The Pricey Expenses To Get To College
This time of year is when most seniors in high school are sending in college applications and filling out financial aid and scholarship forms. There so much excitement when doing these things that all seniors think about is sending everything off and getting a mailbox full of acceptance letters. Most of the time students do not think of the financial side of college.
Students often do not see the list of things their parents must pay out of pocket for them to start college. The first expense are the tests that decide what colleges students can at least think about attending – the SAT and the ACT. Parents must pay at least $45 for their child to register for the tests, unless the students registers late then they must pay a late fee that can reach up to $75 dollars. Although, some students can be lucky enough to receive a waiver from their counselor then the test is free, but only for the first time. So be sure you study hard before taking either test.
Most parents have to pay for application fees as well which can range from $20 to $75 dollars. Some students are able to get waivers to send their college application for free, but some colleges do not except waivers that are outside of their own school. This causes parents to pay, sometimes large amounts of money whether their child is accepted to those colleges or not.
Somethings do not have waivers for students such as their graduation supplies. Every senior that walks across the grand stage must do it in style wearing their cap and gown. The moment is priceless but not the attire. Parents must pay for cap and gown, invitations, senior portraits, and any other accessory that their senior may want for the big day. These fees can sometimes reach up to $300. With the way the economy is that can sometimes be a hassles for parents.
After the graduation students then begin to prepare to go to college. If they plan on living at home the price does go down but if they choose to live on campus or get an apartment the money can sometimes grow thin. The good part of this expense though, is that some financial aid and scholarships can help furnish the money for seniors to find a place to live or pay for dorm fees.
The most important thing to remember is that whether there are scholarships, financial aid and waivers, sometimes they cannot pay for certain necessities that come with preparing for college. The best thing to do is to try to start saving as early as possible and spend money wisely. Senior year is one of the most memorable time in a persons life and should be taken care of the best way.
