u/Tough-Plate-2324

My kid just started 9th grade and I already feel like I'm behind. Half the parents I talk to are mapping out summer programs and course selections. The other half are telling me to relax, that 9th grade is way too early to be thinking about college. I genuinely have no idea who's right.

Some nights I'm up at midnight reading about course planning for selective schools. The next day I tell myself I'm being ridiculous and my teen should just enjoy being 14.

So I want to ask the parents here, when did you actually start the college conversation with your teen? Did you sit down and talk strategy or did you let things unfold naturally? And for those of you whose kids are now older, what do you wish you had started doing freshman year?

I’ve been trying to understand college costs and financial aid, and it feels like there is so much information everywhere.

Some people say scholarships are something to think about later. Others say students should start building their profile early because the stronger applications take time.

For parents who have gone through this already, when did you start seriously looking into scholarships or merit aid? Was it sophomore year, junior year, or only once college lists were finalized?

Also, did your teen do anything in high school that helped with scholarship applications later?