I'm a sophmore in highschool, is there anything I can do to help prepare for college (money wise)?

Question

I have a job in the summer, but during school it's too hard.

Answer 1

It is really fantastic that you are looking ahead and planning for college as a high school sophomore! Yes, there are things you can do to increase your chances of scholarships and money for college. In some cases, it can boost your chances for college admission, too. I will include some free readings to help you research for more information.

First, great grades is an important thing. Some states reward students with certain GPAs with scholarships and grants. To find this out, talk to your high school guidance counselor. Typically, it is somewhere above a 3.0. Also, they have a list of local scholarships, and they are typically give the person the best chance to receive one compared to a nationally based one.

Second, join school clubs that match your potential future college major, but you should also join school clubs that match your interests because it can help college admissions time and when you search for college scholarships. For example, belonging to the debate team can prepare you for a career in law since the basis of becoming a lawyer is analyzing the facts and debating them.

Third, start seeking out references. Some scholarship applications request them. A good reference would include teachers, past work supervisors, religious leader, and school club advisors.

Fourth, in your senior year, complete the FAFSA form. It will qualify you for need based financial aid. Even if you think you make too much, it is always worth a try. The CSS report does have a fee, but it can also bring in extra money in. This form needs to be completed before the financial aid earliest deadline for incoming freshman to maximize your help. I would try to aim for January or early February to complete it. It needs to be completed every year until you graduate with your college degree.

Fifth, the public library has a book listing scholarships including some not even listed on the web.

Sixth, join a 529 college savings plan. It can help save money tax free for college. It does not need to be a large amount.

Seventh, if you are involved with a sport, consider entering into the NCAA database. Division 1 and 2 schools give athletic scholarships out to stellar athletes.

Finally, join several free membership scholarship search websites. There is a scholarship for almost anything out there including wearing duct tape to the senior prom.

Good luck!

Answer 2

It's great that you are already thinking about how to finance your college education. Your parents must be really proud of you! Here are my suggestions for you:
Talk to your parents to see what, if any, financial assistance they may (or may not) be able to afford
Make an apt with your school counselor to discuss options
Do well in school (you can earn more dollar power by being a good student than by working a lot of hours during the school year which can jeopardize your academic career)
Be well rounded---help out in your church or community, join a club or committee or two at school or church
Start applying for scholarships/grants/awards earlier rather than later (even in your junior year in high school)
Do your research--there is a lot of aid out there, but you have to find it on your own....apply for anything that you remotely qualify for, and hey, you can't get---unless you ask---so ask away!
Just keep in mind that most people qualify for some type of financial aid...and if you still need more money after all that, there is always the option of guaranteed student loans that you don't have to start paying back until you graduate.
NurseMom

Answer 3

It's kind of hard to prepare yourself financially for college when you have a lot of expenses as a high school student. Are you also going to save up for homecoming, prom, senior pictures, yearbook, and all that good stuff high school students do? Get a Friday Saturday Sunday part-time job as a waitress at a high-end resturaunt where you know people are going to tip you a lot.. Or if you don't feel like being a waitress, try to get any part-time job in a field you might be considering in the future, like working at a doctor's office, hospital, pharmacy, or at an accounting office or something like that... Whatever job you decide to do, make sure you save up at least half of your money.. Also don' forget to start looking up scholarships in the beginning of your senior year.. There's tons and tons of scholarships you can receive for being an honor roll student in high shool.. Last but not least, look into finanial aid or student loans and see what is best for you...Hope that helps

Answer 4

Bad Bad Idea! The age difference might only be a few years, but SO MUCH happens between being a sophmore in highschool and being in college. Your entire life is different in college. He would be thought of as a nasty pervert child molestor by people his own age, and she would just be dating a poor college student who probably would dump her for a college girl as soon as he found her replacement. Bad Idea for the girl - she has absolutely Nothing to gain from this, only he does. No wonder the parents wouldnt like it! What kind of college man wants to be dating a highschooler? Only a nasty!

Answer 5

Try a website called fastweb.com
It offers opportunities for grants and scholarships. You might also start at a community college where a pell grant or state grant could help pay for the majority of the cost for the first couple of years. Working in the summer is a good start too. If it is too hard during the school use that time to focus on your grades and extracurricular activities that could also help you earn a merit based scholarship.

Answer 6

Just don't spend all you earned over the summer during the school year. And also, at your graduation party you'll get lots of money, DON'T spend it like you're always going to have money, because trust me, it's not always going to be there and Ramen noodles are going to get pretty gross pretty quick. If you have a food plan, stick to it and try not to go out for dinner. And if you're paying for your college on your own, you're going to want to try finding at least a part time job during the school year.

Answer 7

Always start with the free money, searching for scholarships and grants.

Free money for college is available from a variety of sources and can come in the form of scholarships and grants. Both are an attractive way to pay because you do not need to repay the money. They are available from a variety of sources, including federal and state governments and private sources, such as employers, professional associations, and educational institutions. Some grants and scholarships are based on financial need, while others are awarded based on achievement, religious affiliation, ethnicity, memberships, hobbies, or special interests.

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Answer 8

Sounds like you're on the right track. You might want to look for scholarships and grants. You don't always get a lot, but it's free money.

Answer 9

I don't know. You can start saving 1-5 dollars a day. There are always scholarships. Get good grades and work hard and you'll be fine.

Answer 10

Work on your grades so that you can qualify for as many scholarships as possible. Begin doing searches of available scholarships NOW and make a chart showing when applications are due and what is required for those applications.
In your Junior year, go back and make sure the chart is still accurate and begin writing your application essays. Have an expert critique them so that they are very professional.

Good luck!