This guide is designed to help parents prepare their children for higher education, a career, and life. The first section, "Why Get Ready?" discusses the benefits of higher education and dispels some common myths about higher education and its costs. Other sections of this first part discuss how to ready a child for college at home and at school. The next section, "Get Ready Financially," describes savings and investment strategies and discusses the kinds and availability of the financial aid system. the final section "Get Ready To Let Go," prepares a parent for sending the child to college, with advice about staying connected and keeping the child safe. Ten points to keep in mind about college are highlighted. (SLD)