Should You Get an Internship in High School?

Should You Get an Internship in High School?

An internshipship is an opportunity to work in a field that interests you, gain valuable work experience, enhance your college resume, and possibly even earn some extra money.

While internships are more commonly available to college students, it may be possible to get an internship when you’re still in high school.

Read on to learn more about high school internships, including how they work, their pros and cons, and how to find one.

What Is the Purpose of an Internship?

An internship is a temporary position that’s often related to a student’s academic field of study or career interests. It offers students a chance to apply lessons learned in the classroom in a professional setting, while also developing additional skills. Internships also give students an opportunity to make connections in their field of interest and determine if they want to pursue further study and a career in that area. Internships also give employers the opportunity to discover and develop future talent.


💡 Quick Tip: Some lenders help you pay down your student loans sooner with reward points you earn along the way.

The Duties of an Intern

The duties of an intern vary from job to job. For example, those interning at a doctor’s office might shadow medical professionals and take notes on patient visits. Those interning at a marketing firm might sit in on marketing meetings and assist in any communication needs.

An internship experience can be somewhat similar to an entry-level employee position. However, there is typically an educational component. The point is to learn more about the career path, not just get coffee or file the office mail (though you may be asked to do this, too).

Recommended: Is Getting A Degree In Marketing Worth It?

Pros and Cons of High School Internships

There are plenty of pros when it comes to getting internship experiences in high school. For one, an internship allows you to learn about a particular career path without having to commit to a lifelong job.

Learning about a path early on could help you determine whether you want to go to college (rather than directly enter the working world) and help you decide what you’d like to study in school.

Another pro of completing an internship in high school is gaining new experiences and skills. An internship allows you to learn from professionals and add relevant skills to your resume. This can give you a leg up in applying for jobs in the future.

And, of course, all this experience and new learning make for excellent items to add to any potential college applications.
A potential downside to seeking an internship in high school is that they can be hard to find. In addition, the position may not be paid, and might be time-consuming, taking time away from other obligations like homework, studying for SATs, and applying to college.)

Recommended: What is the Hardest Year of High School?

Finding the Right Internship

Finding the perfect internship is a wholly personal experience. A good first step is to consider your interests in both the near and far term. By thinking about career paths you might be interested in, you might identify internship opportunities around you.

However, not every young person knows, or believes they know, exactly what they want to do in the future. But you may have a general interest. For example, if your favorite class is English, an internship at a local newspaper may make sense. If you’re interested in nature, an internship with a local parks and recreation group may make a good fit.

If you’re a high schooler, make a shortlist of interests and sit down with a parent or guardian to identify careers that may fit within these bounds.

Next, it’s time to identify a few companies you might be interested in interning with. Search around for companies near you that may be taking interns. From there, check out career pages on the individual companies to see if they have internship listings. If they don’t, try emailing the company to get in touch with the human resource (HR) department to see what may be available.

One quick tip: While researching and reaching out about internships, make sure to stay realistic about the time commitment. If an internship takes place during the school year, you may only be available in afternoons. Ensure the hiring manager knows the hours you’re available before committing to any long-term work.

Recommended: 10 Ways to Prepare for College

Resources to Find Internships in High School

While there isn’t any centralized listing location for internships for high school students, there are still plenty of places to find information on opportunities.

Schools: You can reach out to school resources like guidance counselors, principals, and individual teachers who may know of companies worth looking into.

Individual companies: Again, seek out information from company websites and reach out to human resource departments to see what may be available.

Job search websites: Check out job search websites, such as Linkedin and Indeed, and search for “Internships in [specific field here].” Make sure to search by location to ensure the internship is nearby.

Friends and family: This is the simplest tip — just ask around. Friends and family members are the ultimate social and work network. Make it known you’re looking for an internship and ask people for their advice on just where to look.

Recommended: College Planning Guide for High School Students

Questions to Ask Before Accepting an Internship

After figuring out your interests, asking your network, and finding an internship opportunity, you may think the work is done. However, there are still a few more questions to ask.

Before accepting an internship offer, make sure to ask about the full details. What are the hours? What can you expect to learn while on the job? What are the specific job duties and how will you be evaluated along the way? Will there be opportunities for mentorship? And finally, one of the most important questions: Is the internship paid?


💡 Quick Tip: It’s a good idea to understand the pros and cons of private student loans and federal student loans before committing to them.

Paid vs. Unpaid Internships

Scoring a paid internship isn’t a guarantee, but it’s not a completely far-fetched idea either. If a paid internship isn’t available, you can always ask about an exchange for class credit. Unpaid internships are a hotly contested issue so just make sure to do whatever feels right and comfortable for your situation.

Also keep in mind that even a paid internship likely won’t pay enough to make a major dent in your college expenses (though it can help).

If you’re concerned about how you and your family will pay for the cost of tuition, a good first step is to fill out the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) with your family. This will let you know if you are eligible for financial aid, including grants, scholarships, work-study, and federal student loans. If those do not cover your costs, you may also consider private student loans.

