1.) Encourage your student to be their own advocate. Familiarize yourself with the Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA) so that you are aware of what information colleges and will and will not share with parents/guardians. 

 2.) Attend college fairs or college preparation events hosted at your student's school or community to learn about new or familiar schools, get your questions answered, and meet admission representatives that can help your student through their college application journey.

 3.) Help your student create a list of potential colleges. Research each college's application process, scholarship offerings, and financial aid opportunities. 

 4.) Make sure your student is signed up to take the PSAT/SAT/ACT, and research test prep options. Many high schools and colleges offer preparation courses for these exams.

 5.) Research your student's school's policy of excused absences for the purpose of visiting prospective colleges. Register for preview days, information sessions, and/or campus visits at your student's top choice schools.

 6.) Help your student create a spreadsheet to organize information about what is required for each college. Include important dates like when the application opens (usually July or August before their senior year), the scholarship priority deadline, the financial aid priority deadline, and lists of documents needed to complete each application.

 7.) Research the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) so you are familiar with the process. The FAFSA opens on October 1 of your student's senior year.

 8.) Familiarize yourself with the Texas Success Initiative (TSI) and possible exemptions. Ensure that your student signs up to take the TSI if they are not exempt.