<p>Although jrcsmom’s approach worked for her, I believe that there’s a less intensive and easier approach. </p>
<p>What parents don’t realize is that college planning starts when the child is born. If the parents put away a certain amount every year for their child, they could easily have one or two years worth of the university’s tuition or even COA. Parents should look into their state’s prepaid programs. Prepaid programs can easily cut the cost of tution down 50%. Another plus to this is: You’ve already paid for it! Therefore any funds your child receives when they go off to college is for housing, meal plan, etc. not their tuition. </p>
<p>Involvement and communication is key. Both the child and the parents need to be on t same page. You can’t have a kid messing around in their freshman and sophomore year when the parents are hoping for merit aid to lower the cost of college. The parents must communicate to their child what they can and cannot afford. They must explain their expectations to the child. The child just tell their parents what they’re capable of. </p>
<p>My situation was a lot like jrcsmom’s situation. My mom wasn’t as intensively involved as jrcsmom was, though. She observed from the side lines and really let me take the reigns. If I got a low grade, she’d tell me she saw it and would ask me what I’m going to do about it. She checked in periodically to make sure I was doing fine. If she felt that I was struggling, she’d intervene and then we’d change our plan accordingly. The college process doesn’t have to be stressful or hectic. As they say “Keep calm and carry on.”</p>
<p>I’m able to go to college without any debt. It feels great. I can’t wait until the first week of September to get that check. 
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Some schools charge every more than that. One of my past high schools charge $115 for AP exams. I was fortunate enough to be at a school that offered AP exams free of charge.</p>