<p>Colleges consider GPA and strength of secondary schedule as most important, so you are right to be concerned about grades. A lot of boys have similar problems. Could a tutor help? Could it be a problem of course selection? Also, consider how they are spending their time. Are they studying every night, involved in extracurricular activities, or just watching TV or playing video games?</p>
<p>Regarding financial aid, you can start to get an idea of what kind of aid you might get by going to fafsa4caster.ed.gov and filling it out. There are also some good books on the subject–I personally like Lynn O’Shaughnessy’s book “the college solution.” The formula will take into account that two will be in college at the same time. </p>
<p>Regarding college search and selection, sophomore year is not too early to start doing some exploring. It gives the kids an idea of big vs. small, etc. You can probably swing by one in your own town or stop by one during a spring break, for example. Good luck!</p>