College Road

It is never too soon to begin planning for college.

Many families mistakenly believe that the time to begin college preparations in earnest is during the freshman year of high school.  This mindset can produce unnecessary stress and anxiety for the household.

According to the CollegeBoard (www.collegeboard.com), during 2004 - 2005 the average cost at four-year public colleges was $5,132 (up 10.5 percent from last year) and at four-year private colleges $20,082 (up 6 percent from last year).  You can assume an average annual increase of 3 - 6 percent to average costs for future college expenses.

NCA’s role and goal is to partner with every family for their child’s successful future.  We have included here some resources to help you as you develop the roadmap for your child’s future.  Rigorous academics combined with proper financial planning will reduce the burden on your family.

NCA is also pleased to provide every student in grades 7 – 11 with access to the CollegeBoard’s online SAT prep course.  Students in grades 9 – 11 have already been given access to this valuable service, at no charge, which can be accessed 24 hours per day, 7 days per week from your home computer.  Please contact the office should you require additional information and/or to receive your access code.  We urge you to incorporate this tool into your child’s daily schedule.

Although the pages in this section target planning for students in grades 9 – 12, middle school students will also be benefited through their use.

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