Private student loans are available through private lenders, including banks, credit unions, and online lenders. Rates and terms vary, depending on the lender. Generally, borrowers (or cosigners) who have strong credit qualify for the lowest rates.

Keep in mind, though, that private loans may not offer the borrower protections — like income-based repayment plans and deferment or forbearance — that automatically come with federal student loans.

If you’ve exhausted all federal student aid options, no-fee private student loans from SoFi can help you pay for school. The online application process is easy, and you can see rates and terms in just minutes. Repayment plans are flexible, so you can find an option that works for your financial plan and budget.

Cover up to 100% of school-certified costs including tuition, books, supplies, room and board, and transportation with a private student loan from SoFi.



External Websites: The information and analysis provided through hyperlinks to third-party websites, while believed to be accurate, cannot be guaranteed by SoFi. Links are provided for informational purposes and should not be viewed as an endorsement.

SoFi Loan Products
SoFi loans are originated by SoFi Bank, N.A., NMLS #696891 (Member FDIC). For additional product-specific legal and licensing information, see SoFi.com/legal. Equal Housing Lender.


SoFi Private Student Loans
Please borrow responsibly. SoFi Private Student loans are not a substitute for federal loans, grants, and work-study programs. We encourage you to evaluate all your federal student aid options before you consider any private loans, including ours. Read our FAQs.

Terms and Conditions Apply. SOFI RESERVES THE RIGHT TO MODIFY OR DISCONTINUE PRODUCTS AND BENEFITS AT ANY TIME WITHOUT NOTICE. SoFi Private Student loans are subject to program terms and restrictions, such as completion of a loan application and self-certification form, verification of application information, the student's at least half-time enrollment in a degree program at a SoFi-participating school, and, if applicable, a co-signer. In addition, borrowers must be U.S. citizens or other eligible status, be residing in the U.S., and must meet SoFi’s underwriting requirements, including verification of sufficient income to support your ability to repay. Minimum loan amount is $1,000. See SoFi.com/eligibility for more information. Lowest rates reserved for the most creditworthy borrowers. SoFi reserves the right to modify eligibility criteria at any time. This information is subject to change. This information is current as of 04/24/2024 and is subject to change. SoFi Private Student loans are originated by SoFi Bank, N.A. Member FDIC. NMLS #696891. (www.nmlsconsumeraccess.org).

Third-Party Brand Mentions: No brands, products, or companies mentioned are affiliated with SoFi, nor do they endorse or sponsor this article. Third-party trademarks referenced herein are property of their respective owners.

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Financial Benefits of Going to a Community College

Attending community college is often a much more affordable choice than going to a four-year public or private university. Students and parents can save money both on tuition as well as travel and living expenses, especially if the student lives at home. This can translate into taking out smaller student loans and paying them off sooner after graduation.

Going to a community college also comes with other benefits. Here’s a closer look at why a college-bound student might consider choosing a community college.

What Is a Community College?

A community college, also known as a junior college or two-year college, provides a two-year course of study that either ends with an Associate of Arts (AA) or Associate of Science (AS) degree. Alternatively, it can provide the equivalent to the freshman and sophomore years of a four-year college, since credits can typically be transferred and used towards a bachelor’s degree.

Community colleges are located throughout the U.S. and come in varying sizes. You can find large community colleges with multiple campuses in urban and suburban areas, as well as small community colleges in rural settings.

Many community colleges also have technical and vocational programs with close links to local high schools, community groups, and employers.


💡 Quick Tip: Private student loans offer fixed or variable interest rates. So you can get a loan that fits your budget.

Benefits of Attending a Community College

Here’s a look at some of the advantages of going to a community college vs. a four-year college or university.

A Smoother Transition

The transition from high school to college can be challenging, but attending a community college can be easier for some people.

Community college classes are generally smaller and less intimidating. If you prefer smaller class sizes and not having to walk across a large campus daily with thousands (or tens of thousands) of students, then a community college may feel less overwhelming.

Transferring to a four-year college could also be easier for students who have taken classes from a community college.

If you are thinking about using community college as a stepping stone to a four-year school, you may want to find out if the school has a transfer relationship with any four-year colleges, and what GPA and grades are needed to successfully transfer.

If the school doesn’t have a relationship with a college you’re considering, you’ll want to make sure that the credits earned will count at that college.

Flexibility

One reason that many students opt for community college is the flexibility. You can typically take as many classes as you want, and it can vary from semester to semester.

Community colleges also give students the option to enroll when they want, unlike four-year universities, where you typically need to enroll by early fall.

Rolling admissions give students more flexibility in planning their studies, especially if they are working part time or need to save money to pay for tuition and books. The community college website will include key deadlines and requirements, such as transcripts from high school or another college, and any prerequisite classes.

The schedules at community colleges also tend to be more flexible, often allowing a student to work during the day and take classes in the evening.

A Possible Bachelor’s Degree

A growing number of states are allowing some community colleges to offer bachelor’s degree programs. This means students do not always have to transfer to another college after taking classes the first two years. While many of the degrees are focused on a particular industry or skill, community colleges are adding more degree options.

