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

I concur with everything Tami has said. My triplet daughters will be sophomores in college. We did everything that Tami mentioned. She's giving you GREAT ADVICE. Two other things that I think the colleges like to see is: consistency in extra-curricular activities ( colleges do not care if your child is in 12 different activities, they rather see a few that were done with consistency). Also, the colleges like to see that your child has performed community service hours(unpaid, volunteer hours). One of my daughters was given a hefty scholarship because of all her community service while in high school that she has continued with in college.

bamtriplets

Tami-
What was the government kick in for? Just wondering if this something we can qualify for.
Thanks,
Tammy

Federal Student Aid for college like the Pell Grant, MAP Grant, SEOG Grant, Teacher Grant, Perkins Loans etc..

Thanks for the useful tips, especially about SAT being more important than GPA. My girls have it in their heads that they have to take all AP courses for their 11th and 12th grades.

I have 16 yr old ggg and they will be getting their licenses over the next month. Did you find any inexpensive auto insurance rates, the rates I've been qouted so far are high???
Thanks

I would not say that SAT's are definitely more important than GPA. It depends on the college.However there are some scholarships avaiable to kids with very high SAT scores. AP courses are important but don't over load on too many. The colleges like to see well-rounded kids.I have three 19 year old ggg. They were all given scholarship money to three different colleges based on their academic record- GPA, AP courses, SAT scores, community service and extracurricular activities.

As for inexpensive car insurance: Unforunately, teenagers will not have inexpensive insurance. Some companies give a reduced rate for teenagers with good grades, but the insurance is still going to be high until they turn 25.

Take care,
bamtriplets

Our boys are starting their sophomore year at college also. We found that the PSAT was the most important because that determines national merit scholarships and gets free tuition offers. All my boys were at different levels but we wanted them all to have the same experience of going away to school. Don't forget houses of worship when looking for assistance either

We have three that just started their freshman year at High School. Where do we begin? We want to be prepared ahead of time. We do'nt have much saved since my wife did'nt work for a few years. I KNOW she worked hard at home. I was the lucky one I got to go to work. She's an angel. I urge good grades and to be active. When do I start the college process? Should I start with a tutor? How about a college advisor? I know I sound nervous but it's going to be a big thing for us.

I'm a triplet and a we are Sophomores in college. I think the best thing my parents did for us was encourage to get good grades and take as many classes as we could for college credit. The only reason you'd really need a tutor is if they are struggling in school already, but try taking advantage of their schools' programs, I'm sure they probably have something like that set up.

Yes, a college advisor through your high school is a great idea.

Focus on grades..especially in the freshman year so they don't spend the remainder of high school trying to fix their GPA.

Don't forget volunteer work, maybe a sport or the arts, our a club.

I'm guessing that if you were not able to save much that your family might qualify for federal/state aid.

The biggest piece of advice is to remember you have THREE attending at one time and the government will smile kindly upon your family. File your FAFSA Jan first of the year they will enter college in the fall.

Attend a state school.

Search for scholarships and apply early. We were awarded $9,000 in scholarships from a foundation in Texas at the last minute.

Two of mine got full rides and one had to borrow a small amount for room/board.

I would strongly advise not borrowing for your children if at all possible. You need to save for retirement.

All my girls are at different levels also. We just found out PSAT scores. How do you find out if they qualify for national merit scholarships.

Through your school counselor. I would think you would be notified if they qualify.

Thanks for the advice. It appears that the older the car, the less the insurance, guess what, they get the ancient car.

Car/insurance?? Yikes, you need that money for tuition and board...have them go Amtrack

Are your three in different colleges in different states?

No they attend schools in state. We received almost $20,000 in state aid...not turning that down. "Honey, you can do grad school in California but for now you're stuck in Illinois."

I suppose if an out of state school offered a full ride (including BOARD) we would have considered it. But everything has been drastically cut in terms of what colleges are giving away.

Reading through these posts, I'm guessing that we are dealing with a few different financial backgrounds.

This is not a bad thing. It gives people many different perspectives which is what is great about this board. Please know that I am not trying to be critical or snarky.

To clarify, I'm writing from the perspective of a single mom making less than $45,000 a year. We went where they gave the most aid/scholarships because we simply could not afford any other way. The poster above stated they had only a small amount saved for college.

My kids will not be attending school out of state or in Europe unless they get a FULL ride. Nor will they be driving to and from school any time soon, Heck, I can barely afford my own insurance and they sure can't. With a 20 hour course load this leaves little time to work a job.

I guess my point is that college for three can be done but you might have to be open to a situation that is less than "ideal" to make it work. If a family has the means for a more ideal situation I say "you are surely blessed...go for it."

Good luck to you all in this next stage of triplet parenting
Tami

Could you please share how you accumulated $20k. We live in TX, my ggg are juniors this year, but 2 of them are thinking about graduating early, next December. Thanks!

Student one two and three: Federal Student Aid including Pell grant, Academic Competitiveness Grant, Map Grant $9,450 each (from FAFSA)

Student one, two and three: Charley Wooten Scholarship (based in Texas)

$10, 000 total for the three divided in different ways

Student One also had a 3.7 average and accumulated $3,000 in smaller outside scholarships

She also received a $4,000 renewable music scholarship thru the university

Student two received a $10,500 renewable award thru her college. She lives at home. And a smaller music scholarship for $2,000

Student three had to borrow a small amount for roam and board but is aiming for a scholarship for next fall (music).

All three had $2,000 saved in bonds which helped with books and incidentals.

Another tip..... buy you textbooks on Half.com save over fifty percent.

Tami

Am I correct, do you have 3 musicians! Thanks for the tip about half.com, I understand that textbooks have increased even moreso than tuition.