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Take Inventory

Take Inventory

The decisions your child makes during the college years may impact many aspects of his/her life. It is important that your child take responsibility for the decisions that need to be made; however, you are in a position to advise your student. Take some time to help your child plan for the future.

Contribute Financially
Remember, it is your primary responsibility to pay for your son or daughter's education. Think about how much you can afford to contribute. You should then discuss your family's plan to pay for college with your child. If you have expectations for your student to contribute as well, let your expectations be known. [More Information]

Set Goals
Your child should be setting realistic goals to help stay on track to graduation. Talk with your child about goal setting and monitor his/her progress often. If he/she doesn't graduate on time, it can cost the whole family money.

To Work or Not to Work
Working part-time while in college can have many benefits for your child. For one, he/she can earn money to help pay college expenses. In addition, working can teach financial responsibility and self-discipline. A job can also take time away from your child's studies. Help your child learn good time management skills. Encourage him/her to work 20 hours or less per week, so that the job doesn't have a negative impact on his/her grades.

What's Important
Remind your child why he/she is in college. Advise him/her to focus his/her time on campus wisely by taking advantage of valuable opportunities to participate in leadership programs, internships, study abroad programs, and organizations that will move him/her closer to attaining a degree. He/she may be able to count the involvement from many of these opportunities as relevant experience on a resume during the job search!