Be present at school.

Talking to your child's counselor directly will help you stay informed about financial aid details and some of the fine print that might get lost in the mix. This is especially important if you didn't attend college yourself, or if this is your first child to attend college. Your child's counselor can be a great resource for information and advice on today's requirements and what your child needs to be ready for as they search and apply.

Your child's teachers are also valuable partners when it comes to academic advice: which classes your child should consider in the future, and which schools might best fit your child's learning style, skills and interests. If you take the initiative to reach out to teachers and counselors, you won't just send a message to them that you're invested in your child's success, you'll send a message to your child that you care about them and want them to achieve their goals.