Obtaining a four-year degree at a community college could save a student the time of researching other universities and colleges, transferring credits, having to move, and potentially accruing more student loan debt.

Community colleges are updating the type of degrees offered to meet the needs of the workforce and often include ones in information management, nonprofit management, and health care.

Recommended: A Guide to Choosing the Right College Major

Price Tag

Community college tuition is typically significantly lower than tuition at public and private universities. Some states even offer free community college.

According to the Education Data Initiative, the average cost of tuition at an in-district community college is $3,400 per year. For out-of-state students, the average community college tuition is $8,210.

For comparison, yearly tuition at a public university averages $9,678 (for in-state students) and $27,091(for out-of-state students). The average student at a private college or university spends a total of $55,840 per academic year living on campus, $38,768 of it on tuition and fees.

Even if you don’t live at home while attending community college, you may be able to find housing that is less costly than living in a dorm or an off-campus apartment in a college town. Plus, taking classes at a nearby community college gives you the flexibility to work part time and earn some income you can use to cover your college expenses.


💡 Quick Tip: Need a private student loan to cover your school bills? Because approval for a private student loan is based on creditworthiness, a cosigner may help a student get loan approval and a lower rate.

Financing a Community College Education

You can cover the cost of community college (and potentially two additional years at a traditional college after that) using a combination of savings, help from family, financial aid, and loans.

A great first step is to fill out the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA), which will let you know if you are eligible for financial aid, which includes grants, scholarships, work-study, and federal student loans (which may be subsidized or unsubsidized).

You can also help pay for your community college tuition by working at a part- or full-time job while taking classes in the evenings.

If you still have gaps in funding, you may want to look into getting a private student loan. These are available through private lenders, including banks, credit unions, and online lenders. Rates and terms vary, depending on the lender. Generally, borrowers (or cosigners) who have strong credit qualify for the lowest rates.

Keep in mind, though, that private loans may not offer the borrower protections — like income-based repayment plans and Public Service Loan forgiveness — that automatically come with federal student loans.

If you’ve exhausted all federal student aid options, no-fee private student loans from SoFi can help you pay for school. The online application process is easy, and you can see rates and terms in just minutes. Repayment plans are flexible, so you can find an option that works for your financial plan and budget.

Cover up to 100% of school-certified costs including tuition, books, supplies, room and board, and transportation with a private student loan from SoFi.



SoFi Loan Products
SoFi loans are originated by SoFi Bank, N.A., NMLS #696891 (Member FDIC). For additional product-specific legal and licensing information, see SoFi.com/legal. Equal Housing Lender.


SoFi Private Student Loans
Please borrow responsibly. SoFi Private Student loans are not a substitute for federal loans, grants, and work-study programs. We encourage you to evaluate all your federal student aid options before you consider any private loans, including ours. Read our FAQs.

Terms and Conditions Apply. SOFI RESERVES THE RIGHT TO MODIFY OR DISCONTINUE PRODUCTS AND BENEFITS AT ANY TIME WITHOUT NOTICE. SoFi Private Student loans are subject to program terms and restrictions, such as completion of a loan application and self-certification form, verification of application information, the student's at least half-time enrollment in a degree program at a SoFi-participating school, and, if applicable, a co-signer. In addition, borrowers must be U.S. citizens or other eligible status, be residing in the U.S., and must meet SoFi’s underwriting requirements, including verification of sufficient income to support your ability to repay. Minimum loan amount is $1,000. See SoFi.com/eligibility for more information. Lowest rates reserved for the most creditworthy borrowers. SoFi reserves the right to modify eligibility criteria at any time. This information is subject to change. This information is current as of 04/24/2024 and is subject to change. SoFi Private Student loans are originated by SoFi Bank, N.A. Member FDIC. NMLS #696891. (www.nmlsconsumeraccess.org).

Financial Tips & Strategies: The tips provided on this website are of a general nature and do not take into account your specific objectives, financial situation, and needs. You should always consider their appropriateness given your own circumstances.

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What to Do If You Are Waitlisted for College

Students want to see one word when they get letters from their prospective colleges: accepted. Unfortunately, that likely isn’t going to be the result every time. Some students will end up on the college waitlist, but that doesn’t mean they won’t be accepted eventually.

Being waitlisted is not the same as being rejected. There’s still a possibility of getting accepted and attending that dream school.

So what does it mean to be on a college waitlist? It means you’re still up for consideration based on how many spaces are left after decision day. Getting accepted from the waitlist depends on how many accepted students choose to attend the school.

Decision day is May 1, when incoming freshmen are required to notify schools whether they will be attending or not. If not enough students accept their invites for schools to meet enrollment numbers, then students on the waitlist will be reevaluated and potentially accepted.

There’s no guarantee that accepting a spot on the waitlist will lead to being admitted, but that doesn’t mean you should give up. There are still things you can do to boost your chances.

Key Points

•   Being waitlisted means there is still a chance of admission if spots open up after decision day, which is typically May 1st for colleges.

