Middle School

Students To Do:  Think about college as an important part of your future. Discuss your thoughts and ideas with your family and with people at school.  Start saving for college if you haven't already.  Take challenging and interesting classes to prepare for high school.  Ask your parent or guardian to help you research which high schools or special programs will most benefit your interests.  Develop strong study habits.  Do your best in school and on standardized tests.  If you are having difficulty, don't give up—get help from a teacher, tutor, or mentor.  Become involved in school-or community-based activities that let you explore your interests and learn new things. think have interesting jobs. Ask them, " What do you like about your job? " and " What education did you need for your job? " To Explore:  Visit www.FederalStudentAid.ed.gov/early to find out why you should consider college now and how to pay for it. The Web site also is available in the form of a workbook called My Future, My Way: How to Go, How to Pay  Learn about a wide variety of careers at Parents To Do:  Use FAFSA4caster at www.fafsa4caster.ed.gov to find out how much federal student aid your child might receive. This information will help you plan ahead.  Continue saving for your child's college education. If you have not opened a savings account, you can find information about tax advantages and links to state plans at www.collegesavings.org.  Talk to your child about his or her interests and help match those interests with a college major and career.  Help your child develop good study habits such as studying at the same time and place everyday and having the necessary materials to complete assignments.  Stay in contact with your child's teachers and counselor so that they can let you know about any changes in your child's behavior or schoolwork.  Keep an eye on your child's grades on his or her tests and report cards, and help him or her find tutoring assistance, if necessary. o Helping Your Child Through Early Adolescence addresses issues that parents of 10-to 14-year-olds generally find most challenging.