Parent's Guide to Planning for College

Step-by-Step Parent’s Guide

Choosing a college can be one of the most difficult decisions a student will have to make. Be supportive and help your student set goals and plan for the future.

Check out the Options

• Encourage your student to meet with their school counselor about college options.

• Encourage your student to meet with a Hawkeye admissions representative at their high school.

• Visit the colleges and universities that interest your student. Visit Hawkeye at an Experience Hawkeye Visit Day or schedule an individual visit.

• Find a place to call their own. Check out housing options.

Get Organized

• Categorize each school’s information in a file folder to aid your student in making their college decision.

Talk to Your Student About College Costs

• Agree on a budget for who’s going to cover the expenses.

• Attend high school financial aid night, if available. If your high school does not offer one, contact Hawkeye's Financial Aid office for more information.

• Apply for financial aid and scholarships.

Help Your Student Navigate the Admissions Process

• Your student can complete the admissions application online.

• Request to have your student's final high school transcript sent to Hawkeye.

• If your student took college-level courses during high school, your student will need to have their previous colleges send an official college transcript to receive possible college credit.

• Review admission requirements with your student.

Accepted! What's Next?

• Once accepted, students can login to their My Hawkeye account. My Hawkeye is Hawkeye's student portal.

• Remind your student to sign up for a registration session with an Academic/College Success Advisor. Your student will receive an invitation to their Hawkeye email.

• Finalize financial aid, if needed.

• Help your student finalize housing.

• Buy textbooks.

Also see Next Steps After You've Applied.