•   Students should accept their waitlist position and follow instructions from the college, including expressing continued interest through a letter.

•   Requesting an interview can help strengthen a student’s case for admission off the waitlist, allowing for a personal connection with the admissions team.

•   It’s advisable to secure a spot at a second-choice school while pursuing opportunities for admission from the waitlist to ensure college attendance.

•   Maintaining strong senior year grades is crucial, as they can impact waitlist decisions, and transferring to the dream school later is an option if necessary.

Waitlisted or Deferred?

In some cases, a student may receive a letter saying they’ve been deferred rather than being put on the waitlist. So what’s the difference? A deferral usually involves students who applied for early action or early decision. These applications are generally turned in during November of senior year.

If a student applies via early action or decision and they receive a deferral, that means they have not yet been accepted but their application has been changed to regular decision. The application will be reviewed again during the regular decision time frame.

A deferral is different from a waitlist, but students who have been deferred generally want to take the same actions as those who have been waitlisted to better their chances of admission.


💡 Quick Tip: You’ll make no payments on some private student loans for six months after graduation.

What to Do When You Get Waitlisted

Students who have been waitlisted but still want to attend the school must first do one thing: Accept their position on the waitlist.

If you neglect to contact the school and accept your position, you’ll be removed from the list and won’t be considered for admission if there are spots left after decision day.

Once you’ve accepted your spot on the waitlist, there are a few steps you can take that may better your chances of being accepted. Here’s a close look.

Contact Admissions

When you receive a letter informing you that you’ve been waitlisted, there might be some instructions included. First and foremost, it’s a good idea to follow them.

Next, it’s often recommended that students contact admissions with a letter to further stress their commitment to attending the school. The letter should detail why you want to attend that school and why you believe that school is the best fit for you. You might also want to ask that the letter be kept in your file along with your other application materials.

Request an Interview

Asking for an interview can be helpful in getting off the waitlist. Meeting with someone in person may make you more memorable when it comes time to accept applicants from the waitlist.

If you already did an interview, it’s okay to request another one after receiving a waitlist decision. A second interview provides the chance to reinforce your commitment to the school and add any recent accomplishments to the conversation. This can be a great time to bring up anything special you have achieved during the spring semester.

Reserve a Spot at Your Second Choice

Even though it can be discouraging, it’s highly recommended that students who’ve been waitlisted for their first-choice school put a deposit down for their next-best option. Putting a deposit down on another school isn’t giving up on your dream school; it’s just an important safety net to ensure you have somewhere to attend.

Some students may opt to take a “gap year” if they don’t make it into their school of choice. This choice is highly personal, though, and there isn’t a clear recommendation on how beneficial or harmful it is. Some students may find a gap year useful and productive, while others may find that it deters them from going back to school on time.

Anyone committed to attending college in the fall will likely find it a smart move to put a deposit down on their second- or even third-place school, and then continue working on getting accepted off the waitlist for their first choice.

Retake Tests

Students who did not score well on the SAT or ACT may want to consider retaking those tests if they’ve been waitlisted. Before you do that, however, it’s a good idea to contact the college to make sure it’s willing to accept additional application information. If the school will accept it, and you think you can get better scores, it could be helpful to go ahead and retake the tests.

Most colleges will accept scores from either test, but it’s best to check with each school to be sure. Both tests have a similar goal, testing for college readiness, but they vary slightly in timing and types of questions asked.

If you need to improve your test scores but have limited time or money, it may help to research the difference between the two tests and take the one you feel you can perform better on. Taking practice tests can also help you determine which test suits you better. Many students do take both tests, so that is an option as well.

Recommended: Do Your SAT Scores Really Matter for College?

Don’t Give Up

Make the end of senior year impressive. Don’t let that waitlist cause discouragement. If you truly want to make it off the waitlist, you’ll want to work even harder at the end of your senior year. Senior grades can still affect admissions, so keeping them high may help those who are on the waitlist.

If you still don’t get accepted to your dream school, it doesn’t mean you have to give up. Even if you’re not accepted from the waitlist, there are still a couple of options. You can accept admission from a different school and aim to transfer to your dream school after one to two years. This allows time to earn good grades, get the necessary credits, then transfer.

If your plan is to transfer schools, however, you’ll want to work closely with your counselor to make sure you’re taking the correct courses and carefully consider your choice of major, since not all credits will transfer to all schools.


💡 Quick Tip: Would-be borrowers will want to understand the different types of student loans that are available: private student loans, federal Direct Subsidized and Unsubsidized loans, Direct PLUS loans, and more.

Ready to Start. What’s Next?

Whether you make it off the waitlist and get into your dream school or choose to accept admission at your second choice, you’ll be faced with tuition. So how to cover the cost? Tuition, fees, books, food, plus all the other costs of living… it adds up quickly.

Luckily, there are resources available to help students finance their college education. The first step for most should be filling out the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA). The application will determine eligibility to receive federal aid. The eligibility for undergraduates to receive aid is most often based on their parents’ income. This process will inform students of how much federal aid they can receive, and what kind.

