs, etc.  For a little insight into a major that would fit your personality, check out this college major quiz.
• Choose housing.
  Will he/she live on campus?  Are freshman allowed to live off-campus?  What is the cost of the room?  Will board be included?  Will he/she have roommates? What is the study environment be like?  Is there a convenient place to do laundry?  These are just a few of the questions that you should be using to determine what type of living environment is best for your college student.

If you have any tips to share from your experience sending a child off to college, please feel free to share in the comments below.