Encourage them to compare different student loan providers 

One of the most helpful things that teachers can do to help their students prepare for college is to encourage them to compare different loan providers. This is important because each provider offers something quite different, which means they could be a great choice for some students, but not the best for others. 

For example, Sallie Mae is an ideal choice for students who are going back to school. While Asent provide a combination of loans and learning support, including a bridging project where students can get paid for projects they complete. Then there are loan providers like SoFi that offer a bonus of £250 a term if you can maintain a GPA of 3.0 or higher. 

Tell them how to get extra help with the application process 

If you want to support your students on their journey to college, then making sure they understand what help is out there concerning the application process is vital. This is because the process of applying to colleges can be confusing, especially if the student has never had anyone in their family go through it before. 

Indeed, there are all sorts of things to navigate, including when to apply, writing applications and essays and even perfecting interview techniques. The good news is that if you give them the option of working with a college admissions consultant, all these tasks can become much easier. Working with this kind of specialist can also help maximise the students' chances of getting into their preferred college choice, so it can be well worth the investment. 

Support them in developing the academic skills they will need to thrive 

Another thing that a teacher can do to help students prepare for college is to focus on the academic skills that not only they will need to pass their class, but that they will require to succeed in college too. The thing is that sometimes these skills can look a bit different from each other, especially when it comes to navigating textbooks and making notes successfully. 

Indeed, giving your students practice with doing this in your class can stand them in excellent stead for college. Even with AI and all its note-taking and testing abilities, knowing how to be able to do this for themselves can give them the confidence to take on all the tasks that will come their way during their time at college. 

Talk to them about the value of looking around a campus before they start 

Not all students visit the campus they plan on attending before they apply. However, it can be a very beneficial process, as it will give them a true sense of what to expect from college life, as well as a feel for that particular institution. 

Sometimes it's a cost issue that holds students back, especially when they want to study at an institution far away from their home state. However, in such cases, there may be bursaries available for visits, or even virtual campus tours that can provide important information to help your student make the best decision for them. 

Remind them they can connect with potential fellow roommates & classmates on social media beforehand 

Last of all, while your students are unlikely to want too much social media advice from their teachers, there is one thing that you can remind them about. It allows them can connect with potential future roommates and classmates well before they have ever set foot in the hallowed halls of their college. 

This is because social media allows students hoping to attend the same college or in the same accommodation or courses to meet and chat online. Oftentimes, the college will facilitate this through their own systems, although there are usually things like WhatsApp and Facebook. 

The benefits of making some friends or at least some connections before they arrive are that it can make that first week so much easier, and help to lift the burden of loneliness that many new students feel.