Federal aid can come in the form of grants, loans, and work-study. Grants don’t need to be repaid (unless you withdraw from school and owe a refund), but loans do. Federal loans come with some benefits that students won’t get with private student loans, including income-driven repayment plans and potentially lower interest rates.

Another option for funding the college experience is a private scholarship. There are a wide variety of scholarships available, with different eligibility requirements for each one. Some scholarships are need-based; some are merit-based.

If you can’t finance college completely with federal aid and scholarships, private student loans are also available. The eligibility for private student loans is usually based on the student’s (or cosigner’s) income and credit history. Rates and terms vary by lender, so it’s important for students to research their options before making a choice.

If you’ve exhausted all federal student aid options, no-fee private student loans from SoFi can help you pay for school. The online application process is easy, and you can see rates and terms in just minutes. Repayment plans are flexible, so you can find an option that works for your financial plan and budget.

Cover up to 100% of school-certified costs including tuition, books, supplies, room and board, and transportation with a private student loan from SoFi.



SoFi Loan Products
SoFi loans are originated by SoFi Bank, N.A., NMLS #696891 (Member FDIC). For additional product-specific legal and licensing information, see SoFi.com/legal. Equal Housing Lender.


SoFi Private Student Loans
Please borrow responsibly. SoFi Private Student loans are not a substitute for federal loans, grants, and work-study programs. We encourage you to evaluate all your federal student aid options before you consider any private loans, including ours. Read our FAQs.

Terms and Conditions Apply. SOFI RESERVES THE RIGHT TO MODIFY OR DISCONTINUE PRODUCTS AND BENEFITS AT ANY TIME WITHOUT NOTICE. SoFi Private Student loans are subject to program terms and restrictions, such as completion of a loan application and self-certification form, verification of application information, the student's at least half-time enrollment in a degree program at a SoFi-participating school, and, if applicable, a co-signer. In addition, borrowers must be U.S. citizens or other eligible status, be residing in the U.S., and must meet SoFi’s underwriting requirements, including verification of sufficient income to support your ability to repay. Minimum loan amount is $1,000. See SoFi.com/eligibility for more information. Lowest rates reserved for the most creditworthy borrowers. SoFi reserves the right to modify eligibility criteria at any time. This information is subject to change. This information is current as of 04/24/2024 and is subject to change. SoFi Private Student loans are originated by SoFi Bank, N.A. Member FDIC. NMLS #696891. (www.nmlsconsumeraccess.org).

Financial Tips & Strategies: The tips provided on this website are of a general nature and do not take into account your specific objectives, financial situation, and needs. You should always consider their appropriateness given your own circumstances.

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What To Do the Summer Before College

Congratulations, you’ve graduated from high school. Now, you’ve got just a few more weeks to soak up all that home has to offer before heading off to college.

The summer before college can be a transformative time in its own right. It’s a time to reflect, wrap up loose ends, and spend quality time with the people you love at the places you love one last time before heading off on your own.

At the same time, there are a number of tasks you’ll need to complete to make sure your transition to school goes as smoothly as possible. Here’s a simple checklist that can help ensure you make the most of your last summer before college.

Getting Organized

Now is the time to clear out the old so you can bring in the new. The bedroom is a good place to start.

Clear out your closet: Use the summer to clean out your closet and dresser and get rid of any clothing you may no longer need or want for college. Start by pulling every single item out and making a giant pile on the floor, separating the clothing into piles to keep, toss, and donate. Donating gently used items to a local charity or second-hand shop will help them find a second life.

Toss old academic work: Go through notebooks, binders, and bookbags, using the same sorting method as with clothing. Cleaning out your computer and deleting any files you no longer need — perhaps moving some to cloud storage — can allow you to enter college with a clean desktop and plenty of space on your hard drive.

Start packing: To make the moving process a little smoother, try organizing your items and packing slowly over the summer instead of cramming it all into one day. Creating boxes labeled as bedding, kitchen, bathroom, academic, and miscellaneous — maybe limiting the size of that particular box, though — then adding items as you’re organizing will make moving easier when the time comes.


💡 Quick Tip: Private student loans offer fixed or variable interest rates. So you can get a loan that fits your budget.

Cleaning up Your Social Media

Just like cleaning out your closet, it’s probably time to think about cleaning up your social media presence, too. You may have joined Facebook groups or liked pages that no longer reflect your interests or what you believe in.

On Twitter and Instagram, it may be a good idea to look back at your content to make sure what you’re sharing is appropriate for future employers to see. If not, you might want to consider deleting it.

Finally, think about your social media handles and your email address. If possible, it might be a good idea to use your full name or a combination of first initial and last name — something clean and simple. Potential employers will likely look at this information before hiring for summer internships or future jobs, so presenting yourself as a professional might pay off in the long run.

Recommended: College Freshman Checklist for the Upcoming School Year

Spending Quality Time With Your Family

Even though your parents may have sometimes embarrassed you through your high school years and your siblings may have annoyed you since you became siblings, you’ll probably still miss them when you head off to college. Use this time to make memories with your family so you have something fond to look back on if you’re ever homesick.

