Managing Expectations

11th grade PSAT is very important, since it is the qualifier for National Merit, which can cause lots of colleges to offer her good scholarships: http://nmfscholarships.yolasite.com/

As the parent, you need to evaluate your finances to figure out what you can contribute for her college costs and run some net price calculators (not just on the super-selective schools, most of which have super-good financial aid, but also on less selective schools, such as in-state public universities) to get an idea of what is realistic financially. And be sure to tell her about what is realistic financially before fall of 12th grade when she makes her application list – you do not want to have the huge letdown in April of her getting into a bunch of highly desired schools which are all too expensive.

Make sure to impress upon her that the most important school on her application list is a safety that she is assured of admission, assured of affordability, and which she likes.