Seems like yesterday we were posting on the board about strollers and potty training.

My three are off to college in the fall, one is living at home and two at on campus (they are the identical pair) sharing a room. No, we didn't plan it that way It just seemed like a good idea after I recalled some of the very strange roomies from my college years.

For those of you nearing this transitional point, I would highly recommend the following:

File the FAFSA (it's free) even if you thing you do not qualify. Your family now has three in college at once (more if you or your spouse or other sibs are in college) and this will help you qualify for financial aid.

The government kicked in a grand total of $29,000 for my three alone for one year. Between this and scholarships only one still has to pay for board.

Check out your state schools. They have the best tuition deals by far.

Begin NOW to prepare your children for the ACT/SAT. These scores are weighted very heavily even more so than GPA when it comes to scholarship money. In order to score well, they must excell in both reading/writing and math. Get the tutoring/help now in weak areas.

Get their state ID and driver's license before college. Open a checking account.

Prepare yourself, your children are now legally adults. You will not be able to view their grades or their bill without their permission.

Talk to them (again) about underage drinking and drug use because it is going to be out there. Every other session we attended at orientation was about this topic.

Continue to use this board for support There are other parents who have already "been there, done that"

Tami

mom to ggg18 and g 14