Over the summer, try creating family date nights. Play board games, cook together, go to your favorite restaurants, the movies, whatever makes you all happy. As a bonus, you’ll get to visit all your favorite hometown spots along the way, too.

Recommended: 5 Ways to Start Preparing For College

Connecting With Your New Roommate

If you’re living in a dorm in the fall, you likely already know who your roommate will be. You may want to use the few weeks before school begins to connect with them, via phone, text/email, Facetime, or, if possible, in-person.

Consider making a list of dorm room items that you can share, and try making a list of ground rules before you even move in. This could help alleviate any issues before they ever begin.

Recommended: A Guide to Making Friends in College

Preparing Your Dorm Essentials

After chatting with your roommate and figuring out what you both need, it’s time to make a full list of dorm essentials. This list should include bedding, toiletries that fit into a basket to carry to and from shared bathrooms, a pair of slippers to use in common areas (including shower areas), and office supplies like pens, paper, notebooks, labels, rubber bands, scissors, and sticky notes.

You’ll now be responsible for doing your own laundry, so make sure to add on a laundry basket and detergent. The list can also include decorations such as desk lamps, a bulletin board, and any fun decor that fits your style.

Becoming Familiar With Your College Town

You can get familiar with your new town even before you set foot in it by checking out local publications, including local news sites and your school’s newspaper. You might want to make a list of restaurants you want to try and local attractions you’d like to see.

You might also consider sharing the list with your new roommate so you can explore the town together.

Recommended: How to Get Involved on Campus in College

Registering for Classes

It could be prudent to check out class offerings before registration even opens. Familiarize yourself with the classes offered in your degree program, which ones are available to freshmen, and which electives you’d like to take. Make a list and have it handy for registration day.

Pro tip: Sign up for classes as soon as registration is open because popular classes may fill up fast.

Recommended: Understanding Lower Division Vs. Upper Division Courses

Checking out Your Professors Online

Once you’ve got your classes lined up, it’s time to check out your future professors. Doing a bit of online research on the people who will be teaching you could help identify any potential future mentors.

Getting to know professors can make asking for recommendations for internships and jobs easier. If they don’t know you well, it might be difficult for them to recommend you.


💡 Quick Tip: Even if you don’t think you qualify for financial aid, you should fill out the FAFSA form. Many schools require it for merit-based scholarships, too. You can submit it as early as Oct. 1.

Getting Your Finances in Order

It’s time for the most adult step of all. During the summer before college, it’s probably time to get your finances in order. If you don’t already have a checking account, it’s a good idea to open one, ideally at a bank that you can access easily while at school.

Now is also a good time to explore — and discuss with your family — how you will finance all four years of your college education. If savings, financial aid, and federal student loans are enough to fully cover the cost of your education, you might also consider using private student loans to fill in any gaps.

Private student loans are available through private lenders, including banks, credit unions, and online lenders. Rates and terms vary, depending on the lender. Unlike federal student loans, private student loans will require a credit check. Generally, borrowers (or cosigners) who have strong credit qualify for the lowest rates.

Keep in mind, though, that private loans may not offer the borrower protections — like income-based repayment plans and deferment or forbearance — that automatically come with federal student loans.

If you’ve exhausted all federal student aid options, no-fee private student loans from SoFi can help you pay for school. The online application process is easy, and you can see rates and terms in just minutes. Repayment plans are flexible, so you can find an option that works for your financial plan and budget.

Cover up to 100% of school-certified costs including tuition, books, supplies, room and board, and transportation with a private student loan from SoFi.



SoFi Loan Products
SoFi loans are originated by SoFi Bank, N.A., NMLS #696891 (Member FDIC). For additional product-specific legal and licensing information, see SoFi.com/legal. Equal Housing Lender.


SoFi Private Student Loans
Please borrow responsibly. SoFi Private Student loans are not a substitute for federal loans, grants, and work-study programs. We encourage you to evaluate all your federal student aid options before you consider any private loans, including ours. Read our FAQs.

Terms and Conditions Apply. SOFI RESERVES THE RIGHT TO MODIFY OR DISCONTINUE PRODUCTS AND BENEFITS AT ANY TIME WITHOUT NOTICE. SoFi Private Student loans are subject to program terms and restrictions, such as completion of a loan application and self-certification form, verification of application information, the student's at least half-time enrollment in a degree program at a SoFi-participating school, and, if applicable, a co-signer. In addition, borrowers must be U.S. citizens or other eligible status, be residing in the U.S., and must meet SoFi’s underwriting requirements, including verification of sufficient income to support your ability to repay. Minimum loan amount is $1,000. See SoFi.com/eligibility for more information. Lowest rates reserved for the most creditworthy borrowers. SoFi reserves the right to modify eligibility criteria at any time. This information is subject to change. This information is current as of 04/24/2024 and is subject to change. SoFi Private Student loans are originated by SoFi Bank, N.A. Member FDIC. NMLS #696891. (www.nmlsconsumeraccess.org).

