Senior year is a monumental time for both the senior and their parents. Most of the books covered the "senior year timeline" as it related to college preparation - application deadlines, scholarship deadlines, etc. Many sites even cover the prom and all that comes with it. However, as I got into the senior year, I found myself unprepared for some expenses tied to the senior year.
1. Senior photos. The coveted senior photo offers the opportunity to beautifully capture the milestone of graduating from high school. But before you commit to the photographer who did your niece's pictures, find out - up front - what you're getting. What's included in that session fee? Digital images? Any prints? Are there outfit changes? Will prints be extra? Will there be a minimum order required? Find these things out before you commit. And decide what it is that you want - do you want a "Cadillac" package, or will a "Toyota" package suffice? Or, will you simply be happy with the cap/gown pics provided by the school? Ponder these things before you commit.
2. General senior year expenses. There is no getting around this. If you haven't already, put aside some pennies in a jar for a senior year fund. Not a college fund, a senior year fund. Most high schools these days offer a grad package, which offers parents the opportunity to pay a one-time fee for certain senior expenses - the t-shirt, cap/gown photo, possibly prom ticket, activities, panoramic photo, etc. These packages vary by school. What is often not included in these packages are the invitations (and don't forget stamps), and those other fees that can take parents by surprise. The sports banquet ticket fee. The choir fundraiser. The senior trip fee. The "I need a new dress for this or that" fee. It goes on. Which leads me to...
3. The graduation celebration can be its own animal. I would suggest that you begin speaking with your senior about his or her wishes early, and then weigh your budget against available options - food, venue, type, theme, decorations, etc. Will it be low-key or big? Does your graduate want to combine her celebration with friends' celebrations? Will it be formal or casual? In the image-driven social media world we live in, it's easy to for your child (and you) to compare your party to your neighbor's party - and expenses can easily get out of hand. If it's possible, decide your plans and your budget early.
4. College visits. Whether your child is going to school out-of-state or in-state, be sure to set aside some funds for your college visits. Consider gas (if you're driving), flights, and hotel costs if the school is far. And speaking of college visit fees...
5. Each college application has a fee. If your senior is of the mindset that he'll "apply to 10 schools to see what happens," just note that most schools require an application fee, which are, on average, between $40 - $75 per school. These can be waived for families on free or reduced lunch; check with your high school's college counselor for details.
6. Will your child need to take the SAT or ACT more than once? Each time he or she takes the exam, there's a fee. The SAT is $45 ($57 with essay), and the ACT is $42.50 per exam ($58.50 with essay).
