Spring marks a busy time for high school seniors and their parents/guardians. Your child may know where they’re headed to reach their goals, but Arizona GEAR UP wants to help with important details before the new adventure begins. GEAR UP Coaches are available during the summer to help students and parents/guardians, too. Don’t know who to talk to? Check out the list of our GEAR UP Coaches working with each of our schools.
Summer Checklist
- Check admissions materials for any college-specific checklists.
- Make sure your child logs on to their college personalized website. Most colleges provide a website, named something like my.collegename.edu, where you can check financial aid status and other important deadlines. (Usernames and passwords were likely sent in the acceptance packet. Contact the admissions office if you can’t find login information.)
- Check financial aid status.
- If not finished, complete the FAFSA and apply for aid.
- Check your most recent award letter and personalized website to find out if they need anything else.
- Contact the financial aid office with any questions.
- Register for college orientation. Colleges often require this, and sessions are also often available for parents.
- Does your child need to take any placement tests? Colleges may require placement tests in math, reading, and writing, which may occur during orientation or online. If your child took dual enrollment classes in Math or English, they won’t need to test in that subject.
- Complete and send housing forms and deposits ASAP. Housing options are often limited.
- If your child owes money after financial aid and scholarship awards, find out when fees are due. Payment plans are available, and your GEAR UP coach can help with this. Also, find out how and when scholarships will be paid out.
- Check the college’s health insurance policy. Sometimes universities automatically enroll students unless they prove they have other health insurance and opt-out.
- Follow up with your child’s high school to send final transcript and the official graduation notice to the college your child will attend.
- Send immunization records to the college’s health services department.
- Help your child track down other resources that can help with student success and will battle homesickness.
- Library
- Student Union/Clubs
- Mental Health Services
- Tutoring
- Recreation Center
- Theater/Arts