Final answer:
The first step for your sister, as she starts 9th grade and is thinking about college, is to Start Planning Early for college by exploring financial aid options such as grants, scholarships, and education savings plans, and to make sure she meets application deadlines. She should also save for college and consider her interests when planning her high school education.
Step-by-step explanation:
Planning for College
As your sister is starting 9th grade and considering college, the first step I would recommend is Start Planning Early. It's crucial to understand the financial aspects of a college education. She should begin by discussing with school counselors and researching grants, scholarships, and savings plans. Specifically, looking into state, college, and nonprofit grants and scholarships that complement her interests and abilities. Meeting application deadlines is essential, so keeping a calendar with these dates can be beneficial.
In addition, she should consider beginning to save for college as early as possible. Exploring options such as prepaid tuition and education savings (529) plans can be valuable. By starting early, she will have more opportunities to accumulate savings and potentially reduce future student loan burdens.
Moreover, it's about more than just the finances. College is a significant transition that requires careful planning and consideration of what she wants to study. Encourage her to think about her interests and potential career paths, which can guide her in choosing relevant high school courses and extracurricular activities that align with her college goals.