Making Your Child’s College Dreams Come True

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You want your child to dream big — and be whatever she or he wants to be. That bright future ahead is exciting, but it can also feel pretty overwhelming. Will my kids be prepared for college? What about the tuition costs? Those are two of the heftiest worries that weigh on parents’ minds when it comes to higher education. Fortunately, though, you don’t have to go it alone. Metro Parent’s Making Your Child’s College Dreams Come True, sponsored by MESP, offers support and resources to set you and your child up for less stress and more success. Our college planning checklists have you covered from grade school to high school, and our tips for affording college detail the methods, the deadlines and, of course, the scholarships. Get top advice and school success tips for preparing your child academically for college life. Look in our preparing for college section for what you need to know when college is in sight. Get ready to be empowered — and help make your child’s dreams come true. And check back here often for even more college-prep content!

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School Success Tips

As students know, being prepared is essential to making the grade. The same goes for college planning. Our handy checklists break down the essentials at different grades, from honing study habits and exploring careers to standardized tests and application forms.

13 Tips to Help Elementary Students Combat Procrastination

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What Grades Do You Need to Get Into College in Michigan?

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How to Prepare for Senior Year of High School

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Tips to Help Prevent Your Child From Quitting

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How to Get the Most Out of High School Programs

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College Planning Checklists

As students know, being prepared is essential to making the grade. The same goes for college planning. Our handy checklists break down the essentials at different grades, from honing study habits and exploring careers to standardized tests and application forms.

Middle School College Planning Checklist

Planning for college is easier the earlier you start. Discover some core ways to help your middle-school tween prepare for higher education.

Choosing a College Checklist for Students and Parents

Whether it's in-Michigan or out-of-state, the tuition or the type of school and campus, the decisions are complex. This choosing a college checklist can help.

Applying for College Checklist for Students and Parents

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Preparing for College Checklist for Students and Parents

During all four years of high school, there are ways for students to get ready for the next steps. Use this preparing for college checklist to help.

High School Freshman College Planning Checklist

A new adventure is kicking off, but it's also prime time to start thinking about the next step.

Affording College

It’s never too early to start saving for college. That said, whatever your child’s age, there are many ways to fund and defray tuition. Discover the ins and outs of 529 savings plans, like MESP, along with scholarships, financial aid, grants and more.

One Easy Way to Reduce the Cost of College

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How Much Does College Cost in Michigan in 2023?

The cost of college has been rising steadily over the past few decades, and Michigan is no exception. According to the Education Data Initiative,...

What Is the Cost of College?

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Best Value Colleges in Michigan

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The Problem With Full-Ride Scholarships for College

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Preparing for College

What can parents and students do to prepare themselves for the college years? A lot! Get tips from college students and experts on gap years, choosing the right college, increasing your chances of a success and much more.

What’s the Best Major for Getting to a Great Career?

Our world is changing constantly, thanks to the rapid pace of innovation. Technology impacts everything from the way we order lunch to the way...

8 Habits of Successful Students

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How to Get Ready for the Digital SAT

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5 Most Regretted College Majors

A ZipRecruiter surveyed 5,000 college grads and found their most regretted college majors. Here's what you should know if your kid is considering one of these fields.

Using AI for College Applications? What Your Kid Needs to Know

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Find the Right College Fit for Your Child

The University of Michigan executive director Ted Spencer, who's also served as dean of admissions, offers five insights to students looking for the right path in higher education.

Kid Going Away to College? Here’s How to Cope

Parents might not know how to handle this transition in their child's life. Here's how to get through the big change.

What is a Private College?

We break down the basics of this higher education option, address the cost of private college and highlight private school benefits.

MESP, managed by TIAA-CREF Tuition Financing Inc. on behalf of the Michigan Department of Treasury, is one of three Michigan Section 529 plans sold directly to families who are saving for college. MESP offers Michigan taxpayers a state income tax deduction on contributions and potential tax-free growth on earnings if account proceeds are used to pay for qualified higher education expenses. MESP can be used at any eligible college, university or trade school in the nation and some abroad for a variety of costs, including tuition, fees, certain room and board costs, books, supplies and equipment required for enrollment. Get more information about helping your child or grandchild afford their college dream with an MESP college savings account.