Financial Tips & Strategies: The tips provided on this website are of a general nature and do not take into account your specific objectives, financial situation, and needs. You should always consider their appropriateness given your own circumstances.

Third-Party Brand Mentions: No brands, products, or companies mentioned are affiliated with SoFi, nor do they endorse or sponsor this article. Third-party trademarks referenced herein are property of their respective owners.

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How to Start the College Conversation

Graduating high school and attending college are milestone achievements for students and their families. Getting to this stage requires hard work, financial planning, and communication between parents and their children.

If you’re hoping that your child will go to college after high school, talking about college well before they get to senior year can better prepare them for success.

There is no one-size-fits-all approach to getting ready for college, and the same goes for college conversation starters. Here are some tips and strategies to consider as you prepare to have the college talk with your child.

When is it too Early to Talk about College?

Putting off the college talk is generally a greater concern than starting too early. While kids are young, you can begin planting seeds in everyday conversation about college and careers. Consider taking a gradual approach. This can give your child time and space to come forward with their own thoughts to create a college conversation rather than a college lecture.


💡 Quick Tip: You can fund your education with a low-rate, no-fee private student loan that covers all school-certified costs.

When is it too Late to Talk about College?

There isn’t a definitive best time to start talking about college, but waiting too long could put your child at a disadvantage.

Many college admissions offices evaluate every year of high school to calculate a student’s grade point average (GPA) and academic performance. While junior year can be given greater weight, a bad grade in algebra as a freshman doesn’t disappear either. For this reason, the transition from middle school to high school can be an opportune time to begin talking about college.

While the academic side is important to emphasize, an overly direct approach could potentially stifle the college talk. Starting early can help you build a better foundation to discuss the more difficult and stressful parts of preparing for college.

Do Your Own Homework on the College Process

As a parent or guardian, doing some initial research can inform you on the nuts and bolts of the college process and show your child that you are supportive of their education. It’s no surprise that college is expensive, but there are options to make college more affordable.

First off, you may want to gauge how much financial aid your family could qualify for with the government’s Federal Student Aid Estimator . This tool provides a free estimate of federal aid eligibility, including work-study, grants, and federal student loans.

There has been a growing call for waiving standardized tests for college admission, but most schools still require SAT or ACT scores for admission. Not every family is in the position to pay for tutors and prep classes, but it is worth noting that students can take these tests multiple times to improve their scores.

Through a process called “superscoring,” some colleges accept a student’s best section-level scores for math and evidence-based reading, even if they are from different test dates.

Some other useful tidbits to be aware of as you start the college conversation include:

•  College application fees: The cost varies by institution. The average application fee runs around $45, though some schools charge as much as $100 to apply. However, applicants could qualify for a waiver if they meet certain criteria for financial need.
•  In-state vs. out-of-state tuition cost: Each state has its own public university system that is partially funded by taxpayer money. Therefore, the base tuition cost for in-state residents is less than out-of-state students, though this does not account for potential scholarships and financial aid. Students attending out-of-state public universities typically pay more for tuition than in-state residents, though the cost may still be less than attending a private college.
•  Local scholarship opportunities: Community organizations, nonprofits, and businesses may offer scholarships specifically to graduates of your child’s high school or within your community. Criteria varies, but common elements might include academic merit, leadership, and financial need.

Now let’s move on to some helpful college conversation starters.

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Asking About Their Goals, Dreams, and Worries

Adolescence is a journey in self-discovery, but also insecurity and social pressure. In addition to your child’s future aspirations, acknowledge that they may have doubts and worries about attending college or moving away from home. Simply listening and showing your support is a good start to moving forward with the college talk.

On a lighter note, your child doesn’t need to have it all figured out by the time they decide to enroll in college. Some students do not declare a major until a few semesters into college. This means they can take a variety of classes before making a final decision for their degree.

Still, there are hundreds of college majors to consider, and not all colleges have the same offerings, so narrowing it down a little beforehand can help your child find a college that fits their needs and graduate on time.

Attending a local college with friends may be really important to your child, or they may be dead set on a specialized subject only offered at a handful of colleges. Either way, there is still plenty to discuss for their future plans.

Recommended: College vs University: What’s the Difference?

Attending College and Career Events Together

Many high schools host career and college fairs throughout the academic year. Often, these events are marketed towards juniors and seniors who are approaching application deadlines and graduation. If your student is a freshman or sophomore in high school, these fairs can provide a convenient opportunity to start browsing their options without the pressure of applying yet.

Having the confidence to speak with college admissions recruiters at these events is not only great practice, but can gain application fee waivers and insight into scholarships and other opportunities.

Similarly, colleges organize open house events and tours for prospective students and their families throughout the year. Starting with an unofficial tour of a nearby college campus can be a low-stakes introduction.

Incorporating college visits and tours into a family vacation is another way to test the waters of living and studying away from home.

