Don't wait until your child is a senior in high school to start thinking about and discussing college choices. A solid high school academic program all four years is the foundation for success in college, and parents play an important role in helping their child succeed. Step by step, you can help your child make informed decisions about his or her education, do well academically, learn about colleges, and find the best possible opportunities for a college education. Following is a checklist that is designed to help you and your child, throughout the senior year, progress toward preparing for post secondary options — both academically and financially. The list speaks directly to your child, although he or she may need your help.

Parents of Freshman Students

• Work with your son or daughter to develop a plan for going to college.
• Discuss what types of institutions your child would like to attend.
• Assist your child in researching college literature and Web sites to determine admission requirements.
• Review your child's high school course schedule each term to ensure that they are enrolled in appropriate classes that will meet admission requirements.
• Help your child start thinking about how his or her interests match certain careers. For instance, a student who is interested in becoming a doctor should take science classes.
• Start researching the costs of college and saving money.

Parents of Sophomore Students

• Help your child remain focused on the long-term goal of attending college and maintaining good study habits.
• Review PSAT results with your child to determine areas of strengths/and improvements.
• Keep the lines of communication open to understand challenges or peer-pressure your child might be facing.
• Talk with your child's high school teachers and counselor to see if they have insights into how your child might improve academically.
• Encourage your child to take Advanced Placement (AP) courses in the junior year.
• Access the school website for guidance information, details about parent nights and programs and opportunities.
• Encourage your child to stay involved in school and community-based extra curricular activities
• Continue to explore potential colleges and their admission requirements with your child.
• Monitor your child's progress toward earning the Millennium Scholarship--http://nevada treasurer.gov/millennium/
• Discuss the pros and cons of living close to home and moving out-of-state.
• Contribute to a college savings plan.
• Encourage your child to explore career opportunities utilizing the Nevada Career Information System (NCIS).
• Match college offerings to career options.
• Visit college campuses either locally or in towns where you're vacationing.
• Watch for and attend public events held at WNC or other local universities to familiarize yourself with the college.

Parents of Junior Students

• All the tasks you did when your son or daughter was a sophomore PLUS:
• Start narrowing down the college choices by discussing pros and cons of different institutions. Consider your child's personality and strengths in relation to costs, distance from home, academic and personal support available, housing and transportation, programs available and student employment availability.
• Study the admission and financial requirements of these institutions. If you don't understand something, contact the institution for clarification.
• Make sure your child has taken the classes that are required for admission.
• Schedule college visits and tours of your favorite schools.
• Check the recruitment and events calendar at the college and participate in as many as possible.

Parents of Senior Students

• Work with your college bound student to ensure that he/she is participating in all college activities and completes the Steps to Success
• Make sure that your student is in contact with their high school guidance counselor.
• Talk to your student to make sure that they are following the Senior timeline.
• Talk to your student about the responsibilities of school, work and home life.
• Be supportive!Your student will need to start taking responsibilities for his/her decisions.
• Remember that once a student becomes enrolled at WNC the student now falls under the FERPA act and is now solely responsible for their records.