You don’t have to know
the system to get started.
A plain-language starting point for families navigating U.S. school and college planning for the first time.
You do not need to know all the terminology to advocate for your child. Bring one question, a recent assignment or a school report to your next conversation. “First-generation college student” has different definitions across institutions; being an immigrant does not automatically determine eligibility for a college program.
One step at a time.
Start with your school counselor
Ask about graduation requirements, the course catalog, available support, and how your school handles college planning. School and district rules differ.
Make sense of grades and courses
A credit records completed coursework. GPA summarizes grades using the school’s rules. Weighted GPA can give additional weight to certain classes. Ask how your school calculates and reports each.
Choose a manageable course plan
Look at prerequisites, current understanding, interests and time outside school. Discuss honors, AP and dual enrollment with the school; college credit policies vary by institution.
Understand the tests
SAT and ACT are college admissions assessments. PSAT assessments can help identify skills to work on. School-administered tests and weekend registrations follow different processes.
Explore colleges and careers
Begin with interests, likely costs, location, support needs and the learning environment. Build a balanced list and read requirements directly on each college’s site.
Prepare authentic applications
Track deadlines, request recommendations early, and develop essays in the student’s own voice. Guidance should help students express their experiences accurately.
Find financial-aid information
Read official StudentAid.gov and college financial-aid pages. Eligibility, forms and institutional deadlines vary. Ask the college’s financial-aid office when a rule is unclear.
Take these questions to your next school meeting.
What should I ask about classes?
Which courses are required for graduation? What are the prerequisites for next year? Where does my student need support? How will course choices affect the pathways they are considering?
What should I ask about college planning?
When should we start a college list? Who helps with recommendations and transcripts? Where can we find accurate admissions and aid deadlines? Are there first-generation student resources?
What if my student needs extra learning support?
Ask your school which services and accommodations may be available and how to request a meeting. Describe the difficulty you are seeing and ask what evidence or documentation would help.