There are a million things to do the summer before your teen heads off to college. You may question how you can possibly get it all done in time, but don’t worry, you will find a way! This checklist will help you and your teen plan for all the little things that may come up the summer before college:
1. Fill out any required forms and documents
There are always forms that slip through the cracks. Your student will need to make sure their college gets a final high school transcript and proof of graduation. Be on the lookout for last-minute documents, like housing forms and financial aid/scholarship forms that need to be submitted.
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2. Make sure your student’s health is covered
Double-check your health insurance policy, and talk to your teen about it. Many colleges have student health plans. Fill out any immunization forms required before your student leaves home. For more, check out Transferring Healthcare Responsibility to Young Adults.
3. Make or remind your student of any outstanding payments
Each school will function differently, but you may have housing or tuition payments to make to the school during the summer.
4. Encourage your teen to apply for last-minute scholarships.
The summer before and during senior year of high school is a big time for scholarship applications, but the summer after graduation is a time that often goes un-utilized. Encourage your teen to apply for scholarships that may help ease the financial burden of college and other miscellaneous expenses.
5. Have a conversation (or several…) about money.
Make it clear what you will pay for, and what you will not.
6. Get on track for packing early
It is your teen’s responsibility to pack and get ready for college, but you’ll likely lend a hand. Starting early always helps, especially when last-minute necessities come up.
7. Coordinate your teen’s drop-off to their college
Your teen may be attending college nearby or across the country. Either way, plan how you will get your teen to school, who will be going along on the trip, and how you are going to transport all of your teen’s stuff.