Recommended: College Planning Guide for Parents of High School Students

Sharing Your Own Experiences

Sharing personal experiences from college can be a natural way to broach the subject, as well as connect with your child on a more peer-to-peer level.

Your child may be surprised to learn which friends you made in college that they’ve known since birth. There are a lot of practical and logistical topics to cover during the college conversation, so this is a chance to bond over more personal stories.

If you didn’t have the opportunity to attend college, that’s okay too. Letting your child know that college is a possibility for them is what matters.

Asking friends who attended college or whose children are in college for advice could offer some insight.

Also, inviting a trusted family member or friend to join the college talk with you and your child is another way to continue the conversation in a caring environment. If your child will be a first-generation college student, keep in mind that they may be eligible for specific types of programs and scholarships.

Letting Them Know Your Financial Plan

Your child may be more intuitive than you think. If you haven’t brought up the matter of paying for college yet, they may assume their education options are more limited than the reality.

Talking about money with your children may feel awkward, but college isn’t cheap, and paying for it is a critical piece of the equation for selecting a school that is right for them.

You don’t have to get too deep in the weeds, but discussing payment options can help put your child at ease. Fortunately, there are several ways to pay for college, such as scholarships, grants, and student loans.

Grants and scholarships generally do not require repayment and are used for education and associated expenses. Both can be awarded through financial aid packages or nonprofit and community organizations.

Additionally, scholarships can be awarded by colleges directly or through a competitive application process. Learning about these opportunities early on could better prepare your child for receiving scholarships and grants.

When approaching student loans, an important piece to convey to your child is the impact of interest. With an unsubsidized federal student loan, interest starts to accrue when the loan is disbursed, and continues accruing until the loan is paid back.

With subsidized federal student loans, the interest is covered by the government while the student is in school at least half time and through a six-month grace period after the student leaves school. With either type of federal loan, you don’t need to begin repayment until six months after graduation.

Generally, interest will also start accruing immediately with private student loans. However, the terms on private student loans vary by lender, so confirm with the loan servicer to be sure. Some private lenders also allow students to defer making any payments until six months after graduation.

Paying off loans ahead of schedule could result in a lower total repayment amount, but consult with your loan provider to be sure. For more information, take a look at this primer on student loans.

This can also be the time to have a candid conversation about getting a summer job and pitching in to save for college.


💡 Quick Tip: Federal student loans carry an origination or processing fee (1.057% for Direct Subsididized and Unsubsidized loans first disbursed from Oct. 1, 2020, through Oct. 1, 2024). The fee is subtracted from your loan amount, which is why the amount disbursed is less than the amount you borrowed. That said, some private student loan lenders don’t charge an origination fee.

Paying for College

Federal student loans, scholarships, grants, and work-study programs may be sufficient to fund all or at least a portion of your child’s education.

However, some students take out private student loans to pay for their education and associated living expenses, when federal aid and savings aren’t enough to cover the costs.

Alternatively, college parents can borrow loans to support their child’s education expenses. The federal government’s PLUS loans program for parents is one option to consider. Private lenders also offer parent student loans with potentially lower interest rates.

If you’ve exhausted all federal student aid options, no-fee private student loans from SoFi can help you pay for school. The online application process is easy, and you can see rates and terms in just minutes. Repayment plans are flexible, so you can find an option that works for your financial plan and budget.

Cover up to 100% of school-certified costs including tuition, books, supplies, room and board, and transportation with a private student loan from SoFi.



SoFi Loan Products
SoFi loans are originated by SoFi Bank, N.A., NMLS #696891 (Member FDIC). For additional product-specific legal and licensing information, see SoFi.com/legal. Equal Housing Lender.


SoFi Private Student Loans
Please borrow responsibly. SoFi Private Student loans are not a substitute for federal loans, grants, and work-study programs. We encourage you to evaluate all your federal student aid options before you consider any private loans, including ours. Read our FAQs.

Terms and Conditions Apply. SOFI RESERVES THE RIGHT TO MODIFY OR DISCONTINUE PRODUCTS AND BENEFITS AT ANY TIME WITHOUT NOTICE. SoFi Private Student loans are subject to program terms and restrictions, such as completion of a loan application and self-certification form, verification of application information, the student's at least half-time enrollment in a degree program at a SoFi-participating school, and, if applicable, a co-signer. In addition, borrowers must be U.S. citizens or other eligible status, be residing in the U.S., and must meet SoFi’s underwriting requirements, including verification of sufficient income to support your ability to repay. Minimum loan amount is $1,000. See SoFi.com/eligibility for more information. Lowest rates reserved for the most creditworthy borrowers. SoFi reserves the right to modify eligibility criteria at any time. This information is subject to change. This information is current as of 04/24/2024 and is subject to change. SoFi Private Student loans are originated by SoFi Bank, N.A. Member FDIC. NMLS #696891. (www.nmlsconsumeraccess.org).

Financial Tips & Strategies: The tips provided on this website are of a general nature and do not take into account your specific objectives, financial situation, and needs. You should always consider their appropriateness given your own circumstances.

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