PARTNERING WITH YOUR STUDENT
THE ROLE YOU PLAY
This page gives you clear information on how you can support your student with timely tips, thoughtful conversations and practical steps as they explore their college options.
View our checklist for ways you can support your student from 8th grade through senior year, find additional resources you can share with your student, and explore the most common questions from families navigating the college search process.
PRACTICAL SUPPORT FOR YOUR STUDENT
HOW CAN I HELP?
This section covers the four biggest ways you can provide guidance and assistance to your student. Your role is especially important in taking the lead on discussions about cost and in guiding preparation for campus visits. You can also assist your student by helping maintain their brag sheet throughout high school.
Maintain a Brag Sheet
Encourage your student to create and maintain their brag sheet – a running list of activities, achievements and experiences throughout high school. You can support them by asking reflective questions and reminding them to update it regularly so they have an ongoing record for building a résumé and completing college applications.
- What’s something you’re proud of this semester?
- What’s something you learned or improved this year?
- Is there a class or program you want to explore next year?
Talk About College Costs Early
Having early conversations about college costs helps families set realistic expectations before senior year. Understanding your budget, using net price calculators and knowing key financial aid timelines can help inform your student’s college decisions. FAFSA opens October 1 of senior year, so be prepared to file as soon as possible after it opens.
Make the Most of Campus Visits
Campus visits help students picture themselves at a college, and families play an important role in that process. Attend the visit together, participate in parent programming and encourage your student to ask the questions that matter most to them. Learn more and schedule a visit on our Visit Campus page.
Let Your Student Lead
The college application process belongs to your student. Support them by discussing options, helping track deadlines, and serving as a source of guidance while allowing them to complete applications and make decisions themselves. Giving students ownership of the process helps build confidence and independence.
UA offers a full student roadmap to guide them throughout high school. In addition, below is a condensed version highlighting the areas where parent and family support is especially critical.
Lay the groundwork
- Have a first conversation about college costs and financial aid basics.
- Take note of your student’s interests and strengths.
Plant seeds
- Encourage your student to start a brag sheet — a running list of activities and achievements. Remind them, it’s just a list for now, but it becomes a résumé later.
- Without steering, ask questions about their goals and interests.
- Introduce budget expectations early. Students make better decisions when they know the parameters.
- Look into UA’s Early College program as a potential cost-saving option.
Start researching together
- Explore college costs together using net price calculators.
- Introduce the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA): what it is, when it opens and what you’ll need.
- Plan your first campus visit. Let your student drive the decision by asking them which colleges they are most interested in.
- Discuss AP or Dual Enrollment registration if relevant.
Prepare for decisions
- Visit UA and other top schools. Participate in sessions for parents and families, if offered.
- Encourage your student to register for the ACT or SAT and make time for test preparation.
- Help your student turn their brag sheet into a polished résumé.
- Compare the cost of attendance across your student’s top schools using net price calculators.
- Connect with your UA admissions advisor.
Support final steps
- File the FAFSA as soon as possible after it opens in early October.
- Help track deadlines and financial aid award letters. Let your student handle the submissions.
- Compare financial aid award letters carefully with your students. Pay attention to the differences between grants, scholarships, loans and work-study opportunities.
- Celebrate your student’s work!
FUTURE BAMA RESOURCES
EXPLORE WITH YOUR STUDENT
Each Future Bama page is designed for students but includes guidance specifically for you. You can jump to the page that best matches where your student is in their college exploration journey.
This is the hub for prospective students preparing for college. It helps students understand how the resources UA offers work together to find the right college, make the most of their time in high school and plan ahead for affording college.
The full high school timeline, grade by grade. See exactly what your student should be doing and when, so you can offer guidance.
This page helps your student define what the right fit in a college looks like for them. Work alongside them while helping them make a confident college decision.
Scholarships, FAFSA, net price and financial aid explained clearly. The earlier you understand the numbers, the better decisions your family can make together.
PARENT FAQ
WHAT PARENTS AND FAMILIES ASK MOST
Answers to top questions you have about how The University of Alabama meets the needs of your student. Your admissions advisor is available to help answer specific questions throughout your student’s college journey, from deciding if UA is the right fit to completing their steps to enrollment.
Will my student be happy at The University of Alabama?
The University of Alabama offers a wide range of opportunities for students to find community, get involved, and pursue their interests. With 650+ student organizations, 150+ student events held each year through University Programs, including specialized programming for first year students and resources like Student Care and Well-Being, students have many ways to build connections or find support.
Is The University of Alabama worth the cost?
A college education is a significant investment, and families should consider both cost and value when comparing options. The University of Alabama offers competitive scholarship opportunities, strong academic programs, career preparation resources and a global alumni network. Families can estimate actual costs using our net price calculator and learn more about affordability, scholarships and financial aid by visiting our Afford page.
What support will my student have at UA?
UA offers academic, personal and wellness support throughout a student's college experience. The Capstone Center for Student Success provides free academic tutoring and support services, as well as specialized programs for first-year and first-generation students. The new Student Well-Being Hub brings together counseling, health promotion, student care, recovery services and other wellness resources in one central location for a holistic approach to student health and well-being. Learn more by visiting the Capstone Center for Student Success website or the Student Wellness website.
Is the UA campus safe?
Safety is a priority on The University of Alabama campus. The UA Police Department (UAPD) provides 24/7 campus coverage and emergency response, and Blue Phones are located throughout campus to connect directly with UAPD in an emergency. Students also have access to the UA Safety App, which provides alerts, emergency information and campus navigation tools. Learn more about campus safety.
Can my student build a real professional network at UA?
UA provides students with access to a strong professional network that extends well beyond graduation. The Career Center connects students with more than 300 employers each year through career fairs and interview events, creating pathways to internships and full-time opportunities. Students also benefit from a global network of more than 34,000 active Alumni Association members, along with Young Alumni groups nationwide that support the transition from college to career. Learn more about how students can connect with future employers.
READY TO SEE UA TOGETHER?
Schedule a campus visit or stay connected for updates.