Give your child a career assignment. Request that he write down at least three career goals. Along with the career goals, request a career task. For example, the task could include searching the local classified ads for employment. This allows your child to visualize which employers are hiring in the field of his choice.
Research colleges and trade schools. Write down schools that are of interest to you and your child. Include pertinent information, such as cost of tuition, books and fees, location of the school, whether the college offers on-campus or off-campus housing, access to federal grants and scholarships and cost of application.
Compare colleges that meet your child's career goals. Begin to develop a plan for financial aid. One of the initial steps is completing the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA).
Create a checklist. Normally, college applications require a fee, an essay and other supporting documents such as letters of recommendations for admission. Write down all items that are needed. Once the checklist is completed, you can begin to check items off when you and your child have accomplished goals.
Visit your child's school guidance counselor. Guidance counselors are professionals in their field and are there to assist students and parents with college-planning needs.