College, Already?

My son Josh is a senior this year and we are working towards college. How did that even happen? I can hear my mom saying "they grow up so fast," and she was right.  Of course, there have been bumps along the road, but only minor speed bumps.  Thanks be to God Himself that we haven't hit any man-swallowing potholes on this journey so far.

I spent much of my Labor Day morning researching college admission requirements, ACT dates and fees, grants, scholarships, etc. etc. etc.  To say it is overwhelming is an understatement...how in the world is a senior supposed to figure all of this stuff out if his 40-something mom got overwhelmed?  But I am determined to give Josh all of the help I can to make sure nothing stops him from going to college.

From the time he was an infant, I have never "let on" that Josh even has a choice in the matter of college.  It's just been an expectation.  Although I do have some college under my belt, and a certificate in paralegal studies, I definitely took an alternate route to education, which I regret.  I was expected to figure out my path beyond high school by myself, and I chose one of the easiest paths offered to me...working and going to trade school to become a court reporter.  (Now, that's another story I'll have to write sometime.) As parents, we never want our children to repeat our mistakes.

So far, my manipulation...I mean prompting...is paying off.  Josh wants to go to Oklahoma State University, and has told me more than once that he wants to make sure he sticks with it to get a degree.  Many of the guys he hangs out with took a year off, or decided just to work straight out of high school, and Josh sees how hard their road is already. 

I truly thank God that He has placed this desire in Josh's heart, and has made the path thus far pretty manageable.  Obviously, I pray continually that Josh has a heart for God and for His people, that his path is straight, and that it be free from man-swallowing potholes.

Any tips out there to help in maneuvering all of the college grants, scholarships, admissions, yada yada yada?