A Parent's Guide: Planning for College

A senior already? What's next?

By following this simple guide, you can be sure to help your son or daughter make a successful transition from high school to college. Let's get started!

August - September

• Check out the options. Encourage your son or daughter to meet with their guidance counselor about their college options. Hawkeye offers more than 45 programs to help your son or daughter find the "right fit". Call the Admissions Office at 319-296-4000 or visit us online to schedule a visit.
• Get organized. Categorize each college's information in a file folder to aid your son or daughter in making their college decision.
• Be supportive. Choosing a college can be one of the most difficult decisions your son or daughter will have to make. Be supportive and help your son or daughter set goals and plan for the future.
• Start talking to your son or daughter about college costs. Agree on a budget for who's going to cover the expenses and where the money is going to come from.
• Encourage your son or daughter to meet with a Hawkeye admissions representative at his or her high school.
• Encourage your son or daughter to register for the ACT or COMPASS assessment. Contact Student Services at 319-296-4014 to schedule a time to take the COMPASS.

October - December

• Visit Hawkeye. Attend an Experience Hawkeye Visit Day. Register online or call 319-296-4000. Individual visits are also available.
• Stay up-to-date on the admissions process. Students can apply online.
• Find a home away from home. Check out housing options online.

January - March

• Visit Hawkeye. Attend an Experience Hawkeye Visit Day. Register online or call 319-296-4000. Individual visits are also available.
• Attend high school financial aid night, if available. If your high school does not offer one, contact the Hawkeye Financial Aid Office at 319-296-4020 for more information.
• Apply for financial aid. Submit your Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) after January 1.
• Encourage your son or daughter to apply for scholarships. They can fill out the application online. Remember the deadline is April 1. Don’t forget to look for other scholarships available for your son or daughter.

April - May

• Send final high school transcript to Hawkeye.
• Send official college transcripts. If your son or daughter took college-level classes during high school, they will need to have his or her previous colleges sent to receive possible college credit.
• If accepted, encourage your son or daughter to register for classes. They can contact their academic department to set up a time to register.
• Help your son or daughter finalize housing.

June - August

• Encourage your son or daughter to register for classes, if they haven’t already.
• Finalize financial aid, if needed.
• Buy textbooks.
• Attend an orientation session to learn about student services.
• Help your student move into their housing.
• Load their Hawkeye Card (student ID) with money so they can buy books and food on campus.