Checklists

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8 Steps to Filing your FAFSA

Our newest guide on filling out the FAFSA, updated in 2023 by student financial aid expert Max Fees.
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5 Tips for Attending Family College Orientation

Whether your child is in the 7th grade or about to graduate from high school, you are probably wondering about many issues related to his or her transition to college.Many of your questions may be broad and child-centric: is my child academically prepared for the rigors of college? Will he or she have an adequate support system? How hard will it be for him or her to develop friendships?
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Purdue College President Offers Overprotective College Moms Advice

Purdue President Mitch Daniels Explains Mower Moms
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Basic Life Skills Your Student Needs Before Going To College

College is a time where young adults go off into the “real world” and begin to become adults. There are many skills that we assume these young adults have, but they may not know how to apply them in their own environment. These skills may seem obvious to us, but in order to set our […]
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FAFSA Tips – Do it Early & Honestly

FAFSA can equal money for college parents. However it is best if you file early and take care to answer honestly. Those are always topics we aim to discuss in a clear and transparent way for college parents.
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Topics of Discussion with College Admissions Representatives

   You may not get a ton of time with a college admissions rep, but an inquisitive approach is your best chance to find out if a school’s characteristics will be a good fit for you and your college career. Below is a list of topics that can get you asking the right questions. Should you need this in question format, we suggest the following lists:
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529 Plans: the facts and factors of these saving plans

  The Government Accountability Office (GAO) recently released a report regarding 529 Plans. 529 Plans are widely-accessible savings plans that parents can use to contribute to future college expenses. Citing difficulty for many to pay for college (largely due to rapid increases in college costs), the GAO decided to look at the value and use of 529 Plans, which receive certain tax preferences--$1.6 Billion in 2011 alone. 
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2012 Tax Breaks for College–Be Sure to Take Advantage!

(photo by user 401(K) 2013 on flickr) 
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Academic Year Checklist

Whether your student is a freshman or a senior, it is important to keep track of important dates throughout each semester. Keep your dates organized by downloading the College Parents of America Academic Year Calendar Checklist.
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Health and Medical Checklist

Although young people are generally healthy, accidents can happen. Help keep your student safe and healthy by keeping yourself and your student organized by downloading this is College Parents of America Health and Medical Information Checklist.
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Student Personal Property Checklist

If your student is anything like most college students, he has a lot of stuff. How much is your student's property worth? What if your student's things were to be lost, stolen or damage? Could you afford to replace them? By downloading the College Parents of America Student Personal Property Checklist, you and your student can take inventory and make an estimate that can help you determine whether your student's belongings need protection.
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Protecting Your Investment Checklist

College can be a huge investment. Is yours protected? With the College Parents of America Protecting Your Investment Checklist, you can assess your investment and determine your risk factor should your ability to pay be compromised. By downloading this checklist, you and your family can decide if tuition protection is suitable for you.
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Campus Security Checklist

While it's natural to worry about your student's safety when she is away at school, you can help her be prepared and knowledgeable by downloading the College Parents of America Campus Security Checklist and reviewing campus resources available to your student.
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New Year’s Resolutions for College Parents – and Their College Students

New Year is often the time for new beginnings.  Fortunately, for college students, the new year also often brings a new semester with its fresh start as well.  We offer here 10 New Year’s resolutions for college parents and 10 resolutions for you to pass on to your college student.  Enjoy your fresh start – and make this a great year for you and your college student!
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College Must-Have: Insurance for Your Student

College kids may be young and fearless, but that doesn't mean they're immune to illness, theft or even lawsuits. To be sure, student insurance coverage is as important a decision to make as course curriculum and perhaps a monthly allowance. But what types of insurance do your children need?