A Hawkeye Parent's Guide to Planning for College

By following our simple guide, you can be sure to help your son or daughter make a successful transition from high school to college.

August - September

• Check out the options: Encourage your child to meet with their guidance counselor about their college options. Hawkeye offers more than 45 programs to help your child find the “right fit”.

• Get organized: Categorize each college’s information in a file folder to aid your child in making their college decision.

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

• Start talking to your child about college costs: Agree on a budget for who is going to cover the expenses and where the money is going to come from.

• Encourage your child to meet with a Hawkeye admissions representative at his or her high school.

• Encourage your child to register for the ACT or COMPASS assessment.

October – December

• Visit Hawkeye. Attend an Experience Hawkeye Visit Day or sign-up for an individual visit.

• Stay up-to-date on the admissions process. Students can apply online.

• Find a home away from home. Check out the housing options.

January – March

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

• Apply for financial aid. Submit the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) after January 1.

• Encourage your child to apply for scholarships. The deadline to apply for Hawkeye scholarships is March 1.

April – May

• Send final high school transcript to Admissions.

• If your child took college-level classes during high school send an official college transcript to receive possible college credit.

• If accepted, encourage your child to check his or her Hawkeye email to sign up for a MORE session to register for classes.

• Help your child finalize housing.

June – August

• Finalize financial aid, if needed.

• Buy textbooks.

• Encourage your child to check his or her Hawkeye email to sign up for a MORE session to register for classes.

• Help your child move into their housing.