College Planning Starting. . .

When should a student start planning for college is a question many families ask, and it's only natural to wonder when the higher education landscape has become different and distant from 15 ~ 20 years ago.

The answer to the question is - - anytime, and how?

One way to justify timing depends on the student's unique situation and family support. These two variables dictate most college planning from the beginning and other secondary factors until the very end when the Statement of Intent is in place. The student's unique situation has to do with their level of maturity and academic performance. When little Mary, an 8th grader, immerses herself in Dead by Daylight with her 20-year-old sister, who's in college majoring in math, Mary continues to learn the relationship between math and data analysis in game development. As an 8th grader, the student is trying to explore the architecture for gaming interaction and experience. While her content knowledge of a survivor video game is building, her academic performance accelerates, especially in the core courses.

Is now the right time for little Mary to start planning for college? Yes, but only if her family is fully supportive and engaged "in the right places" during the process.

The family's role in college planning is significant, accounting for a quarter of the process. Emotional and financial support from parents/guardians is crucial. The division of this support between the two types varies from family to family. Emotional support is always present, but the financial situation for little Mary's family has always been a challenge, especially with an older sibling in college with a relatively low SAI, which barely covers the COA each school year, leaving a big chunk of indirect costs for her education unanswered.

Is now the right time for little Mary's college planning? Yes, it is even when the family is struggling financially. Remember, with the right planning and resources, financial struggles can be managed. Now that we have established the timing for the student, we need to address the next question, which is how an 8th grader can proceed to college planning. For your information, the following points are referenced through the College Board (2025).

• Develop your speaking and writing skills (to articulate a subject, for example)

• Develop your reading skills (to synthesized and increase vocabulary inventory through reading comps)

• Find your hobbies in different areas

• Involve in community service and offer pro bono help to those who need the most

• Do all of the above & ask relevant questions - - i.e. what is it like to be a 9th grader; can I take at least one AP class in 9th grade, what's the difference between behavioral sciences and cognitive sciences, etc.

  
  

Careful, strategic planning for your student's college comes with a cost, whether financial or emotional. Even though it is not tailored, a general guideline (College Board, 2025) is helpful and a start to explore. We welcome your questions and concerns. Until then, we wish you the best of luck with your college planning!!

sydney@cspcollegematch.com