Elaine Grant-Bryan - Contributed
Flair is pleased to present a new monthly series, Financial Freedom by Jamaican-born and Atlanta-based high school counsellor and realtor, Elaine Grant-Bryan.
Building financial freedom starts now. Develop a plan: What you do with what you have determines what you become.
Review and practise for the pre scholastic assessment test (PSAT and scholastic assessment test (SAT) exams, if you are applying to a university in the United States.
According to the college board, fee waivers are available from school counsellors for the PSAT and SAT exams. They are also available for the American College Testing (ACT) exam and for college application fees.
The college board offers free PSAT testing for all 10th graders.
Current juniors, who will be the graduating class of 2010, will be the first to have the option of 'Score Choice'. This will give these students control of which set of results are sent to the colleges from the testing date of their choice.
In the fourth form (US grade 11), the PSAT exam is vital in the selection of merit and achievement scholars. It is a good idea to take the test in grades nine and 10 for practice to enhance your chance for maximum score in grade 11, when the result will position students for merit scholarships.
SAT scores are the most frequently used for college admissions, followed by the ACT. These should be taken at least three times before grade 12.
Colleges are now requiring that SAT or ACT scores be sent directly from the college board. Students should therefore indicate the universities of interest, so that the official results will go directly from the testing board to the tertiary institutions.
Prepare a resume for your teacher or counsellor, and ask them to write a recommendation for the college or university.
Build your credit with one or two credit cards. Pay off balance monthly.
Credit cards - Avoid falling in the credit card trap while attending college. Avoid going in debt during your 20s and 30s, these years are for building a solid foundation.
Choose a school with good placement and career-planning programs that will enhance your chance of employment after graduation.
Meet with and get to know a financial planner to optimise financial freedom early in life.
- www.elainebryan.com.
