How to Pay for College 2024-2025

HIGH SCHOOL CHECKLISTS

Freshman Year _______ Meet your high school counselor to ensure your course schedule is college-prep ready. _______ Get involved in school and community activities. Keep a list of your awards, honors, activities, volunteer work, and paid work. _______ Study hard and maintain good grades —they matter for scholarships. _______ Start thinking about what you want in a college. Research colleges that interest you. _______ Discuss college savings plans with your family. _______ Learn about tax benefits for education savings (search “Publication 970” at irs.gov). _______ Review college costs to get an idea of tuition, fees, and housing expenses. Courses a student takes in their freshman year may set the stage for the remainder of their high school career. Arkansas scholarships may require students to take Smart Core, which is college and career-ready curriculum for all Arkansas public high schools.

Pursuant to Act 237 of 2023, AR LEARNS, all students who are set to graduate in the academic year 2026-2027 or beyond, are required to complete a minimum of seventy-five (75) clock hours of documented community service prior to graduation. (Memo COM-24-021)

Photo Courtesy of University of Arkansas at Rich Mountain

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