Preparing for the College Journey: Advice for Students & Parents from Local Experts

It’s that exciting yet nerve-wracking time of year—high school juniors and seniors are diving headfirst into their search for the perfect college. With endless options and emotions running high, it’s no wonder this process can feel overwhelming. To make things a little easier, we connected with local college experts and asked them two critical questions. Their insights might just help students and families make smarter, more confident decisions!

Read on for the insights we gathered from Scott Thum, Director of Student Financial Services at Indiana Tech, Kathryn Snyder, Assistant Director of Loans at Purdue Fort Wayne, Kenan Habibic, Directors of Community Engagement at Ivy Tech Fort Wayne, and Christy Tollett, Senior Program Administrator at Purdue Polytechnic in Richmond.

What’s a Question You Wish Students Would Ask Earlier?

Asking the right questions early on can save students a lot of stress later. Here are some key questions our resources recommend asking:

• What does school cost before and after financial aid? Understanding the total cost of attendance—tuition, housing, meal plans, and more—is crucial.
• What federal aid options do I have? Knowing the type of aid available and how it works can make a significant financial difference.
• What are the interest rates on federal loans vs. private loans? Compare carefully! Federal loans often offer lower rates and more flexibility.
  —Which loan is better for me? Talking to your financial aid office can help you decide.
  —Have I accepted or declined my federal offers? This decision can directly impact your eligibility for private loans.
• Am I asking for help when I need it? Waiting too long to seek guidance often makes challenges harder to solve. Don’t hesitate—financial aid offices are there to help!
• Dual Credit in High School: Many students are taking dual-credit courses while in high school, which is wonderful!  One thing I like for students to investigate earlier, is if any of the dual-credit courses will apply toward their intended program of study/degree requirements at the institution they desire to attend.

What Should Students Be Aware of Before Starting College?

College is an exciting milestone, but there are a few things students (and parents) should keep in mind:

• Unexpected living expenses. Moving out for the first time can be an eye-opener. Costs like housing and meal plans, whether on or off campus, can add up fast. While off-campus living may seem cheaper, expenses like rent, groceries, utilities, and transportation often make it more expensive or equivalent in the long run.
• Understand the cost of attendance. Learn how it’s calculated and distinguish between:
  —Direct costs like tuition and fees.
  —Indirect costs like books and personal expenses.
• Visit your financial aid office. They can help you break down living and educational expenses and figure out whether additional funding is necessary.
• Federal Loans vs Private loans. Understand the benefits of federal loans, such as lower interest rates and repayment options, compared to private loans.
• Scholarships first! Don’t overlook scholarships. Talk to your school or check their website for opportunities.  Or come talk with the Youth & College Support Team. They will help you look for scholarships or point you in the right direction or how to start.
• Transferring Schools: It’s important for students to have knowledge of the process regarding transferring coursework from one institution to another. It’s a two-part process. One: will the credit(s) transfer into an institution, and two: will the credits then apply to the intended program of study/degree requirements in the major they hope to study at that institution?

Resources for Success

Finally, don’t forget about the wealth of resources available to help you thrive in college: tutoring centers, academic advisors, and disability support services are all there to make your journey smoother. All you have to do is ask!

Starting college can feel like a leap into the unknown, but with the right questions and a little support, you’ll land on solid ground. Take advantage of the resources at your fingertips, and don’t hesitate to seek guidance when you need it. College is a journey worth preparing for—so go forth with confidence!

Don’t forget, our Youth & College Support Team is here to support you and help you make these connections. Get in touch at college@trfcu.org today!

Special thanks to our local experts who helped contribute to this article:

• Scott Thum: Director of Student Financial Services at Indiana Tech
• Kathryn Snyder: Assistant Director – Loans at Purdue Fort Wayne
• Kenan Habibic: Directors of Community Engagement at Ivy Tech Fort Wayne
• Christy Tollett: Senior Program Administrator at Purdue Polytechnic in Richmond