Start applying for colleges early

June 19, 3:27 PMCapital District Fatherhood ExaminerJim Dixon

When child takes the PSAT, there’s a box he or she should check the box that indicates they’d like information from colleges and universities who might be interested in students like them. Fair warning, you’re opening the floodgates where mailings are concerned. You didn’t know this many colleges were out there.

Very soon you will start getting information on upcoming open house at a number of places your child might be interested in. Most of these are open to high school juniors; some are directly aimed at them. Block out a weekend or two and go to a couple of them, even if you’re not at all sure this is going to be the college for your child. You might be surprised. It’s good to start getting the hang of the college application process, and at this early stage, the colleges are very attentive.

Open houses tend to be fairly user friendly. Typically, they start off by feeding you, and then have you listen to short speeches by administrators, admissions, counselors and so on. Tours usually follow, along with seminars and meetings. If there’s a seminar on the financial aid process, by all means attend and take notes. Note whether you’re getting a chance to actually meet faculty and students.

Another means of finding about colleges and their programs are college fairs. In the capital district, Hudson Valley Community College annually hosts a college attended by college representatives from all over the northeast.

Encourage your child to talk to their guidance counselor, who should have additional information on colleges, and may have useful insights on what colleges your child might want to consider. But get started early. This will really help avoid the stress involved trying to make critical decisions under the gun.

Coming up: How to apply and how to pay for college.