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College and Careers

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Starting the college search can be an overwhelming task. Your school or public library might offer dedicated online information and databases that can help you and your teen explore where to go, how to get in and how to pay for it.

@ YOUR LIBRARY

  • Some libraries offer free classes taught by experts on finding the right college, scholarships and financial aid that parents and college-bound teens can attend together.
  • Check to see if your library offers free online SAT or ACT prep courses for your high schooler.
  • See how your library might be able to help your teen search for summer jobs or write a resume.

AT HOME & IN THE COMMUNITY

  • Learn about what skills are critical in the 21st century and ways your school library can help support your children in building the skills they need to succeed in career and life. Visit the American Association of School Librarians’ Learning4Life website. http://bit.ly/learning4life
  • Explore the list of Outstanding Books for the College Bound from the Young Adult Library Services Association. Books on this list provide an introduction to a variety of subjects, such as science and technology, literature and social sciences. Teens can use it to round out their reading as they prepare for college entrance exams. Find the list at www.ala.org/yalsa/booklists/obcb
How to Pay for College: Educational Tax Credits, Trusts and Other Financial Vehicles
Three women graduating

Educational Tax Credits

A variety of educational tax credits can also help parents pay for college. Although the parents will have to pay for college expenses first, there are three programs now that will reimburse some of the costs at tax time.

How to Pay for College: Budgeting 101
Graduation day (two women)

How Much Will College Cost?

Before you begin applying for financial aid, scholarships, grants, or any other kind of help to pay for college, you need to figure out two things:

1. How much will your college education cost?
2. What are your personal resources (money that you and your parents have) to pay for it?

Selecting the Best College for Your Child
College admissions panel brochures at Darien library,

“An investment in knowledge always pays the best interest.”  ~Author unknown, commonly attributed to Benjamin Franklin

If you have a high school senior or junior who is deciding on where to attend college, you know it is a complicated matter.  Finding the best fit is no easy thing to do. Not only will your son or daughter have a lot of conflicting feelings, so will you. Is the school too far, too big, too small, too challenging, or too expensive? Well, you get the idea.